This is almost a good case - I like their efforts to put a focus into build quality, some cool ideas inside like the omni directional support beam system, and some great easy to remove panels with good hardware support for CPU and GPU etc. The lack of gromets, the top panel only supporting 2x140mm fans and that stupid bracket that makes no sense beside the GPU.
like many cases, there isnt the length to get 3x140 in the top - and 3 120's are fine - its top exhaust, unless a rad is up there, you dont need more then two 140's or three 120's for pushing air out the top. Hell, much of the time, you dont need any.
Have to give MSI some kudos for that omni directional graphics card stand - seems it will cover all shapes and sizes. the one in my Lian Li is next to useless
Great build james, and good indepth review - I am a bit surprised with the careless design ethic on parts of the chassis, missing things, and some poor decisions. But on the other hand the accessibility and ease of getting at things, and removing panels is great.
What a brilliant looks system build - superb selection of components, that GPU looks amazing - would look even better with a riser showing it from the front
Some of the best system builds on youtube James - epic - love that GPU holder system too, very impressed with it and the fact all the colours match - as sometimes some are off white.
Its a good system for hardware support 220mm PSU and GPU support and CPU cooler support is great. I like the central channel idea, similar to my montech case, but providing all this with care and thought then just not bothering with grommets is just stupid
I dont think everyone needs project zero now, but I understand your point, of why send this out after Computex when Project Zero is such a key focus for them
The ‘omni directional graphics card’ stand is very swish ! Hope other manufacturers adopt that, apart from that, and the build quality its all a bit MEH to me
At least they are using good metals in the build, but I cant help but feel that they really need to start focusing more on the basics, like gromets and fixing the bracket positions to make sense rather than flashy things like GPU holders with RGB onboard!
The cable management is pretty good, if you could hide them properly from the front with white matching grommets. Far too many holes inside for my taste im afraid
I must be old fashioned too, id take this case over any of the new aquarium things ive seen in the last year - much more understated, built better and things like missing gromets im not bothered about at all.
Hi James another very well constructed review and analysis from you on this. I really like how to cover as many bases as possible. You always seem to never have any hidden agenda as you mention things even I see that some other reviews just ignore. 🤘🏻
All these major mobo companies like ASUS and MSI tend to cover their products with Logos - that big black logo looks terrible on the front of the case - and they even got white cables in it , so they were (kinda) paying attention too
Hey James. Is this a case you would use yourself ? You get a lot to review. You seemed impressed with the build quality. is it a good case for custom loop ?
Steel magnetic dust filters are great, the angular front panel I like, and the ease of removal is great. Does the Ultra fine mesh not impact airflow at all? did you test that?
Having had the time to watch this properly last night I want to share my views. I think MSI should be praised for the build quality of this and the use of good materials. I think if they had included white grommets they would have given people the option to hide the white cables better. I like their omni gpu holder. The fact they even spent time making it show rgb and rotate and move was pretty smart. Sadly the big ugly black logo on the front almost negates these nice touches as it stands out a mile. Some good ideas but it’s such a weird overall design. Almost like the designers ideas in parts were not finished.
That graphics card support bracket seems overly complex to me, for what it needs to do. would have liked to seen a few GPUs with that and showing how it moves about etc.
Seems like MSI designers came up with a great idea and just didnt finish it. I mean look at the bracket mount on the cable cover, useless in any real world situation
I could answer that without watching the video like this: buy any LIAN LI case in this price range and you'll end up with something better than what you get from MSI. If you're looking for something in that style, the Lian Li Lancool 216 would be my recommendation. But of course, as always, the video will still be watched because it's one from Kitguru!🙂👌👍 edit: What else could be said after I've now finished watching the video. For the LIAN LI Lancool 216 I mentioned, you get a reasonable box for all the screws and a really good graphics card anti-sag holder/support from LIAN LI and it's significantly cheaper. Honestly, I have no idea what speaks for the MSI case.🤔
It’s a pretty old school chassis. Well made I’ll give them that 👍🏻
Yes, the build quality is good, It is a perfectly OK mid-tower but we expect more these days don't we?
