Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX vs Be Quiet! Dark Base Pro 701: Spec Comparison
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The be quiet shadow base 800 fx vs dark base pro 701 comparison highlights two white ATX midi towers from the same brand. Both cases prioritize high airflow through open mesh designs and support standard ATX motherboards. The primary difference lies in their included fans and lighting control. The Shadow Base 800 FX comes with four fans and a dedicated ARGB controller. The Dark Base Pro 701 includes three fans and a combined PWM and ARGB hub for more extensive customization.
Key differences
| Aspect | be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower | be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White Mid Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Included Fans | 4x 140mm PWM Light Wings | 3x 140mm PWM Silent Wings 4 |
| Lighting Control | ARGB controller | PWM and ARGB hub |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 21.7 x 9.73 x 20.6 inches | 22.2 x 9.8 x 20.6 inches |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 28.2 pounds |
| Hub Capacity | not listed | 8 PWM fans, 2 ARGB components |
Which one should you choose?
Choose be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower if
- You prefer a case with four pre-installed fans for immediate high airflow
- You want a slightly lighter chassis that is easier to move
- You need a simple ARGB controller for basic lighting customization
Choose be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White Mid Tower if
- You want to connect up to eight PWM fans and two ARGB components
- You prefer the Silent Wings 4 fan model for quiet operation
- You need a fan controller that can sync with your motherboard PWM header
Verdict: Choose the Shadow Base 800 FX if you want more pre-installed fans and a lighter build. Select the Dark Base Pro 701 if you need a hub with higher capacity for extensive fan and lighting customization. Both cases offer excellent airflow and ATX support for gaming builds.
Shadow Base 800 FX vs Dark Base Pro 701 Specs
Included Fans
The be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX includes four 140mm PWM fans, while the Dark Base Pro 701 comes with three Silent Wings 4 140mm PWM fans. Both cases utilize 140mm fans for high airflow and quiet operation. The Shadow Base 800 FX offers an extra fan out of the box, which may provide better initial cooling coverage for your components. The Dark Base Pro 701 focuses on the quality of its Silent Wings 4 fans, known for performance. You get more quantity with the Shadow Base 800 FX, but the Dark Base Pro 701 emphasizes fan quality. Both support PWM control for speed adjustment.
Lighting Control
Both cases feature ARGB lighting, but their control methods differ. The Shadow Base 800 FX includes an ARGB controller for maximum illumination options and multiple color modes. The Dark Base Pro 701 features a PWM and ARGB hub that allows you to connect up to eight PWM fans and two ARGB components. This hub lets you customize lighting effects by connecting strips or other components. You can adjust settings through the motherboard or the included fan controller on the Dark Base Pro 701. The Shadow Base 800 FX relies on its dedicated controller. The Dark Base Pro 701 offers more expansion capacity for additional ARGB devices.
Physical Dimensions
The physical footprint of these midi towers varies slightly. The Shadow Base 800 FX measures 21.7 inches in length, 20.6 inches in height, and 9.73 inches in width. The Dark Base Pro 701 is slightly larger at 22.2 inches long, 20.6 inches high, and 9.8 inches wide. Both cases share the same height, but the Dark Base Pro 701 is marginally longer and wider. This difference is small, but it may affect fitment in tight spaces. You should measure your available space carefully. The Shadow Base 800 FX is slightly more compact in length and width, potentially offering a tighter fit in smaller desks or enclosures.
Weight
Weight can indicate build material quality and stability. The Shadow Base 800 FX weighs 27.1 pounds. The Dark Base Pro 701 weighs 28.2 pounds. The Dark Base Pro 701 is heavier by 1.1 pounds. A heavier case often suggests more substantial materials or additional internal features that add mass. This extra weight may provide better stability and reduce vibration during operation. The Shadow Base 800 FX is lighter, which might make it easier to move or install in confined spaces. Both weights are substantial for midi towers, ensuring they remain sturdy on your desk or floor.
Motherboard Support
Both the Shadow Base 800 FX and the Dark Base Pro 701 support ATX motherboards. This is the standard form factor for most gaming and productivity builds. Neither case lists support for E-ATX or other larger form factors in the provided data. This means you will need an ATX motherboard for either option. This shared specification simplifies the choice if you already have an ATX board. Both cases are midi towers designed for this specific size. You will not find differences in motherboard compatibility between these two models based on the available specifications.
Which case fits your build needs
You want maximum airflow out of the box
The Shadow Base 800 FX includes four 140mm PWM fans by default. This setup provides higher static airflow compared to the Dark Base Pro 701, which ships with only three fans. If you prefer immediate cooling performance without adding extra components, the extra fan in the Shadow Base 800 FX is a practical advantage for your system.
You need flexible fan and lighting control
The Dark Base Pro 701 features a dedicated PWM and ARGB hub. This hub allows you to connect up to eight PWM fans and two ARGB components. It also includes a fan controller for manual speed adjustments. If you plan to customize your airflow and lighting extensively, this integrated control system offers more expansion options than the Shadow Base 800 FX.
You prefer a lighter case for easier handling
The Shadow Base 800 FX weighs 27.1 pounds. This is slightly lighter than the Dark Base Pro 701, which weighs 28.2 pounds. While both cases are substantial ATX midi towers, the lower weight of the Shadow Base 800 FX may make it easier to move during setup or maintenance. The difference is small, but it adds up if you move your rig often.
