Introduction
In part two of our MSI Project Zero review, we evaluate the MSI Pro B850M-A WiFi PZ micro-ATX motherboard. As in Part One, we will review this motherboard as usual and then discuss the PC case used for testing. Due to the unique “Back-Connect” of the Project Zero motherboards, MSI was kind enough to supply a suitable case to house and connect our motherboards, the MSI PANO 100R PZ Gaming Case.
Briefly, MSI Project Zero is a new design class from MSI in which the motherboard connections and headers are located primarily on the back of the motherboard, instead of along the front edges as we are used to seeing. The goal here is to relieve 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 will also review. MSI has produced a number of compatible PC cases for its Project Zero system. On the Project Zero webpage, they also have a list 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 could be used for casual gaming, the power circuitry and storage are designed otherwise. Nonetheless, this motherboard has quite a bit of connectivity for a small size. MSI has emphasised full socket AM5 support, four slots of DDR5 memory, Frozr-cooling for the VRM and M.2 slots, tool-less M.2 connection, EZ-Clip II PCIe connection as well as 5Gb LAN, wireless7 and the new Click X BIOS navigation. If you are unfamiliar with AMD chipset offerings, please have a look at this table. Despite the size and desktop focus, this board’s Click X BIOS supports manual CPU and Memory tuning as well as one-click AMD PBO and EXPO overclocking.
The MSI Pro B850M-A WiFi PZ is currently listed for $199 on the MSI storefront webpage as well as Amazon. The MSRP is listed at $219. The warranty offered on the board is 3 years. Regardless of 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 is a full retail box designed with an outer sleeve and a hinged box. Inside, the board is wrapped in a thick anti-static bag. In the lid is a space for accessories. The board was well protected by cardboard inserts. There isn’t much to see as 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.
