be quiet! Pure Base 501 White PC case | 2 Preinstalled Quiet Fans | Mid Case | USB 3.2 Gen | Quiet PC Case
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AI Verdict
A mid-tower PC case for Extended ATX builds, featuring two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans and front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C connectivity.
This case is a strong fit for users building a quiet, air-cooled or 240mm AIO system with an E-ATX motherboard and large components. Its two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans and noise-optimized design deliver on its quiet promise. The front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port provides modern connectivity.
If you need larger radiator support, specifically 280mm or 360mm at the top, look for cases explicitly stating compatibility for those radiator sizes in their top mounting positions.
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Pros
- Includes two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans for quiet operation.
- Supports Extended ATX motherboards.
- Front I/O panel includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C and dual USB 3.2 Type A ports.
- Accommodates GPUs up to 368mm long and CPU coolers up to 178mm tall.
- Offers vertical GPU mounting with rotating PCIe slots (requires separate riser cable).
- Features four pre-installed Velcro ties and ample space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
Cons
- Top radiator support is limited to 240mm, with 280mm liquid cooling solutions not supported.
- The PSU shroud is unperforated, requiring the power supply fan to face downwards.
- The HDD cage in the PSU shroud might restrict airflow for hard drives.
- Vertical GPU mounting requires an optional riser cable, which is not included.
- No 5.25-inch drive bays are available.
Dimension Scores
The case supports up to three front fans or a 360mm radiator and up to three top fans or a 240mm radiator, providing ample cooling potential for most builds.
Equipped with two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans and designed for noise reduction, users frequently report quiet operation.
Constructed from metal with a clean aesthetic, though one reviewer noted the tempered glass side panel felt thinner than other be quiet! cases.
The case provides ample room behind the motherboard tray and includes four pre-installed Velcro ties for organizing cables.
Best For
- Builders prioritizing quiet operation with air cooling or a 240mm top AIO.
- Systems requiring support for Extended ATX motherboards and large GPUs (up to 368mm).
- Users needing modern front panel connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C.
- Setups where a clean, minimalistic aesthetic is desired.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts planning 280mm or larger liquid cooling radiators at the top.
- Builds requiring 5.25-inch optical drive bays.
- Users who need a vertical GPU mount included out-of-the-box with a riser cable.
Watch Out For
- The included vertical GPU mounting hardware does not come with a PCIe riser cable, requiring an additional purchase.
- Cable management can be challenging if installing a thick radiator in the PSU tunnel, potentially requiring the HDD cage removal.
- The tempered glass side panel is noted by one reviewer as being thinner than expected for a be quiet! case.
- The front fan filter has been described as somewhat flimsy by some users.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DGXQXVSV |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Color | Airflow White |
| Series | Pure Base 501 |
| Fan Size | 140 Millimeters |
| Material | Metal |
| Case Type | Tower |
| Model Name | Pure Base 501 |
| Item Weight | 14.96 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | BG075 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.72 x 9.09 x 18.23 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.72 x 9.09 x 18.23 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Motherboard Compatability | Extended ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming, performance |
What Buyers Say
People really dig how quiet this case is, which makes sense given the 'be quiet!' name and the Pure Wings 3 fans it ships with. The clean, minimalist look and the inclusion of a front USB-C port are also big wins for many. Builders appreciate the space for large GPUs and CPU coolers, making it pretty flexible for powerful systems. However, some folks wish it came with more than just two fans, and the lack of 280mm top radiator support is a bummer for liquid cooling enthusiasts.
“Dude, this case is SO quiet, my old PC sounded like a jet engine next to it. Wish it had another fan or two, but seriously, my temps are fine and I can actually hear myself think now.”
Common Praise
- The two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans run very quietly.
- The front I/O includes a convenient USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port.
- The case has a clean, minimalist design that many find appealing.
- There's plenty of space for large graphics cards (up to 368mm) and tall CPU coolers (up to 178mm).
- Cable management features like Velcro ties and space behind the motherboard tray are effective.
Common Complaints
- Only two 140mm fans are pre-installed, with some users wanting more for optimal airflow.
- 280mm radiators cannot be mounted at the top of the case.
- The vertical GPU mount requires a separate, unincluded riser cable.
- The front dust filter can feel a bit flimsy.
- The PSU shroud is solid, meaning the PSU fan must face down, which some find restrictive.
Ownership Tips
- The included Pure Wings 3 fans are genuinely quiet, even under load, contributing significantly to a low-noise build.
- The magnetic mesh front panel is easy to remove for cleaning, but the front filter itself can feel a bit thin.
- While there's space for cable management, routing thicker cables or multiple fan/RGB wires can still require some patience.
- The vertical GPU mounting option is a nice touch for aesthetics, but remember that extra riser cable cost.
- The case feels compact for a mid-tower, which is great for desk space, but still fits large components.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fans are included with the Pure Base 501?
The be quiet! Pure Base 501 includes two 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans, with one installed in the front as intake and one in the rear as exhaust.
Can I mount a 280mm liquid cooler in this case?
No, the Pure Base 501 supports up to a 240mm liquid cooling solution at the top, but 280mm liquid cooling solutions are not supported.
Does the case support vertical GPU mounting?
Yes, the case offers rotating PCIe slots for vertical GPU mounting, but you will need to purchase an optional PCIe riser cable separately as it is not included.
What kind of USB ports are on the front panel?
The front I/O panel features one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port and two USB 3.2 Type A ports, along with audio jacks and power/reset buttons.
How many hard drives and SSDs can I install?
The case supports two 3.5-inch hard drives in a movable/removable cage and up to four 2.5-inch SSDs.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're balancing airflow, noise, and how much stuff you can cram inside. Think about your cooling plan first: are you sticking with air, or going for a liquid cooler? Also, consider the size of your graphics card and CPU cooler, as these are often the biggest components that dictate case compatibility. Don't forget about front panel ports – USB-C is super handy these days.
Compatible: Extended ATX
This means the case can fit larger motherboards than standard ATX. If you're building a high-end system with lots of PCIe slots or RAM, you might need an E-ATX board, and this case can handle it. Think of it like a bigger garage for a bigger car.
Fan Size: 140mm (Preinstalled)
Larger fans generally move more air at lower RPMs, which means less noise. The two 140mm Pure Wings 3 fans included are designed for quiet operation, so you get good airflow without sounding like a wind tunnel.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C
This is a modern, faster USB port on the front of your case. It's reversible, so you don't have to fumble with which way to plug it in, and it offers much quicker data transfer speeds (up to 10Gbps) compared to older USB 2.0 or even USB 3.0 ports for things like external SSDs or fast charging.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't quite fit, look for mid-tower cases with explicit support for 280mm or 360mm top radiators if you're into larger liquid cooling, or cases that include a PCIe riser cable if vertical GPU mounting is a must-have for your build.
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