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MSI’sProject Zero motherboardsare a clever way to prevent cluttered-looking PC builds. Unfortunately, relatively few cases support these components, which have rear-facing connections. The MSI MAG Pano 100L PZ aims to be thebest PC caseto maximize the cable management advantages of these motherboards. With a dual-chamber design, it’s possible to create an ultra-modern and sleek gaming rig.
Game Rant recently tested the manufacturer’s MPG EZ120 ARGBcase fansinside this new mid-tower case. Following the theme of minimalist wiring, the stackable fans utilize connecting points to reduce necessary cabling. Not only do they generate a jet stream of cool air, but the MPG EZ120 system looks spectacular in the process.
Going step by step through the assembly routine, find out if the case and fans have any unforeseen limitations.
MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ
The MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ is a dual-chamber mid-tower case that supports the latest back-connect motherboards. Its design features a large compartment for PSUs to hide messy cables connecting to motherboards. Buyers also will enjoy a 270-degree panoramic view of components with tempered glass wrapping around its front. The MAG PANO 100L PZ accommodates the longest high-powered graphics cards with an adjustable GPU stand to prevent sagging.
MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB Case Fans
System builders looking for innovative cooling should appreciate the advancements demonstrated by the MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB case fans. These 120 mm fans simplify cable management with single wires to an included hub for power, fan speed control, and ARGB connections. Designed as a modular cooling system, buyers can stack three fans together, secured with magnetic connection points. The ARGB lighting they produce is stunning, with 33 addressable LEDs in multiple zones. Thanks to a unique fluid dynamic bearing design, the MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB high-pressure fans produce a constant jet stream of air without excess noise.
Packaging and Contents
The MAG Pano 100L PZ ships in a large brown box with styrofoam slabs surrounding the case inside.
Besides the case itself, accessories include various screws and standoffs for motherboards, hard drives, andSSDs. Buyers will also find an optional horizontal graphics card bracket, GPU holder, and additional cable ties and straps.
The three-pack of MPG EZ120 ARGB fans arrive in a much smaller light-colored box.
To cater to several different installation scenarios, the white 120 mm fans are bundled with longer and shorter screws. Unlike the single-fan version, this MPG EZ120 configuration ships with a hub for power, fan speed, and lighting control. Since most motherboards lack MSI’s proprietary JAF header for simultaneous ARGB and fan connections, installers can use a supplied Y-cable. A MicroUSB-JUSB cable enables motherboards to communicate with the hub. A smaller white box reveals blocks, some of which are attached to hub cables that slot into the corners of each fan. Besides the hub, most parts and wiring are white to match the rest of the case.
Specs
MSI’s dual chamber case aligns with themid-tower form factorbut is considerably wider than many competitors. The first benefit of the MAG Pano 100LZ PZ is that it allows for a 270-degree view of internal components. Tempered glass stretches around the front side, where normally fans would at least partially block the inside of a chassis.
The case’s other selling point is the considerable space behind the right panel. PSUs are installed on a small platform towards the upper right, while cables can be hidden completely out of view. If a builder uses a back-connect or Project Zero motherboard, achieving an even cleaner look is simple. Two swinging doors accommodate SSDs, hard drives, or fan/RGB hubs, with the bottom door securing to the chassis with a thumbscrew. Alternatively, there is space for SSDs on the bottom of the case or closer to the front panel.
Since some cables inevitably need to be routed to the left side of the chassis, there are numerous cutouts and large grommet holes.
The MAG Pano 100L PZ has a vertical GPU bracket installed by default, but owners must purchase a PCI-E riser cable. MSI also includes a small GPU holder that attaches to the right of the motherboard tray to prevent sagging. For horizontal graphics card configurations, the optional bracket easily slots into the back of the case with more thumbscrews.
The I/O panel is tucked below the left tempered glass panel toward the front of the case. Connections include a single USB 3.2 Type-C port, a pair of USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a combo headphone/mic jack, and power and reset buttons. Some gamers may prefer an I/O panel on top, but most buyers of a dual chamber case will leave enough space to keep these ports accessible.
Build quality and attention to detail impress throughout the MAG Pano 100L PZ, fully committed to itsall-white caseclassification. The rear of the case showcases an abundance of venting to exhaust warm air generated by CPUs and GPUs.
It’s also straightforward to dissemble this MSI case to reduce the hassles of installing components. The left tempered glass panel detaches with a single thumbscrew, while the right panel is only held on with some snap-fit clips. The top of the case, filled with more vents, lifts off with minimal effort. Even the front tempered glass section is removable, but prying it off the chassis without potential damage takes some care.
