Summary
Cable management is frustrating and often the most boring part ofbuilding a PC. Even when meticulously done, unsightly cables can still ruin the overall aesthetic of your build. But what if there was a way to make them all go away? Enter Project Zero.
Project Zero is MSI’s range of back-connected motherboards that relocate most connectors to the back of the motherboard, resulting in an ultra-clean PC with no visible cables. That includes everything from power and fan connectors to all pin headers, SATA ports, and front panel connectors. Paired with a compatible case, Project Zero motherboards hide all the cables from the front view of your PC, making your build look clean and simplifying cable management.
Building a PC with a back-connect board is much easier and quicker than standard motherboards. You no longer have to wrestle with tiny front connectors or waste time routing your cables from the front. Project Zero also improves airflow, as there are no cables to get in the way. While Project Zero isn’t perfect yet, the GPU power connector remains visible. It’s a promising first step.
MSI Project Zero Motherboard Cost
At Computex 2023, MSI confirmed Project Zero motherboards wouldn’t carry a premium over standard models. True to their word, you can grab an MSI motherboard with hidden connectors for around $210. Currently, three Project Zero models are available: theMSI Z790 Project Zero,MSI B760M Project Zero, andMSI B650M Project Zero.
The MSI Z790 Project Zero is the high-end option packed with features like DDR5, PCIe 5.0, four heatsinked M.2 Gen 4 slots, Wi-Fi 7, a 20Gbps USB-C port, and robust VRMs to handle the latest 14th Gen Intel CPUs. If overclocking isn’t your priority, the MSI B760M Project Zero offers excellent value, combining many of the latest features like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 at a lower price point. For AMD fans, the MSI B650M Project Zero is the go-to choice.
MSI Project Zero Compatible Cases
The biggest problem with back-connect motherboards like MSI’s Project Zero is case compatibility, at least for now. Unlike regular motherboards that are compatible with almost any case, you’ll need specific cases to accommodate the new backside connection layout. Fortunately, MSI already offers a line of MSI PZ cases, including sleek panoramic models like theMAG PANO 100L PZandMEG MASETRO 700L PZ, that support all Project Zero motherboards.
MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ
The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ is a dual-chamber ATX case that’s designed from the ground up for Project Zero motherboards. It supports 360mm radiators, and ten 120mm system fans, and comes with a panoramic design to show off your cool components.
Corsair 6500D Airflow
As the name suggests, this case is designed to give your components as much airflow as possible for maximum cooling. It’s a dual-chamber mid-tower case fully compatible with MSI’s ATX and micro-ATX Project Zero motherboards. It can fit up to 13, 120mm system fans and 360mm radiators on the front, top, side, and bottom.
MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ
The MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ is designed for micro ATX motherboards, and it comes with three pre-installed RGB fans and a panoramic design to showcase your build in all its glory. It supports up to 360mm radiators at the top and a 140mm fan on the bottom.
MSI has also partnered with leading case brands such as Lian Li, Corsair, Thermaltake, and Phanteks to ensure widespread support for the new motherboard standard. Most of these brands showcased their upcoming PC cases compatible with back-connect motherboards at Computex 2024. Based on what we saw, users should have no trouble finding Project Zero-compatible cases in the coming months. If you want to take Project Zero for a spin, here are some cases you can buy today that support MSI Project Zero motherboards.
MSI Project Zero vs. Other Back-Connect Motherboards
MSI isn’t the only brand offering motherboards with hidden connectors. GIGABYTE was the first to introduce back-connect motherboards in 2022, dubbed Project Stealth. Like MSI, GIGABYTE partnered with Maingear for Project Stealth, as the custom PC builder holds thepatent for the back-connect layoutin the United States. However, GIGABYTE only released aZ690 Project Stealth kit(Z690 motherboard, case, and GPU) and hasn’t released newer Z790 models yet.
ASUS also jumped on the back-connect motherboard bandwagon with its BTF (Back to Future) motherboards. Like MSI, ASUS BTF motherboards are available on the market, with options like theASUS TUF GAMING B760M-BTF Wi-Fi. While both Project Zero and BTF hide connectors on the back, they use slightly different layouts, so ensure you get a computer case compatible with each brand or both. Nonetheless, ASUS holds an advantage over MSI by offering Advanced BTF motherboards, such as theASUS TUF GAMING Z790-BTF Wi-FiandASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF, which also hide the GPU power cable for an even cleaner build.
Should You Upgrade to a Project Zero Motherboard?
Project Zero motherboards don’t improve performance compared to regular motherboards, but they excel at cable management and making your PC look incredibly cool. If you’re aiming for a clean, aesthetic build, a Project Zero motherboard will make things much easier for you. Say goodbye to the messy cables and frustrations of cable management forever by grabbing any of the motherboards below.
FAQ
Q: What is the Project Zero motherboard?
Project Zero motherboard is a range of motherboards by MSI that has all the power, data, pin headers, and other front panel connectors relocated to the back of the motherboard to keep cables hidden for a clean, aesthetically pleasing PC.
Q: Which cases support MSI Project Zero?
Several cases support Project Zero motherboards, including MSI’s own PZ cases and third-party cases such as the Corsair 6500D Airflow, Corsair 2500X, CoolerMaster MasterBox 600, JONSBO TK-2 2.0, Phanteks XT PRO, and Thermaltake Ceres 330 TG ARGB.
