be quiet! Pure Base 501 Black PC case | 2 Preinstalled Quiet Fans | Mid Case | USB 3.2 Gen | Airflow | BGW74
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AI Verdict
This mid-tower case with two 140mm fans, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, and tempered glass is designed for quiet, air-cooled builds.
This case is a strong fit for users prioritizing quiet operation and effective air cooling, thanks to its two pre-installed 140mm Pure Wings 3 fans and airflow-optimized design. It also accommodates large components like 178mm CPU coolers and 368mm GPUs, offering flexibility for high-performance builds.
If you need more extensive liquid cooling support, especially for 280mm top radiators, look for cases explicitly stating compatibility for those sizes.
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Pros
- Two pre-installed Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fans reduce turbulence and noise.
- Supports up to a 360mm radiator in the front and a 240mm radiator on top for liquid cooling.
- PCIe slots rotate 90° for vertical GPU mounting, preventing sag.
- Front I/O includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C and dual Type A ports for fast connectivity.
- Ample room behind the motherboard tray with four pre-installed Velcro ties for cable management.
- Accommodates CPU coolers up to 178mm tall and graphics cards up to 368mm long.
Cons
- 280mm liquid cooling solutions are not supported at the top.
- The unperforated PSU shroud requires the power supply fan to face downwards.
- Managing multiple 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs can be difficult due to limited space for SATA and power cables.
- Some users reported the front panel USB connector being difficult to remove, with wires separating.
Dimension Scores
The case features a high airflow intake front panel and top cover, along with two pre-installed 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans optimized for airflow.
The Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fans have airflow-optimized blades designed to reduce turbulence and noise, contributing to quiet operation.
Constructed from alloy steel and tempered glass, the case has a clean aesthetic and is described as having solid construction.
It offers ample room behind the motherboard tray with four pre-installed Velcro ties, though managing many 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives can be challenging.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing low noise levels with air cooling.
- Systems with high-end GPUs needing vertical mounting options.
- Builds requiring extensive front radiator support up to 360mm.
- Users who need fast front panel connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C.
Not Recommended For
- Builds requiring top-mounted 280mm liquid cooling solutions.
- Users planning to install many 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs.
- Enthusiasts who prefer a fully perforated PSU shroud for alternative PSU fan orientation.
Watch Out For
- The front panel USB connector can be difficult to remove, with at least one user reporting wires separating from the connector.
- Cable management for multiple 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs can be challenging due to limited space for SATA and power cables.
- The bottom front fan mount has limited room for airflow, making two 140mm fans more optimal than three 120mm fans for front intake.
- The PSU shroud is unperforated, meaning the PSU fan must face downwards, which might not be ideal for all setups.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DGXSPJ5K |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Color | Airflow Window Black |
| Series | Pure Base 501 |
| Fan Size | 140 Millimeters |
| Material | Alloy Steel Tempered Glass |
| Case Type | Tower |
| Model Name | Pure Base 501 |
| Item Weight | 15.84 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | BGW74 |
| 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 |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently point out the case's effective airflow and quiet operation, often attributing it to the pre-installed Pure Wings 3 140mm fans. Many find it easy to build in, even with large components like high-end GPUs and CPU coolers. However, some builders have struggled with cable management when installing multiple 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, citing limited space for power and SATA cables. A few users also reported issues with the front panel USB connector, specifically wires detaching upon removal.
“Man, this case is super quiet and keeps my RTX 4080 cool, but trying to cram all my old hard drives in there was a nightmare for cable routing, almost broke the front USB trying to unplug it!”
Common Praise
- The two pre-installed 140mm Pure Wings 3 fans keep temperatures in check without noticeable noise.
- It provides enough space for high-end graphics cards and large CPU coolers, like the Dark Rock Pro 4.
- The hinged, removable dust filter at the front is easy to clean.
- The case has a clean aesthetic and a straightforward design.
- The front I/O includes a fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port.
Common Complaints
- The back panel could use more clearance to aid with cable management, especially with multiple drives.
- The front panel USB connector can be difficult to remove, with wires potentially separating.
- Installing many 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs makes SATA and power cable management very difficult.
- 280mm liquid cooling solutions are not supported at the top of the case.
Ownership Tips
- The pre-installed fans are surprisingly effective at cooling, often negating the need for immediate upgrades for many builds.
- The vertical GPU mounting option is genuinely useful for showcasing hardware and managing sag, but requires an optional riser cable.
- The hinged front dust filter makes routine cleaning much less of a hassle than cases with fixed filters.
- The unperforated PSU shroud means you're committed to a downward-facing PSU fan, so plan your power supply choice accordingly.
- The case's compact dimensions still allow for large components, but careful planning is needed for complex cooling setups or numerous storage drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case support liquid cooling?
Yes, it supports up to a 360mm radiator in the front and a 240mm radiator on the top. A 120mm or 140mm radiator can also be installed at the rear.
What kind of fans come pre-installed?
The case comes with two pre-installed Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fans.
Can I vertically mount my graphics card?
Yes, the PCIe slots can rotate 90° to allow for vertical GPU mounting, which can help prevent GPU sag.
What USB ports are on the front panel?
The front I/O includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port and two USB 3.2 Type A ports.
How much space is there for cable management?
There is ample room behind the motherboard tray, and the case includes four pre-installed Velcro ties for organizing cables.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a PC case, you're essentially picking the home for all your computer parts. For a case like the Pure Base 501, you need to think about how much air can flow through it to keep your components cool, how much noise it makes, and if all your parts will actually fit inside. Don't just look at the outside; the internal layout for fans, radiators, and cable routing is crucial for a smooth build and long-term performance.
Cooling Method (Air)
This tells you the primary way the case is designed to dissipate heat. An 'Air' cooling method means the case relies on fans to move air over components, like a fan blowing on you on a hot day, rather than using liquid to transfer heat away.
Compatible (Extended ATX)
This indicates the largest motherboard size that will fit. An Extended ATX motherboard is bigger than standard ATX, so if your motherboard is smaller, it will definitely fit, giving you more room to work with inside the case.
Fan Size (140mm)
This refers to the diameter of the fans. Larger fans, like 140mm ones, can move more air at lower RPMs compared to smaller fans (like 120mm), which often translates to quieter operation while still providing effective cooling.
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C
This is about the speed and type of USB port on the front of the case. Gen 2 Type C is the fastest and most modern, allowing for quick data transfers and reversible plugging, like a super-fast and convenient charging port for your phone or external drive.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't meet your needs, look for cases with explicit support for 280mm top-mounted radiators or more dedicated drive bays with better cable management solutions for traditional HDDs and SSDs.
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