Top panel of the arcade cabinet.

[cammada]

I am in the process of designing my very own arcade cabinet. When I was looking at the top panel above marquee, I was asking myself a question whether should it be flat or tilt? After spending time looking at other people's cabinet, I notice that the most common was tilted. I wonder why it has to be that way or is it just for looking good or help the heat inside the cabinet to escape through the top? anyone out there have a opinion about tilted top panel?

One of my guess why I should avoid levelled top panel is to avoid anyone placing things on top of cabinet and while playing the games, it could knock it off when tilting the cabinet. I wonder if others out there may have a better reason to avoid levelled top panel?

[TopJimmyCooks]

It keeps your cat from hanging out up there laying on the vents.  I know for a fact that's why they are always tilted in the originals. Dang feral arcade cats!

[Xiaou2]

 Shaving off some weight meant easier transport for the Ops, and less in shipping costs.

It did look better, and as you said, prevented things like drinks from being placed on top where they could be spilled all over the players.

 Heat can escape using simple vents, or fan propelled out.  You can push cool air in at the bottom of the cab, and pull it out or vent it out at the top.

 Monitors generally dont mind the heat.. but computer components do... so its best to keep the bottom cool as possible.. and vibration free if you use a standard Hard Drive. (bunjee mount the drive or something)