be quiet! Pure Base 501 DX

[Darksaber]

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 DX is a refresh of the 500 series, which was released more than half a decade ago. The refresh uses the same frame, with a slew of updates and improvements. These modernizations go a long way to keep the body relevant, allowing the refreshed design of the Pure Base 501 DX to shine confidently.

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[Chaitanya]

Does the IO still have reset button along with drive activity LED seen on base version of the case?

 

[80-watt Hamster]

Expansion slots flush with the rear panel is a hard pass for a case on the wrong side of USD100. This is my fourth* least favorite design trend in cases. Blech.

*First through third places are RGB, windows, and 230+ mm widths. This case manages to hit them all.

 

[Chrispy_]

I guess it's fine, but when the 500 series launched back in 2019 it was already a very traditional, safe design that didn't exactly look new or exciting back then. It was a 2010-2015-era case style that was better made than most of its kin, but very much of the "generic metal box" with "prominent plastic fascia" and other dated details like a four-bolt glass side panel and those flsuh expansion slot tabs under an annoying cover that adds two more screws to every single operation involving slots.

In 2025, it feels a little out of place, and definitely not competitive at $125. There are just so many better cases at the $100 mark so this isn't going to survive the price hike.
The 2024 H5 flow is just miles ahead of it as an air-cooled case that looks and feels better for a lot less money and if you want a case with radiator compatibility, then <broadly gestures at the entire $99 case market>.

 

[Sithaer]

Four-bolt glass side panel and those flsuh expansion slot tabs under an annoying cover that adds two more screws to every single operation involving slots.

As an owner of the 500 FX for a while now. '2+ years I think' Those 2 are my main issues with it especially that expansion slot thingy like whats even the point of it I still can't figure out.
Other than that its a solid built case but it was indeed on the pricey side of things when I've bought it and nowadays there are many other decent/cheaper options for sure.

 

[Chrispy_]

especially that expansion slot thingy like whats even the point of it I still can't figure out.

It's cheaper and simpler to make like that. Manufacturer profit is more important than your convenience.

It's an acceptable compromise on a $40-80 case, it's not really welcome in the $100 price bracket and it's a disgusting insult at $125.