After finishing the installation of all the needed components, we decided to test the "performance" of the case, with the two included panels (acoustic/performance) and also measure the reported temperatures to examine how each panel affects the overall performance. Note that we used the stock AMD CPU fan, so CPU temperatures will be high, compared with an aftermarket CPU cooler. We also left voltages at Auto as most users would do (at least in start).

For our tests we used the latest AIDA64 Extreme Edition and we used the build in system stability test that reports temperatures and CPU speed/etc. We also measured the noise levels with a handheld noise meter that measures temperature at db.

From our tests results after running 30min session with both the standard acoustic panel and the air flow panel we noticed a difference in noise either close to the case, either from 1m distance. As was expected the acoustic panel reduces highly the noise levels from the front two 140mm fans and we saw around 5-6dB difference compared with the air flow covers. Here we have to note that fans were placed at Auto at the front panel...So the be quiet! control panel arranges the fan noise level. If we connected the installed fans to the Asus motherboard with its Fan software wizard, we feel that the noise levels would be much lower for both panel types.

Passing to the temperature differences, there are some differences, in favor of air flow panel since it pushes more air to the internal of the case. There is a 2-3 celcious difference for the motherboard sensor, however the overall CPU temperature isn’t affected great from the panel cover. What is interesting is that with the Air Flow panel, the CPU clock was higher than the standard acoustic panel, resulting to slight better performance.

- Conclusion

The be quiet! Silent Base 802 case is very attractive case and very practical as well. be quiet! has designed this case with several aspects in mind, mainly the reduction of overall noise and this really seems to hold its promise...moreover, it has included at the retail package the "normal" air flow for users who wish to have better and higher cooling performance. So for the same price you get two in one, great!

The Silent Base 802 series come either with a tempered glass side panel or normal panels insulated. We tested the window version and we assume the solid side panel edition would have even higher acoustic performance. The product also has three 140mm Pure Wing 2 fans that seem to perform very good. More over the case has a custom fan control PCB from be quiet! which however cannot be controlled from software and we feel at the Auto setting, tends to produce higher noise levels from what we would like to hear.

The build quality of the case is very good, we have no serious complains. The White version really stands out and if you have other white components would give you an overall great aesthetic. What’s isn’t included is RGB, keep that in mind, you would have to get aftermarket leds/fans if you wish to customize your case. There are many empty bays for HDDs either in 3.5" or 2.5" format. Dual VGA cards are not a problem and there is lot of space for your PSU cables to keep the hidden. Of course you can add more fans or water cooling to the case and further improve overall performance. The installation procedure isn't hard and be quiet! has a printed manual to help with some basic steps. There are also video guides posted at the be quiet! Silent Base 802 website, which also explain how to reverse the case and make the tempered glass to the right side, neat!

Overall we liked the box and we feel if you want a middle-sized box, with quality and great acoustic performance the Silent Base 802 is a great solution. Its retail price comes around ~140 Euro depending your region and comes in two colors, black or white and with or without glass window, depending your taste and needs.

Positive
+ Attractive design (especially the Windows version)
+ Includes two front/top panels, acoustic/air flow giving users freedom of choice
+ Top area panels are magnetic secured
+ Retail package includes screws and cable ties
+ Lot of space inside to fit full ATX with RTX3090 VGA card
+ Has lot of cable entrances for easy cable management
+ Very good acoustic insulation
+ Lot of ports at the front area
+ Can fit up to eight (8) 140mm fans
+ Includes hardware fan controller
+ Noise levels are very good with acoustic panel
+ Can fit tons of 3.5"/2.5" HDD (with however additional cost for HDD bay)
+ Lot of space for big power supplies
+ The case can be reverted and side panel move to the right side
+ 3 year warranty

Neutral
* No RGB options for end users (installed fans or fan controller)
* Printed/online documentation could be better for entry level users

Negative
- The default thumb screws are hard to twist with bare hands
- Bottom case feet installation process may annoy you
- No installation option for 5.25" optical drives
- Εxtra HDD bay will cost you addional money
- The installed fan controller doesn'ts seem compatible with Asus AI Suite 3 software