be quiet Light Base 500 LX PC Case Review
Conclusion
The Light Base 500 LX is a solid case, but gamers will want to install more fans
There is a lot of like about the Light Base 500, especially its LX version. It includes a fan controller, which is a neat feature, and its RGB fans look great. Note that you can control the RGB lighting elements of these fans without motherboard/PC control (using the case’s RGB button). Furthermore, it has plenty of space for additional cooling fans if needed.
While this case’s stock assortment of fans is ample for most users, I would suggest adding three reverse-blade fans to the base of this case. If you want a cleaner aesthetic, adding fans at the base does a lot to clean up this area. Standard 25mm thick fans sit level with the area around these fan mounts, giving them an ultra-clean look. Furthermore, these fans provide direct GPU airflow, which is great news for gamers.
If I were to criticise anything about this case, it would be its side panel design and its RGB/fan controller placement. The “pillar” at the right side of this case is a nice design element—it’s unique to the Light Base 500. However, the right side panel design and its mesh detract from its standalone nature. If I were quiet, I would want the pillar to be a defining design element; the mesh in this area needed to be a large hole, making the pillar a standalone feature. Yes, keep the perforations as-is over the PSU’s rear chamber. Simply put, I think this would look better. Furthermore, it provides less restricted airflow to the case’s side-mounted intake fans.
A solid case from be quiet
Panoramic glass designs are common in today’s PC case market. However, be quiet has made its case unique with its pillar aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the pack, albeit just a little bit. Overall, this case is well-priced and looks great. Those who want to use back-connect motherboards have an easy mod that will cover this case’s cable routing holes. Some cheap plasticard will take this case to the next level!
Overall, this is a good effort from be quiet. That said, there are some design changes that could have taken this case to the next level. It is a case that is well worth considering, especially given the quality of be quiet’s included fans.
You can join the discussion on be quiet’s Light Base 500 LX PC case on the OC3D Forums.
