• TWEAK
• Hardware
• Computer case

Be quiet! Pure base 501 Airflow

Before we get started, I've gone and found the information about Pure Base 501 Airflow from their website.

Specifications and features

• Type: Mid-tower
• Dimensions: 450 x 231 x 463 mm
• Materials: Metal
• Motherboard support: Up to ATX
• Hard drive bays: 5 x 2.5” / 2 x 3.5”
• Maximum PSU length: 180 mm
• CPU cooler maximum height: 178 mm
• Graphics card maximum length: - mm
• Colors: Black/white
• PCI slots: 4 vertical or 6 horizontal

Blower support:

• Front: 3x 120mm / 2x 140mm
• Top: 2x 120mm / 2x 140mm
• Rear: 1x 120mm / 1x 140mm
• Bottom: -
• Page: -

Radiator support:

• Front: Up to 360/280 mm
• Top: Up to 240 mm
• Rear: Up to 120/140 mm
• Bottom: -
• Page: -

Around bequiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow

be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is designed with maximum cooling efficiency and flexibility in mind. The mesh front panel ensures improved airflow, while the pre-installed Pure Wings fans deliver efficient and quiet cooling. The case also supports graphics card mounting in both horizontal and vertical positions, allowing users to showcase their hardware. With space for liquid cooling and advanced cooling solutions, the 501 Airflow is an obvious choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts who want high performance and a stylish design.

The front of the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is dominated by a modern mesh design that is optimized for maximum airflow. The mesh panel not only ensures effective cooling of internal components, but also contributes to the elegant and functional expression of the case. The stylish look is broken by subtle design lines and a discreet be quiet! logo, emphasizing the minimalist and professional design. At the same time, the modular design makes it easy to remove the front panel for cleaning dust filters or installing fans and radiators, supporting ease of use and flexibility.

The front panel of the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is easy to remove thanks to an easy-to-use click system. No tools are required – just gently pull the bottom or top of the front to release it from the chassis frame. The panel is mounted with sturdy clips that ensure stability during use, while also providing quick and easy access to dust filters and mounting areas for fans or radiators. This makes it easy to maintain the chassis and keep the airflow optimal.

The I/O panel of the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is located at the top of the case, making it easy to access whether it is on the floor or on a table. The panel contains two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports for fast data transfers, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for modern devices and higher transfer speeds, and a combined 3.5 mm audio input and output for headphones and microphone. In addition, there is a power button with LED indicator and a reset button for restarting the system.

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow offers a spacious interior configuration that supports motherboards in the ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX formats. The case has space for large components such as graphics cards and CPU coolers with a height of up to 178 mm. There is also the option of mounting multiple SSDs and HDDs, providing flexibility for both gaming and workstations. With its well-thought-out cable management and the option of mounting liquid cooling, the case ensures a clean and efficient build.

The Pure Base 501 Airflow is designed to support extensive cooling setups. The front can accommodate up to three 120mm fans or two 140mm fans, and there is space for a radiator up to 360mm. The top can accommodate two 120mm or two 140mm fans, as well as a radiator up to 240mm. The rear can accommodate a single 120mm or 140mm fan, or a similar radiator. This flexibility allows for efficient airflow and optimal cooling of the system.

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is equipped with seven PCIe expansion slots, which allow the installation of multiple expansion cards such as graphics cards, sound cards or network cards. A special feature of this case is the ability to rotate the PCIe slots 90 degrees, which allows you to mount graphics cards in a vertical position. This flexibility allows users to visually highlight their graphics cards and can improve airflow inside the case. To mount the graphics card vertically, a riser cable is required, which can be purchased separately.  

The back of the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is designed with an eye on efficient cable management and ease of use. The case offers up to 25 mm of space behind the motherboard tray, providing ample opportunity to organize cables neatly and keep the build tidy. Pre-installed Velcro straps and strategically placed cable grommets with rubber protection make it easy to route cables in a way that both improves airflow and aesthetics. The back panel also includes mounting points for SSDs, providing additional flexibility and allowing you to maximize space while reducing overall cable clutter.