Three dust filters are scattered around the MAG Pano 100L PZ’s top, right, and bottom sides. No magnets are involved, but the sheets are easy enough to slide out from the panels for cleaning.
As impressive as the case looks, without any included ARGB fans, gamers will need to install components to appreciate the wide viewing angles.
Installation
Unfortunately, this test build doesn’t include a back-connected motherboard but uses an MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Wi-Fi instead. Still, many of the case’s advantages in cable management apply, even if the overall appearance of the system is slightly messier and not exclusively white. The liquid cooler of choice is theMSI MAG CoreLiquid E360attached to an Intel 13th Gen CPU. Also, two sets of the MPG EZ120 ARGB fans are housed on the case’s interior side panel and bottom. Additionally, another 120 mm Thermaltake fan was placed toward the rear of the case.
There is plenty of space to screw in an ATX motherboard, and no roadblocks were encountered securing it to the chassis.
After the quick removal of the top panel, screwing in a radiator for a 360 mm liquid cooler is accomplished without aggravation. The top section is long and wide enough to fit up to three 120 mm or 140 mm fans. The bottom of the case is nearly as spacious, where builders can place three 120 mm fans or a pair of either 140 or 160 mm blowers. Installing three 120 mm or two 140 mm fans on the interior side panel is also possible.
It may seem strange to install a PSU lying on its side, but the easy access to cables will make one wish all cases were the same.
One aspect of the MAG Pano 100L PZ that’s not conducive to ideal cable management is its swinging hard drive tray below the PSU. There are more placement options for 2.5-inch SSDs, but this location is the only spot for older 3.5-inch hard drives. The trays aren’t screwless like is common in many cases, and it proved a bit fiddly to find the proper screw holes. The other issue is that there is barely enough space to route cables to the top of the drives. Builders will want to invest in longer SATA cables, or disconnects may become a common problem. The rest of this test build utilizesM.2 SSDs, and buyers using only 2.5-inch or smaller storage can avoid these issues.
MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB Specs
Since the case doesn’t come with pre-installed fans, waiting until later in a build to add some leaves more room to work. The three MPG EZ120 ARGB fans are designed to stack together, but separating them and still minimizing wiring is possible. As expected with the premium price tag, the fans have a thick, heavy-duty construction that can survive drops and nicks during installation.
With an array of different connecting pieces, it’s a good idea to find the proper arrangement of these fans before screwing them into cases. Each fan has embedded magnets to prevent them from separating too easily.
If you aren’t a fan of puzzles orLego sets, assembling the MPG EZ120 fans might require some trial and error. The plastic pieces at least have labeled numbers, which helps when consulting the quick start guide.
The various magnetic blocks must go in specific places on the corners of each fan to maintain connections for lighting and power. Some pieces slot between each fan to form a more secure bond, while others are attached to fan hub cables. Finally, the remaining blocks are simply cosmetic to avoid leaving gaps.
The MAG Pano 100L PZ has many potential places to install the hub. Settling on the inside of the upper cable management door, the module stays in place thanks to a magnetic plate with adhesive. A permanently attached power cord should connect to an available SATA power supply connector. The hub has two ports on one side, including one for a Micro USB cable connecting to a motherboard’s USB header. The other port is for a JAF cable, but since this motherboard lacked this newer MSI header, the Y cable was routed to ARGB and SYS_Fan headers.
Each set of three fans has a cable connecting to a series of four numbered hub ports. Even without a JAF motherboard header, the advantage of the MPG EZ120 fans sharing connections without additional wiring is obvious.
Cable management was somewhat complicated by the need for a second hub for the AIO liquid cooler and a rear 120 fan. The main disadvantage of MSI’s latest fans is that builders can’t connect other fans to the same controller box.
Also, using a back-connectedMSI motherboardlike the Z790 Project Zero would have reduced the wiring visible on the left side of the case. Still, the overall results are hard to argue with, especially considering the generous chamber to hide cables on the opposite side.
To complete the build, an NVIDIA RTX 3080 was set on top of the default vertical GPU bracket. Despite being installed as close to the motherboard as possible, the supplied GPU holder arm wasn’t long enough to give much support to the graphics card. Larger cards would undoubtedly benefit more from the accessory.
Completed Build
The MAG Pano 100L PZ should attract any gamer looking for a white case with plenty of flair. The six MPG EZ120 fans are particularly impressive as they showcase 33 addressable RGB lights in all their glory. If you compare MSI’s fans to the rear Thermaltake blower, the addedLED lightingzones stand out even more.
