Be Quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX or Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX? Which Be Quiet! Model to Buy
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When you compare the be quiet pure base 600 black vs shadow base 800 fx, you see two distinct ATX midi towers from Be Quiet!. Both models share a mid-tower form factor and support ATX motherboards. The main difference lies in their approach to cooling and aesthetics. The Pure Base 600 focuses on quiet performance with adjustable ventilation, while the Shadow Base 800 FX prioritizes high airflow and ARGB lighting for gaming builds. You must choose between these specialized designs based on your priority for noise or visual impact.
Key differences
| Aspect | be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower | be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Included Fans | 2x Pure Wings 2 | 4x 140mm PWM |
| Radiator Support | up to 360mm | not listed |
| Lighting | not listed | ARGB |
| Design Focus | Quiet performance and versatility | High airflow and gaming aesthetics |
| Weight | 16.4 pounds | 27.1 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower if
- You prioritize whisper-quiet operation and adjustable ventilation options.
- You need support for large radiators up to 360mm for water cooling.
- You prefer a lighter case that is easier to move and install.
Choose be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower if
- You want maximum airflow for high-performance gaming components.
- You desire ARGB lighting effects with an included controller.
- You prefer a heavier, more spacious chassis with four pre-installed fans.
Verdict: The Pure Base 600 is the better choice for users who value silence and customizable cooling setups. The Shadow Base 800 FX suits gamers who prioritize airflow and RGB aesthetics. Your decision depends on whether you need quiet efficiency or visual flair.
Cooling and Fan Setup Comparison
Included Fan Count
The be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ships with four pre-installed 140mm PWM fans. This setup provides immediate high airflow right out of the box. In contrast, the be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX comes with only two Pure Wings 2 fans. You get fewer fans initially with the Pure Base 600, which means you may need to purchase additional fans later to achieve similar airflow levels. The Shadow Base 800 FX gives you double the fan count for better immediate cooling performance.
Radiator Support
Both cases support large radiators for water cooling, but the Shadow Base 800 FX offers more flexibility. Its specifications confirm support for radiators up to 360mm in multiple locations, including the front, top, and rear. The Pure Base 600 also supports radiators up to 360mm on the front, top, and rear. However, the Shadow Base 800 FX features an open mesh design that enhances overall airflow around the radiators. The Pure Base 600 relies on its adjustable top cover for ventilation. Both are ready for heavy cooling, but the mesh design of the Shadow Base 800 FX aids passive airflow.
Lighting Features
The Shadow Base 800 FX includes ARGB lighting with a dedicated ARGB controller. This allows you to customize colors and modes for an individual look. The Pure Base 600 does not list any lighting features in its specifications. It focuses on a quiet, non-distracting operation without illumination. If you want visual customization, the Shadow Base 800 FX is the clear choice. The Pure Base 600 is better if you prefer a clean, unlit interior.
Case Dimensions
The two cases have different physical footprints. The Pure Base 600 measures 22.4 inches in width, 11.3 inches in height, and 20.4 inches in length. It weighs 16.4 pounds. The Shadow Base 800 FX measures 9.73 inches in width, 20.6 inches in height, and 21.7 inches in length. It weighs 27.1 pounds. The Pure Base 600 is wider and lighter, making it potentially easier to move. The Shadow Base 800 FX is taller and significantly heavier, suggesting a more robust build. You should check your desk or rack space for these distinct dimensions.
Internal Versatility
The Pure Base 600 highlights its versatility with repositionable HDD slots and a removable ODD cage. This allows you to customize the interior layout for different storage needs. The Shadow Base 800 FX is described as spacious with room for the largest components, but it does not list specific customizable mounting features like removable cages. If you need to reconfigure drive bays frequently, the Pure Base 600 offers more documented flexibility. The Shadow Base 800 FX focuses on raw space for large parts.
Which be quiet! case fits your build
You want high airflow for gaming
The Shadow Base 800 FX includes four 140mm PWM fans and an open mesh design for exceptional airflow. It also features ARGB lighting with a dedicated controller. This model prioritizes cooling performance and visual customization for gaming setups.
You need flexible internal layout
The Pure Base 600 offers repositionable HDD slots and a removable ODD cage for customization. It supports radiators up to 360mm on the front, top, and rear. The adjustable top cover provides extra cooling options for water cooling builds.
You prefer a quieter standard build
This case comes with two pre-installed Pure Wings 2 fans for efficient airflow. It focuses on quiet operation without complex lighting. The design supports ATX motherboards and offers a versatile interior layout for standard component installations.
