Conclusion
...a whole lot of chassis that can accommodate a powerful build in more ways than one.Struggling to decide what approach to take for your next build? be quiet!'s Silent Base 802 has most bases covered for those wanting to keep their options open.
Building on the existing 801 foundation, the new addition to the Silent Base range retains support for an inverted layout while adding optional mesh front and top panels that can have a meaningful impact on cooling performance. Solid panels lined with sound-dampening material are still the default choice - helpful if noise levels are more important than temperatures - and rounding out the upgrades is the inclusion of USB-C as standard.
The end result is a whole lot of chassis that can accommodate a powerful build in more ways than one. Flexibility is without doubt the 802's strength, yet in adding so many options, some of the finer details have slipped under the radar. be quiet!'s white paintwork could be more consistent, the exterior feels plasticky in parts, and pricing in our estimation is too close to the classier Dark Base 700.
Bottom line: Silent Base 802 brings something different to the be quiet! range and is worth a closer look if mesh frontage is a must.
The Good The Bad Choice of mesh/solid front and top panels
Roomy interior with option for inverted layout
I/O panel now includes USB Type-C
Integrated fan hub and three Pure Wings fans
Good sound dampening throughout Plastic mouldings lack premium feel
Large for a mid-tower solution
Doesn't officially support a 280 rad up top
Inconsistent white paintwork
be quiet! Silent Base 802
HEXUS.where2buy*
The be quiet! Silent Base 802 chassis is available to purchase from Scan Computers.
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