be quiet! Silent Base 601 review - Product showcase – exterior

Both side panels look very similar (plain). A small reminder – this chassis weighs about 10 kg, mainly because the frame and panels are made entirely of metal, and 10 mm high-grade, extra-thick dampening mats were used. The body is black, but the review sample has some orange accents. At 240 x 514 x 532 mm (WxHxD) / 9.44 x 20.23 x 20.94 inches, the size is quite average for today’s standard. The following motherboard form factors are supported:

• E-ATX (30.5 x 27.5cm/12”x10.8”),
• ATX,
• M-ATX,
• Mini-ITX

The weight is quite significant (again, it’s over 10 kg), but this should make the chassis more stable.

At the back, we can see 7 horizontal expansion slots (and 2 vertical ones, but this does not necessarily make sense without a side window), so it’s possible to set up dual-slot cards in Crossfire or SLI mode. The PSU frame is removable, so it’s easier to install a unit. The rear fan mount is fixed, with a single placement option, and holes are only for 120 and 140 mm units.

Here you can find the two side panel release buttons, and ventilation ducts for the side and the top panel.

The first thing that catches your eye at the bottom is the huge dust filter. It’s almost as long as the entire chassis. It’s possible to mount a 120/140 mm fan there, and of course, a PSU, which makes it clearer why be quiet! chose this solution. The dust filter can be easily removed, simply by pulling it from the front of the chassis. The four rubberized and sturdy feet allow the PSU to breathe easily.

At the top, you can find a standard I/O panel. There are two USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 2.0 port, audio jacks and – last but not least – a 3-way fan controller.

The rest of the top part contains six ventilation holes for rising hot air.

Air is also sucked in through the front mesh on both sides. Well, it either sucks or blows right ? :-)