A Closer Look - Outside

Looking at the chassis, the trained eye will see that it comes from the same factory as the BitFenix Ghost, but the Silent Base 800 is of very good construction quality. All the plastic elements are extremely solid and do not budge when pressure is applied. The only possible issue could be its front-door hinges as those are made of plastic, but they should hold just up fine under normal circumstances.


Looking at the front, be quiet! chose to go for an understated, clean look that includes a few colored elements. We got the orange version with various elements in that hue. Taking a look at the rear, it becomes apparent that the metal frame has been sandwiched in-between two thick plastic elements, which is why the chassis is so large. Other cases with such dimensions usually hold XL-ATX or HPTX boards, while the Silent Base 800 manages a fully sized ATX board at best.


Both side panels are identical and completely solid, with the exception of the piece in the middle - essentially a fan-mounting position. It is covered by a plastic panel to keep sound encapsulation properties in tact.


Taking a look at the bottom half of the Silent Base 800, a solid panel covers the two pre-installed 140 mm retail fans. A removable dust filter protects these from dust and grime, while the mounting screws sit on orange rubber rings as an anti-vibration measure. Look closely and you will also see sound-dampening material lining the insides of the covering panel.


The door in the front of the top opens up to the left by default, but you may switch it around to open to the right instead. While the hinges are made of plastic, their mounting mechanism for a switch to the other side is very well thought out. The panel is again lined with sound-dampening material.


The PSU bay in the bottom of the rear comes with two sets of screw-holes, which allows you to either install the unit with the fan facing up or down. Above the bay are the seven expansion slots, and next to these is a small air vent. Between it and the 120 mm exhaust-fan are three pre-cut holes you can use to route water-cooling tubes out the rear. The fan in the rear is also a be quiet! retail unit.


A large and square power button can be found on top. It also houses the power LED, orange to go with the color of the chassis and the company's own branding. You will even find two USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, and the usual pair of audio plugs in the top. An Air vent toward the rear allows for hot air to exist the enclosure freely, though, once again, with the aim to keep noise within the chassis. The thick top cover also allows you to place fans into the metal frame's ceiling, which is perfect for those going for a liquid-cooling setup inside the Silent Base 800.


Last but not least, there is a large removable dust filter on the chassis' underside. A simple tug and pull of its little plastic knob is enough to pull it out for easy cleaning.