Project Zero Motherboard: What Is It and Do You Need One?

Highlights

Project Zero by MSI hides all visible cables, simplifies cable management, and improves airflow for a clean PC build.
MSI Project Zero motherboards are affordable, starting at $210, and come in high-end, budget, and AMD options.
Partnered with top case brands, MSI ensures widespread support for back-connect motherboards, making it easier to find compatible cases.

As a seasoned gamer and PC builder, I can confidently say that cable management has been a constant source of frustration for me throughout my journey. Hours spent meticulously arranging cables to ensure they’re neatly tucked away only to be undone by new components or upgrades can be disheartening. That’s where MSI’s Project Zero motherboards come in, offering an elegant solution to this common problem.

Managing cables in computer building is a tedious and frequently overlooked task. Despite careful planning, visible cables can detract from the appearance of your creation. However, imagine a solution that eliminates these unsightly cables entirely. Meet Project Zero.

MSI’s Project Zero is a collection of motherboards where the majority of connections are moved to the backside, leading to an uncluttered PC with no visible wires. This encompasses power connectors, fan headers, all pin headers, SATA ports, and front panel connectors. When combined with a compatible case, these motherboards conceal all the cables from the PC’s front view, giving your setup a sleek appearance and streamlining cable management.

Project Zero Motherboard: What Is It and Do You Need One?

Constructing a PC using a backplane motherboard instead of a conventional one offers several advantages. For starters, it eliminates the need to deal with minuscule front connectors and saves you from the hassle of meticulously routing your cables from the front. Additionally, this setup enhances airflow within your system as there are no obstructions caused by cables. Although Project Zero still requires some improvements, such as concealing the GPU power connector, it represents an encouraging initiation to simplifying PC building.

MSI Project Zero Motherboard Cost

At Computex 2023, MSI assured consumers that Project Zero motherboards would not cost more than regular versions. Keeping this promise, an MSI motherboard featuring concealed connectors can be purchased for approximately $210. Presently, there are three Project Zero models in the market: MSI Z790 Project Zero, MSI B760M Project Zero, and MSI B650M Project Zero.

The MSI Z790 Project Zero is an expensive, top-tier motherboard boasting advanced features such as DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, four heatsinked M.2 Gen 4 slots, Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, a fast USB-C port, and powerful VRMs capable of managing the newest 14th Gen Intel CPUs. If you’re not into overclocking, consider the more affordable MSI B760M Project Zero. It offers many modern features like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 at a reduced cost. For those loyal to AMD, the MSI B650M Project Zero is the preferred pick.

MSI Project Zero Compatible Cases

As a fan, I’ve noticed that one challenge with motherboards like MSI’s Project Zero, which feature backside connections, is ensuring case compatibility. Unlike standard motherboards that fit in most cases, these new designs require specific cases to accommodate the backside connection layout. However, MSI has thought ahead and provides a range of compatible cases, such as the sleek MAG PANO 100L PZ and MEG MASETRO 700L PZ models, which are designed to support all Project Zero motherboards.

MSI has teamed up with well-known case manufacturers like Lian Li, Corsair, Thermaltake, and Phanteks to ensure compatibility with the new motherboard standard, Project Zero. At Computex 2024, many of these brands displayed their upcoming cases designed for back-connect motherboards, indicating a plentiful supply in the market soon. For those eager to try out Project Zero, here’s a list of cases that currently 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 the patent for the back-connect layout in the United States. However, GIGABYTE only released a Z690 Project Stealth kit (Z690 motherboard, case, and GPU) and hasn’t released newer Z790 models yet.

ASUS joined the trend of back-connect motherboards with its line of BTF (Back to the Future) products. Similar to MSI, ASUS’s BTF motherboards are now available, such as the ASUS TUF GAMING B760M-BTF Wi-Fi. Both brands conceal connectors at the back, but they differ slightly in layout, so make sure your computer case is compatible with either ASUS or MSI. However, ASUS has an edge over MSI as it provides advanced BTF motherboards, like the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-BTF Wi-Fi and ASUS ROG MAXIMUS Z790 HERO BTF, which not only hide connectors but also the GPU power cable for a more streamlined build.

Should You Upgrade to a Project Zero Motherboard?

Instead of “Project Zero motherboards don’t enhance performance as much as standard motherboards, but they shine in cable management and giving your PC an impressive look,” you could also say:

FAQ

Q: What is the Project Zero motherboard?

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: The Project Zero motherboards by MSI are a game-changer for me. Instead of dealing with a tangled mess of cables at the front of my PC build, these motherboards have got my back – literally! All the important connectors like power, data, and pin headers are moved to the backside. This not only makes my setup look neat and aesthetically pleasing but also reduces the risk of accidentally damaging any connectors while handling the components at the front.

Q: Which cases support MSI Project Zero?

A number of compatible cases exist for Project Zero motherboards, with options ranging from MSI’s own designs like the PZ series, to third-party offerings such as the Corsair 6500D Airflow, 2500X, CoolerMaster MasterBox 600, JONSBO TK-2 2.0, Phanteks XT PRO, and Thermaltake Ceres 330 TG ARGB.

2024-07-26 19:06