MSI Project Zero Deep Dive – Are back-facing cables a good idea?
A look at MSI’s B650M Project Zero Motherboard
MSI’s B650M Project Zero Motherboard
Today we are looking at MSI’s AM5 Back-Connect motherboard. This is a Micro ATX motherboard design that will be available for $229.99. Intel Z790 (ATX) and B760M (MATX) versions of this motherboard will also be available, and they will cost $279.99 and $229.99 when they launch.
The primary feature of these new motherboard designs is that all of their internal connectors are at the rear-facing. This means that all of these cables are accessible from the rear of your PC case and that none of them are visible through your case’s side panel window. This motherboard features all of the cables and I/O options that you would expect from a modern motherboard design.
Below we can see the CPU power connectors on MSI’s new “Back-Connect” motherboard. These power connectors are much easier to access than those on traditional PCs, and these connectors are typically close to liquid cooling radiators or the edges of cases. From the rear of your motherboard tray, these cables are easier to connect and disconnect. With this in mind, you could say that PCs are easier to build and alter for Project Zero systems.
With fan cables at the rear of your motherboard, cable management becomes a much simpler task. Since it is no longer visible at the front of your PC case, you simply need to route your cable as needed and secure it with a cable tie. Job done! When everything is behind your motherboard tray, there are much fewer aesthetic factors to consider. That’s great news for anyone who wants to build their next PC quickly.
With most SATA SSD mounts behind accessible from behind your motherboard tray, it makes sense for SATA connections to be placed here. The same holds true for USB-controlled devices like RGB controllers, which more often than not are mounted behind your motherboard. This will create a larger market for sorter SATA cables and other short PC cables. This is especially true for PSU cables.
B650m Project Zero I/O Options
MSI’s B650 “Rear-Connect” motherboard features strong I/O options for what many consider a gimmicky design. We have a wealth of 10 Gbps USB connections, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and WIFI 6E. We also have HDMI and DisplayPort for those who wish to make use of their CPU’s integrated graphics.
As you can see, BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS buttons are also available. This makes this motherboard a great option for anyone who keep track of the latest BIOS revisions, or plans to upgrade to future AM5 processors later down the line. After all, AMD plans to support AM5 through 2025.
