be quiet!
be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX
Mid-tower
86
/ 100
From $129
VS
Fractal North · Charcoal wins by 6
Fractal
Fractal North · Charcoal
Mid-tower
92
/ 100
From $139
Specdex verdict
Fractal North · Charcoal takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX lands at 86 and Fractal North · Charcoal at 92. That puts Fractal North · Charcoal ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX if…
- ✓Tool-less panels on most
- ✓Cable-management channels
- ✓Dust filters
Pick Fractal North · Charcoal if…
- ✓Tool-less panels on most
- ✓Cable-management channels
- ✓Dust filters
be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX 86
vs 92 Fractal North · Charcoal
Score breakdown
be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX
86 airflow 86
build 84
features 84
value 86
Fractal North · Charcoal
92 airflow 92
build 90
features 84
value 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX | Fractal North · Charcoal |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mid-tower | Mid-tower |
be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX
Pros
- +Tool-less panels on most
- +Cable-management channels
- +Dust filters
Cons
- −Fan inclusion varies
- −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
- −Weight on glass panels
Fractal North · Charcoal
Pros
- +Tool-less panels on most
- +Cable-management channels
- +Dust filters
Cons
- −Fan inclusion varies
- −GPU clearance limits for triple-slot cards
- −Weight on glass panels
FAQ: be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX vs Fractal North · Charcoal
Which is better, be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX or Fractal North · Charcoal? +
Fractal North · Charcoal scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX worth the price? +
At $129, be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in airflow.
Is Fractal North · Charcoal worth the price? +
At $139, Fractal North · Charcoal delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in airflow.
Does be quiet! Pure Base 500 FX or Fractal North · Charcoal last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.