Tuesday, August 22nd 2023

be quiet! Announces Shadow Base 800 Series PC Cases

be quiet!, the German manufacturer for premium PC components, is proud to introduce the Shadow Base 800 series, a brand-new addition to its family of PC cases. Shadow Base 800 is designed to provide the ultimate gaming and computing experience by offering exceptional airflow and vast space for all PC building needs, easily accommodating 420 mm radiators, E-ATX motherboards, or even multiple high-end graphics cards. State-of-the-art I/O features and tool-less HDD and SSD installation elevate this case even further. Shadow Base 800 comes in five different models to give users maximum freedom of choice over their ideal PC case when it comes to color and ARGB options.

Size matters!
Even though Shadow Base 800 provides a solid base for every type of user, this case series is specifically designed for gamers who want to build the PC of their dreams, without limitations. Its open mesh design ensures exceptionally high airflow, keeping components cool while playing the most demanding games. The spacious interior of Shadow Base 800 accommodates even the most extensive components, such as E-ATX motherboards, 420 mm radiators, and high-end graphics cards like the Radeon 7900 XTX or GeForce RTX 4090. Tool-less HDD and SSD installation further simplifies the setup process, saving time and effort, while the cable bar ensures a neat and tidy appearance, enhancing both aesthetics and airflow for a seamless build. Further elevating the aesthetics are tempered glass side window as well as rotatable PCIe slots to enable vertical installation of GPUs, so enthusiast gamers can showcase their high-performance graphics card in all its glory.
Matching expectations
The Shadow Base 800 series consists of five different models. For those who are a fan of clean, muted design, Shadow Base 800 Black offers a solid base for their high-performance builds. Shadow Base 800 DX Black and Shadow Base 800 DX White (with black highlights) add subtle ARGB illumination to the chassis, which can be controlled with its integrated ARGB controller or through an ARGB-compatible motherboard. In these three models, be quiet! has installed three Pure Wings 3 140 mm PWM fans to offer not only superior cooling performance but also a quiet operation, eliminating distractions and allow users to focus on their work or gaming. The last two models are Shadow Base 800 FX Black and Shadow Base 800 FX White, which rely on an impressive total of four Light Wings 140 mm PWM fans for high airflow, quiet operation, and extensive ARGB illumination. A dedicated ARGB/PWM hub for up to 8 devices is included for these two models, making the FX models the most feature-rich of the series. All models feature a state-of-the-art I/O-panel with USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type C to provide lightning-fast data transfer for external drives.

Shadow Base 800 is available for purchase starting September 5th, backed by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
Source: be quiet!
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27 Comments on be quiet! Announces Shadow Base 800 Series PC Cases

#1
Firedrops
2010 called, they want their generic featureless template case back.
Posted on Reply
#2
HBSound
Extremely nice looking!!!
Extremely professional.

IT supports E-ATX up to what size - 12 x 13?

To bad the GPU holder from the 900 is not apart of this case.

I am checking the website!

Nice work.
Posted on Reply
#3
Chaitanya
Hating the trend of cases these days dropping reset button and drive activity leds in favour of rgb controllers. Also good to see support for 4x3.5" drives.
Posted on Reply
#4
#22
One big nothing special for way too much. Set e.g. pcpartpicker filters with 160-230$ to see what other you can get for their prices. How even cheapest, costing 160$ Shadow Base 800 sucks hard compared to costing the same likes as Phanteks P600S; Fractal Meshify 2 or even nice, but not that amazing NZXT H7 series.
Posted on Reply
#5
Dr_b_
ChaitanyaHating the trend of cases these days dropping reset button and drive activity leds in favour of rgb controllers. Also good to see support for 4x3.5" drives.
Couldn't agree more, rarely, but it does happen, a reset needs to be hit, where's the button? Take the case apart and hit the one on the motherboard if it has one? drilled a hole in a case that lacked it for one of my systems. But let's agree that it took courage to do this, soon there will no buttons or indicators on cases, an exciting future!
Posted on Reply
#6
HBSound
Dang no reset button?

There is a reset???
Posted on Reply
#7
#22
HBSoundDang no reset button?

There is a reset???
Chances are it tansformed into amazing RGB button!
Posted on Reply
#8
Chaitanya
HBSoundDang no reset button?

There is a reset???
Thats for base model, FX and DX dont have it and its converted to RGB controller button.
Posted on Reply
#9
kmetek
HBSoundDang no reset button?

There is a reset???
w00t, too expensive
Posted on Reply
#10
Tomorrow
HBSoundDang no reset button?

There is a reset???
If it's like previous cases then the power button doubles as a reset button. Single press - shutdown/sleep. Long press - reset.
Posted on Reply
#11
HBSound
TomorrowIf it's like previous cases then the power button doubles as a reset button. Single press - shutdown/sleep. Long press - reset.
I agree. When Ir checked the actual website. I could see the button is multi-functional.
I like the cleaners to this one. This case as a professional look and feel.

I would like to see just how deep of a RAD/Fan combination you can get across the top.