This is a really good looking case, but up close some corners have been cut, the lack of covers on the holes is bad
Love a bit of James. So laid back. No dramas. Just chill reviewing. Loved the thorough review
Thanks for the comments
He is certainly mr Laid back. I like the British presenters. Always more subdued and less shouty than the Americans
I like how the GPU support is RGB too, looks very sezy indeed
I like the traditional box shaped case with all the aquarium cases on sale in 2024, would look a lot better with a GPU riser cable system
As a person with a lot of SSD’s I like the rear panel for this, plenty of support for drives.
yes, its well supported for someone like yourself
Good fair balanced review James. Really ended up looking good !!
Thanks, I'm glad that you enjoyed the video.
Love the looks of this, but I agree, you can see the cables if you look in due to lack of covers/grommetts - not sure who thought that was a good idea
The lack of grommets seems absolutely stupid to me. The rest of it looks pretty good to me
Great build James, but with you, thats nothing new
Excellent review as usual... Thanks !!!
Thank you!
This is almost a good case - I like their efforts to put a focus into build quality, some cool ideas inside like the omni directional support beam system, and some great easy to remove panels with good hardware support for CPU and GPU etc. The lack of gromets, the top panel only supporting 2x140mm fans and that stupid bracket that makes no sense beside the GPU.
yes they missed the basics. Like they approached the case the wrong way around and tried to be too flashy
like many cases, there isnt the length to get 3x140 in the top - and 3 120's are fine - its top exhaust, unless a rad is up there, you dont need more then two 140's or three 120's for pushing air out the top. Hell, much of the time, you dont need any.
I get your point but I think with a little thought they could have made this case take a triple 140 at top. It’s just one of the wee things I noticed
Why on earth would you need triple 140mm top ?
@@Francioslusi-kg6cx Why on earth not? The more choice the merrier.
those fans look really nice. Good rgb quality
That Omni directional GPU thing, or whatever they call it, is a really interesting bit of design work. Looks a bit flimsy though in the video.
yea but if you wish to vertical mount, don't forget to buy a good riser ^^
The graphics card stand works well for both vertical and horizontally mounted graphics cards, build quality is fine.
@@shinokami007which riser is good ? A lot of them on sale.
It’s a bit of a mouthful but it does look pretty easy to break based on the video as you said
James thanks. Enjoyed this a lot. Some good points you made.
Glad you enjoyed it
Was hoping to see a Project Zero build. maybe next time then
One coming soon ! Stay tuned !
They almost got it right. It’s pretty good overall. Wonder if you could buy grommets for it that fit mostly right.
I like it. A few pretty meh things but the build quality alone surely deserves some praise. Great review James 🍺
Thanks 👍
It looks built like a tank. Hyte take note !
It looks very well built, but thats not really enough in todays market to make it stand out, its always quite expensive so you would kinda expect that
I think the build quality alone makes it stand out in a market of badly made cases !
It’s so well built this one. Would love it in black or dark grey.
Wish more companies would make dark grey cases
Ok, some problems, but that build quality looks next level - Take note HYTE ! my case from you guys, flexes like arnie on a beach back in his peak!
Excellent review 😁 Lots of cool features, just wish it didn't have that gigantic MSI emblem on the front.
Hah, i thought the same !
It’s quite large yes 😛
It kinda ruins it a bit. The MSI logo isn’t a bad logo but not sure I want to look at it constantly either in such a prominent location.
Have to give MSI some kudos for that omni directional graphics card stand - seems it will cover all shapes and sizes. the one in my Lian Li is next to useless
This guy does some of the nicest builds on youtube ive seen, deserves more credit
thanks
Nice build selection of hardware used and the final build really showcased what you can do in this case. I liked the chassis and very fair review.
Thanks! 👍
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
Great build james, and good indepth review - I am a bit surprised with the careless design ethic on parts of the chassis, missing things, and some poor decisions. But on the other hand the accessibility and ease of getting at things, and removing panels is great.
Thanks!
Great review guys, loads of detail which is needed to see to make a buying decision
I want that Corsair memory for my next build, looks stunning
Yes they make some good looking sticks
@@KitGuruTech Your correct!
What a brilliant looks system build - superb selection of components, that GPU looks amazing - would look even better with a riser showing it from the front
Glad you like it!
@@KitGuruTech A lot!!!
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
Havent seen many proper reviews of this, thanks Kitguru for the indepth inside look at all the features. I think its a good case
Some of the best system builds on youtube James - epic - love that GPU holder system too, very impressed with it and the fact all the colours match - as sometimes some are off white.
