Be Quiet! Pure Base 500 FX aRGB Mid-Tower ATX Computer Case Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Be Quiet! Pure Base 500 FX aRGB is a mid-tower ATX computer case that boasts a stylish design, impressive features, and excellent cooling capabilities. I recently had the opportunity to test it out, and I’m excited to share my findings with you. In this review, I’ll delve into its design, features, performance, and overall value, providing a comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

Features

The Pure Base 500 FX comes packed with features that cater to both aesthetics and functionality. Let’s take a closer look:

Design and Build Quality

The Pure Base 500 FX features a modern and minimalist design with a sleek black finish. The tempered glass side panel provides a clear view of your components, showcasing your build with pride. Its sturdy construction with a combination of ABS, steel, and tempered glass ensures durability and a premium feel. The case offers ample room for cable management, allowing for a clean and organized build. The front panel is mostly solid, with a subtle mesh pattern that allows for good airflow while keeping the design sleek.

Cooling

The Pure Base 500 FX excels in cooling with its well-designed airflow system. It comes pre-installed with four Be Quiet! Light Wings PWM fans, providing excellent airflow for optimal system temperatures. You can also install up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans on the front panel, allowing for even more cooling customization. The case supports up to a 360mm radiator on the front and a 120mm radiator on the rear, offering ample space for a powerful liquid cooling system. The fans are whisper-quiet, ensuring that your system remains cool without excessive noise.

Storage

The case offers ample storage options with two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch drive bays. You can choose to use all of these bays for storage, or you can combine them with SSDs for a faster and more efficient setup. The design of the drive bays is also very user-friendly, allowing you to install and remove your drives with ease. The cable management system helps keep your cables organized, even with a large number of drives installed.

I/O Panel

The I/O panel is conveniently located on the top of the case. It includes a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, microphone and headphone jacks, and a power button with a LED indicator. These connections provide easy access to peripherals and devices.

Performance

I tested the Be Quiet! Pure Base 500 FX with a high-end gaming PC equipped with an Intel Core i9-12900K processor, an RTX 3080 graphics card, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM. During my testing, the case consistently maintained optimal temperatures, even under heavy load. The fans were effective in keeping the system cool, and the noise levels remained low, even with multiple fans running at high speeds. I played various demanding games, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, and the case performed flawlessly. I was impressed with the overall thermal performance and how it remained quiet even under stress.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Sleek and modern design
• Excellent cooling performance
• Ample storage options
• Good cable management
• Easy to build in
• Quiet operation
• Premium build quality

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to other mid-tower cases
• The front panel is mostly solid, which can slightly affect airflow

Final Verdict

The Be Quiet! Pure Base 500 FX aRGB is a high-quality mid-tower case that delivers excellent performance and features. Its stylish design, impressive cooling capabilities, and ample storage options make it an excellent choice for anyone building a high-end gaming PC or workstation. While it is on the pricier side, the quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for serious PC enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a case that strikes a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and cooling, the Pure Base 500 FX is definitely worth considering.