The Future of PC Cases: Unleashing the Power of the MSI MEG Prospect 700R

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Installation

Design and Features

Cooling and Performance

Conclusion

Related Products

The MSI MEG Prospect 700R stands out from other high-end PC cases due to its unique features, including a 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD panel. While some buyers may have concerns about its practicality, the MEG Prospect 700R offers more than just the LCD display. Game Rant recently tested this mid-tower case and found that it justifies its higher price tag. With swing-open side panels and modular components for E-ATX motherboards and additional fans, the MEG Prospect 700R may be daunting for inexperienced shoppers. However, it is flexible enough to accommodate various cooling and storage setups. Although not without flaws, the MEG Prospect 700R provides builders with an unforgettable experience.

Introducing the MSI MEG Prospect 700R Case

Save $30: Now only $350, originally $380

Unleash your gaming potential with the MSI MEG Prospect 700R, a top-of-the-line PC case designed for gamers who demand the utmost in advanced cooling and rig monitoring capabilities.

One of the standout features of the MEG Prospect 700R is its impressive 4.3" touchscreen LCD panel. This innovative display allows you to easily access and monitor various system temperatures, weather conditions, and even control the RGB effects of the four included 140 mm fans, all at your fingertips.

In addition to its cutting-edge LCD panel, this case also boasts unique side panels that open effortlessly on hinges, including a sleek tempered glass panel on the left side. This not only provides easy access to your components but also showcases your build in stunning clarity.

The MEG Prospect 700R is compatible with most motherboards, supporting sizes up to E-ATX, and can accommodate graphics cards up to an impressive length of 400 mm. Furthermore, if you prefer a vertical mounting option for your graphics card, this case allows for that as well.

Upgrade your gaming experience with the MSI MEG Prospect 700R Case and enjoy the ultimate combination of style, functionality, and performance.

Brand: MSI

Material: Steel and Tempered Glass

Max Motherboard Size: E-ATX (310mm x 304.8mm)

Max Graphics Card Size: 400mm

3.5" Drive Slots: 2

RGB Lighting: Yes

Viewing Window: Yes

2.5" Drive Slots: 2

Max Power Supply Size: 220mm

Exterior Dimensions: 23.03" x 10.12" x 21.14"

Pros:

- Superior steel construction

- Modular case with multiple included brackets

4.3" LCD screen has practical use

4 included 140 mm ARGB fans are quiet and effective

Left and right panels swing open on hinges

Cons Drive bay only holds 2 3.5" hard drives

Tight compartment for PSU

Price may scare away some system builders

$350 at Amazon $380 at Walmart $380 at Newegg

Contents of Package

The packaging for the MSI MEG Prospect 700R is both visually appealing and practical. This premium chassis, belonging to MSI's esteemed MEG line, comes in a box that is not only large and heavy, but also designed with carrying holes on its sides. These thoughtful features make it easier for buyers to transport the box, even when navigating stairs. Furthermore, the packaging boasts an attractive colored exterior, adding to its overall appeal.

After opening the top of the box, some large black Styrofoam slabs reveal themselves, as well as a nylon-type cover protecting the case.

Instead of trying to lift the case out of the box and risk breaking the slabs, it's easier to gently tip the box over and let gravity do some of the work.

Upon removing its packaging, the MSI MEG Prospect 700R proudly reveals its exquisite front design, partially shielded by protective plastic sheets that preserve the pristine condition of the LCD panel and left-side tempered glass.

Both side panels arrive already attached to the chassis, including the right-side panel with its extensive venting running vertically at an angle near the front of the case.

The left side of the MEG Prospect 700R includes well-protected tempered glass housing a large cardboard box of accessories in the chassis.

Inside the square box, you will find a variety of screws and cable ties. Additionally, the package includes a sturdy rectangular container that includes a kit for vertically mounting a GPU and a bracket to support even the largest E-ATX motherboards. Sadly, there is one missing element for those who wish to mount their graphics card vertically – a PCIe riser cable is not included among the accessories.

Installation

The packaging during the unboxing process was excellent, with high-quality materials efficiently safeguarding the MEG Prospect 700R. Additionally, the packaging maintained a consistent and visually appealing black and gold color scheme.

For this review, we used an MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi motherboard equipped with an Intel Core i5 11600K CPU and 48 GB of DDR4 memory. To house the components, the MEG Prospect 700R case was chosen. The storage solution consisted of a Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe drive alongside two 3.5-inch hard drives. To maintain optimal temperatures for the overclocked CPU, the MSI MEG Coreliquid S360 liquid cooler was integrated into the build. In order to facilitate the installation process, the hinged panels on both sides of the MEG Prospect 700R were entirely removed.

