BeQuiet! Pure Base 501 DX: A mainstream case with ARGB

A relatively small PC case with the potential to attract the masses. That is, if you care at least a little about colorful lighting. Otherwise, we’re still in the “midi-tower” class, where price accessibility also plays a role. Within BeQuiet!’s product lines, this case still belongs to the lowest (Pure Base), although it keeps a “higher” standard throughout. There’s nothing that would suggest excessive cuts or visible flaws.

We could say this is a case with the potential to appeal to a broad spectrum of users, as the Pure Base 501 DX is not only relatively affordable but also comes equipped with ARGB LED lighting. These are two features that stand out even without in-depth testing. Naturally, to form a comprehensive picture, it’s also essential to consider the structural design of the individual components and the cooling performance. We’ll analyze everything in detail, step by step.

Wordpress Table Plugin

External details…

In terms of size, the Pure Base 501 DX fits well into the “midi-tower” case category. Its volume (including the feet, since we’re counting those too…) is approximately 48 liters. That’s how much space the case occupies in the area where it’s placed. The dominant dimension is height (463 mm with feet), which allows for the installation of 360 mm liquid cooling radiators at the front.

The depth of the case is slightly shorter (450 mm), and the top supports only a 240 mm liquid cooler. That is, in theory – the distance from the top panel to the motherboard (~30 mm) is fairly tight and not very compatible with the width of standard liquid cooling units. We’ll explore this topic further in the second chapter of the article, which is largely focused on component compatibility and internal layout.

For now, one basic detail: the tested BeQuiet! Pure Base 501 DX case is the black variant (model code BGW76). This model always ships with tempered glass, as BeQuiet! clearly puts emphasis on appearance – naturally tied to having a clear view of the components inside the case. But cooling performance is not neglected either, with large perforated areas on both the top and front panels. This is important to ensure that fans can draw in the maximum amount of cool air from the surroundings – or conversely, efficiently exhaust warm air. Ideally, this should happen with minimal negative impact on airflow. Even the top mesh represents a certain level of resistance that fans have to overcome.

 

The front I/O panel with connectors and the power button (centered) includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and one USB Type-C port (3.2 Gen 2). This setup maximizes the potential of the connection layout – making use of a single 19-pin header (for the two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports) and an internal USB-C connector.

The rear of the case is simple and unremarkable. It features six PCIe slot covers and a mount for either a 120 mm or 140 mm fan. A fan is already pre-installed here – a Pure Wings 3 140 mm model.

On the bottom side of the case runs a dust filter stretching from front to back. It’s made of nylon, meaning it has a fine mesh that can catch smaller dust particles. This filter is easy to remove (by pulling a small handle on its shorter side) and can be washed with water.

 

With the Pure Base 501 DX, BeQuiet! didn’t invest in any fancy extras – the focus here was to keep costs down while offering an attractive design, solid component compatibility, and, ultimately, decent cooling performance. That last point matters especially because the case comes equipped with a total of three fans. These fans are capable of running quietly or can be slowed down to very low speeds when necessary.

Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.