The products compared
be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower
Best for: quiet ATX builds without windows
- Motherboard Support
- ATX
- Case Type
- Midi Tower
- Included Fans
- 2x be quiet! Pure Wings 2
- Radiator Support
- Up to 360mm
- Use
- Gaming
- Dimensions
- 20.4 × 22.4 × 11.3 inches
View on Amazon: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Affiliate link
The Be Quiet! Pure Base 600 is an ATX midi tower designed for quiet operation. It includes two pre-installed Pure Wings 2 fans and supports radiators up to 360mm on the front, top, and rear. The adjustable top cover allows for flexible cooling configurations. This case suits users who prioritize low noise and modular internal layouts for standard ATX builds.
Pros
- Includes 2 pre-installed Pure Wings 2 fans
- Supports radiators up to 360mm
- Adjustable top cover vent
- Removable ODD cage for customization
Cons
- No side window included in base model
- No ARGB lighting support
- Only 3-year manufacturer warranty
Good fit if
- You want quiet airflow from stock fans
- You need flexible radiator mounting options
- You prefer a solid, non-transparent design
Skip if
- You need ARGB lighting effects
- You want a tempered glass side panel
- You require a longer warranty period
Verdict: Be Quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Midi Tower offers solid cooling support and quiet operation for users who do not need visual flair. It fits builders who value performance and modularity over aesthetics.
be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower
Best for: high airflow and ARGB lighting
- Motherboard Support
- ATX
- Case Type
- Midi Tower
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass
- Included Fans
- 4x 140mm
- Use
- Gaming
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower Affiliate link
This ATX midi tower prioritizes airflow and lighting. It includes four 140mm PWM fans and an ARGB controller for customizable illumination. The open mesh design supports large components and high airflow. It suits gamers who want visible lighting effects and strong cooling performance for their motherboard and GPU.
Pros
- Four 140mm PWM fans included
- Open mesh design for high airflow
- ARGB lighting with controller
- Supports ATX motherboards
Cons
- Heavier at 27.1 pounds
- Larger footprint than standard towers
- No mention of cable management sleeves
Good fit if
- You want pre-installed 140mm fans
- You prefer visible ARGB lighting
- You need space for large parts
Skip if
- You need a compact mATX case
- You prefer minimal lighting effects
- You want a lighter build
Verdict: be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX fits users who value high airflow and RGB customization. It is a solid choice for builders prioritizing cooling and aesthetics over compactness.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower | be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX | ATX |
| Case Type | Midi Tower | Midi Tower |
| Side Panel | not stated | Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | 2x be quiet! Pure Wings 2 | 4x 140mm |
| Radiator Support | Up to 360mm | not stated |
| Use | Gaming | Gaming |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| Dimensions | 20.4 × 22.4 × 11.3 inches | 21.7 × 9.73 × 20.6 inches |
| Weight | 16.4 pounds | 27.1 pounds |
| Size | Black | 550 x 247 x 503 |
| Color | Black | White |
| Model | BG021 | BGW64 |
Frequently asked questions
Which Be Quiet! case is better for silent operation?
The Pure Base 600 ATX is the better choice for quiet builds. It is designed for users who prioritize performance and modularity without visual flair. This model supports solid cooling while maintaining a focus on quiet operation, unlike the Shadow Base 800 FX which emphasizes high airflow and aesthetics.
Does the Shadow Base 800 FX include RGB lighting?
Yes, the Shadow Base 800 FX features ARGB lighting. This makes it a strong option for builders who value customization and visual appeal. The Pure Base 600 ATX does not highlight lighting features, focusing instead on a non-window design for those who prefer a cleaner, less flashy look.
What is the weight difference between the two cases?
The Shadow Base 800 FX weighs 27.1 pounds, while the Pure Base 600 ATX weighs 16.4 pounds. The Shadow Base 800 FX is significantly heavier, likely due to its materials and pre-installed fans. You should consider this weight difference if you plan to move the case frequently.
Are both cases compatible with ATX motherboards?
Yes, both the Pure Base 600 ATX and the Shadow Base 800 FX support ATX motherboards. They share the same mid-tower form factor. This means you can use standard ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX boards in either chassis without compatibility issues regarding motherboard size.
Which case is larger in physical dimensions?
The Shadow Base 800 FX is larger. It measures 21.7 inches in length and 20.6 inches in height. The Pure Base 600 ATX measures 20.4 inches in length and 11.3 inches in height. If you have limited desk space, the Pure Base 600 ATX has a more compact footprint.
Is the Shadow Base 800 FX good for gaming?
Yes, the Shadow Base 800 FX is marked for gaming use. It includes four pre-installed 140mm fans and an open mesh design for exceptional airflow. This setup helps keep components cool during intense gaming sessions, making it a practical choice for high-performance gaming rigs.
Which case is black in color?
The Pure Base 600 ATX is black. The Shadow Base 800 FX is white. If you prefer a dark, understated aesthetic for your build, the Pure Base 600 ATX matches that style. The white Shadow Base 800 FX offers a brighter look that stands out more.