I am reading though the specs and manual to see.
Posted on Reply
#12
80-watt Hamster
Firedrops2010 called, they want their generic featureless template case back.
They can't have them; I'm using them.
Posted on Reply
#13
cvaldes
A simpler design is easier to design and manufacture. This case comes in RGB and non-RGB variants as well as different colorways.

This manufacturer isn't known for flashy designs anyhow.
Posted on Reply
#14
HBSound
This 800 definitely looks a lot better than the up-and-coming 700 version.
Posted on Reply
#15
HBSound
It was a tough lesson to learn, but I recently purchased the 800 model and discovered that I have the GTX 420 x 54 radiator. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble fitting the radiator into the case. Despite following the advice of others, such as removing the small fan vent on the PSU, I can't seem to make it work. I have reached out to BeQuiet for a solution, but their manuals and documentation don't mention any restrictions. I'm feeling quite disappointed at the moment and wondering if there is anyone out there who has had the same issue and found a solution. The only solutions I can think of are removing some of the rivets or using a Dremel tool to modify the case, but I don't think that's fair or right.
Posted on Reply
#18
HBSound
claes@be quiet shannon
Thank you for contacting Shannon. Unfortunately, I haven't received a response from him yet. However, I did manage to hear back from BeQuiet regarding the issue.

According to BeQuiet, the case is designed in a way that only accommodates 420 RAD to 30mm. It's worth noting that BeQuiet had posted information on social media about what works with a 420 rad, but the post only mentioned the 30mm-wide rad that they used. Hence, any rad larger than 30mm won't fit because there isn't enough space to lay it on the PSU and pole-vault it into the front of the case. Some parts and pieces prevent that form from happening.

While I could go for a 30mm rad, it defeats the purpose of the installation I had in mind. I need a single rad setup with a plate single 420 x 54 rad. I could attempt to cut away pieces of the case with a Dremel, but why should I have to do that? Should I risk voiding my warranty by modifying the case or simply returning it? I am unsure what to do at this point.

Posted on Reply
#19
claes
I’d probably return it, but might be worth following up with them about warranty if you’re set on it. Then, I’ve never had to rma a case before, but I’ve never used tempered glass in my own builds, which is basically the only thing I can see failing outside of front IO.
Posted on Reply
#20
Tomorrow
HBSoundThank you for contacting Shannon. Unfortunately, I haven't received a response from him yet. However, I did manage to hear back from BeQuiet regarding the issue.

According to BeQuiet, the case is designed in a way that only accommodates 420 RAD to 30mm. It's worth noting that BeQuiet had posted information on social media about what works with a 420 rad, but the post only mentioned the 30mm-wide rad that they used. Hence, any rad larger than 30mm won't fit because there isn't enough space to lay it on the PSU and pole-vault it into the front of the case. Some parts and pieces prevent that form from happening.

While I could go for a 30mm rad, it defeats the purpose of the installation I had in mind. I need a single rad setup with a plate single 420 x 54 rad. I could attempt to cut away pieces of the case with a Dremel, but why should I have to do that? Should I risk voiding my warranty by modifying the case or simply returning it? I am unsure what to do at this point.
May i ask why you cant mount the 420x54 rad at the top?
Based on what i see it should fit there.

Is the only thing preventing front mount the PSU shroud or are there other bits that get in the way too?

Also for watercooling, especially with thick 420mm rads i would defenetly suggest the bigger Dark Base Pro 901 series, not the 800. Tho i also aknowledge that cases rarely need warranty and when they do it's better to request a certain part or send a certain part into warranty instead of shipping a heavy case back and fourth. So im not sure how relevant it really is if you do dremel some bits off.
Posted on Reply
#21
HBSound
claesI’d probably return it, but might be worth following up with them about warranty if you’re set on it. Then, I’ve never had to rma a case before, but I’ve never used tempered glass in my own builds, which is basically the only thing I can see failing outside of front IO.
Thanks

My mind is running. Part of me starting at the case thinking about all the other little items I would like to get cut and moved, just to make it how I really want it. From my point of view, what I thought would be is not what I expected. I believe that is the part that hurts in all this. Pay for one thing and you get another.
TomorrowMay i ask why you cant mount the 420x54 rad at the top?
Based on what i see it should fit there.

Is the only thing preventing front mount the PSU shroud or are there other bits that get in the way too?

Also for watercooling, especially with thick 420mm rads i would defenetly suggest the bigger Dark Base Pro 901 series, not the 800. Tho i also aknowledge that cases rarely need warranty and when they do it's better to request a certain part or send a certain part into warranty instead of shipping a heavy case back and fourth. So im not sure how relevant it really is if you do dremel some bits off.
According to the image they provide - 59mm i not enough space to mount 25mm Fans plus 54mm RAD = 79mm and now because its a 420 RAD, now smacking up againts the RAM/HeatSink and etc. Becuase it is a 140 RAD and not a 360 RAD. They 140 RAD is need in to the case. So technically there 59mm only considst of a 25mm FAN + 34mm RAD at best.

Also I did start to check out the new 901. And personally I am working to bring my case size down, form what I have.

