The be quiet! Light Base 500 LX is a thoughtfully engineered mid-tower PC case that strikes a harmonious balance between compact size, high-performance cooling, and elegant aesthetics. Its design should appeal to gamers, enthusiasts, and professionals who prioritise silent operation and clean design. Fans of the lovely Light Base 600 will find it incorporates advanced airflow concepts and features synonymous of the range, all within a smaller footprint.
be quiet! Light Base 500 LX
from €144.90 / $144.90
Pros
- Innovative sliding side fan bracket with angled intake for optimised airflow toward GPU and CPU.
- Four pre-installed 120 mm Light Wings LX ARGB PWM fans.
- Tempered glass front and side panels for a premium component showcase.
- Versatile interior supporting wide range of component sizes.
- Integrated hub controlling up to six fan channels and six ARGB devices.
- Supports radiators up to 360mm on top.
Cons
- Limited 3.5-inch drive bays, with one used by the hub, reducing traditional HDD options.
- The rear cable management space can be tight, requiring planning for better airflow and tidier builds.
- No sound-insulating material, relying exclusively on fan quality for silence.
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How we test and review products.
What makes the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX stand out with its innovative approach to airflow management, combined with tempered glass aesthetics and integrated ARGB lighting. This is all housed in a modest yet robust frame. Whether you are building a high-end gaming rig or a quiet workstation, this case is packed with features to meet modern demands.
Specification
Light Base 500 comes to market in a trio of flavours:
- Light Base 500 Black with 4 preinstalled Pure Wings 3 – $119.90/€119.90
- Light Base 500 LX Black with 4 preinstalled Light Wings LX fans and a up to six fan channels/six ARGB hub – $144.90/€144.90
- Light Base 500 LX White with 4 preinstalled Light Wings LX fans and a up to six fan channels/six ARGB hub – $154.90/€154.90
It’s always nice to see a manufacturer offer an understated, non-RGB variant at a competitive fee. Yet if you are looking for the bells and whistles of shiny illumination, LX models come in a choice of black or white, with the latter, which I have in for review, fetching a further premium.
Overall specifications clearly position the Light Base 500 LX as a capable and modern case that supports high-performance components and advanced cooling, all within a relatively small yet aesthetically pleasing package.
To begin with, the chassis adopts a compact, cube-shaped mid-tower form factor. It measures 430mm tall, 301mm wide, and 436mm deep. Moreover, it weighs approximately 11 kilograms due to robust steel construction and tempered glass front and side panels. The elevated weight reflects the use of high-quality materials that bode well for both stability and long-term durability.
In terms of compatibility, this case supports a broad range of motherboards – from mini-ITX to full-sized ATX – including back-connector motherboards for the tidiest of builds. Additionally, it offers seven expansion slots and graphics cards can be up to 400mm long, which means the chassis easily supports almost all current high-end models. As for CPU air coolers, users can install units up to 185mm tall, thereby accommodating many popular aftermarket options. The PSU, meanwhile, can measure up to 200mm.
In the storage department, the layout includes mounts for two 2.5-inch SSDs located behind the motherboard tray. Furthermore, there is a single 3.5-inch HDD cage adjacent to the PSU compartment. However, because the cage’s position partially overlaps with the included ARGB fan hub, this design slightly limits the maximum HDD capacity compared to some competitors.
There’s less limitation when it comes to thermal management, where given its size the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX truly excels. Notably, the case comes pre-equipped with four Light Wings LX 120mm PWM fans rated at up to 1600RPM.
Three of the supplied fans use a unique inclined side bracket that efficiently directs cool air onto vital components, while the fourth acts as a rear exhaust. In addition, the chassis supports extra fan mounts on the top (up to three 120mm or two 140mm), and two more on the bottom. This configuration allows radiator compatibility up to 360mm on the top panel, making the case well suited to an all-in-one liquid cooler.
Finally, the front I/O panel is well-equipped for modern needs. It includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. There is also a combined audio jack for headphones and microphone, alongside tactile buttons for power, reset, and RGB lighting modes. Altogether, these features enable convenient and comprehensive user control.
| Specification | be quiet! Light Base 500 LX |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 430 x 301 x 436 mm |
| Weight | ~10.9 kg |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Max GPU Length | 400 mm |
| Max CPU Cooler Height | 185 mm |
| Max PSU Lenght | < 200 mm |
| Storage | 2 x 2.5″ SSD, 1 x 3.5″ HDD |
| Pre-installed Fans | 4 x 120 mm Light Wings LX ARGB PWM |
| Fan Mounts | 3 side (sliding bracket), 1 rear exhaust, up to 3 top (120 mm) or 2 top (140 mm), 2 bottom (optional) |
| Radiator Support | Up to 360 mm (top) |
| Front I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x combo audio jack |
| Lighting Control | Integrated ARGB and fan controller hub |
| Materials | Steel chassis, tempered glass panels (front, side), perforated steel top |
| Cooling Features | Sliding angled side fan bracket, dust filters (side, bottom) |
| MSRP | $144.90 (Black) / $154.90 (White) |
Unboxing and Product Tour
First things first, a good ol’ fashioned unboxing. The be quiet! Light Base 500 LX comes in a brown cardboard box with picture of the chassis printed on both main sides. Luckily, two cutouts are on the side, which can help handle the package.