In this generously proportioned mid-tower case, there was ample room to easily secure the ATX motherboard onto the provided standoffs. At this stage, the MSI MEG Coreliquid S360 liquid cooler was partially installed, awaiting the perfect position for the radiator to be mounted at the top of the case.

On the front panel's right side, located at the bottom, there are screwless hard drive bays that effortlessly slide out for convenient access. Moreover, displayed towards the right side in the image above, there is a tray specifically designed to accommodate two 2.5-inch SSDs.

An 850-watt PSU was placed at the bottom of the rear section of the MEG Prospect 700R case. In order to install the power supply, users need to attach a bracket to the PSU first and then securely fasten both the components onto the back panel.

The final step in the installation process involved connecting several cables from the LCD screen, front I/O buttons, RGB, and fan controller to the appropriate motherboard headers. To utilize the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port on the front I/O panel, a buyer must have a motherboard equipped with the corresponding USB header. Additionally, the RGB/fan controller on the right side of the case requires a SATA power connector from a PSU and an ARGB header, preferably MSI's own JRAINBOW port.

Design and Features

The MSI MEG Prospect 700R challenges the conventional dimensions of a mid-tower case. Standing at a modest height of 21 inches, this case may defy initial expectations. However, boasting a depth of 23 inches and a chassis width of over 10 inches, it occupies a substantial footprint on any desktop. Furthermore, its size is emphasized by the presence of robust feet, elevating the MEG Prospect 700R by an inch and a half above surfaces to encourage optimal air circulation.

The MEG Prospect 700R, predominantly black with gold MSI and MEG logos, showcases sleek angles on its front panel and incorporates a triangular cover that accommodates three 1400 ARGB fans. This striking design motif is consistently evident throughout the entire case.

The left side of the case showcases a panel with a 3 mm thick tempered glass window.

Contrary to the other side of the case, the panel is hinged at the back of the chassis and can be opened by swinging it. Opening the panel requires some effort, but luckily, it does not automatically move back towards the rest of the case with a gentle touch. The swinging panels offer convenience when adding expansion cards or performing basic cable management tasks. However, for more significant modifications to the computer setup, it is easier to completely detach the doors from the hinges.

On the right side of the MEG Prospect 700R, there is a somewhat more common appearance. However, what sets it apart are the MSI dragon logo and the vents that extend from the top to the bottom of the panel, giving it a touch of uniqueness in comparison to other budget PC cases.

Upon opening the right panel, you will find that MSI has already taken care of cable management with their branded cable ties. There are various pathways available for routing cables to the motherboard, including rubber grommets located on the sides and top of the exposed right side. It is important to note that the caps holding the rubber material may come off if too many cables are being routed through. However, due to the abundance of available cable routes and ample space between the door and chassis, most gamers should have no trouble achieving a neat and tidy setup.

Moving to the left side, there is an optional modular cable cover that can be swapped with the E-ATX plate or bracket, allowing for the installation of additional side fans. However, it should be mentioned that in this particular configuration, the cable cover does not contribute much aesthetically, as most cords are located towards the far right side.

The exposed PCB board serves as the central hub for coordinating the ARGB lighting effects throughout the case and the 4 fans that come with it. These fans are connected to a system fan motherboard header. In addition, there are extra connectors available for connecting 2 more RGB devices/fans, or the buyer can opt for fan splitter cables to enhance flexibility. This controller is connected to a USB motherboard header, allowing for software control of the fans. Furthermore, it comes with a surface temperature sensor that can be conveniently positioned anywhere within the chassis by the installer.

On the back of the MEG Prospect 700R are numerous triangular vents that allow for an extensive amount of exhausted air to escape.

There are 3 large dust filters on the case, including one covering the 3 front fans. The front panel easily pops off to enable users to take out the filter for cleaning.

The MEG Prospect 700R features a removable cover at the top, allowing easy access to a large dust filter. This cover can be effortlessly detached, revealing a space where additional fans or a liquid cooling radiator can be securely mounted using screws.

On the bottom section of the back panel, the final dust filter slides outward.

The front panel I/O ports comprise a power button and a reset button, alongside analog audio out and microphone jacks. Additionally, there is a single USB 3.2 2x2 Type-C port, as well as two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connections. It is worth noting that, despite its spacious design, this case lacks an LED light to indicate hard drive activity. While a larger high-end case would typically offer an additional conventional USB 3.0 port, the inclusion of the USB 3.2 2x2 Type-C port sets this case apart, as many others still do not provide this feature.

