Specifications
Number of fan locations for 120mm or 140mm size: 8
Number of fans from 120mm to 200mm included: 2
Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 20.5 × 9.8 × 22.2 inches
External 3.5-inch drive bays: 2
Front panel ports: HD Audio
Front panel ports: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
Front panel ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Color of included fan lighting: None
Internal 2.5-inch drive bays: 4
Color of internal chassis lighting: None
Maximum height for CPU cooler: 180mm
Maximum length for graphics card: 470mm
Supported motherboard sizes: ATX, E-ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Number of PCI expansion slots: 7
Supported power supply form factor: ATX
Maximum length for power supply: 480mm
Power supply mounting location: Bottom
Does it have a side window?: Yes (Tempered Glass)
Weight: 24.7 kg
Design: Enhancing the Basics
The Be Quiet Shadow Base 800 DX computer case features ARGB lighting strips on each side of the front panel, which is a bit different from the standard black, glass, and mesh design we see in most gaming cases. Although it’s not the first case we’ve seen utilizing ARGB strips for a bit of flair, it appears sturdier and better assembled than some models we’ve seen in the same price range.
The front panel ports align with the target market, featuring a single USB 3.2 Type-C port powered by a Gen 2×2 cable and two Type-A ports powered from a first-generation internal header. The fully lit power button in this area is a bit distinctive, but the traditional reset button is replaced with an ARGB mode selector. The headphone and microphone jacks are multi-channel and separated from each other, which may be important for anyone who wants to reassign these ports.
The top mesh is finer than the front mesh and has been chosen as a means to capture dust without including a separate dust filter. The built-in magnets in the plastic frame keep the panel securely fastened within the fan mounting slot recessed at the top of the case, and the rear groove allows for easy removal.
The bottom dust filter is better positioned for dust capture and is easily extracted from the front of the case. It is long enough to cover the intake fan at the front of the bottom panel and the air inlet for the power supply at the back.
The dual 140mm/120mm fan mount at the back of the Shadow Base 800 DX features screw holes that allow height adjustment to improve radiator clearance or fan placement. Seven ATX-sized expansion slots are offered on an interlocking plate, reducing usability difficulty compared to the alternative (external) type. Below that, the removable power supply mount allows for installation of full-size units from the rear of the case, and dual mounting holes enable you to flip the power supply if desired.
The bitumen sheet covered with fabric (for noise dampening) is a hallmark feature of Be Quiet, but it only applies to the right-side panel of the Shadow Base 800 DX.
Behind the right-side panel, there is a dual drive tray and a massive power supply tunnel that freely extends to the front of the case. This tunnel includes a mount for a drive bay, but there is no additional drive bay.
Upon closer inspection, the power supply tunnel features rubber pads at the back for added support for heavier power supplies, a dual 140mm/120mm fan mount behind the front, and several holes outside of the fan mounting area to allow for adding a drive bay at varying distances from the front radiator mount.
When
to the testing phase for the Shadow Base 800 DX. It includes an assessment of thermal performance, acoustic levels, and overall build quality. Our goal is to ensure that this case meets the expectations set by its features and specifications.
During our thermal testing, we monitored the temperatures of key components, including the CPU and GPU, under load. The cooling solution was effective, allowing the components to maintain safe operating temperatures even during extended benchmarking sessions.
Acoustic levels were measured while the system was running under load, with the fans operating at various speeds. Overall, the noise produced by the Shadow Base 800 DX was minimal, thanks to its sound-dampening materials and design. This makes it an excellent choice for users prioritizing a quiet environment.
In terms of build quality, the materials used in the construction of the Shadow Base 800 DX feel robust and durable. The design allows for ample cable management options, which contribute to a cleaner and more organized interior. Overall, building in this case was a smooth experience, thanks to its thoughtful layout.
In conclusion, the Shadow Base 800 DX offers a solid case option for builders who appreciate aesthetics, functionality, and performance. Its sophisticated design and features allow for effective cooling and a quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of PC builds.
Now to the temperature and sound tests! The Shadow Base 800 DX takes second place in CPU temperature behind the Dark Base Pro 901 with its mesh front configuration, just edging out the SilverStone Seta H1 and NZXT H7 Flow.
The effectiveness of our all-in-one cooler fans on voltage regulator temperature often depends on how close the AIO is to the top of the motherboard (where the hot radiators are). With that in mind, we believe the Shadow Base 800 DX’s drop to fifth place in this metric may be due to the case being over-tuned for 240mm and 360mm radiators mounted at the top. The difference between first and fifth place is only 4 degrees Celsius, so there’s nothing too drastic here.
The fourth-place finish of the Shadow Base 800 DX in graphics card temperature is a bit more concerning than its voltage regulation results, as it lags 11 degrees Celsius behind the leader. We say “a bit” because our graphics card can withstand much higher temperatures than what was tested here.
We expected the Be Quiet case to be quieter than its competitors, but it actually ended up on par with samples from NZXT, SilverStone, and Thermaltake. At least it was consistently quieter than the Dark Base 901 Pro configuration with a mesh front.
Conclusion: We Care About the Basics
Instead of stuffing the Shadow Base 800 DX with a bunch of extras and charging a premium for it, Be Quiet surprised us by delivering a very high-quality product with a balanced feature set at a reasonable price. Users looking to invest heavily in liquid cooling in a custom loop requiring large radiators but not wanting to spend a lot of money on the case will be pleased. (This saves more money for expensive fittings and pumps.)
Clearly, this is not a case geared towards RGB enthusiasts. But for under $200, you get a high-quality chassis that supports all the ports and cooling as well as the largest components (motherboards, graphics cards, and more) to make your PC soar, without the need for a massively sized case.
Source: https://me.pcmag.com/en/pc-cases/21227/be-quiet-shadow-base-800-dx
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