Testing
The following system was used to test the case:
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– Memory: GOODRAM IRDM PRO 16GB DDR4-3600MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial P1 500GB
– Mass Storage: GOODRAM IRDM PRO GEN.2 1TB
– PSU: Seasonic Snow Silent 750W Platinum
– CPU Cooler: SilverStone Permafrost PF240W-ARGB
– OS: Windows 10 64-Bit (After April Update)
The interior of the Silent Base 802 is great to use for both air cooling and water-cooling systems. There is ample space around the motherboard area for large air CPU coolers, and the top drawer is a joy to use with radiators.
The wire management is easy to do as the spaces dedicated for cable routing around the motherboard are covered by soft rubber grommets. While there is ample space at the top of the motherboard tray, this brings out the disadvantage of having loose wires not bundling together.
The cooling performance is great, thanks to the open space layout of the interior, and the way the preinstalled fans are configured. By default, the be quiet! Silent Base 802 has a positive airflow configuration. However, there is a difference in temperature between using the closed off panels vs. the open mesh panels.
Temperature
Case noise
When it comes to case noise testing, all cases are tested in their factory configuration and if a fan hub or fan controller is pre-installed, it is used on its maximum setting. This means that all cases are being tested for noise output with their fans running at their maximum speeds.
Final thoughts
The be quiet! Silent Base 802 is an outstanding case, not because it avoids the complete gamer RGB theme that everyone is going for these days. The main reason why this is the only case that gets to be called “outstanding” in a review on this website, so far, is due to the way it’s constructed.
the interior of the Silent Base 802 is mostly the same as the one used on the Silent Base 801 and the Dark Base 700. However, working with this case, feels different when compared to the older models, this is due to the fact that the other shell of the case has been improved. The modular panels allow for an easier workflow around the case and its interior.
The design of the Silent Base 802 is elegant and has absolutely no RGB, instead, it has plenty of customization options available. The modular panels are held in place by magnets at the top and by clips at the front. The side panel mounting mechanism is a joy to use and should be taken as a example by other manufacturers.
The build quality is very good, with a solid chassis and modular panels which allow for an inverted layout if the user desires that. However, all these design features have a drawback, which is the usage of plastics, the stands of the case are plastics, and many other bits and pieces as well. It’s not a bad thing, and it will not affect the functionality of the case, but many want to see the plastic kept to a minimum.
The performance of this case is very good, especially when the airflow-oriented mesh panels are installed. With the solid panels in place, the temperature overall is increased by 6 °C. While the noise output is reduced by only 1 to 2 db. This difference in noise makes the usage of the mesh panels a no brainer, as they offer a good airflow with a low noise output.
In terms of the storage, the Silent Base 802 offers a total of three 2.5” trays behind the motherboard tray. With an additional two 2.5” storage bays or two 3.5” bays located behind the power supply shroud.
The dust filtering on the be quiet! Silent Base 802 is very good, with long dust filters installed at the front and on the underside of the case.
In conclusion, the be quiet! Silent Base 802 is a great case that offers a good airflow and a low noise output. The radiator and fan support are very good, with plenty of options available that make this case a good choice for a water-cooling system. The modular system used on this case is also a welcome feature, not only can the motherboard tray be inverted but, a lot of the panels are easy to remove.