The standout feature of this MSI case is its 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD panel, positioned gracefully above the front grill. MSI has spared no expense when it comes to the quality of the display, and the range of functions it offers is truly remarkable. Gamers have the ability to customize the color and speed of the ARGB fans, as well as monitor CPU temperatures and GPU usage.

Also, it's possible to set custom screensavers or weather locations in the MSI Center software which has some level of communication with the LCD screen.

There are multiple options available to control the lighting of the ARGB fans on the LCD. The LCD panel itself has the capability to manage the lighting, or users can choose to have non-MSI motherboards take control of the ARGB effects. The most convenient method for the majority of individuals to quickly alter the appearance of the MEG Prospect 700R is through the utilization of the Mystic Lighting module within the MSI Center. By employing Mystic Lighting, users have the ability to activate game-specific effects and synchronize lighting with a variety of Razer mice, keyboards, and headsets in Synapse.

The LCD panel on the MEG Prospect 700R may initially appear as a mere gimmick to justify its high price. However, apart from its cool factor, it actually proves to be quite useful for monitoring system diagnostics without the need for a constant monitor. Moreover, the panel is bright, displaying vibrant colors, and its touch responsiveness rivals that of top-notch gaming smartphones.

There are a few minor concerns regarding the storage capacity of the case. Given its size and the available space, some buyers might assume that the toolless drive bay could house more than just two 3.5-inch hard drives. Additionally, the power supply placement at the bottom of the chassis makes it challenging to route cables to the motherboard. Fortunately, partially removing the shroud is possible, although it requires some effort.

Please note that the revised version may have minor changes for clarity and flow.

The weight of the MEG Prospect 700R, which exceeds 35 pounds without any added components, can be quite burdensome for buyers. MSI has attempted to ease the hassle of replacing parts by incorporating swing-open panels. However, these large doors require ample open space on both sides to function without obstructions. On top of that, available space is often limited, even on the largest gaming desks.

The remarkable build quality of the MEG Prospect 700R is difficult to criticize. While there is some visible hard plastic near the front panel, the case is primarily constructed with durable steel, which adds considerable weight. Even the brackets designed for E-ATX motherboards or additional side fans are made with such sturdy materials that it would be a shame not to utilize them in any build.

Cooling and Performance

The MSI MEG Prospect 700R offers an array of options for system builders who enjoy experimenting with different cooling setups. By default, the case includes three 140 mm ARGB fans at the front and an additional 140 mm fan at the rear. However, the top of the chassis can accommodate three more 140 mm fans, and the expansion side bracket allows for another three fans. Unlike most mid-tower cases that use 120 mm fans, the 700R's larger 140 mm fans not only enhance the ARGB effects but also improve airflow. Typically, the front fans direct cool air towards the back of the case, while the single rear blower serves as the exhaust for hot air.

For gamers who can afford a high-end case like the MEG Prospect 700R and are likely to overclock CPUs, this case offers optimal locations for radiators. It can accommodate 360 mm water coolers on the top front and sides, as well as support a distro plate. However, space is more limited on the rear panel, allowing only for 140 mm coolers.

In this review, the MSI MEG Coreliquid S360 was installed on the case's roof, using the modular design of the MEG Prospect 700R. Removing the top panel was easy, allowing for the radiator to be securely attached with screws in the available openings. The hoses were then easily routed within the case, without any interference from metal shrouds or components.

Case temperatures are contingent upon the number of installed fans, the heat-generating components within the chassis, and the room temperature. Even with an overclocked GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card, the MEG Prospect 700R, when in its factory configuration, seldom exceeds 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the LCD panel provides the convenience of monitoring case and CPU temperatures during the overclocking process. Moreover, the MEG Prospect 700R is adequately insulated to the point where the included 140 mm MSI fans produce minimal noise, even with both thick side panels closed. Any slight vibrations perceived upon touching the case are negligible.

Conclusion

MSI MEG Prospect 700R Case

$350 $380 Save $30 on the high-end MSI MEG Prospect 700R PC case designed specifically for serious gamers seeking advanced cooling and monitoring features. The standout feature of the MEG Prospect 700R is its 4.3" touchscreen LCD panel, which can conveniently display system temperatures, weather updates, and provide control over the RGB effects of the 4 included 140mm fans. Additionally, the case features unique side panels that open on hinges, including a tempered glass panel on the left side for easy access and visibility. With support for most motherboards up to E-ATX size and graphics cards up to 400mm in length, which can also be vertically mounted, the MEG Prospect 700R offers versatility and compatibility.