Inside you’ll find the manual and also (inside the chassis) – the accesories including a module for vertical mounting of graphics cards, screws and zip ties.
Preparing the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX for installation immediately reveals a series of thoughtful design choices focused on usability, airflow optimisation, and ease of maintenance.
Moving on to the exterior, the tempered glass panels are 4 mm thick and feature fine black borders that elegantly frame the internal components without distraction. Furthermore, both the front and side panels are attached via robust hinges or magnetic mounts, enabling easy removal. However, care is required to avoid fingerprints and accidental damage during handling. Additionally, the glass benefits from a slightly tinted finish, which softens the lighting and adds a tasteful sophistication to the overall appearance of the build.
To begin with, the standout feature here is the sliding angled fan bracket on the side, which holds three of the four pre‑installed 120mm Light Wings LX fans. In contrast to conventional front-mounted fan arrays, this bracket is inclined and slides upward smoothly on rails, thereby allowing quick access for dusting, fan swapping, or cable rearrangement. This innovation eliminates the need to remove the glass panels just to give the fans a quick dust, and the slide-out mechanism is quite satisfying to use.
While we’re on the topic of fans, the ones used in my white review sample are identified as Light Wings LX White. The model number is BQ LX1-12025-MR-PWM, and I can confirm these have rifle bearings and a 4-pole motor. They’re powered with a 12V, 0.32A connector and their maximum RPM is 1600 with 87.5CFM and 1.34mm H2O air pressure.
Turning to the top section, the panel constructed from perforated steel attaches magnetically and can be effortlessly removed to make way for the installation of larger CPU coolers or up to 360mm radiators for liquid cooling. Thanks to this, maintaining or upgrading cooling solutions becomes hassle-free.
The case rests on four plastic feet with rubber padding, providing stability and vibration dampening. This setup raises the chassis slightly off the desk or floor, enabling efficient bottom airflow through a removable nylon dust filter. Its design allows capturing dust effectively and is simple to detach for washing, maintaining good ventilation throughout long-term use.
At the rear of the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX you can see that there’s a place for a 120/140mm fan, with a 120 installed as standard. There are also seven expansions slots available, but one small drawback is that the piece of metal holding them in place is secured by two screws. It would be great to have tool-free thumbscrews here.
Cable management channels line the backside of the motherboard tray, equipped with multiple tie-down points and plastic covers to conceal clutter. While this setup helps route cables cleanly, the available space demands some planning, especially for builders using thick cables or large power supply units. The PSU and HDD cage assembly is modular and can be installed on either side, providing flexibility depending on the motherboard’s rear I/O design or builder preference. One things worth mentioning is that all the cables are white, which is always a nice touch on a porcelain build.
An intelligent dual-chamber internal arrangement segregates the PSU and storage from the main components, further improving airflow and cable management.
Though be quiet!’s supplied cables are white, motherboard stand-offs and screws are black, which does stand out in a chassis made (almost) entirely in white.
The I/O panel mounted towards the front-right corner is easy to reach. The built-in LED control button, coupled with integrated fan monitoring, makes system tuning accessible even for less experienced builders.
Overall, the preparation process and the case’s modular features are designed to minimise common building frustrations, especially for users who may frequently upgrade or customise their systems. It’s only in the build process that any such niggles become apparent, so let’s get cracking.
Building with Light Base 500 LX
Here’s a list of parts I’ll be using for my complete build:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Cooler: Thermaltake LA360-S ARGB
- RAM: Lexar ARES RGB 2x 16 GB 6000 MHz CL28
- Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero
- GPU: ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3080
- SSD: Lexar NQ790 2 TB
- PSU: NZXT C1500 Platinum
The end result obviously won’t be themed to optimal effect – my components are black, the case is not – but hey, I like pandas as much as the next person.
Building a system inside the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX is generally a smooth process, aided by its clever modular design. The most pressing challenge is one of rear cable management space, especially when you’re using a longer than 160mm PSU unit. In my case the NZXT C1500 is 180mm long, and though be quiet! officially supports up to a 200mm unit, I would recommend caution and suggest 180mm as a more user-friendly maximum.
Component clearance is generous for a mid-tower of this size. There’s a place for GPUs up to 400mm and CPU coolers up to 185mm in height. The top-radiator mounting supports up to 360mm in length and 55mm in thickness. Speaking of, due to the overall length of the chassis, the installation of the AIO tends to have to start at an angle, as the rear fan will make it impossible to slot straight in. Also note that if the radiator is installed with fans attached, it will be difficult to reach the connectors on the top of the motherboard; my tip is to make sure these are all hooked-up first.
The rear chamber for cables is not exceptionally spacious, but workable with efficient cable routing and use of cable ties. The dual-chamber structure isolates PSU and HDD cables from the primary airflow chamber. This helps keeping the main compartment tidy for the purpose of unobstructed cooling.
The modular PSU/HDD cage assembly can be swapped left or right to accommodate user preferences or motherboard rear I/O connectors. However, larger power supplies or dense cable bundles may require patience and strategic routing to avoid bulges behind the motherboard tray, which can interfere with the installation of the side panel.
Removing the side panel is simple and allows access to this rear cable channel. As for the sliding fan bracket, don’t forget the obvious; fan power and ARGB cables must be disconnected before sliding the mount up to prevent damage to the wires. It requires some attentiveness but rewards builders with easier fan maintenance without disassembling the entire case.
Cable management in the main chamber is easier thanks to the numerous large cutouts (even my cat appreciates that), and at the back multiple Velcro straps help achieve a clean, professional finish.
Below you can see the final effect. It looks very nice, especially with the LX’s premium RGB fans. Sure, it would be better with matching white components, but it’s always handy to have the case available in both colourways.
Performance
With some planning and care taken during assembly, the Light Base 500 LX enables a neat, functional, and visually appealing PC build. It allows maximising airflow while keeping cables unobtrusive and components beautifully displayed.
Thermal tests conducted on this case demonstrate its efficient thermal management, attributable to the side-angled intake fans that deliver fresh air directly over the GPU and CPU hot spots. Testing with powerful hardware, such as a Ryzen 9 9950X3D and an RTX 3080 GPU, showed that the be quiet! Light Base 500 LX could maintain low temperatures under load even with fans running at moderate speeds, preserving a quiet acoustic profile.
Noise levels remain low up to approximately 50% fan speed thanks to well-engineered Light Wings LX fans, which balance airflow with minimised turbulence-induced noise. Full-speed operation provides additional cooling when needed but generates more audible noise, making it suitable for heavy gaming or rendering sessions only.
Dust filters on all intake points prevent accumulation within the case, extending component longevity. The presence of the integrated fan and ARGB hub allows adjustment of fan ramps and lighting profiles easily to suit user preferences. This feature enhances both performance and user experience over time.
Temperature
The below charts offer a point of comparison and more chassis will be added in the coming months. Temperatures were recorded during idle state, and for 2D and 3D load I’m using Cinebench 2024 and Fortnite, respectively.
As you can see, system-wide temperatures are really nice, especially for the GPU, which has good access to fresh air. I’ve no qualms here, with Light Base 500 LX leaving nothing to be desired, even in a comparison with a very well-ventilated Endorfy chassis.
Noise
Noise levels are recorded in a completely enclosed room with a set ambient temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The lowest dBA level we can measure in this room without equipment activated is just under 30 dBA. We measure system noise 40cm from the side panel. The automatic fan profile was used for the purpose of testing.
Living up to its name, be quiet!’s case was quieter than the reference case from Endorfy in all three scenarios. At idle the system is barely noticeable, though you will hear the gentle hum of the fans under load. The test GPU is a particularly thirsty part – it consumes over 300W – and it’s when the graphics card spins into action that the build inevitably becomes most vocal.
Conclusion
The be quiet! Light Base 500 LX impresses as a compact, elegant, and technically sophisticated PC case that caters to both silence seekers and performance enthusiasts. With its distinctive sliding side-fan array and tempered-glass styling, it blends visual appeal with practical innovation, delivering strong cooling performance and quiet operation in a space-efficient design.
Users who want a clean-looking, easy-to-maintain case with excellent airflow will find the Light Base 500 LX appealing, especially given its unique fan layout that boosts GPU cooling efficiency. It also offers a range of mounting options and a comprehensive I/O panel that caters well to contemporary hardware setups.
Downsizing to a smaller frame does naturally introduce limitations, especially with regards to cable-routing space. The installation of a 360mm radiator is also a bit of a squeeze – you’ll need to aim diagonally to begin with – and once in situ, there isn’t a great deal of room for accessing a motherboard’s top connectors. While I’m nitpicking, the expansion slot cover ought to be secured with thumbscrews, and on a white case, black screws aren’t ideal.
Despite these minor challenges, the overall package does a stellar job of balancing flexibility, quietness, and aesthetics. Its inclusion of an integrated ARGB fan controller adds value often missing from similarly priced cases. Builders who are mindful of cable management and prefer a balance between silence and performance will appreciate most of the design choices here.
Summing it up, Light Base 500 LX is a great choice for those wanting a modestly sized PC case capable of running high-end hardware with efficient cooling and elegant RGB effects. The chassis reaffirms be quiet!’s reputation for quality and quiet operation in a modern, sleek form factor, and neatly fits the bill for a well-cooled, visually attractive system without unnecessary complexity or high noise levels.
