Skip to content
sudopicks
esc

be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow vs Fractal Design Terra

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 Terra at 5.6/10.

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

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

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 Terra

Fractal Design Terra

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Fractal Design Terra is for builders who want a compact, well-finished Mini-ITX system and are happy to choose their own cooling. It suits people planning a full-size graphics card in a 10.4-litre case with an SFX or SFX-L power supply. It is a poorer fit for anyone who wants a big radiator, lots of storage or a roomy, forgiving build.

Typically about £174.95 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 Terra
Airflow and cooling30%7/105/10
Build and ease of building20%7/107/10
Space and compatibility20%6/106/10
Noise15%7/105/10
Value15%7/105/10
Overall6.8/105.6/10

Specifications

Specbe quiet! Pure Base 501 AirflowFractal Design Terra
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 weightSmall form factor case, 10.4 L (343 x 153 x 218 mm)
Motherboard sizes supported (E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX)ATX / M-ATX / Mini-ITXMini-ITX
Maximum graphics card length (mm)not listed322 mm maximum (drops to 200 mm if a 120 mm radiator is installed)
Maximum CPU cooler height (mm)178 mm maximum CPU cooler height77 mm maximum with spine set for CPU clearance; 48 mm when configured for maximum GPU length
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)SFX and SFX-L, maximum length 130 mm
Radiator support (e.g. 360mm top, 280mm front)Front 120/140/240/280/360 mm; Top 120/240 mm; Rear 120/140 mmOne 120 mm side radiator slot
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)None included; one 120 mm bottom fan mount
Drive bays (3.5 and 2.5 inch)3.5-inch: 2; 2.5-inch: 5; no 5.25-inch baysTwo 2.5-inch mounts included; no 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays

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 Terra

  • + Premium anodised aluminium build, with a solid walnut front option
  • + Room for graphics cards up to 322 mm
  • + Owners describe the build as easy
  • − No fans or dust filters included
  • − Weak AIO support and tight clearance for CPU cooling
  • − Two 2.5-inch mounts and no 3.5-inch bays

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a 240 mm or larger radiator for liquid cooling
  • Anyone needing 3.5-inch drive bays or lots of internal storage
  • Builders who want a cooler and fans included, or a roomy, forgiving case
Read the full Fractal Design Terra review ›

More comparisons

Compare all PC cases · Best PC cases