Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB Mid Tower Computer Case Review: A Solid Performer

Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB Mid Tower Computer Case Review: A Solid Performer

Looking for a mid-tower PC case that strikes the perfect balance between performance, aesthetics, and build quality? The Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB might just be the case you’ve been waiting for. This spacious and well-ventilated case, equipped with four Light Wings 140mm PWM fans and a sleek ARGB lighting system, promises to keep your components cool and your system looking sharp. In this in-depth review, we’ll put the Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB through its paces and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB is a compelling option for those who want a mid-tower case with excellent airflow, ample space for high-end components, and a modern design. The case boasts a tempered glass side panel that showcases your build with style, while its included Light Wings fans deliver a powerful yet silent cooling experience.

Features

The Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB is packed with features, designed to cater to the needs of both enthusiasts and casual builders:

  • Spacious Interior: The case offers ample room for even the largest motherboards (E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, and Mini-ITX) and boasts generous space for cooling components. It can accommodate up to a 420mm radiator in the front and offers support for up to eight fans.
  • Powerful Airflow: The Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB comes pre-equipped with four Be Quiet! Light Wings 140mm PWM fans that provide excellent airflow for cooling demanding components. The fans are also virtually silent, contributing to the case’s overall quiet operation.
  • ARGB Lighting: The case features integrated ARGB lighting controlled by a dedicated controller, allowing for customization of the fan lighting through various color profiles and effects.
  • Tempered Glass Side Panel: The tempered glass side panel provides an unobstructed view of your meticulously crafted system, allowing you to showcase your hardware’s beauty. It’s also secured with thumb screws for easy access.
  • High-Quality Materials: The case combines ABS plastic with steel and tempered glass to deliver both a sturdy construction and a premium look and feel.

Performance

During our testing, the Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB consistently impressed us with its performance:

  • Excellent Airflow: The four included fans deliver a significant amount of airflow, keeping our components running cool even under heavy load. Our CPU and GPU temperatures stayed well within their acceptable operating ranges.
  • Quiet Operation: The Light Wings fans are remarkably quiet, even at full speed. We were pleasantly surprised by how silent the case operated, even when gaming or running demanding applications.
  • Easy Build Process: The case’s spacious interior and well-organized layout made the build process smooth and hassle-free. Cable management was also a breeze thanks to the generous amount of space and included cable tie points.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

  • Excellent airflow
  • Spacious interior
  • Quiet operation
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Tempered glass side panel
  • Easy build process
  • RGB lighting customization
  • Robust build quality

Cons:

  • Pricey compared to some competitors
  • No built-in fan controller

Final Verdict

The Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB is an excellent mid-tower PC case that delivers on its promises of performance, aesthetics, and build quality. With its powerful airflow, spacious interior, sleek design, and quiet operation, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance system that looks great and operates smoothly. While it’s on the pricier side, its overall quality and performance justify the investment. I highly recommend the Shadow Base 800 FX aRGB to anyone seeking a top-notch mid-tower PC case.

Specifications

Model Shadow Base 800 FX Black
Color option Black
Motherboard compatibility E-ATX / ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ITX
Case size excl. stands (L x W x H), (mm) 550 x 247 x 503
Case size incl. stands (L x W x H), (mm) 550 x 247 x 522
Volume (l) 62.74
PSU form factor ATX PS/2
Weight (kg) 12.3
Expansion slots 7