Brand: MSI

Material: Steel, Tempered Glass

Maximum Motherboard Size: Up to E-ATX 310mm x 304.8mm

Maximum Graphics Card Size: 400mm

Number of 3.5" Drive Slots: 2

RGB Lighting: Yes

Viewing Window: Yes

Number of 2.5" Drive Slots: 2

Maximum Power Supply Size: 220mm

Exterior Dimensions: 23.03" x 10.12" x 21.14"

Pros: Superior steel construction

Modular case with many included brackets

4.3" LCD screen has practical use

4 included 140 mm ARGB fans are quiet and effective

Left and right panels swing open on hinges

Cons Drive bay only holds 2 3.5" hard drives

Tight compartment for PSU

Price may scare away some system builders

$350 at Amazon $380 at Walmart $380 at Newegg

When spending more than $300 on a mid-tower case, one naturally has high expectations. However, the MEG Prospect 700R surpasses these expectations with its impressive features and excellent value for money. The inclusion of an LCD panel justifies its price, offering practical functionality that makes cases without screens feel inadequate.

The MEG Prospect 700R is a large-sized mid-tower case that features convenient side panels for easy access to internal components. Its modular brackets allow for customization, with the option to add extra fans or radiators for optimal cooling. The top and front covers can be removed effortlessly, simplifying the process of installing additional cooling systems. The case is equipped with accessible dust filters to ensure easy maintenance and cleanliness.

The build quality of the MEG Prospect 700R is exceptional, with metal components dominating over plastic ones. MSI pays great attention to detail, including well-crafted adapters and accessories in the package. While the front design with aggressive angles may not suit everyone's taste, the case's subtle color scheme is versatile and can blend well with various setups.

The MEG Prospect 700R has a drawback with its screwless hard drive bay, which can only accommodate two 3.5-inch hard drives. MSI made a deliberate choice to prioritize an open and spacious chassis, allowing for various cooling setups. However, more space could have been allocated to the PSU compartment, which often requires cable routing by touch rather than sight.

Despite these drawbacks, the MEG Prospect 700R caters primarily to enthusiasts with the latest CPUs, aiming to maximize performance. Nevertheless, it is a versatile case that can easily find a place on any gaming desk for years to come.

Related Products

Other cases with LCD screens are few and far between when compared to the MEG Prospect 700R. Typically, incorporating such a feature requires some do-it-yourself efforts. However, the iBUYPOWER Snowblind S stands out by featuring a remarkable 19-inch transparent 1280 x 1024 LCD display on its left panel. Thanks to the Rainmeter platform, this screen can showcase various visuals, ranging from stunning wallpapers to real-time system temperature monitoring. Nevertheless, the iBUYPOWER Snowblind S is a significantly more compact case than the MEG Prospect 700R, and its unique design slightly hampers airflow despite its exceptional features.

If you're looking for a full-tower case that has similar dimensions as the MEG Prospect 700R, the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is a great option. It can accommodate up to 15 fans and 12 hard drives. It also has extensive radiator support for liquid coolers. While its design may not have the flashy gamer look with straight edges, it offers fantastic value for all types of builds, even if it doesn't have an LCD screen.

Moving on to another option within the MSI family, the MAG Forge 112R is a smaller mid-tower case that can match or even exceed the storage capacity of the MEG Prospect 700R. The MAG Forge 112R has been recently reviewed by Game Rant, who found that it provides excellent cooling with a mesh front and includes four 120 mm ARGB fans. Although its side panels don't open like doors, the tempered glass left side can be easily removed and reattached to the chassis without any frustration.

FAQ

Q: What are the most important factors to consider when buying a PC case?

When searching for a brand-new PC case, it is crucial to take into account the form-factor and determine which option, be it a mid-tower, full-tower, or a more compact system, is most suitable for your gaming setup. Additionally, ensure that a potential new chassis facilitates adequate cooling, thus effectively maintaining safe temperatures for essential components like CPUs.

Q: What is the best way to add RGB fans and lights to a case?

Upgrading your case with extra RGB fans and light strips is a breeze when considering the cost. Nevertheless, managing the overall lighting scheme within your rig can pose challenges. In the event that your system lacks compatible RGB or ARGB headers, seek out an independent control box specifically designed to overcome any limitations imposed by certain motherboards.

Q: How do I know if my components will fit in a PC case?

Smaller PC cases are specifically crafted to house the prevailing components within a compact space. Nevertheless, it is imperative to verify the specifications of a case to confirm the compatibility of extensive graphics cards as well as the capacity of storage bays to accommodate an adequate number of hard drives.