Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX Review: Specs, Pros and Cons

What stands out

• Includes four 140mm PWM fans for strong airflow
• Open mesh design maximizes ventilation
• ATX motherboard support for standard builds
• ARGB lighting with controller for color customization
• Spacious interior fits large components

Who it fits

Key specs explained

Case Type: Midi Tower

This form factor offers a balance between compactness and expandability. You get enough room for standard ATX motherboards and decent cooling setups without the bulk of a full tower. It fits well on most desks. If you need space for large GPUs or multiple drives but want to save floor space, this size is a practical middle ground compared to smaller mini-ITX cases or larger E-ATX towers.

Included Fans: 4x 140mm PWM

The case comes with four 140mm fans that use Pulse Width Modulation for speed control. Larger fans move more air at lower speeds, which reduces noise while maintaining cooling performance. PWM allows your motherboard to adjust fan speeds automatically based on temperature. This setup provides strong airflow out of the box, reducing the need to buy additional fans immediately for a standard build.

Motherboard Support: ATX

This specification confirms compatibility with standard ATX motherboards, the most common size for gaming and productivity PCs. You can install standard-sized boards without fitting issues. It generally excludes larger E-ATX boards that require more space. If you are building a standard gaming PC with a typical ATX board, this support ensures a straightforward installation process and proper alignment with the case structure.

Lighting: ARGB

Addressable RGB lighting allows each LED to be controlled individually for complex color effects. You can create custom patterns and synchronize lights with other components. This feature is ideal for users who want a personalized aesthetic rather than a single static color. It offers more flexibility than traditional RGB strips. Check your motherboard for ARGB headers to ensure full control over the lighting effects.

Weight: 27.1 pounds

This weight indicates a sturdy construction, likely using steel or thick aluminum panels. A heavier case tends to vibrate less and dampen noise better than lighter plastic alternatives. It also suggests good structural rigidity, which protects internal components during transport or heavy use. Consider this weight if you plan to move the case frequently, as it may require two people to lift safely.

Design and Build Overview

The case is listed as a white ATX mid-tower, measuring 21.7 inches in length, 20.6 inches in height, and 9.73 inches in width. According to the listing, it weighs 27.1 pounds. This substantial weight suggests a sturdy chassis capable of supporting heavy components without flexing. The midi tower form factor provides a balanced footprint that fits standard desks while offering enough internal volume for larger graphics cards and cooling solutions.

The exterior features an open mesh design, which the listing highlights as a key element for exceptional airflow. This structural choice allows air to flow freely through the case, helping to keep your CPU and GPU cool during intensive gaming sessions. The white finish gives the unit a clean, modern appearance that suits minimalist setups.

Inside, the layout is designed for spaciousness, accommodating the largest components you might install. The listing notes the inclusion of an ARGB controller, which manages the lighting effects for the included fans. This setup allows you to customize the look of your build with multiple colors and modes. The four pre-installed 140mm PWM fans further enhance this airflow, ensuring quiet operation while maintaining high air exchange rates. You can expect a system that prioritizes both thermal performance and visual customization.

Setup and everyday use

Setting up this mid-tower begins with unpacking the chassis and preparing your components. The listing confirms it supports standard ATX motherboards, so you will need a compatible board to fit within the 21.7-inch length and 20.6-inch height. The spacious design is intended to offer room for the largest components you might install. You will likely find ample space for long graphics cards and large air coolers, though exact clearance dimensions are not listed here. You should verify your specific parts fit before final assembly.

The case includes four 140mm PWM fans. These are pre-installed to provide high airflow and quiet operation right out of the box. The open mesh design works with these fans to ensure excellent ventilation for your CPU and GPU. This setup helps keep temperatures down during gaming sessions without requiring you to add extra fans immediately. The PWM feature allows your motherboard to control fan speeds based on system load.

For daily use, the included ARGB lighting adds visual appeal. An ARGB controller is provided to manage the lighting effects. You can choose from multiple colors and modes to create an individual look that matches your other hardware. The lighting enhances the modern aesthetic of the white finish. The case is designed for gaming use, meaning it handles the heat output of powerful components effectively. You get a balance of performance and style without needing complex modifications.

Before You Buy This Case

You need to verify your component compatibility before ordering. This mid-tower supports ATX motherboards, so confirm your board fits the internal dimensions. You should also check if your GPU and CPU cooler clear the available space inside the 21.7-inch length. The listing includes four 140mm PWM fans, which helps with airflow, but you may want to add more for extreme cooling needs. Keep the mesh panels clean to maintain that high airflow performance. Dust can accumulate in the open mesh design, so plan for regular maintenance. This case sits alongside other high-airflow options, offering a white finish and ARGB lighting. If you prioritize ventilation and a modern look over a solid panel, this is a strong choice. Ensure your power supply and drive mounts align with your specific build requirements. Read the full specifications to avoid fitting issues.

Check before you buy

• Verify ATX motherboard fits inside the chassis.
• Check GPU length against internal clearance.
• Confirm CPU cooler height compatibility.
• Plan for mesh panel dust cleaning.
• Check included 140mm fan placement needs.

The product at a glance

1

be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower

Best for: ATX gaming builds needing strong airflow

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 features an open mesh design for high airflow. It includes four 140mm PWM fans and an ARGB controller for lighting customization. The spacious interior supports large components. It suits gamers who want strong cooling and visual effects in a standard mid-tower form factor.

Pros

• Includes four 140mm PWM fans for high airflow
• Open mesh design maximizes ventilation
• ARGB controller offers multiple color and mode options
• Spacious interior accommodates large components

Cons

• Limited to ATX motherboard support
• Weight of 27.1 pounds makes it heavy
• No mention of front I/O panel details

Good fit if

• You need high airflow for cooling
• You want ARGB lighting control
• You build with ATX motherboards

Skip if

• You require E-ATX support
• You prefer a compact mini-ITX build
• You want a lightweight case

Verdict: Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Case fits builders who prioritize airflow and ARGB lighting for standard ATX systems. It delivers strong cooling performance through its mesh design and included fans.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• be quiet shadow base 800 fx alternatives
• best be quiet PC cases with ARGB
• be quiet pure loop 2 fx review
• be quiet sfx l quiet performance review