be quiet! Light Base 500 LX Black PC case, Fully windowed Front and Side Panel, Show case, Dual Chamber Design, ARGB Fan hub, 4 Light Wings LX PWM Fans, Backside Connector Design
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AI Verdict
This is an ATX dual-chamber case with tempered glass panels, four preinstalled ARGB 120mm fans, and full support for backside connector motherboards.
This case is a strong fit for builders aiming for a visually clean system, especially with backside connector motherboards. Its dual-chamber design and preinstalled ARGB fans cater to both aesthetics and cooling for high-end components like 400mm GPUs and 360mm radiators.
If you need more 3.5-inch drive bays or a case with sound-dampening material, look for cases explicitly listing higher HDD support or sound insulation features.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Supports backside connector motherboards like Asus BTF, MSI Project Zero, and Gigabyte Project Stealth, allowing for a cable-free view of components.
- Includes four preinstalled Light Wings LX 120mm ARGB PWM fans with 16 LEDs per hub for illumination and optimized airflow.
- Accommodates graphics cards up to 400mm length and 360mm radiators at the top.
- Features an angled fan frame on the side that directs more air towards the GPU.
- Integrated 6-way ARGB and PWM fan hub with an ARGB controller button on the I/O panel.
- Offers a dedicated cable management channel behind the motherboard tray.
Cons
- Bottom fan spaces are tight, making cable routing difficult for some fan models.
- The included Light Wings LX fans lack the rubber corners found on retail Light Wings fans.
- Side-mounted intake fans use proprietary daisy-chain cables, limiting fan replacement flexibility.
- The side panel extending to the 'pillar' design restricts potential airflow from the side.
- Expansion slots are secured by screws, not tool-free thumbscrews.
Dimension Scores
The angled side fan frame directs air specifically to the GPU, and the case supports a 360mm top radiator, contributing to effective cooling.
Reviews indicate the preinstalled Light Wings LX fans contribute to low noise levels, consistent with be quiet!'s reputation.
The case features tempered glass panels and is described as having quality construction.
A dedicated cable management channel and ample space behind the motherboard tray facilitate clean builds, especially with backside connector support.
Best For
- PC builders using backside connector motherboards for a clean aesthetic.
- Users prioritizing quiet operation with preinstalled ARGB fans.
- Showcase builds with visible components and extensive ARGB lighting.
- Systems requiring a 360mm top-mounted radiator and GPUs up to 400mm.
Not Recommended For
- Builders needing extensive 3.5-inch drive bay options, as it only supports one HDD.
- Users who prefer a horizontal case orientation.
- Those needing tool-free installation for all components, specifically expansion cards.
Watch Out For
- Routing cables for bottom fans can be difficult due to tight spaces, potentially pinching wires.
- The side fan mounting plate is a tight fit and requires significant force to remove.
- The included Light Wings LX fans use proprietary daisy-chain cables for the side intake, which can complicate fan upgrades or replacements.
- The case supports only one 3.5-inch HDD, which is limited for storage-heavy builds.
- The metal piece holding the seven PCI expansion slots is secured by two screws, not tool-free thumbscrews.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0FV38DXYY |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Color | Black |
| Series | BGW85 |
| Material | Tempered Glass |
| Case Type | Tower |
| Model Name | BGW85 |
| Item Weight | 23.8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Item model number | BGW85 |
| Product Dimensions | 17 x 12 x 17 inches |
| Number of USB 3 Ports | 2 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17 x 12 x 17 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Motherboard Compatability | ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
What Buyers Say
The Light Base 500 LX is a compact dual-chamber case that really leans into the 'showcase' aspect with its fully windowed design and preinstalled ARGB fans. Users are digging the support for backside connector motherboards, which makes for super clean builds, but some folks are finding the cable routing for bottom fans a bit of a squeeze. The included fans are quiet, but some wish they had the same premium feel as retail Light Wings, and the proprietary fan cables for the side intakes are a bit of a head-scratcher for those wanting to swap them out.
“Man, this case looks sick with my BTF board, no cables anywhere! But seriously, trying to get those bottom fan cables routed was a nightmare, almost pinched a wire. Still, worth it for the view.”
Common Praise
- Supports backside connector motherboards, making for extremely clean interior aesthetics.
- The four preinstalled Light Wings LX ARGB fans provide effective cooling and illumination.
- The angled side fans are effective at directing airflow to the GPU.
- Quiet operation even at full fan speed.
- Spacious interior for large GPUs (up to 400mm) and 360mm radiators.
Common Complaints
- Bottom fan mounting areas are cramped, complicating cable routing.
- Included Light Wings LX fans lack the rubber anti-vibration corners of retail versions.
- Side intake fans use proprietary daisy-chain cables, which can be a pain for customization.
- The side panel's extension to the 'pillar' could have been designed for better open airflow.
- Removing the side fan mounting plate can be difficult due to a tight fit.
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB controller button on the I/O panel is handy for quickly changing lighting effects without software.
- Dust filters are present on all primary intakes, including an easily accessible one at the front for bottom fans.
- The two PSU mount positions are specifically for backside connector motherboards, not for dual PSUs.
- The top panel is tool-free and uses quick-release pins, making radiator installation easier.
- The case is more compact than other dual-chamber cases like the Light Base 600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case support backside connector motherboards?
Yes, the Light Base 500 LX fully supports backside connector designs from Asus (BTF), MSI (Project Zero), and Gigabyte (Project Stealth). It achieves this by swapping the PSU and drive bracket positions.
How many fans come preinstalled with the case?
The case comes with four preinstalled Light Wings LX 120mm fans: one at the rear and three PWM fans with reversed blades on the side.
What is the maximum GPU length and radiator support?
You can fit graphics cards up to 400mm in length and a 360mm radiator at the top of the case.
Are the included fans RGB?
Yes, the Light Wings LX fans feature 16 LEDs inside their hub for ARGB illumination, and there's an integrated ARGB controller button on the I/O panel.
Does it have good cable management?
The case includes a dedicated channel for cable management behind the motherboard tray, designed to hide equipment elegantly.
What kind of USB ports are on the front panel?
The front I/O panel includes two USB 3.2 Type-A ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, along with an audio in/out jack.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're balancing airflow, component compatibility, and how it looks. For a case like this, with tempered glass and ARGB fans, you're probably aiming for a showcase build. Pay attention to fan and radiator support for your cooling needs, and if you're going for a super clean look, check if your motherboard supports backside connectors. Don't forget about the physical dimensions to make sure it fits your space and your big graphics card.
Dual Chamber Design
This separates the main components (motherboard, GPU) from the PSU and drives, often improving airflow to heat-sensitive parts and making cable management much cleaner, like having a dedicated 'backstage' area for all the messy bits.
Backside Connector Design Support
This is a game-changer for aesthetics. Instead of plugging cables into the front of your motherboard, they connect from the back, completely hiding them from view in the main chamber, giving your build an incredibly clean and minimalist look, like magic.
4 Light Wings LX PWM Fans
These aren't just any fans; they're ARGB for lighting effects and PWM for precise speed control, meaning they can ramp up for cooling or slow down for silence. The reversed blades on the side fans ensure the 'pretty side' with the ARGB is always visible when used as intake.
Alternatives
If you need more traditional 3.5-inch drive bays or a case with sound-dampening panels instead of glass, search for cases with higher HDD capacity or explicit sound insulation features.
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