be quiet Pure Base 500 Review

 

Up Close:  Exterior

Measuring 450x231x463 (LxWxH) the Pure Base 500 is a relatively compact case, putting it firmly in the Midi Tower sector of the Market.  Although It is available with a full sized Tempered Glass side panel, the case we have for review today is actually the non window version, which lends itself more to a low noise build than a show off build.  It is though still a very pretty case, and we have to say it’s quite refreshing to review a non window case for a change.

 

 

The right hand side of the case is identical to the left, with the whole case finished in a brushed effect finish that is particularly nice. 

 

 

The front of the case is plastic, but for all the world looks like black anodized brushed Aluminium, with only the full height side vents on either side, and the be quiet logo at the bottom to break up the slab like aesthetic.  To us, it really does look like a huge chunk of billet that has been machined into, and we suspect this is the look that be quiet were hoping for.  If that’s the case be quiet, then job done! 

 

 

The Front I/O port is mounted on the sloping leading edge of the front/roof, and consists of a pair of USB 3.0s, an illuminating power switch, and a set of HD Audios.  It would perhaps have been nice to see a higher spec USB, or perhaps a Micro USB or USB type C, even if this would add to the price. 

 

 

We’re particular fans of the styling around the front corners and roof, and especially the way the front intake vents blend in.  It’s a small point, but to us, very significant.

 

 

The 500 ships with a magnetically attached sound insulated top cover that has small areas of venting. And no, you’re not the only one’s  who aren’t really sure what the point is of making something from a sound insulating material and then cutting holes in it, but there you go, we’re not Fractal design engineers are we???

 

 

With the top cover removed we get our first glimpse of the air and water cooling credentials of the 500,  Looks like we should be able to a 240mm rad up here no problems, especially with what appears to be a good sized off-set. 

 

 

What you might not realise is that the 500 ships with an alternate air permeable top cover/filter, so if you’re not too bothered about noise, and instead want something a bit more of a lean towards performance then this would be the better option. 

  

 

The rear of the case has the usual I/O cut out and has a position for either a 120 or 140mm fan, with a 140mm fan pre installed. 

 

 

Below this we have seven vented PCI slot covers, and a PSU cut out with a PSU mounting panel to make life a little easier. 

 

 

Flipping the case over we see it mounts on four rubber capped plastic feet, and has a full length filter, although we’re not really sure why, as there’s no ventilation at the front floor of the case!