Looking at the case through its angled front tempered glass, the view is even more dramatic. The case has a small amount of integrated ARGB lighting in the form of an MSI logo towards the bottom front. Builders will need to connect a cable from the front to a motherboard header or third-party hub for this added effect.
Although most gamers will position the case so that its right panel is less visible, it still makes an impact with the illuminated fans casting their glow.
The MAG Pano 100L PZ may be a tough sell if a buyer has asmall gaming desk. It requires a larger footprint than most mid-tower cases to have enough space for both chambers. These builders might consider the skinnierMSI MAG Pano M100R PZintended for Micro ATX motherboards.
Cooling and Performance
System builders can configure cooling in several ways inside the MAG Pano 100L PZ. The most common arrangement for dual-chamber cases is to place fans to the right of the motherboard and, optimally, several bottom-mounted fans. AnAIO liquid coolingradiator can sit below the top panel for the best temperature control of powerful CPUs. In the above build, fans draw in cooler air from outside the right panel, while the bottom fans and radiator fans push warmer air upwards toward the ventilated roof. An additional rear fan can exhaust hot air from the case’s back panel. There is plenty of room inside the MAG Pano 100L PZ for air to circulate, including more than sufficient space between the tempered glass and GPU.
The MPG EZ120 fans were somewhat noisy without adjusting any fan curves, even with the case’s left side and front sealed off. However, that’s to be expected when ten fans plus an AIO pump fan are in action. The manufacturer suggests using its MSI Center software to control its stackable fans. Specifically, the Cooling Wizard feature can individually adjust the fans connected to each hub port. Users can select from preset profiles like Silent, Balance, and Game Mode or customize each setting.
With a full cooling array at idle, it was only necessary to keep the MPG EZ120 system running at 50 percent or less of its maximum 1900 RPM rotation. Noise in the case only became noticeable when the fans increased their workload during intensive gaming or stress tests. The MSI fans benefit from a fluid dynamic bearing design with an added nut that reduces vibrations and enhances durability.
Temperatures in every part of the MAG Pano 100L PZ also remained controlled. The case’s aggressive aesthetics don’t sacrifice thermal performance.
Another bonus of using MSI Center with the MPG EZ120 fans is the ability to fine-tune each fan’s lighting. Like with fan speed, users can customize the ARGB effects on each hub port through Mystic Light. Or, the software allows gamers to sync an entire rig’s lighting with Razer Chroma-supportedRGB keyboards, mice, and smart lights.
Verdict
Buyers don’t have to purchase the MAG Pano 100L PZ case and MPG EZ120 fans together. Even so, with this dual-chamber mid-tower emphasizing cable management, the stackable fans contribute to a streamlined build. Both components are available in black, but the versions used in this build demonstrate the appeal of white setups.
MSI’s case provides a 270-degree view of ARGB fans, allowing gamers to fully appreciate meticulously assembled rigs. Whether or not a reverse connector motherboard is used, extensive space to route and hide wires alleviatescable managementfrustration. Unfortunately, that added roominess contributes to a wider tower that can take up valuable desktop space.
The MPG EZ120 fans aren’t the first example of this innovative design that dramatically reduces wiring. Still, the concept is executed perfectly with strong airflow and stunning ARGB lighting effects. The only issue is that a set of three fans costs as much as a fully-featured case.
Despite minor quibbles, MSI’s case is a much-needed installation point for their trendy Project Zero motherboards. Likewise, the MPG EZ120 fans keep the focus on the pricey components gamers proudly show off rather than unsightly cables.
$150 at Amazon
Corsair iCUE LINK 6500X
Dual chamber case with included fans
$270 at Amazon
Micro ATX case supporting back-connect motherboards
$110 at Amazon
Dual-chamber cases are growing in popularity, and the MAG Pano 100L PZ case isn’t the only option. TheHyte Y60is slightly less generous with its maximum number of allowed fans but comes with a bracket and riser cable forvertical GPU mounting. If a buyer prefers a case with pre-installed cooling, theCorsair iCue Link 6500Xcomes with cable-saving fans similar to the MPG EZ120. Gamers looking to preserve space while benefiting from effective cable routing should consider theMSI MAG Pani M100R PZ.
FAQ
Q: Is PC cable management necessary?
Tangled wires won’t usually affect the performance of components. However, in smaller cases, thick cables could block airflow to CPUs and GPUs. More commonly, proper cable management is desired to keep PC builds looking clean.
Q: Can you daisy chain ARGB connectors?
Since most motherboards only have a few ARGB headers, connecting several fans or LED light strips to the same header is usually possible. Recent fans like the MSI MPG EZ120 reduce the need for multiple ARGB cables with hubs that control fan speed and lighting in each port.
