Introduction
Join us on this journey, as we look deep into MSI’s new Project Zero…. project. This is part 1 of a multi-part review extravaganza, where we dive into the latest hardware in MSI’s Project Zero lineup, from Motherboards to a Case, and a GPU, completing the whole package. With this article, we begin a series of reviews of the Project Zero concept from MSI. Project Zero is comprised of a group of “Back-Connect” motherboards, compatible PC cases, and graphics cards designed to reduce or eliminate “cable clutter” in PC building.
MSI so far has four motherboards under Project Zero, two graphics cards, and at least four branded PC cases. The concept of “Back-Connect” as described by MSI: “When building a PC, cable management is always a challenging aspect. The MSI PROJECT ZERO Series adopts a Back-Connect solution that relocates most connectors to the back of the motherboard. This creates cleaner cable management and a more aesthetically pleasing front view of the build. Together with MSI PZ cases and PZ graphics cards designed for Project Zero, you’ll achieve a unified design, a clean exterior, and say goodbye to cluttered cables.” To this end, we see the PZ (Project Zero) moniker and ecosystem. In this and upcoming reviews, we will evaluate three motherboards, a graphics card, and, finally, one of the PC Cases.
In late September 2025, MSI released their Project Zero concept “Back-Connect” motherboards, cases, and graphics cards. Today, we are reviewing the B850 GAMING PLUS WiFi PZ motherboard (911-7E75-001). Also offered are the B650M PROJECT ZERO, PRO 850M-A WiFi PZ, and the MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ for AMD AM5 CPUs. MSI likewise has three Intel-branded PZ motherboards to choose from. For a nice reference on AMD chipset comparisons, please read this.
Essentially, everything in the PZ system is designed to connect to the back of the motherboard. This eliminates most of what builders have worked to perfect for decades, a clean, uncluttered appearance to their PCs. The PC case is designed to complement this concept, giving you plenty of options for routing cables and adequate space to place all the cabling. MSI also includes the additional design aspects of the motherboard: 12+2+1 Power Phase, heavy powder-coated metal heatsinks, tool-less M.2 connections, PCIe EZ-Clip II, and a streamlined Click X BIOS. Starting with our review today, we are excited to show you how all this fits together, literally. We will review the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WiFi PZ in our usual approach and also show you how all this goes together inside the MAG PANO 100R PZ case.
As of this writing, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WiFi PZ has a MSRP of $249.99, with a limited-time pricing of $229.99 and carries a three-year warranty. The MAG PANO 100R PZ WHITE Gaming Case is currently listed at $159.99 on the MSI storefront, while the MAG PANO 100R PZ Gaming Case Black model is $129.99 for a limited time.
Packaging and Contents
The motherboard was sent to us directly from MSI. Our board is a full retail package, which is designed in a similar fashion to most of the boards we have reviewed. Removal of the outer sleeve gets you a thin-ish black box hinged at the back. Accessories are housed in a small compartment in the “lid” of the box. The board is placed in a thick anti-static bag protected well by cardboard inserts. The accessories are spartan: a “Quick Start” booklet, some stickers, a “Shout-out” pamphlet, three packages of M.2 latches(EZ-Clips), EZ-Clip remover, one SATA cable, EZ-Connect cable, and the WiFi antenna.
