be quiet! Pure Base 501 LX Black Mid-Tower ATX Case | High Airflow | 4 Preinstalled Light Wings LX PWM Fans | ARGB Lighting with Controller and PWM hub | Optimized Air Pressure Case | BGW78
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AI Verdict
This is an ARGB-focused ATX mid-tower with four pre-installed Light Wings LX PWM fans, built for high airflow and showcasing components.
This case is a strong fit for users wanting a high-airflow ATX build with prominent ARGB lighting. The four pre-installed Light Wings LX PWM fans and integrated ARGB/PWM hub deliver on its promise of an 'ARGB ecosystem' and optimized air pressure.
If top-mounted 280mm or 360mm liquid cooling is a must, look for cases with wider top radiator support.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Comes with four Light Wings LX PWM fans (3x 120mm, 1x 140mm) for optimized airflow and ARGB lighting.
- Includes an ARGB controller and PWM hub that supports up to six devices, simplifying lighting and fan control.
- Offers vertical GPU installation with 90° rotatable PCIe slots, accommodating wide high-end graphics cards up to 368mm.
- Features integrated cable routing options and velcro tiedown points behind the motherboard tray for clean builds.
- Supports large CPU coolers up to 178mm in height.
- Front panel and top cover are designed for maximum airflow, contributing to effective cooling.
Cons
- Top radiator support is limited to 240mm, preventing installation of larger 280mm or 360mm radiators in that position.
- The HDD cage, located in the PSU shroud, might restrict airflow for drives or complicate cable management for some users.
- The power supply unit must be mounted with its fan facing down.
- Lacks internal LED strips found in some other be quiet! models, focusing lighting solely on the fans.
Dimension Scores
The case includes four pre-installed Light Wings LX PWM fans and a mesh front/top for high airflow, directly impacting cooling performance.
The Light Wings LX fans are optimized to reduce noise-generating turbulences, and reviewers note quiet operation despite the airflow focus.
Reviewers consistently mention solid construction and a clean design, with a tempered glass side panel.
It offers cleverly integrated cable routing options and pre-installed velcro tiedown points behind the motherboard tray.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing ARGB aesthetics and synchronized lighting effects.
- Systems requiring high airflow for components like high-end graphics cards and CPUs.
- Showcase builds with vertical GPU mounting.
- Users who need comprehensive fan and ARGB control from a single hub.
Not Recommended For
- Builds requiring a 280mm or 360mm radiator mounted at the top of the case.
- Users who prefer a completely silent build over high airflow and RGB.
Watch Out For
- Top radiator mounting is restricted to 240mm, so larger 280mm or 360mm AIOs will only fit in the front.
- The HDD cage's position in the PSU shroud could make cable routing tight or impact HDD temperatures if not managed carefully.
- If you don't care about ARGB lighting, the value of the four pre-installed Light Wings LX fans might be diminished.
- PSU fan must face downwards, which is a minor build consideration.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DYLHRVKH |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Pure Base 501 LX Black |
| Fan Size | 120 Millimeters |
| Material | Tempered Glass |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | Pure Base 501 LX Black |
| Item Weight | 17.16 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | BGW78 |
| 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 | Mini ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is how well be quiet! balanced high airflow with quiet operation, even with four pre-installed ARGB fans. Many reviewers highlight the case's ability to keep components cool without becoming a jet engine. The integrated ARGB and PWM hub is a recurring positive, simplifying the setup for lighting and fan control. Builders also appreciate the thoughtful cable management features, making for a tidy final product.
“Dude, this case is sick for RGB, the fans are bright and it actually keeps my 4080 Super cool, but seriously, why can't I put my 280mm AIO up top?!”
Common Praise
- The four Light Wings LX fans move a ton of air and look fantastic with their ARGB lighting.
- Cable management is a breeze with the included velcro straps and ample space behind the motherboard tray.
- The vertical GPU mounting option is a cool feature for showing off your graphics card.
- It fits large components like 360mm front radiators and tall CPU coolers without issue.
- The overall build quality feels sturdy, and the tempered glass panel gives a premium look.
Common Complaints
- Really wish it supported a 280mm or 360mm radiator in the top, 240mm feels a bit limiting there.
- The HDD cage in the PSU shroud can be a pain if you're trying to cram a lot of cables or a large PSU.
- For the price, some expected more internal RGB elements beyond just the fans.
- Mounting the PSU with the fan facing down is a minor inconvenience.
Ownership Tips
- The ARGB hub behind the motherboard tray is super convenient for connecting all the fans and other RGB components, making software control easy.
- Even with the mesh panels, dust accumulation is manageable thanks to the filters, but regular cleaning is still needed.
- The case feels more spacious than its 'compact' description suggests, fitting high-end hardware comfortably.
- The pre-installed fans are surprisingly quiet, even under load, which is a signature be quiet! trait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of fans come pre-installed?
It comes with four be quiet! Light Wings LX PWM fans: three 120mm fans in the front for intake and one 140mm fan in the rear for exhaust.
Can I mount my graphics card vertically?
Yes, the PCIe slots can be rotated 90° to allow for vertical installation of high-end graphics cards. You'll need an optional be quiet! Riser Cable for this.
What is the maximum radiator size supported?
You can install up to a 360mm radiator in the front and up to a 240mm radiator at the top.
Does it have good cable management?
Yes, it features cleverly integrated cable routing options and velcro tiedown points behind the motherboard tray for easy and clean cable management.
What are the front I/O ports?
The front I/O includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and a combo audio jack.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're essentially choosing the home for all your expensive components. You need to think about how much air it can move to keep things cool, how much space you have for big graphics cards or liquid coolers, and if it looks the way you want. Don't just pick the cheapest one; a good case can make building easier and keep your PC running better for years.
Airflow Design
This refers to how easily air can enter and exit the case. A case with good airflow, often indicated by mesh panels, helps prevent your CPU and GPU from overheating, which can lead to better performance and component longevity. Think of it like your house needing open windows on a hot day.
Fan/Radiator Support
This tells you how many fans or liquid cooling radiators you can install and their maximum sizes. More fans or larger radiators generally mean better cooling potential, especially if you have powerful, heat-generating components. It's like having enough AC units for a big house.
ARGB Lighting & Hub
ARGB (Addressable RGB) lighting lets you customize the color of individual LEDs, creating cool effects. An included hub simplifies connecting and controlling multiple ARGB devices, so you don't have a mess of cables or need extra controllers. It's the difference between a single light bulb and a smart lighting system for your room.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit, look for cases with larger top radiator support (e.g., 280mm or 360mm) or those with more internal drive bays if you need extensive storage.
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