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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The be quiet! Pure Base 501 LX is a mesh-front, ATX-compatible mid-tower that comes with four ARGB PWM fans and a hub for up to six fans. Its published clearances and radiator positions suit many mainstream gaming and desktop builds, but the fit of a particular GPU, cooler, radiator, and power supply depends on the assembled configuration. Independent reviews report effective cooling in their respective test systems, while also noting that fan noise and temperatures vary with fan curves and radiator placement.
What the Pure Base 501 LX includes
The LX is offered in black (model BGW78) and white (BGW79). It supports ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards and has a tempered-glass side panel. Its front intake is designed for airflow, and the case includes ARGB lighting control and an ARGB/PWM hub.
- Three 120 mm Light Wings LX PWM fans at the front.
- One 140 mm fan at the rear.
- A hub supporting up to six fans in total.
The four included fans make the LX a reasonably complete starting point for a lit build; adding fans is optional, not a prerequisite. The official fan-position limit is three 120 mm or two 140 mm fans at the front, two 120 mm or 140 mm fans at the top, and one 120 mm or 140 mm fan at the rear. The manufacturer’s specifications are on the Pure Base 501 LX product pages.
Will your components fit?
be quiet! lists a maximum graphics-card length of 368 mm and CPU-cooler height of 178 mm. Those are case limits, not a guarantee that every combination of parts will fit: a front radiator and its fans occupy space that can affect GPU clearance, and the PSU limit changes if a bottom fan is installed.
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- Pure Base 501 LX Black is for the ARGB enthusiasts out there. With 4 preinstalled Light Wings LX PWM fans, this case is predetermined to be your next show case. With its countless modes and colors and the possibility to synchronize your ARGB effects, Pure Base 501 LX Black leaves nothing to be desired. To support a full ARGB ecosystem, a hub for 6 ARGB devices and PWM fans is installed behind the motherboard tray.
- With optimization for maximum airflow, Light Wings LX 120mm PWM is the right choice for any case configuration that demands high cooling performance. Its 7 airflow-optimized fan blades not only reduce noise-generating turbulences but also ensure Light Wings LX PWM provides the performance that is needed, even in demanding configurations. 3 Light Wings LX 120mm PWM pull cool air from the front, while a large 140mm fan exhausts the warm air through the rear.
- Despite its compact dimensions, Pure Base 501 LX Black offers enough space for high-end graphics cards and large coolers. Triple fans or a radiator up to 360mm can be installed easily at the front, while top area provides space for up to 2 fans or a radiator up to 240mm.
- Why not try something else with your GPU? The PCIe slots of the Pure Base 501 LX Black can be rotated 90° for an upright installation of wide high-end graphics cards. The spacing is perfect for the optional be quiet! Riser Cable, whose foam base provides excellent anti-sag support for graphics cards in vertical orientation.
- As a compact PC case, Pure Base 501 LX Black optimally uses the offered space. Thanks to cleverly integrated cable routing options, it makes cable management a breeze.
| Area | Published support or limit |
|---|---|
| Motherboard | ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX |
| GPU length | Up to 368 mm |
| CPU cooler height | Up to 178 mm |
| Front radiator | 120, 140, 240, 280, or 360 mm |
| Top radiator | 120 or 240 mm |
| Rear radiator | 120 or 140 mm |
| PSU length | Up to 200 mm without a bottom fan; up to 180 mm with one |
| Drive support | Up to two 3.5-inch drives and five 2.5-inch drives |
| Dimensions, including stands | 450 × 231 × 463 mm |
Before buying, compare the exact dimensions of the assembled parts with the current manufacturer specifications. In particular, verify the GPU’s available length with the intended front radiator and fans, and check PSU clearance if you plan a bottom fan. The published radiator sizes describe supported mounting positions, not proof that every radiator, fan, and component combination has unobstructed clearance.
How cooling and noise look in independent reviews
Reviews provide useful examples, not a universal performance score. Results depend on the hardware, fan settings, radiator placement, room, and measurement method used in each system.
Rank #2
- Pure Base 501 LX White is for the ARGB enthusiasts out there. With 4 preinstalled Light Wings LX PWM fans, this case is predetermined to be your next show case. With its countless modes and colors and the possibility to synchronize your ARGB effects, Pure Base 501 LX White leaves nothing to be desired. To support a full ARGB ecosystem, a hub for 6 ARGB devices and PWM fans is installed behind the motherboard tray.
- With optimization for maximum airflow, Light Wings LX 120mm PWM White is the right choice for any case configuration that demands high cooling performance. Its 7 airflow-optimized fan blades not only reduce noise-generating turbulences but also ensure Light Wings LX PWM White provides the performance that is needed, even in demanding configurations. 3 Light Wings LX 120mm PWM White pull cool air from the front, while a large 140mm fan exhausts the warm air through the rear.
- Despite its compact dimensions, Pure Base 501 LX White offers enough space for high-end graphics cards and large coolers. Triple fans or a radiator up to 360mm can be installed easily at the front, while top area provides space for up to 2 fans or a radiator up to 240mm.
- Why not try something else with your GPU? The PCIe slots of the Pure Base 501 LX White can be rotated 90° for an upright installation of wide high-end graphics cards. The spacing is perfect for the optional be quiet! Riser Cable, whose foam base provides excellent anti-sag support for graphics cards in vertical orientation.
- As a compact PC case, Pure Base 501 LX White optimally uses the offered space. Thanks to cleverly integrated cable routing options, it makes cable management a breeze.