Thanks for the kind words !
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
@@KitGuruTech Welcome!
I quite like the appearance, at least its not a fish bowl style design, always like to see these more traditional styled cases. Good review James
The lack of rubber grommets is the biggest oversight for me. Where there non in a box with it? Surely they didnt omit them all.
Its a good system for hardware support 220mm PSU and GPU support and CPU cooler support is great. I like the central channel idea, similar to my montech case, but providing all this with care and thought then just not bothering with grommets is just stupid
I like the looks of the case, the front panel looks pretty cool
ITs a really stylish looking case, almost retro 20 years ago, but cracking build quality - and fans included. I like it!
Didnt even know MSI sold cases, where have I been ?
Maybe you were kidnapped? lol
@@KitGuruTech Ha Ha!
Thk u for the review james, never seen this channel until recently, its pretty good so far
Love the attention to detail you’ve gone into with the thermal measurements on this case.
Thanks
I dont think everyone needs project zero now, but I understand your point, of why send this out after Computex when Project Zero is such a key focus for them
Wonder if the lack of grommets is because white ones have ran out of stock or something ! lol
170mm max CPU cooler support is ok, but it could be a bit better IMO - good mobo support however eATX is not something ive ever used tho
Fan support is good apart from the top - two 140mm support. bit of a letdown, should be three
Wow how did I miss this channel for so long? over 2000 reviews!?
Love the build James. Nicely done 🤘🏻
Thanks!
Have to admit it I just wanted to see the build that James managed to put inside this thing.
What a brilliant review James - I loved the final build, very clean
Thanks!
The ‘omni directional graphics card’ stand is very swish ! Hope other manufacturers adopt that, apart from that, and the build quality its all a bit MEH to me
Hey James, thanks for the content, thats a solid review covering everything, so many channel miss important areas
I appreciate that!
I am upgrading soon, found this review from google, thank you for the good content
hey, did you? are you happy with his case?
Very steady Eddie this one.
Thats a stunning looking build mind you James, great showcase - surprised there were no grommets. - looks a bit untidy up close
Thanks 👍
At least they are using good metals in the build, but I cant help but feel that they really need to start focusing more on the basics, like gromets and fixing the bracket positions to make sense rather than flashy things like GPU holders with RGB onboard!
I like all the modular panels - its a pretty good system they worked out
The cable management is pretty good, if you could hide them properly from the front with white matching grommets. Far too many holes inside for my taste im afraid
What’s your favourite case ? We are curious.
@@KitGuruTech
I think MSI should have got you guys to look at this some time ago
It does seem a bit late To the game with all their focus on project zero
James, this is what I love on a Friday, time for a cuppa and a zone out from work shortly !
I love me a James build on a friday for the weekend !
Hope you enjoyed it !
@@KitGuruTech Yes!!!!!!!!!!
@@KitGuruTech Yeah!
I must be old fashioned too, id take this case over any of the new aquarium things ive seen in the last year - much more understated, built better and things like missing gromets im not bothered about at all.
I don’t understand the fish tank hate. They look so good when they are finished. Not like the other case styles have vanished. Surely variety is good.
I like the front of the case very clean lines. And nice filtering. Did the filters impact air flow James at all ?
Not that we saw no.
Yeah, fair review - surprisingly good in some areas and almost WTF in others
Looks like a solid well made case.
It’s a really good case for cable management. If only they had opted to include covers for all the holes. Up close it’s always going to look untidy.
Top build James as always.
Thanks !☺️
Are you sure this case has no grommets in the box? Did a previous reviewer pull them out and ditch them !??!
sadly not
@@KitGuruTech Hmmm
Hi James another very well constructed review and analysis from you on this. I really like how to cover as many bases as possible. You always seem to never have any hidden agenda as you mention things even I see that some other reviews just ignore. 🤘🏻
Very kind of you to say thanks
Love that CPU cooler block.
£160 ? thats almost med/high end in todays market - nice to see they focused on good build, but its missing a fair few key things
Enjoyed this review thank you
I want that graphics card for my next build, stunning looking. Shame there is no vertical riser in the case at 160, you would expect it
Weird case to send in regards to the timings - seems like a last generation case for MSI they are trying to sell.
