be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Review: A Quiet and Efficient Mid-Tower Case?
be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Review: A Quiet and Efficient Mid-Tower Case?
Table of Contents
Introduction
The be quiet! Pure Base 500DX is a mid-tower PC case designed for enthusiasts looking for a quiet and efficient build. It features a tempered glass side panel, excellent airflow, and a combination of RGB lighting and noise reduction elements. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and see if it lives up to the expectations set by the be quiet! brand.
Key Features
The Pure Base 500DX boasts a range of features that aim to deliver a well-rounded experience. Some of the standout highlights include:
- Tempered glass side panel: Show off your build with a clear view of the internal components.
- Excellent airflow: Designed with ample space for fans and radiators, ensuring optimal cooling for demanding components.
- ARGB lighting: Customize the look of your case with addressable RGB lighting, controllable via the included controller.
- Noise reduction: Sound dampening materials are strategically placed to minimize noise levels.
- Pre-installed Pure Wings 2 fans: Three 140mm fans provide efficient airflow right out of the box.
- USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type-C port: Enjoy high-speed data transfer and charging capabilities.
- Spacious interior: Ample room for high-end components, including large graphics cards and liquid cooling setups.
Performance and Cooling
The Pure Base 500DX’s cooling performance is impressive. The three pre-installed Pure Wings 2 fans, along with the well-designed airflow channels, keep temperatures under control even with demanding components. During my testing, my CPU and GPU temperatures remained comfortably within their thermal limits, even under heavy load.
The noise levels were exceptionally low. The be quiet! brand is known for its acoustic engineering, and the Pure Base 500DX certainly lives up to this reputation. Even at full fan speed, the noise generated was minimal and did not detract from the overall experience. The use of sound-dampening materials effectively muffles the sound of fans and other components.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons based on my experience with the Pure Base 500DX:
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance.
- Quiet operation.
- Tempered glass side panel provides a stylish look.
- Spacious interior for high-end components.
- Good cable management features.
- Includes a dust filter for the bottom.
- USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type-C port for fast data transfer.
- ARGB lighting adds a customizable touch.
Cons:
- The front panel can be a bit difficult to remove, especially for the first time.
- There could be more options for cable management.
Final Verdict
The be quiet! Pure Base 500DX is a compelling choice for PC enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance, quiet operation, and aesthetics. Its excellent cooling, low noise levels, and spacious interior make it a great choice for high-end builds. While a few minor drawbacks exist, the overall positive aspects outweigh them. If you’re looking for a case that ticks all the boxes for performance and silence, the Pure Base 500DX is a strong contender.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Pure Base 500DX Black |
| Color Option | Black |
| Motherboard Compatibility | ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ITX |
| Case Size Excl. Stands (L x W x H) | 450 x 232 x 443 (mm) |
| Case Size Incl. Stands (L x W x H) | 450 x 232 x 463 (mm) |
| Volume (l) | 45.25 |
| PSU Form Factor | ATX PS/2 |
| Net Weight (kg) | 7.8 |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Pre-installed Fans | |
| Fan at Top | 1x Pure Wings 2 140mm |
| Fan at Front | 1x Pure Wings 2 140mm |
| Fan at Rear | 1x Pure Wings 2 140mm |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Front: 140 x 140 x 25 mm Rear: 140 x 140 x 25 mm Top: 140 x 140 x 25 mm |
| Fan Speed at 100% PWM / 12V (rpm) | 900 |
| Airflow at 100% PWM / 12V (CFM / m3/h) | 55.8 / 94.8 |
| Air Pressure at 100% PWM / 12V (mm H2O) | 0.6 |
| Noise Level at 100% PWM / 12V (dB(A)) | 17.1 |
| Voltage Range (V DC) | 12 |
| Input Power (W) | 1.1 |
| Input Current (A) | 0.09 |
| Connector | 3-pin |
| Lifespan (h / 25°C) | 80,000 |
| Maximum Fan Installation | |
| Maximum Fans | 6 |
| Top (mm) | 2x 120 / 2x 140 |
| Front (mm) | 3x 120 / 2x 140 |
| Rear (mm) | 1x 140 |
| Optional Radiator Installation | |
| Top (mm) | 120 / 240 |
| Front (mm) | 120 / 140 / 240 / 280 / 360 |
| Rear (mm) | 120 / 140 |
| PSU Compatibility | |
| Maximum Dimensions Excl. Bottom Fan (mm) | 258 |
| Maximum Dimensions Incl. Bottom Fan (mm) | 225 |
| Graphics Card | |
| HDD Cage Installed (mm) | 369 |
| HDD Cage Removed (mm) | 369 |
| Drive Bay Capacity | |
| 3.5 Slots (Scope of Delivery) | 2 |
| 3.5 Slots (Max.) | 2 |
| 2.5 Slots (Scope of Delivery) | 5 |
| 2.5 Slots (Max.) | 5 |
| Cooling | |
| Max. Construction Height of CPU Cooler Unit (mm) | 190 |
| Airflow Channel | Front / Top / Rear |
| Lighting | |
| LED Illumination | Front LED ARGB / Internal ARGB |
| LEDs (pcs.) | 24 |
| LED Type | ARGB – 5V |
| LEDs Synchronizable with Controller/Motherboard | ✓ |
| I/O Panel | |
| USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type C | 1 |
| USB 3.2 Type A | 1 |
| USB 2.0 | – |
| HD Audio I/O | Mic + Audio |
| Qi Charger / Quick Charging Option (W) | – |
| Insulation and Damping | |
| Top Panel Insulation Mats | – |
| Front Panel Insulation Mats | – |
| Side Panel Insulation Mats | ✓ |
| Anti-vibration Decoupled HDD | ✓ |
| Anti-vibration Decoupled PSU | ✓ |
| Scope of Delivery | |
| Screw Set (Drives/Motherboard) | ✓ |
| Cable Ties (pcs.) | 6 / 4 (Velcro) |
| Removeable Dust Filters | |
| Front | 1 |
| Bottom | 1 |
| Material | |
| Top Cover | ABS |
| Front Panel | ABS |
| Side Panel | Steel |
| Side Panel Window | Tempered Glass |
| Stands | ABS |
| Safety Certification | |
| Approvals | CE, UKCA |