Lastly, what I have learned, and see by BeQuiet, they express and share - hey 420 fit, but the error is non one is sharing what are the limitations to these RADS. They have no issue shareing with you hey the motherboard will not fit, or they go to great extrent to say, the GPU will or will not fit. That same kind of energy is not placed into watercooling elements.

Posted on Reply
#22
Tomorrow
HBSoundAccording to the image they provide - 59mm i not enough space to mount 25mm Fans plus 54mm RAD = 79mm and now because its a 420 RAD, now smacking up againts the RAM/HeatSink and etc. Becuase it is a 140 RAD and not a 360 RAD. They 140 RAD is need in to the case. So technically there 59mm only considst of a 25mm FAN + 34mm RAD at best.

Also I did start to check out the new 901. And personally I am working to bring my case size down, form what I have.

Lastly, what I have learned, and see by BeQuiet, they express and share - hey 420 fit, but the error is non one is sharing what are the limitations to these RADS. They have no issue shareing with you hey the motherboard will not fit, or they go to great extrent to say, the GPU will or will not fit. That same kind of energy is not placed into watercooling elements.
I see. Yes 79mm is too much for 800 series. I have 420mm AIO that is 38mm thick plus 25mm fans so that's 63mm in total on my Dark Base Pro 900 rv.2 (901 predecessor). I can only suggest you get slimmer rads if size reduction is the goal and you absolutely dont want a bigger case because getting a smaller case and then trying to fit thick radiators there does not really work, as you found out.

So based on this not even AIO with 38mm rad would fit in the 800 series (maybe only with slim fans). Much less a thicker rad for custom loop.
Also i hope they update info on their website about the rad thickness.
Posted on Reply
#23
HBSound
TomorrowI see. Yes 79mm is too much for 800 series. I have 420mm AIO that is 38mm thick plus 25mm fans so that's 63mm in total on my Dark Base Pro 900 rv.2 (901 predecessor). I can only suggest you get slimmer rads if size reduction is the goal and you absolutely dont want a bigger case because getting a smaller case and then trying to fit thick radiators there does not really work, as you found out.

So based on this not even AIO with 38mm rad would fit in the 800 series (maybe only with slim fans). Much less a thicker rad for custom loop.
Also i hope they update info on their website about the rad thickness.
I agree with you. I considered the 900 rev2. Extremely nice case. But a little large.
For me a single rad in the front of the case is my end goal. If the top of the case allowed a thick rad and fans. Could be nice. But the 800 is short and that much space is not allowed.

my thought in the moment. I am considering pulling the dremal tool and getting to work. As I shared shared before it’s a let’s down on the information shared.

don’t get me wrong. I have asked be quiet a lot of questions about a lot of there products. A lot of putducts I did not purchase one way or the other.

but when this case was coming down the pipeline. I did everything to make sure everything worked.
Posted on Reply
#24
mildmethod
I have an Arctic Freezer II 420 A-RGB; the radiator is 38mm + fans are 27mm (total of 65mm). I have found that if mounted at the front, the pipes cannot reach the CPU (fault of the AIO, not the case - although the PSU shroud needs to be removed for the pipes to exit the base, which makes the inside look a bit ugly), but when mounted at the top, as @HBSound illustrated, the unit protrudes into the I/O panel space making it impossible to fit the motherboard.

Specific to my issue and AIO, I have found that these cases have a bigger "head height" that allow for top mounting the AFII 420.Some people have been able to use the Lian Li Lancool II, but only if their overall motherboard height is lower than 40mm. My motherboard I/O and MOSFET heatsink is 50mm, so something readers need to consider.

@HBSound - What case did you end up going with?
Posted on Reply
#25
HBSound
mildmethodI have an Arctic Freezer II 420 A-RGB; the radiator is 38mm + fans are 27mm (total of 65mm). I have found that if mounted at the front, the pipes cannot reach the CPU (fault of the AIO, not the case - although the PSU shroud needs to be removed for the pipes to exit the base, which makes the inside look a bit ugly), but when mounted at the top, as @HBSound illustrated, the unit protrudes into the I/O panel space making it impossible to fit the motherboard.

Specific to my issue and AIO, I have found that these cases have a bigger "head height" that allow for top mounting the AFII 420.Some people have been able to use the Lian Li Lancool II, but only if their overall motherboard height is lower than 40mm. My motherboard I/O and MOSFET heatsink is 50mm, so something readers need to consider.

@HBSound - What case did you end up going with?
Thank you for the update.

I had been searching for a small case to fit a 12 x 13.2 motherboard, but my search proved to be exhausting. While I thought BQ would have an appropriate case, I was unable to find one. However, I must say that BQ's customer service was exceptional. They were very helpful in answering my questions prior to and after my purchase of the 800 case.

It was only after I had the case and started to test fit the motherboard that I discovered some space issues with the front of the case that were not mentioned in the specs. I shared my findings with BQ, and they had no idea about the issue. Then started posting via social media about the front of the case restrictions. I was experiencing some issues with my PC building and read the same issue with other folks, so I did not feel to bad. I hate I wasted my time. It seems that companies like BQ and Lian Li do not consider the feedback of regular users while designing these cases.

However, if I do decide to look for another case, I will consider the Silverstone RM51 and RM52.
Posted on Reply
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