be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 Case Review
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Results & Conclusion
We’ll be using our reference PC with its reference overclock for case testing.
Noise is measured .5m from the case’s front corner, on the side that opens. The numbers are corrected to the 1m industry standard – used by many loudspeaker ad fan manufacturers – by subtracting six decibels.
Drivers & Settings
| Chipset | Intel INF 9.4.2.1019 |
|---|---|
| CPU | 4.2GHz (42x 100MHz) @ 1.2V Core |
| Motherboard | Firmware 17.8 (02/10/2015) |
| RAM | XMP CAS 16 Defaults (1.2V) |
| Graphics | Maximum Fan for Thermal Tests | Nvidia GeForce 347.52 |
Comparison Cases
The Enthoo Evolv ATX TG and the Corsair 760T are the competition for the new installation in the Base product lineup. How does it fare against the competition?
Test Results
The Dark Base Pro 900 performed well compared to the other compared cases. Its GPU temperature readings were comparable to the others, but the CPU temperature readings were a bit higher than the rest.
We can see the case does a good job of mitigating noise even when the fans are on the high setting. The case is fantastically quiet when idle. Just internet browsing will have this machine sounding like it’s asleep. Even when under a heavy graphics load, the case remains quieter than similar enclosures.
The Dark Base Pro 900 was quieter than the other cases, but was hotter at the same time. Therefore, it’s efficiency is lower due to the reduced airflow not effectively cooling the components.
The Dark Base Pro 900 costs more and is a little bit lower in performance, resulting in a lower value rating.
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The Dark Base Pro 900 costs $250, with added features like the Qi Charger, an extended PWM fan controller, and the tempered glass side panel. The Enthoo Evolv ATX Tempered Glass fits a similar side panel for $50 less, the same price as the non-Pro Dark Base 900. Either way, if you spend $200 or more on a case, then you’re going to expect excellent overall performance. The Dark Base Pro 900 offers good performance by itself, but not when compared to similar cases on the market. It’s hard for buyers who don't need the Qi Charger to justify a jump to the Pro version of this chassis, particularly after considering the price of similar tempered glass panel cases.
I was very impressed with the thick noise-cancelling foam found within the Dark Base Pro 900. The build quality is outstanding. The case looks beautiful, and it’s so modular you could configure it in dozens of ways to fit your specific needs. That’s where the Dark Base Pro 900 shines. If you’re looking for a larger case, with fantastic water cooling support, unique looks, and what is essentially a playground inside a computer case, then this case is worth a look. If you’re planning on water cooling your rig, then the Dark Base Pro 900 would be a fantastic option. If you could pass on a glass side panel and Qi charger, the $200 non-pro version would be a better value.
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jimmysmitty Reply18191231 said:Pricewise this is more comparable to the Enthoo Primo than the Evolv.
It is quite expensive.
My question is why is the PSU upside down? The pictures have the PSU fan facing the GPU which means the PSU is pulling air from the GPU and might be causing the CPU to run warmer since it will get less cool air. -
turkey3_scratch This may just be the perfect case I have been looking for. There are plenty of reasons to choose this case. I love the functionality you have. The modularity, the silence. I also love the high-grade materials used in the design, aluminum and tempered glass. Lastly, I find this case beautiful, more visually appealing than the competition. I think this is the case I'm going to get.Reply
Does anybody know when it becomes available? -
3ogdy Finally a case a Noctua fan looks good in. Didn't think I'd ever say that. Well, except for the Sabertooth / military color combination.Reply -
Crashman Reply
I agree, but the Evolv was the closest Phanteks case we'd received. Let's not forget that the Dark Base Pro 900 is a smallish "full tower", and finding cases from our collection which were both size-appropriate and price-appropriate was difficult. Having said that, I'd like to get the Primo into our charts.18191231 said:Pricewise this is more comparable to the Enthoo Primo than the Evolv.
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Compuser10165 I have a bequiet Silentbase 800 and I am very please with it. However I sth remove the side panel to help cool my R9 390 when needed, and that is with and extra fan on top. This case cooling also seems to be limited to the fans being low static pressure. Altough it is silent, nonetheles. I consider the 900 as a bigger 800 with higher build quality (aluminium) but also a much higher price. I don't know if I would choose it in that price range.Reply -
turkey3_scratch Reply18199801 said:I have a bequiet Silentbase 800 and I am very please with it. However I sth remove the side panel to help cool my R9 390 when needed, and that is with and extra fan on top. This case cooling also seems to be limited to the fans being low static pressure. Altough it is silent, nonetheles. I consider the 900 as a bigger 800 with higher build quality (aluminium) but also a much higher price. I don't know if I would choose it in that price range.
I had a similar problem with my MSI R9 390 in my NZXT H440. The temps were reaching 90C. However, unlike your situation, I simply installed two top exhaust fans and then my temps lowered all the way down to 70C and fan RPM went down by 60%. I love this Be Quiet case despite its lack of effective cooling, as seen in the review, but I am having a lot of trouble deciding between two cases:
-Be QUiet Dark Base Pro 900
-Lian Li PC-O8WGN (Link)
I love features that both have, but I am kind of attracted to how the Lian Li looks. Only thing that concerns me is the airflow in the Lian Li. There are three intake and exhaust, but the intake are all in the back by the HDD cages and PSU, and so are two exhaust. On the motherboard side of the case (since it is a cubical case it has two zones) it just has a single exhaust fan.
What I find strange, though, is that the CPU and GPU both got great temps on the overclockers' review: http://www.overclockers.com/lian-li-pc-o8-case-review/ but they actually had a radiator at the top and the fans were top intake. So I don't know what to do at this point - Be Quiet or Lian Li. The Newegg promo on the Lian Li would let me get it for under $300 and it ends in two days! So I ought to decide by then.