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Introduction
Partly two of our MSI Project Zero Review, we evaluate the MSI Pro B850M-A WiFi PZ micro-ATX motherboard. As in Part One, we are going to review this motherboard as usual after which discuss the PC case used for testing. On account of the unique “Back-Connect” of the Project Zero motherboards, MSI was kind enough to produce an appropriate case to accommodate and connect our motherboards, the MSI PANO 100R PZ Gaming Case.
Briefly, MSI Project Zero is a brand new design class from MSI during which the motherboard connections and headers are positioned totally on the back of the motherboard, as an alternative of along the front edges as we’re used to seeing. The goal here is to alleviate the front of the motherboard and the visible areas of a PC case of cable clutter.
MSI currently has three motherboards offered: The B850 GAMING PLUS WiFi PZ, recently reviewed, the MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ and the Pro B850M-A WiFi PZ. MSI also has a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16G Ventus 3X PZ OC video card designed for the system as well, which we can even review. MSI has produced a variety of compatible PC cases for its Project Zero system. On the Project Zero webpage, additionally they have an inventory of partners who manufacture cases also compatible with Back-Connect motherboards.
The Pro series from MSI is aimed primarily at desktop and business-productivity users. While this board might be used for casual gaming, the ability circuitry and storage are designed otherwise. Nonetheless, this motherboard has quite a little bit of connectivity for a small size. MSI has emphasised full socket AM5 support, 4 slots of DDR5 memory, Frozr-cooling for the VRM and M.2 slots, tool-less M.2 connection, EZ-Clip II PCIe connection in addition to 5Gb LAN, wireless7 and the brand new Click X BIOS navigation. In the event you are unfamiliar with AMD chipset offerings, please have a take a look at this table. Despite the scale and desktop focus, this board’s Click X BIOS supports manual CPU and Memory tuning in addition to one-click AMD PBO and EXPO overclocking.
The MSI Pro B850M-A WiFi PZ is currently listed for $199 on the MSI storefront webpage in addition to Amazon. The MSRP is listed at $219. The warranty offered on the board is 3 years. No matter price, let’s look into what MSI has packed into this micro-ATX motherboard.
Packaging and Contents
We received this motherboard directly from MSI. This can be a full retail box designed with an outer sleeve and a hinged box. Inside, the board is wrapped in a thick anti-static bag. Within the lid is an area for accessories. The board was well protected by cardboard inserts. There isn’t much to see so far as accessories: a “Quick-Start” booklet, a single SATA cable, two sets of M.2 EZ-Clip screws, an M.2 EZ Clip screwdriver and the WiFi antenna.