That thumbnail got me in looking at this
Would have liked to have seen an extended timelapse build in this case
They need to step their game up to compete with the likes of Montech in todays market
All these major mobo companies like ASUS and MSI tend to cover their products with Logos - that big black logo looks terrible on the front of the case - and they even got white cables in it , so they were (kinda) paying attention too
Yes they do stand out a little
Good to see a fishbowl alternative, even if its not the best design
Glad you like it!
I am waiting on their project zero cases as I want a new future proofed system to keep me for a few years
I was looking at buying this case but I might hang fire, are you guys going to review project zero cases soon?
Hey James enjoyed this one. It was a journey with a lot of ups and downs. They kinda blew it with the pricing. 120 makes more sense to me.
Yes it’s a little expensive we agree.
If MSI dropped the price to 100-120 they would sell a fair few of these, even with the mentioned problems in the video
Would be more competitive for sure
Hey James. Is this a case you would use yourself ? You get a lot to review. You seemed impressed with the build quality. is it a good case for custom loop ?
I don’t think it would be good enough for James to use for custom loop.
Don’t think we could pick this as a stand out case for a build or our own use no. It’s not bad mind you.
Can’t see him using this. I see a lian li in the background later during the build with a system in it. Guessing that’s his.
Why no grommets? they got the cable colors right - a lovely white finish, with huge panel holes inside which ruins the look completely IMO
Great channel, just subbed
Thanks for the sub!
Steel magnetic dust filters are great, the angular front panel I like, and the ease of removal is great. Does the Ultra fine mesh not impact airflow at all? did you test that?
Remember 5.25 inch removable drive bays guys?
I remember them well. 😊
Having had the time to watch this properly last night I want to share my views. I think MSI should be praised for the build quality of this and the use of good materials. I think if they had included white grommets they would have given people the option to hide the white cables better. I like their omni gpu holder. The fact they even spent time making it show rgb and rotate and move was pretty smart. Sadly the big ugly black logo on the front almost negates these nice touches as it stands out a mile. Some good ideas but it’s such a weird overall design. Almost like the designers ideas in parts were not finished.
Yes it’s very well constructed. We agree.
Amazing the amount of slots you lose switching from vertical to horizontal expansion slots
the 4 SSD slots on the rear are great
No GPU riser - is it an optional extra for this case?
You would have to buy one
@@KitGuruTech Surely will buy it!
This is cool!
I will be back some good analysis in this video
That graphics card support bracket seems overly complex to me, for what it needs to do. would have liked to seen a few GPUs with that and showing how it moves about etc.
The rear bracket which should be screwed to the panel management panel - what on earth is that all about?
Nothing here we haven’t seen before.
Seems like MSI designers came up with a great idea and just didnt finish it. I mean look at the bracket mount on the cable cover, useless in any real world situation
Yes the bracket is a weird one
@@KitGuruTech 😁
@@KitGuruTech Your correct
160 squid is a fair bit on money for a pretty standard case.
The temperatures are good, I wonder if the thin mesh is interfering with the airflow a little
Thorough review of an okay case that doesn't light a fire. If only they'd paid a bit more attention...
Yeah pretty much a missed opportunity
Love it. White is beautiful. ❤
I have gone back to black cases now. White overkill for me lately 😮
Yeah we like white builds. Look great
I like them when you see some silver too. Pure white can be a bit boring now
Well structured video, for a pretty average looking product. Thanks anyway!
I could answer that without watching the video like this: buy any LIAN LI case in this price range
and you'll end up with something better than what you get from MSI. If you're looking for something in that style,
the Lian Li Lancool 216 would be my recommendation.
But of course, as always, the video will still be watched because it's one from Kitguru!🙂👌👍
edit: What else could be said after I've now finished watching the video. For the LIAN LI Lancool 216 I mentioned, you get a reasonable box for all the screws and a really good graphics card anti-sag holder/support from LIAN LI and it's significantly cheaper. Honestly, I have no idea what speaks for the MSI case.🤔
216 is brilliant. Well said 👌🏻
MSI build quality is good. But I agree the 216 is a brilliant chassis.
@@hotandcoldrunningwater-hj2mn Thank you that someone agrees with me directly🙂
No love for the montech king ? 😢
@@browntrousersforsafety-el2bogreat case too