MSI Unveils PROJECT ZERO Series for Cleaner, More Attractive, and User-Friendly PCs

[btarunr]

The process of assembling a computer is a great joy for gamers, but cable management can be complex and troublesome. MSI's newly introduced PROJECT ZERO series aims to eliminate these issues. The PROJECT ZERO motherboards relocate most of the cable connectors to the back of the motherboard, allowing cables to hide behind it. This not only enhances the cleanliness and aesthetics in the front but also reduces the difficulty of cable management, making the assembly an enjoyable experience. At the same time, we have introduced the PROJECT ZERO compatible chassis that complements the design philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and elegance when used together.

The PROJECT ZERO series motherboards feature a silver-white design with an extensive heatsink, exuding a clean and sleek appearance. You can choose from a variety of chipset options: Z790 PROJECT ZERO, an ATX motherboard with a 14+1 Duet Rail Power System, Lightning Gen 5 PCIe slot, 4x M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 7. B760M PROJECT ZERO, a Micro-ATX motherboard with a 12+1 Duet Rail Power System, Lightning Gen 5 PCIe slot, 2x M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E. B650M PROJECT ZERO features a 10 + 2 direct out power system, Lightning Gen 4 PCIe slot, 2x M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E.



Regarding traditional motherboards that have all connectors in the front, PROJECT ZERO's Back-connect design overturns this by relocating most connectors to the back, simplifying cable management and connections. Retaining accessible installation points for the CPU, DRAM, and SSD in the front that achieves a balance between ease of use and aesthetics. This design aims to lower the barrier for users assembling their PCs, making it a simple and enjoyable process. The products with Back-Connect designs are not limited to MSI but represent a collaborative direction with multiple chassis brands to pursue together.

Back-Connect motherboards require a specific Back-Connect compatible chassis which MSI has launched the MAG PANO M100 PZ series chassis that supports Micro-ATX motherboards, available in black and white. The 270-degree tempered glass design and Reverse-blade fans allow for viewing the clean interior from multiple angles, with ample space for cable management, enabling users to easily build their unique PCs.

The new MEG MAESTRO 700L PZ chassis is also compatible with the MSI ATX Back-connect motherboard and general EATX motherboards. The one-piece curved tempered glass and aluminium unibody through the NCT machined contribute to the PC case as an art craft. Its dual chamber design benefits not only the thermal but also the enlarging space for cable management. MEG MAESTRO 700L PZ is a limited edition and will be available soon.

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[SL2]

Cleaner, more attractive? That giant "PROJECT ZERO" name is ugly. MSI name or logo would've been fine.

 

[Solaris17]

Nice! I remember when people (still?) used to just desolder CPU/mobo connectors and attach them backwards. Those were fun times. It makes a big difference if your backplate is modded or supports it. So why not?

 

[Vayra86]

Seriously man these boutique PCs... it looks so utterly sad and useless. Tell me now, what's attractive and 'user friendly' about any of all this? I just can't figure it out. So they added another space waster to the front of this chassis and made it a fishtank. For extra cleanliness, you can see the chassis' nuts and bolts sticking out through your TG panel. And now? You can stare at your all white-except not build all day, feel all great about it in your cave of solitary confinement Weee

I mean I tried going there. So then you've got a box sitting next to you constantly trying to grab your attention with lights and fashion statements. Its a nuisance, honestly, I'm never going back to anything TG.

Cleaner, more attractive? That giant "PROJECT ZERO" name is ugly. MSI name or logo would've been fine.

Yeah thats another thing that eludes me. 'Clean' and they plaster a board full of design elements and print.

 

[Mack4285]

The idea is very good, these motherboards and cases should be the future. However, MSI should offer a black variant of the motherboard...

There are other motherboards and cases from other vendors with back connectors, so MSI is not the only choice. Asus, for example offers their similiar "BTF" motherboards and cases. However, Asus has been bribed by Intel to only offer Intel boards with these back connectors. When companies do this, you know they have become corrupt.

 

[Chomiq]

PC World's video:

They also had the yellow tipped 12VHPWR connector:

Either way we need to ditch the 24-pin connector, switch to 12VO and standardize full board level power delivery for dGPU's to avoid the cable issues.

Also MSI, gj on providing properly aligned USB headers and connecting cables:

No way this is going to fail at some point.