I've been inside be quiet! website to find the specifications of the Shadow Base 800 DX.
Specifications and features
Fan support:
Radiator support:
Around be quiet! Shadow Base 800 DX
The Shadow Base 800 DX is a mid tower case. Where we are at the larger end of the scale. The Shadow base series focuses on airflow and making the best possible use of the dimensions, giving the user more options. 800 DX combines the well-known Shadow Base design, together with the DX design, where it comes with ARGB on the front.
The front offers a dense grille, which gives a stylish design. However, it still has good opportunities for good airflow. At the edge of the grid we have LED running from top to bottom.
The front can be removed by pressing on the inside from the cabinet. The front can be firmly fixed, and a little force must be used, while you still have to be careful not to break the pins that hold the front in place. The 800 DX uses a smart system which means that there is no wire from the cabinet itself to the front to get light in the front. Behind the front we have a dust filter which can be easily removed, and we now have the option of installing more fans or a radiator in the front.
On top, the Shadow Base 800 DX is equipped with one USB-C, two USB-A, power button, input for microphone and input for sound. Finally, we have a button to control the light on the front.
With the side panel removed, we can see how much space the Shadow Base 800 DX offers. We have integrated the PSU cover, with grids to allow the heat from the power supply to easily get up and away. It is possible to mount up to eight 120mm fans or eight 140mm fans.
The Shadow base 800 DX comes with three Pure Wings 3 fans. Which ensures high cooling performance together with low noise level. They have an RPM of 1200 and noise level of 21.9 dBa.
On the back we have seven PCIe expansion slots. There will be no possibility of vertical mounting from the start or the possibility of additional purchases.
If we look at the back, it is a very simple system Shadow Base 800 DX uses. However, the necessary strips and the option to route the cables around the cabinet are included. It is possible to mount four 2.5 hard drives on the back.
If we go further down, we have plenty of space for a power supply and space to mount a hard drive cage for 3.5, if necessary.
At the top we have another dust filter which is mounted using a magnet. It can be easily removed for possible cleaning or installation of fans.
Installation of hardware
Before we start with the installation, we take a look at the included accessories. We have the necessary screws for mounting hard drives and motherboards. Next to that we get some black strips to be able to attach cables, hard disk cage and manuals.
The power supply is inserted from the back or the side, in order to mount it, the plate must be unscrewed from the cabinet. Then the power supply can be screwed to the plate and it can be inserted and screwed.
With a mounted ATX motherboard and a slightly larger graphics card, we still have plenty of space if water cooling is also to be installed. It also provides more space for the components to be pressed together, and there is room for good airflow.
Price
The price for be quiet! Shadow Base 800 DX has a price of 200$. Which may seem high to some, but still a price that can be compensated in relation to the size and quality that the cabinet comes with.
If you want to see more details about the Shadow Base 800 DX, you can find more at be quiet! website by clicking on the banner.
Conclusion
The time has come to end the test of the Shadow Base 800 DX from be quiet!. It is a cabinet with an incredibly large size, and is especially suitable if you have requirements for some of the larger hardware, or need a lot of storage space. Next to that, it also provides good opportunities for airflow, as the extra space allows the air to circulate easily. Next to that is a cabinet, which opens up good options if you either use AIO water cooling, or need to use the space for custom water cooling.
The quality of the materials is top notch, together with a cabinet that has a nice design, the Shadow Base 800 DX is an obvious candidate for a mid-tower cabinet where you demand space and quality. Although it is a midi tower cabinet, it is on the larger scale, where we have the option of mounting up to 420mm in both top and front.
The separation itself is generally easy, and among other things the top, which uses a strong magnet, means that you can easily take it off if you need to mount fans in the top, but it is still stuck when you move the cabinet.
If we look at the price, it may well feel high. However, I would still think that we reach a reasonable level where the price can be defended, in relation to the quality.
Although there are many good things about the Shadow Base 800 DX, and in general be quiet! cabinets, I still thought that the possibility of a HUB to collect ARGB and fans, to create a more stylish look, is missing. It is also one of the things that makes the cabinet not score top marks in my book, as it is the little touch that is missing.
I finish the test by giving the Shadow Base 800 DX from be quiet! a score of 8 out of 10. This is mostly about, I need to get something extra for the money. Where the cabinet deserves its score comes from design, materials and a cabinet that provides plenty of space and good airflow. All this is done at a reasonable price, which is close to similar cabinets.
Pros
Cons
Score: 8