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be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow vs Fractal Design North

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow scores 6.8/10 overall, ahead of the Fractal Design North at 6.2/10.

The be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow leads on noise and value.

They score the same on airflow and cooling, build and ease of building and space and compatibility.

The biggest difference is noise, where the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow scores 7/10 to the Fractal Design North's 4/10.

be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow

6.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Pure Base 501 Airflow is for builders who want a quiet, mesh-fronted ATX case with sound build quality. It suits mainstream desktops, workstations and homelab boxes that need a few drives and good front-to-back airflow. It is less suited to buyers who need long-GPU clearance confirmed or tall air coolers.

Typically about £118.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Fractal Design North

Fractal Design North

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design North is an ATX mid-tower for builders who want a mesh-fronted case with good build quality. It suits people planning a front-mounted radiator, as long as they accept the GPU length limit that comes with it. It is a weaker fit for anyone who wants a quiet build without adjusting fan settings.

Typically about £119.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightbe quiet! Pure Base 501 AirflowFractal Design North
Airflow and cooling30%7/107/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/106/10
Noise15%7/104/10
Value15%7/106/10
Overall6.8/106.2/10

Specifications

Specbe quiet! Pure Base 501 AirflowFractal Design North
Case type (mid tower, Micro-ATX, small form factor…)ATX mid-tower-sized case, 450 x 231 x 449 mm excluding stands, 39.2 L volume, 6.8 kg net weightATX mid-tower
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)not listed355 mm (300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator fitted)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)178 mm maximum CPU cooler height145 mm
Power supply type supported (ATX or SFX) and maximum PSU length (mm)ATX PS/2 form factor, maximum PSU dimension 180 mm (length not specified)ATX only, maximum PSU length 255 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Front 120/140/240/280/360 mm; Top 120/240 mm; Rear 120/140 mmTop 120 and 240 mm; front 120, 140, 240, 280 and 360 mm; rear 120 mm; side 2x 120/140 mm
Fans included and fan mountsTwo Pure Wings 3 140 mm PWM fans included (front and rear); maximum six (top 2x140 or 2x120; front 2x140 or 3x120; rear 1x140 or 1x120)Two Aspect 14 PWM fans included (front); mounts: front 3x 120 mm or 2x 140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mm, side 0
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)3.5-inch: 2; 2.5-inch: 5; no 5.25-inch baysTwo combined 3.5"/2.5" bays and two dedicated 2.5" bays; seven expansion slots

Strengths and weaknesses

be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow

  • + Quiet operation praised by reviewers
  • + Rigid chassis and solid build quality
  • + Mesh front with 360 mm radiator support
  • − 178 mm CPU cooler height limit
  • − No 5.25-inch bays
  • − One review found CPU cooling unimpressive

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a confirmed maximum GPU length before purchasing.
  • Builders who want 5.25-inch bays for optical or bay-mounted devices.
  • Anyone planning a tall air cooler above 178 mm.
Read the full be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow review ›

Fractal Design North

  • + Owners praise looks and solid build quality
  • + Front radiator support up to 360 mm
  • + Two Aspect 14 PWM fans included
  • − Reviewers measured 53 to 54 dB; owners complain of noise
  • − GPU clearance falls to 300 mm with a 360 mm front radiator
  • − No rear fan included

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet build without adjusting fan curves
  • Anyone pairing a long GPU with a 360 mm front radiator
  • Builders who need CPU cooler clearance above 145 mm
Read the full Fractal Design North review ›

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