MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ PC Case Review

I love building a PC that is worthy of the many components inside, yet no matter how much I work on cable management, it’s always the worst part of the build process, at least if you’re not using the new MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ case. This case, when paired with a compatible motherboard, aims to create an almost cable-free PC-building experience. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a bold concept, and after spending some time with the MAG PANO M100R PZ, it’s clear that MSI is onto something special, especially when you throw this case into the mix. 

Even before you dive into what makes the MAG PANO M100R PZ case special, it manages to impress with its clean design and construction, all made to showcase the PC that will be housed inside. The case features a unique 270-degree panoramic tempered glass panel that provides an unobstructed view of your PC’s inner workings. It’s a showcase that puts your components on full display. The white variant we tested looks particularly sleek with its clean lines and minimalist approach, and I love how well it all works together. 

While there is much to love about the case, the real magic happens when you pair it with a compatible MSI motherboard, such as the B650M PROJECT ZERO or B760M PROJECT ZERO. These “back-connect” motherboards move all the connectors to the back of the board, eliminating most of the visible cables. It sounds like a very simple solution to a complex problem, but making sure it still works with current PC components makes it a challenging task, but MSI has pulled it off. The result is a remarkably clean and uncluttered interior that’s sure to turn heads.

With a B650M PROJECT ZERO board in hand, I was ready to actually put the case to the test, and honestly, I was impressed with how painless the process was. Building in the MAG PANO M100R PZ is a unique experience. The case comes with an abundance of screws, a GPU support bracket, and ample cable management accessories. MSI has clearly put thought into making the building process as straightforward as possible, and it pays off.

“Even before you dive into what makes the MAG PANO M100R PZ case special, it manages to impress with its clean design and construction, all made to showcase the PC that will be housed inside.”

For all that the case brings to the mix, it is the thoughtful design that matches the case and the board that makes the process almost magical in its simplicity. With a compatible motherboard, you can run all your cables through the back of the case, leaving the main compartment pristine. It’s a satisfying process, and the end result is well worth the effort. The only potential downside is that you’ll need to plan your cable runs carefully, as space behind the motherboard tray can be a bit tight, but that’s a relatively small price to pay. 

The MAG PANO M100R PZ comes with three 120mm reverse-blade ARGB PWM intake fans and one 120mm ARGB PWM exhaust fan. These fans provide plenty of airflow out of the box, and the case has room for up to a 360mm radiator on the front if you want to go for liquid cooling. When turned on, the fans look absolutely stunning, especially in the white case with the components on full display. The lighting gives it a modern look, with the components illuminated in all their cordless glory (at least for everything but the GPU). 

While the concept turns the build process on its head in some ways, it does not detract from the cooling performance of the case. In our tests, the case performed admirably, keeping our components cool under load, and the included fans were relatively quiet. The case also includes a pre-installed 1-to-4 ARGB PWM control card, which makes it easy to synchronize your lighting effects. 

In terms of cooling, the case supports up to 11 fans in total, with mounting points on the top, bottom, side, and rear. This level of flexibility is impressive and should allow for some creative cooling configurations. This also means you have plenty of room to push your system, giving you options for overclocking or even just adding more cooling to your system to get the best performance possible; the sky is the limit. 

While the case may be minimal in size, the MAG PANO M100R PZ still manages to be compatible with a range of expansion options. The case supports graphics cards up to 390mm in length, CPU coolers up to 175mm in height, and power supplies up to 200mm long. It also offers ample storage options, with room for two 2.5″ SSDs and one 3.5″ HDD. 

Although minor, one of my favourite aspects of the case, especially for someone like me who likes to have it on my desk for all to see, is the placement of the I/O. The front I/O of the MAG PANO M100R PZ is located on the side of the case for easy access. It includes a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, a combo audio jack, an LED switch button, and a power button. The inclusion of a high-speed USB-C port is a nice touch and adds some future-proofing to the case.

“Even with all it brings to the table, the MAG PANO M100R PZ manages to be very competitively priced at just over $100 USD.”

As much as I love what MSI has done with the MAG PANO M100R PZ, there is always room for improvement. First, and most annoying to me and my love of large PC builds, is that the case is designed specifically for Micro-ATX motherboards, which can limit your component choices. If you want to use an ATX motherboard, you’ll have to look elsewhere. I will say that even with this limitation, the MAG PANO M100R PZ manages to pack a lot into its smaller size.

Additionally, while the cordless design is impressive, it does make the build process a bit more involved. You’ll have to be meticulous with your cable management, and you may find that some of your cables are a bit stretched due to the positioning of the connectors on the back of the motherboard. Also, while the case technically supports any MATX board, it is best suited for a Project Zero or other compatible board, simply because of the design and the way the cable management works in the case. 

Even with all it brings to the table, the MAG PANO M100R PZ manages to be very competitively priced at just over $100 USD. Its unique design, ample cooling support, and included fans make it a strong contender in its price range. However, it’s important to note that in order to take full advantage of the case’s wireless design, you’ll need to invest in a compatible MSI motherboard, which can add to the overall cost of your build, although the end result is stunning. We used the B650M PROJECT ZERO in our build and it turned out very well overall, you can read our review to see how the board stacks up against the competition.

The MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ is a case that offers a new way to build a PC, and I am here for the revolution. If, like me, you’re tired of dealing with a rat’s nest of cables and want a PC that’s as much a work of art as it is a functional machine, the MAG PANO M100R PZ is definitely worth considering. It’s a case that prioritizes both form and function, and it’s a testament to MSI’s innovation in PC hardware specifications. 

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