Stock-fan airflow
In its March 11, 2025 review, benchmark.pl tested the stock arrangement of three front 120 mm Light Wings LX fans and one rear 140 mm fan. The reviewer reported good ventilation in that setup, but found the fans audible at maximum speed and recommended adjusting the fan curve. That is a reviewer’s assessment of its configuration, not a guarantee of temperatures or noise in another build.
Noise and radiator placement
Profesional Review reported 32 dBA at idle and 47 dBA under stress in its own 60-minute test. Its author linked somewhat higher component temperatures in part to a 360 mm radiator drawing warm air into the case, and suggested adding exhaust fans at the rear and top. Those decibel readings should not be treated as directly comparable with another review unless the equipment, distance, room conditions, and system configuration are also comparable.
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Rank #3
- Stunning ARGB visuals with full ecosystem support Stylish ARGB cooling block and 4 preinstalled Light Wings LX PWM fans offer vibrant illumination with countless color modes – all easily synchronized via the integrated ARGB-PWM hub for up to 6 ARGB components and fans
- Exceptional cooling performance for demanding setups 3 high-speed Light Wings LX PWM fans and a state-of-the-art pump with progressive IC ensure extremely efficient cooling – perfect for all consumer CPUs and airflow-intensive configurations
- Designed for high-end hardware and maximum airflow Optimized for superior airflow, Pure Base 501 LX Black supports radiators up to 360mm, vertical GPU installation, and features 7-blade fan design that reduces turbulence while maximizing cooling performance
- Compact yet spacious – engineered for clean builds Smart internal layout accommodates large coolers and graphics cards with ease, while cleverly placed cable routing options and a tempered glass window ensure a clean and premium look
- Advanced connectivity and control at your fingertips Front I/O features USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type C and dual USB 3.0 ports, while a dedicated controller button lets you cycle through ARGB modes or sync effects via your motherboard header
For a build based on the included fans, use a fan curve suited to the components and your noise preference rather than assuming the maximum-speed behavior is representative of normal operation. If you install a front radiator as intake, consider how the warm air it brings into the case will be exhausted; cooling outcomes depend on the complete airflow layout.
Build options and trade-offs
Vertical graphics card mounting
The case supports optional vertical GPU installation. benchmark.pl says the mounting adapter is sold separately; the exact compatible adapter was not established here. Confirm the mounting kit and riser’s compatibility with the case, graphics card, and motherboard before purchasing.
Rank #4
- Striking ARGB lighting in a clean white finish Stylish ARGB cooling block, 3 Light Wings LX White high-speed fans, and 4 preinstalled case fans create a vibrant lighting experience – all fully synchronized via the integrated ARGB-PWM hub for up to 6 components
- Advanced cooling performance made silent State-of-the-art pump with progressive IC and specially designed cold plate ensure extremely efficient heat dissipation – ideal for all consumer CPUs and performance-driven builds
- Optimized airflow and cooling capacity Three 120mm front intake fans and one 140mm rear exhaust deliver maximum airflow, while radiator support up to 360mm ensures high thermal performance under load
- Compact form factor, high-end compatibility Supports large graphics cards, vertical GPU mounting, and radiators up to 240mm on top – all while keeping builds neat thanks to smart internal layout and integrated cable routing
- Modern connectivity and intuitive control Front I/O with USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type C, two USB 3.0 ports, and a controller button for cycling through ARGB modes or syncing with motherboard headers
Fan expansion and storage
The hub supports up to six fans, so the four included units leave room for two additional fans within that stated limit. The case also supports up to two 3.5-inch and five 2.5-inch drives. Check the intended fan connectors and ARGB control compatibility before adding lighting or fans.
Family variants
Pure Base 501 is a product family that includes LX, DX, Airflow Window, and closed-front configurations. Features should not be assumed to carry across variants: check the specification for the exact model and finish you are considering.
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- Streamlined Design and Quiet Operation: Pure Base 501 is crafted for users who appreciate a minimalistic design with effective noise reduction, optimized for quiet functionality.
- Enhanced Cooling Potential: Includes a Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fan with airflow-optimized blades to reduce turbulence and noise, supporting demanding builds with up to three front fans or a 360mm radiator and up to three top fans or a 240mm radiator.
- Flexible GPU Installation: Offers space for high-end graphics cards and large coolers, with PCIe slots that rotate 90° for vertical GPU mounting, supported by an optional riser cable to prevent GPU sag.
- Efficient Layout and Connectivity: Compact yet spacious, the Pure Base 501 provides smart cable management and front I/O ports with USB 3.2 Gen. 2 Type C and dual Type A for fast and convenient access.
- German Design I German Engineering I German Quality I German Performance
Price, warranty, and who should consider it
be quiet! lists a three-year warranty and manufacturer recommended prices of €139.90 for the black version and €144.90 for the white version. These are manufacturer RRPs, not current local retailer prices; confirm live pricing and availability in your region before deciding.
The LX is a plausible fit if you want an airflow-oriented ATX case with four preinstalled ARGB PWM fans, a glass side panel, and front or top radiator options. It is less straightforward if your decision hinges on silence at high fan speeds, an exact radiator-and-GPU clearance combination, or a particular vertical-GPU kit: those require configuration-specific checks. Compare it with alternatives using matched tests where possible, and weigh included fans, radiator layout, clearances, storage, assembly features, warranty, and local price rather than relying on one review’s temperatures.
For additional context, the be quiet! press page reproduces a Nexthardware review rating of 4.5/5. That is an outlet rating relayed by the manufacturer, not a standardized cooling or noise measurement: be quiet! press page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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