INTRODUCTION

    When building a PC, most people focus on the big parts like the CPU (processor), GPU (graphics card), RAM (memory) and storage (SSDs, HDDs). But for people who've been around the block a few times, the PC case (tower) is just as important. It’s where everything comes together, and it can make your setup easier, cooler, and better looking. I've never hidden the fact that I’ve always preferred spacious PC cases not just because they give you ample room to work but also because they allow for better airflow levels, can accommodate even the largest hardware components, and usually result in much cleaner builds. Today, I’m checking out the brand new Light Base 500 LX PC case from be quiet! released yesterday to see how it holds up.

    We are the German premium brand manufacturer of quiet hardware components for gaming, workstations and desktop PCs. Since our foundation in 2001, we are proud to have more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Our goal from the very beginning has been to develop products of the highest quality that are not only quiet, but also extremely powerful. With a wide range of power supplies, PC cases, water and air coolers and fans, we have established ourselves as a leading manufacturer in this field.

    The brand new Light Base 500 LX PC case by be quiet! follows the same panoramic design (left & front tempered glass panels) used in the 501 (review soon) and 900 models, comes ready with 4 pre-installed Light Wings LX 120mm ARGB PWM fans (1600RPM/51.5CFM/1.34mmH2O/25.5dBA) and is available both in black and white colors. The Light Base 500 LX can be outfitted with up to ten 120mm fans (or 3x140mm and 6x120mm fans) and features 2 PSU positions (lower and upper rear) for full compatibility even with backside connector motherboards, angled front fan area for optimal GPU cooling, vertical GPU installation, removable drive tray, ARGB and PWM hub located behind the motherboard tray (supports up to 6 ARGB fans) and removable dust filters (right and bottom). Moving to interior space the Light Base 500 LX has enough room for up to ATX sized motherboards, single radiator (top 120/240/280/360mm), one 3.5" and two 2.5" drives, 400mm long graphics cards, 185mm tall CPU coolers and 200mm long power supply units.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Exactly like with most PC cases by be quiet! the Light Base 500 LX arrived inside a plain cardboard box that has a product drawing at the front along with their logo.

Both the product specifications and color selection are placed on the right side.

A few words about be quiet! in 3 languages are printed at the rear just over an exposed view of the 500 LX.

Typically, the case is wrapped inside a plastic bag and placed between two thick foam spacers.

Along with the Light Base 500 LX be quiet! has bundled 5 cable ties, vertical GPU bracket, 5 small packages with screws and standoffs and the user manual.

THE LIGHT BASE 500 LX EXTERIOR

In terms of design the Light Base 500 LX doesn't stand out much when compared to similar panoramic models (it was nice to see that be quiet! used pieces of cardboard to keep the tempered glass panels safe during shipping).

The entire left side panel is made of tempered glass and features a clip-on design (no screws).

Most of the fascia is taken by another tempered glass panel (removable, held in place with screws).

Next to the front tempered glass panel we find the usual I/O panel which this time includes an lighting mode button, USB-C port, two USB-A ports, 3.5mm headphones out and the power on/off and reset buttons.

The top panel is mostly perforated to allow air to reach the fans inside and also features a clip-on design.

Worth pointing out is that the side front fan panel inside the Light Base 500 LX can be removed from the top as seen above.

Turning the case around we see that the right side panel is also mostly perforated.

There's a long but not so wide removable dust filter at the base of the Light Base 500 LX.

At the rear we find the 4th Light Wings LX 120mm fan, two side PSU areas (one over the other) and the 7 PCI expansion slots.

THE LIGHT BASE 500 LX INTERIOR

Since the Light Base 500 LX isn't a dual chamber design model (thus lacks a PSU shroud) it's quite spacious inside.

The three Light Wings 120mm PWM fans placed on the removable angled bracket feature reverse blades in order to push air to the graphics card.

As mentioned earlier the Light Base 500 LX can accommodate up to ATX sided motherboards.

There's also room for three 120mm fans at the base of the 500 LX as seen above.

On the other side we find a removable dust filter right behind the 3 side fans, ARGB PWM hub attached onto the 2x2.5"/1x3.5" drive tray (if you remove it, you should be able to mount two 3.5" drives) and the PSU area (short TikTok and YouTube video is available).

BUILDING THE SYSTEM

As always, the purpose of this section is not to build a functional system but rather to showcase what you can expect from the case at hand in terms of interior space.

Starting with the PSU as you can all see there's plenty of room regardless of which position you choose (for models up to 180mm that is, anything longer and you may have a small issue when routing its cables).

Regular ATX sized motherboards take almost the entire motherboard tray.

With room for 185mm tall CPU coolers you should be able to fit any model currently in the market.

be quiet! may not state it in the specifications but you can easily mount an 280mm radiator on top and even an 240mm radiator on the side.

If you decide to mount a regular (25-30mm) radiator on the side, you'll have enough space for up to 290-300mm graphics cards.

NOISE LEVEL TEST

After giving it much thought we decided on performing noise tests with each PC Case we receive by placing our ExTech HD600 vertically on top of each case to measure the noise levels emanating from the pre-installed fans at both 50% and 100% with the help of a fan controller (if the case doesn't have one, we use our own).

CONCLUSION

    Following the release of their Light Base 900 line be quiet! has focused quite a bit on the design and release of panoramic cases and well, that’s the current market trend so nothing wrong with that. The brand new Light Base 500 LX may not be the best looking panoramic case out there, but it does look nice (reminder, short TikTok and YouTube video is available) and offers a good amount of interior space. My sole concern is the same I have had with other cases lately and that’s available drive space. With room for just two 2.5” and a single 3.5” drive the Light Base 500 LX will almost certainly not be quite ideal for every consumer or professional out there. The fact that you can use a single 240/280/360mm radiator may also drive potential buyers away, although it should be fine for most scenarios.

    Be quiet! officially launched the Light Base 500 LX midi-tower yesterday and so currently it can be found for 144.90Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is balanced. Overall, I can’t say I have anything bad to say about the Light Base 500 LX. Yes, it’s not the most spacious panoramic tower out in the market today but it does combine looks with good interior space, 2 PSU positions, vertical GPU mounting and 4 pre-installed Light Wings LX 120mm fans and that’s why it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Tempered Glass Side & Front Panels (Panoramic)
- 2 PSU Mounting Spots
- Vertical GPU Placement
- Angled Fan Mount (GPU Cooling)
- Interior Space For ATX Motherboards, 185mm Tall CPU Coolers, 200mm Long PSUs, 400mm Long Graphics Cards & A Single Radiator (240/280/360mm)
- Four Pre Installed Light Wings LX 120mm PWM Fans (1600RPM)
- ARGB/Speed Hub
- Low Noise Levels
- Removable Air Filters (Bottom/Right Side)
- Available In Black & White Colors

CONS

- Single Radiator (For Some)
- Two 2.5” & Single 3.5” Drive Mounts (For Some)
- Current USA Availability