The products compared
be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower
Best for: ATX builders wanting included 140mm fans
- 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
The Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX is an ATX midi tower designed for gaming. It includes four 140mm PWM fans to support high airflow and quiet operation. The case features an open mesh design and ARGB lighting with a controller for customizable illumination. Its spacious interior accommodates large components. This build suits users who prioritize cooling performance and visual customization in a standard mid-tower form factor.
Pros
- Includes 4x 140mm PWM fans for strong airflow
- Open mesh design maximizes air intake
- ARGB lighting with dedicated controller
- Spacious interior for large components
Cons
- Only supports ATX motherboards, excluding E-ATX
- Fixed ARGB controller lacks software integration
- No mention of pre-installed dust filters
Good fit if
- You want high airflow from included 140mm fans
- You need ARGB lighting with a hardware controller
- You are building with an ATX motherboard
Skip if
- You require support for E-ATX motherboards
- You prefer a closed panel for dust reduction
- You want software-controlled lighting effects
Verdict: Be Quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX is a practical mid-tower for builders who need strong airflow and included fans. It fits users who want simple ARGB control without software complexity.
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White Mid Tower
Best for: ATX builds needing manual fan and ARGB control
- Motherboard Support
- ATX
- Case Type
- Midi Tower
- Side Panel
- Tempered Glass
- Included Fans
- 3x 140mm PWM
- Use
- Gaming
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White Mid Tower Affiliate link
This white ATX Midi Tower measures 22.2 by 9.8 by 20.6 inches and weighs 28.2 pounds. It includes three pre-installed 140mm Silent Wings 4 fans and a dedicated fan controller. The design features an open mesh front for airflow. You can manage lighting via the included ARGB hub, which supports up to eight PWM fans and two ARGB components. It suits builders who want modular cooling control.
Pros
- Three pre-installed 140mm Silent Wings 4 PWM fans
- Open mesh design for optimal airflow
- Includes fan controller for manual speed adjustment
- PWM and ARGB hub supports eight fans and two ARGB components
Cons
- Heavy at 28.2 pounds
- Requires motherboard PWM header or manual controller for fan sync
- No mention of included ARGB strips
Good fit if
- You want pre-installed 140mm fans for better airflow
- You prefer manual fan control via a physical controller
- You need an ATX case with modular lighting hubs
Skip if
- You need a smaller ITX or Micro-ATX form factor
- You want a lighter case for easy transport
- You prefer RGB lighting controlled entirely by motherboard software without a hub
Verdict: be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White fits builders who value large 140mm fans and manual control. Its heavy build and modular hub setup suit stationary gaming rigs.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ATX Mid Tower | be quiet! Dark Base Pro 701 White Mid Tower |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | ATX | ATX |
| Case Type | Midi Tower | Midi Tower |
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass | Tempered Glass |
| Included Fans | 4x 140mm | 3x 140mm PWM |
| Use | Gaming | Gaming |
| Lighting | ARGB | ARGB |
| Dimensions | 21.7 × 9.73 × 20.6 inches | 22.2 × 9.8 × 20.6 inches |
| Weight | 27.1 pounds | 28.2 pounds |
| Size | 550 x 247 x 503 | 565 x 249 x 495 |
| Color | White | White |
| Model | BGW64 | BGW59 |
Frequently asked questions
Which case is heavier?
The Dark Base Pro 701 White is heavier. It weighs 28.2 pounds, while the Shadow Base 800 FX weighs 27.1 pounds. This extra weight comes from its modular design and robust build quality. You will notice the difference if you move the case frequently. Both are substantial mid-towers, but the Dark Base Pro is slightly more dense.
Do both cases support ATX motherboards?
Yes, both cases support ATX motherboards. This is their primary motherboard compatibility standard. You can install standard ATX boards in either the Shadow Base 800 FX or the Dark Base Pro 701. This ensures broad compatibility with most mainstream and enthusiast CPUs. Both are designed as mid-towers for these standard form factors.
What is the internal length of each case?
The Shadow Base 800 FX has an internal length of 21.7 inches. The Dark Base Pro 701 offers 22.2 inches of length. This extra half-inch in the Dark Base Pro allows for slightly longer graphics cards. You should check your GPU length against these limits. Both cases provide ample space for standard long components.
Are both cases available in white?
Yes, both models are available in white. The Shadow Base 800 FX is listed as white. The Dark Base Pro 701 is also offered in a white finish. This color choice suits builds with white themes or light-colored components. Both cases maintain a clean, monochromatic look when built with matching parts.
Which case is better for manual ARGB control?
The Dark Base Pro 701 is better for manual control. It is best for builders needing manual fan and ARGB control. The Shadow Base 800 FX focuses on simple ARGB control without software complexity. If you prefer physical switches or hubs over software, the Dark Base Pro 701 is the practical choice for your custom lighting needs.
What is the width of the Shadow Base 800 FX?
The Shadow Base 800 FX has a width of 9.73 inches. This dimension determines how much space it takes on your desk. The Dark Base Pro 701 is slightly wider at 9.8 inches. Both widths are standard for mid-towers. You can place either case in most standard PC setups without issue.