Hardware installation

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow comes with a comprehensive accessory kit that supports a hassle-free hardware installation. The package includes a set of screws for mounting motherboards, hard drives and SSDs, as well as spacers for proper motherboard placement. Cable ties and Velcro straps are also included, facilitating organized and efficient cable management. Furthermore, the case includes brackets and necessary components for vertical graphics card mounting, giving users flexibility in their system build. A detailed installation manual is included to guide the user through the assembly process.  

Installing the power supply in the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is a simple and user-friendly process. The power supply is mounted at the bottom of the case, where a dedicated PSU compartment ensures a clean and organized layout. The case supports standard ATX power supplies and has a removable PSU bracket, which makes it easy to install the unit from the outside. Also included are anti-vibration rubber, which reduces noise and vibration during operation. A pre-installed dust filter at the PSU ensures that the power supply is kept free of dust and contributes to a longer lifespan.

Although it requires screws to be removed to open the case, it is still made in a simple way that makes it easy to get into the case. It requires a little caution when removing the front, as it weighs a lot, and uses a small "hook" that will release or catch the case, depending on whether you are installing or removing it. With an ATX motherboard and a larger graphics card, it can be seen that the case still offers a lot of space, for larger.

Price

I was able to find Pure Base 501 Airflow with a price of 110$.

If you want to see more details about the Pure Base 501 Airflow from be quiet!, you can find more on their website by clicking on the banner.

Conclusion

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow is a strong addition to the popular 500 series, delivering an attractive combination of stylish design, good cooling and user-friendly features. The case is particularly suitable for gamers and enthusiasts who want effective cooling and flexibility in their builds without compromising on quality.

The case is designed for easy assembly, whether you're a beginner or an experienced builder. With pre-installed spacers and a removable PSU bracket, installing hardware is a hassle-free experience. Cable management is excellent, with up to 25mm of space behind the motherboard tray, Velcro straps, and rubber-coated cable grommets making it easy to keep cables organized. Vertical graphics card mounting is a big plus, especially since the necessary bracket is included, adding value.

Airflow is one of the case's biggest strengths. With a mesh front panel and support for up to three 120mm fans or a 360mm radiator in the front, the case delivers efficient cooling. It's suitable for both air and liquid cooling solutions, although space at the top may be a bit limited for larger radiators or fans. In addition, dust filters in the front, top, and bottom protect components from dust buildup and are easy to clean.

The build quality of the case is solid, with a sturdy steel frame and quality materials that ensure longevity. However, the plastic material of the front is a bit of a letdown, as it doesn't feel as premium as the rest of the case. The USB-C port on the front panel is a modern and practical addition that makes it easy to connect new devices.

Considering the price point of the case, the Pure Base 501 Airflow delivers excellent value for money. The many features, such as dust filters, USB-C, vertical GPU mounting options, and solid cooling, make it a strong contender in the mid-range segment.

The advantages of this case are significant: good space and cable management, improved airflow, liquid cooling options, vertical GPU mounting, and plenty of dust filters. The disadvantages are fewer but notable: the plastic of the front panel and the limited space at the top for larger cooling solutions.

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow manages to impress with its many features, good cooling and user-friendly design. It is perfectly suited to users who want a stylish case with modern features and flexibility for different build types. Based on its price, quality and functionality, the case gets a solid rating of 8 out of 10. It is an excellent choice for most users, but could be improved with a slightly more exclusive front and larger cooling options at the top.

Benefits

• Good space and cable management
• Good quality
• Improved airflow
• Water cooling option
• USB-C on the front panel
• Vertical graphics card installation
• Lots of dust filters

Disadvantages

• Plastic front
• Limited space at the top for water cooling

Score: 8