© ROOT-NATION.com - Use of content is permitted with a backlink.
The be quiet! Light Base 500 LX case proved somewhat challenging to evaluate. This is not due to any obvious shortcomings or lack of features, but rather because of prior experience with the Light Base 900 DX, which set a high reference point. That model left a particularly strong impression, further reinforced by the manufacturer delivering replacement feet to the Ukrainian market as previously promised. At the same time, the advantages of the 900 DX are not necessary for all users. There is broader demand for well-designed, reliable dual-chamber “aquarium”-style cases that offer strong airflow while remaining relatively accessible without significant compromises.
Read also: All PC case reviews
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Specifications
- Motherboard compatibility: ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ATX
- Case dimensions without stand (L×W×H, mm): 432×305×410
- Case dimensions, mm: 432×305×436
- Capacity: 49.6 l
- Net weight: 10.95 kg
- PCIe expansion slots: 7+4
- Side fans: 3× Light Wings LX Reverse 120mm PWM Black
- Rear fan: Light Wings LX 120mm PWM Black
- Fan speed at 100% PWM: 1600/1500 RPM
- Maximum radiator size: 360 mm
- Maximum PSU size: 200 mm
- Maximum graphics card length: 400 mm
- Maximum cooler height: 185 mm
Video review of the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX
Market Positioning
Affordability in this case is relative – the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX is priced at approximately $160 or €140, placing it in the premium segment. Within the be quiet! product range, however, this corresponds more to an entry-level tier.
Package Contents
This positioning is reflected in the packaging. On one hand, it is somewhat unusual to see a case in this price range secured with polystyrene rather than expanded polypropylene. On the other hand, the amount of protective material is above average. The glass panels are also properly secured with supports positioned at appropriate angles.
The package includes mounts for vertical GPU installation, a set of screws and cable ties, documentation, and four 120 mm fans rated at 1200 RPM, three of which are reverse airflow models. These fans are essentially equivalent to the Light Wings 120 LX. Considering their standalone price, including four units with the case represents a practical addition.
There are also non-LX versions of the be quiet! Light Base 500, which are less expensive, roughly reflecting the cost difference of the included fans. However, the fans contribute not only to airflow but also to the overall lighting balance of the case. With that in mind, it makes sense to move on to the design.
be quiet! Light Base 500 LX Design
The Light Base 500 LX has a somewhat unconventional appearance. Like most “aquarium”-style cases, it features glass panels on the front and side, making internal components and RGB lighting fully visible. However, this type of design is often associated with airflow limitations. Air intake is typically positioned on the side, and the resulting airflow can be partially obstructed by the adjacent glass panel, reducing overall efficiency.
While this limitation is not always critical, be quiet! approached it as a design issue to be addressed. As a result, one of the key features of the Light Base 500 is the angled mounting of the three side fans, positioned at approximately 30–35 degrees compared to the conventional orientation.
In addition, the case uses a dual-chamber layout, and the metal panel on the right side is effectively a full mesh. As a result, the case presents well from three sides, with RGB lighting subtly visible through the right panel. From the front, the angled plastic section on the right acts as a light diffuser – at least in the white version, as a black variant is also available.
Technical Specifications
The secondary chamber is allocated for cable management, as well as a PWM and ARGB hub with six ports. It also accommodates a power supply up to 200 mm in length and storage devices – one 3.5-inch drive and two 2.5-inch drives. The maximum supported CPU cooler height is 185 mm, and the maximum GPU length is up to 400 mm, with support for vertical installation.
Dust filters are installed wherever possible, and the case features tall feet for clearance. The front panel is uniquely symmetrical, offering two USB-A 5 Gbps ports, one USB-C 10 Gbps port, and separate audio jacks. The power button is centrally located, the reset button with a tactile ridge sits below, and an RGB control button is positioned at the top.
The Light Base 500 LX offers a wide range of lighting modes, with rich diffusion and overall high-quality illumination. It also supports motherboard synchronization, and the lighting can be turned off by holding the button for three or five seconds, respectively.
be quiet! Light Base 500 LX Dimensions
To address a key point about the case: it is large and heavy, approaching Full Tower size at nearly 11 kg. Its overall dimensions are 436 × 432 × 305 mm, giving it an almost rectangular profile. Despite its size, the case does not support 420 mm radiators. Only two 140 mm fans can be installed, and they are limited to the top of the case.
Why is that? The diagonal positioning of the fans increases the width rather than the length. Additionally, the fans are mounted on a dedicated sliding bracket, which can be somewhat tricky to remove at first. There is no alternative placement, as the same side panel frame prevents other configurations.
Key Feature
Despite these limitations, the Light Base 500 LX remains a well-balanced case. Yes, it requires more desk space, fan replacement is more cumbersome, 420 mm radiators are incompatible, and 360 mm radiators can only be installed on the side. However, the case appears to be designed with tower-style CPU coolers in mind – which, in the be quiet! lineup, are available in large numbers.
Here’s why I think so: a side-mounted liquid cooler would blow warm air from the CPU directly onto other internal components. This effect would actually be more pronounced than in a typical “aquarium”-style case, meaning components could run hotter than usual. However…
Standard fans provide much better airflow, meaning a high-end GPU – say, an RTX 5090 – would perform very comfortably in this case, arguably better than in most other cases. Pair it with a tower cooler like the Dark Rock TF2, and your components benefit even more. Alternatively, a 280 mm liquid cooler mounted on top also works well, and be quiet! offers compatible models.
Conclusion
The Light Base 500 LX should not be seen as living in the shadow of its larger sibling. It has its own strengths and design focus, and with the right approach, it can be more advantageous for the user than many other cases. While it might appear to involve compromises, it unquestionably looks excellent. On that basis, it comes recommended.
Where to buy the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX
