Interviu

La GamesCom-ul din acest an, organizat in Koln, Germania, am avut ocazia sa stau de vorba cu Marco Marquardt, care este responsabil cu proiectarea carcaselor pentru PC. Am intalnit un om pasionat de ceea ce face. Mai jos puteti vedea discutia noastra cu el, concentrata atat pe noile serii de carcase lansate la Computex si GamesCom, cat si pe diferitele stadii prin care trece o carcasa, incepand cu proiectarea, fabricarea primelor prototipuri, testarea, si, in final, produsul pe care il putem cumpara din magazine.

1 – Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Gamescom 2024 was a big event for be quiet! How was the overall experience for the company at this year’s show?

Gamescom 2024 was a fantastic show which attracted a lot of visitors to our booth. We were showcasing our upcoming “Light’ products, including Light Base 600/900, Light Loop and Light Wings LX fans. We presented for the first time the Pure Base 501. This case follows in the footsteps of the extremely successful and award-winning Pure Base 500 series, proving that simplicity can be exciting.

The show was a great opportunity for attendees to get an up-close look at these innovative products. In addition to the product presentations, we had many exciting activities lined up for our visitors. Gaming enthusiasts had the chance to test their skills in competitive gaming and we had attractive contests for the community.

2 – One of the standout products at Gamescom 2024 was the Light Base 900. Can you highlight the key features and innovations that make this case unique compared to previous models?

The Light Base 900 is the first PC case from be quiet! with a “show case” design. With its fully windowed front and side panel, it provides a stunning view of the components inside the case. What is also unique about the case is that the Light Base offers easy inversion or even a horizontal layout within a few seconds – which is something that made a lot of heads turn at Gamescom. We are also including three fans with reversed blades so you can enjoy the nice lighting effects with great airflow.

3 – The Light Base series includes both the 900 and 600 models. What are the main differences between these two cases, and what kind of users are each of them aimed at?

Light Base 900 provides more space than the 600 model and therefore it offers compatibility for E-ATX motherboards and large radiators up to 420mm. Additionally, it is equipped with Light Wings fans, where the 600 model has the completely new Light Wings LX.
Both cases are designed for hardware enthusiasts that like to see their beloved PC components at work. With a fully windowed front and side panel, the Light Base series offers a stunning view inside system.

4 – The Light Base series is the first series from be quiet! that supports all major vendors’ backside connectors (ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero, Gigabyte Project Stealth). How was the process of collaborating with these motherboard vendors?

All of them have been very supportive. The main goal was to provide full compatibility with all major manufacturers so that the end-user could have complete freedom of choice when it comes to components and we managed to fulfill this task perfectly

5 – With the Light Base series of cases, you’re using the two-chamber design for the first time. Why now? What are the advantages and disadvantages (if any) of such an approach?

The dual-chamber layout allows to separate the cooling and cable management zones. So you have more direct airflow for thermally demanding components. This results in better airflow and reduced heat build-up. It also gives you an opportunity for a better cable management. Also the wider design means more fan mounting options and more space for radiators and water cooling – and of course support for backside motherboard connectors.

In particular we have chosen this design for the Light Base cases because it also allowed us to have easy case inversion features.

6 – Community feedback is crucial for product development. What has been the initial response from the community to the new Light Base series, as is it a bit different from the cases we’ve seen from you in the past?

The feedback from the community is very enthusiastic and the case is highly anticipated. The new Light Base project has received recognition from many visitors both at Computex and at Gamescom. Even though the case presents a totally new design, it is still in the be quiet! style.

7 – be quiet! has historically kept ARGB lighting to a minimum, yet we’re seeing more ARGB models in your recent releases. What prompted this shift, and how do you see it impacting your brand identity and customer base?

We are focussing on the future of gaming. That’s why we are constantly working to develop innovative solutions that offer the perfect balance of performance and silence. We create innovative projects for end users. User needs and trends are important to us, we have a variety of products for different gaming solutions. Our gaming products will fulfil the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s gamers.

8 – In addition to Light Base be quiet! also presented the new Pure Base 501, which user group is this case aimed at?

Pure Base 501 proves that simplicity can be exciting. Useful features and a compact size make this case perfect for any gaming or office PC. It is also perfect for everyone looking for a PC case that despite its compact dimensions offer surprisingly many features and room for large components. It also comes in different versions with mesh or closed front panel. It will be perfect for a wide range of gaming or office PCs.

9 – Many of our readers want to know more about the process of designing a case from scratch. What are the steps, how long does it take, and what’s the most difficult part of this process?

The development of a new PC case always starts with extensive research to identify market trends and consumer preferences. We conduct surveys, analyze customer feedback, and collaborate closely with our design team to envision concepts that balance functionality and aesthetics.

After conceptualizing the design direction, our engineering team creates detailed drawings and specifications. These initial designs are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet our standards for acoustics, cooling, and build quality. Iterations are made based on the results, and prototypes are constructed for further testing. Throughout this process, our team remains focused on achieving the perfect balance between performance, silence, and visual appeal. Listening to user feedback and incorporating innovative solutions are key aspects of refining the final product before it goes into production. Our ultimate goal is to create a PC case that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our customers. Each component is carefully selected to ensure optimal performance and durability.

be quiet! places a strong emphasis on quality in their products, subjecting prototypes to rigorous testing to evaluate factors such as airflow, noise reduction, and build quality. The company aims to deliver visually impressive and high-performing PC cases that exceed the expectations of their customers, incorporating innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern PC users and gamers.

10 – Looking forward, what other innovations or products can we expect from be quiet! in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or developments you can share with us today?

At the moment we are presenting our new “Light’ products and Pure Base 501 at Gamescom, but of course the entire product management department is working intensively on new products, so that we can bring to the market a lot more premium, silent and high-quality products for gamers all over the world.