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be quiet! Pure Base 501 DX Black Mid-Tower ATX Case | High Airflow | 3 Preinstalled Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM Fans | Optimized Air Pressure | BGW76
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AI Verdict
This is a mid-tower ATX case with three 140mm PWM fans and ARGB lighting, built for high-airflow PC builds.
This case is a strong fit for air-cooled or front-radiator liquid-cooled ATX builds, offering high airflow and generous component clearance for GPUs up to 368mm and CPU coolers up to 178mm. The three 140mm PWM fans and ARGB lighting provide a solid foundation for performance and aesthetics.
If you need top-mounted 280mm or 360mm liquid cooling, look for cases with wider top radiator support.
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Pros
- Comes with three 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans pre-installed for optimized air pressure.
- Features high airflow intake on the front panel and top cover for maximum performance.
- Includes elegant ARGB lighting on the case's front and interior.
- Offers space for high-end graphics cards up to 368mm long and CPU coolers up to 178mm tall.
- Provides ample cable management room behind the motherboard tray with four pre-installed Velcro ties.
- Front I/O includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a physical reset button.
Cons
- Top radiator support is limited to 240mm, not accommodating 280mm or 360mm radiators.
- Vertical GPU installation requires separate adapters and a riser cable, not included.
- The pre-installed fan configuration (one front intake, one rear exhaust, one top exhaust) can create adverse case pressure.
- Lacks support for 5.25-inch drive bays.
- The front fan filter has been described as flimsy by some users.
Dimension Scores
The high airflow front panel and three 140mm PWM fans are designed for maximum performance, supporting up to 360mm front radiators.
be quiet! is known for quiet operation, and the Pure Wings 3 fans are optimized to reduce noise-generating turbulences.
The case features a tempered glass side panel and generally solid construction, aligning with be quiet!'s reputation.
There's ample room behind the motherboard tray and four pre-installed Velcro ties, making cable routing straightforward.
Best For
- PC builders prioritizing high airflow and effective cooling for components.
- Users wanting integrated ARGB lighting without needing to add separate strips.
- Systems with large air coolers or 360mm front-mounted liquid cooling solutions.
- Anyone needing a compact mid-tower that still fits long graphics cards.
Not Recommended For
- Builds requiring 280mm or 360mm liquid cooling at the top of the case.
- Users who need 5.25-inch optical drive bays.
- Enthusiasts building with BTF or reverse connector motherboards, as it lacks support.
Watch Out For
- The pre-installed fan setup (one front intake, one rear exhaust, one top exhaust) can result in negative pressure, potentially pulling in dust from unfiltered areas.
- Vertical GPU mounting is an option, but you'll need to buy a riser cable and specific adapters separately, then disassemble parts of the case to install them.
- The magnetic front dust filter feels a bit flimsy, which could be a concern for long-term durability or frequent cleaning.
- Installing larger 175mm power supply units can make cable routing tighter under the shroud.
- The bottom front fan mount has limited clearance, which might restrict airflow to a fan placed there.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 1 GB |
| ASIN | B0DYM1C6LB |
| Brand | be quiet! |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Pure Base 501 DX |
| Voltage | 220 Volts |
| Material | Tempered Glass |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| Case Type | Mini-Tower |
| Model Name | Pure Base 501 DX |
| Item Weight | 17.16 pounds |
| Manufacturer | be quiet! |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Item model number | BGW76 |
| 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 | Micro ATX |
| Power Supply Mounting Type | Bottom Mount |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
What Buyers Say
Users frequently point out the case's effective airflow, often noting that the mesh front panel and included 140mm fans do a solid job keeping components cool. The integrated ARGB lighting on the front and interior is a recurring highlight, adding a modern touch without being overly flashy. However, the fan configuration out of the box can lead to negative pressure, which some builders address by adding another front intake fan. The case's compact footprint is appreciated, especially considering it still fits large GPUs and CPU coolers.
“Man, this case looks so good with the RGB, and my CPU temps are actually lower than my old case, but seriously, why only 240mm up top for an AIO? I wanted my 280mm to fit!”
Common Praise
- The mesh front panel allows for excellent air intake, keeping temperatures low.
- The three 140mm Pure Wings 3 fans move a lot of air without being loud.
- The ARGB lighting on the front and inside looks really clean and can be synced to the motherboard.
- There's plenty of room for long graphics cards and tall CPU air coolers.
- Cable management is easy with the pre-installed Velcro straps and space behind the tray.
- The inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the front I/O is convenient.
Common Complaints
- The stock fan setup with one front intake and two exhausts creates negative pressure, needing an extra fan for better balance.
- Top radiator support is limited to 240mm, which is a bummer for larger AIOs.
- Vertical GPU mounting isn't plug-and-play; you have to buy extra parts and do some fiddling.
- The front dust filter feels a bit flimsy when you handle it.
- No 5.25-inch drive bays, so no optical drives if you still use them.
Ownership Tips
- Adding a second 140mm fan to the front significantly improves internal temperatures and dust management.
- The ARGB lighting is bright and customizable, but the default patterns are also quite appealing.
- The dust filters are effective, but the front one needs careful handling when cleaning.
- Despite its 'compact' label, it feels spacious inside for building, especially for routing cables.
- The tempered glass side panel is easy to remove and reattach, which is handy for quick access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this case come with an RGB controller?
Yes, it has a button on the front I/O to control the ARGB lighting, and you can also connect it to your motherboard for software synchronization.
What size radiators can I install?
You can install up to a 360mm radiator in the front and up to a 240mm radiator in the top.
Are there enough fans included for good cooling?
It includes three 140mm Pure Wings 3 PWM fans. While these provide good air pressure, some users might consider adding another front intake fan for optimal positive pressure.
Can I mount my graphics card vertically?
Yes, vertical GPU installation is supported, but you will need to purchase a separate riser cable and specific mounting adapters.
What kind of USB ports are on the front panel?
The front I/O features one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and two USB 3.2 Type-A ports.
Buying Guide
When picking a PC case, you're basically choosing the home for all your expensive components. You need to think about how much air it can move to keep things cool, what size motherboard and graphics card you have, and if it has enough room for your storage drives. Don't forget about cable management; a messy case restricts airflow and looks bad. Also, consider the front ports you'll actually use daily.
High Airflow Intake Front Panel
This is like the lungs of your PC. A mesh or open front panel lets in more cool air, which is crucial for keeping your CPU and GPU from overheating, especially if you have powerful components.
3 Preinstalled 140mm PWM Fans
These are your PC's internal cooling system. Larger 140mm fans generally move more air at lower RPMs than 120mm fans, meaning better cooling with less noise. PWM means their speed can be controlled by your motherboard based on temperature, making them quieter when your PC isn't working hard.
Compatible: Micro ATX, ATX
This tells you what size motherboard will fit. ATX is the most common full-size motherboard, while Micro ATX is slightly smaller. Make sure your motherboard matches the case's compatibility, or you won't be able to install it.
Tempered Glass Side Panel
This is purely for showing off your build. It's a clear, durable glass panel that lets you see all your components, especially if you have RGB lighting. It's heavier and more fragile than a solid metal panel, but it looks way better.
Alternatives
If this case doesn't fit, look for models with wider top radiator support for 280mm or 360mm AIOs, or cases that include a vertical GPU mount and riser cable out of the box.



