A Closer Look - Outside

Looking at the Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2, it has not changed in its design from the original version. The chassis is the perfect larger brethren of the 600 series. It features the same color accents and clean design. Just like the smaller variants, the Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2 is available in three different colors.


Obviously, we got the one with the see-through side panel, which spans across the entire side. be quiet! has used large thumbscrews to hold the panel in place, which itself rests on rubber rings as an anti-vibration measure. In the rev.2, be quiet! has added black strips to cover the metal frame elements behind the window, which makes things look a touch nicer. On the other side, you will find a solid panel with the same style of an air duct as in be quiet! cases before. You may raise this element to allow for airflow to enter this area without it disturbing the enclosure's overall look.


Looking at the closed front, there is not much to see besides the solid construction with its brushed surface and be quiet! logo on the very bottom. You may flip the large door open to the right by default. Behind it, you will find two 5.25" drive bays and two 140 mm retail-grade fans, which are protected by an easily removable dust filter.


Turning the Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2 around reveals a traditional layout with a large number of necessary intricacies to allow for the modularity and ability for the motherboard to also be installed upside down.


The inner side of the front door is lined with sound-dampening material, and be quiet! has designed the panel such that you may set it up to open to the right if you like. The two external bays are equipped with clips for you to remove the covers easily. Above those are a fan controller, but unlike the original revision, there no longer is an LED toggle button. be quiet! has also protected the underside from dust and grime with a filter, which may be removed by pulling it out through the front. This is great as you will not have to move the enclosure around or tip the case over to reach the filter for cleaning.


In the rear, things may be laid out in quite the traditional fashion, but be quiet! has designed the Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2 in a modular fashion, so there are a lot of different parts that make up the rear. The one thing you will notice is the lack of a real PSU bay. Instead, it is just the plug, which means the actual unit resides within the case. Above that, you will find eight expansion slots with individual metal-mesh protectors, while another 140 mm fan takes up the rear and is set to push hot air out the back of the case.


In the very top is a flat, angled element where the I/O resides. It consists of the traditional dual USB 3.0, audio in- and outputs and another addition to the rev. 2 in the form of a genuine USB 3.1 Type-C connector and a separate USB-based fast-charging connector to replace the two USB 2.0 plugs. However, the unique element is a Qi wireless charger in the top. It allows you to charge your cell phone without the use of any wires should your mobile device support it. The top cover is also quite solid, with some metal-mesh components on the side and a simple vent in the rear to allow for air to pass through.


Taking a quick peek at the underside of the Dark Base Pro 900 rev.2, it is completely solid, which is surprising. Once again, the only air vents are the sides and an opening in the rear of the case. be quiet! wants to make sure noise stays encapsulated, but clearly believes that there is still plenty of airflow possible as it would not have embedded a dust filter here otherwise.