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With the vast number of parts that system builders now have to choose from, it’s rare to find a PC case that truly offers some unique capabilities. The MSI MEG Prospect 700R doesn’t look like any otherhigh-end case, in large part due to its 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD panel. Buyers may understandably have questions about the practicality of such a feature. However, the LCD display is not the only reason that the MEG Prospect 700R tempts gamers searching for an adequate chassis to housepowerful graphics cardsand CPUs.
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Game Rant had a chance to try out the large mid-tower MEG Prospect 700R in recent weeks to see how the case could justify its rather steep asking price. With side panels that swing open and modular components that can accommodate E-ATX motherboards or additional fans, the MEG Prospect 700R can seem intimidating to inexperienced shoppers. Still, it’s flexible enough to suit many different cooling and storage configurations. While not perfect, the MEG Prospect 700R offers builders an experience that they will not soon forget.
MSI MEG Prospect 700R Case
The MSI MEG Prospect 700R is a high-end PC case for gamers demanding the best options for advanced cooling and monitoring of rigs. The highlight of the MEG Prospect 700R is its 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD panel, which can display anything from system temps to weather and control the RGB effects of the four 140 mm fans. Another unique feature of the case is its side panels which open on hinges, including the tempered glass on the left side. The MEG Prospect 700R supports most motherboards up to E-ATX size and graphics cards up to 400 mm long, which can also be vertically mounted.
Contents of Package
The MSI MEG Prospect 700R arrived in a box large and heavy enough to test a buyer’s strength moving it up steps. Thankfully, there are carrying holes on each side of the container. As part of MSI’s most premium MEG line of cases and components, the chassis ships in packaging with an attractive colored exterior.
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.
Once freed from its packaging, the front of the MSI MEG Prospect 700R is visible in all its glory, with some plastic sheets still covering 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.
The square box contains an assortment of screws and cable ties. Also included is a heavy rectangular container with a kit to vertically mount a GPU and a bracket to accommodate even thelargest E-ATX motherboards. Unfortunately, for builders mounting their graphics cards vertically, there is no PCIe riser cable found among the accessories.
Packaging throughout the unboxing process was top-notch both with the quality of materials protecting the MEG Prospect 700R. It also remained consistent with a black and gold color scheme.
Installation
For the purposes of this review, an MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi motherboard with an Intel Core i5 11600K CPU and 48 GB of DDR4 memory was installed in the MEG Prospect 700R case. As far as storage, a Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe was used along with two 3.5-inch hard drives. To keep overclocked CPU temps under control, theMSI MEG Coreliquid S360liquid cooler was also part of this build. For the easiest possible access during installation, the hinged panels on each side of the MEG Prospect 700R were completely removed.
With plenty of space to work with in this supersized mid-tower case, it was quite simple to screw the ATX motherboard into the prepared standoffs. The MSI MEG Coreliquid S360 liquid cooler was also partially installed at this point, waiting for the radiator to find a home at the top of the case.
On the bottom of the right side of the case toward the front panel are some screwless hard drive bays that slide out for easy access. There is also a tray for two 2.5-inch SSDS visible toward the right side of the above image.
An 850-watt PSU was installed at the bottom of the back of the MEG Prospect 700R case. This particular case requires a bit of extra work when adding a power supply, as users must attach a bracket to the PSU before screwing both components into the back panel.
The final part of the installation process involved attaching many of the cables originating from the LCD screen, front I/O buttons, as well as the RGB and fan controller to the motherboard headers. For the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port on the front I/O panel, a buyer will need a motherboard with the appropriate USB header. The RGB/fan controller on the right side of the case requires a SATA power connector from a PSU as well as an ARGB header, most preferably MSI’s own JRAINBOW port.
Design and Features
The MSI MEG Prospect 700R stretches the limits of what is normally considered a mid-tower case. At a height of 21 inches, the case is not as tall as one might expect looking at the box, but with a depth of 23 inches and a chassis width of over 10 inches, it takes up considerable space on a desktop. The feet on the case are also substantial, raising the MEG Prospect 700R an inch and a half off of surfaces, promoting additional air circulation.
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Mostly black (other than some gold MSI and MEG logos), the MEG Prospect 700R features some sharp angles on its front panel and a triangular cover housing three 1400 ARGB fans. It’s a design that repeats itself throughout the case.
The left side of the case showcases a panel with a 3 mm thick tempered glass window.
Like the opposite side of the case, the panel swings open on hinges found on the back of the chassis. It takes some effort to snap open the panel, and thankfully it doesn’t insist on moving back toward the rest of the case with the slightest touch. The swinging panels are a convenient way to add some expansion cards or accomplish some basic cable management. However, for more major modifications to rigs, it’s easier to take the doors entirely off the hinges.
On its right side, the MEG Prospect 700R looks somewhat more ordinary, but the MSI dragon logo and vents that stretch from the top of the panel to the bottom add some distinctiveness overbudget PC cases.
Opening the right panel reveals some cable management already finished by MSI with branded cable ties. There are numerous pathways for sending other cables to the motherboard including some rubber gromets on the sides and top of the exposed right side. The caps holding this rubber material do come off if a user tries to send too many cables through it. With all the available routes for cables and considerable space between the door and chassis, most gamers will have no trouble making their setups look neat and tidy.
On the left side is the optional modular cable cover which is swappable with the E-ATX plate or bracket to install some additional side fans. Truthfully, in this configuration, the cable cover doesn’t add much aesthetically since most cords are found toward the far right side.
An exposed PCB board coordinates both the ARGB lighting effects throughout the case and the 4 included fans that are connected to a system fan motherboard header. There are additional connectors for 2 more RGB devices/fans, or a buyer can use fan splitter cables for greater flexibility. This controller connects to a USB motherboard header to enable software control of the fans. It also has a surface temperature sensor that an installer can position anywhere inside the chassis.
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 top of the MEG Prospect 700R shows a cover that removes with little effort to enable access to another sizable dust filter. Additional fans or a liquid cooling radiator can be fixed underneath this panel with screws.
On the bottom section of the back panel, the final dust filter slides outward.
The front I/O ports include a non-illuminated power and reset button, analog audio out and microphone jacks, 1 USB 3.2 2x2 Type-C port, and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connections. Surprisingly for a wide case, there is no LED light to show hard drive activity. Also, for a larger high-end case, another conventional USB 3.0 port would have been welcomed, but the USB 3.2 2x2 Type-C port is something many other cases still lack.
Of course, the main attraction of this MSI case is its 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD panel which sits on a slope just above the front grill. MSI didn’t skimp on the quality of the display, and the number of available functions is impressive. Gamers can control the color and speed of the ARGB fans and monitor CPU temps 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.
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There are several ways to control the lighting of the ARGB fans on the LCD. The panel itself can handle the lighting, or users can opt to have non-MSI motherboards take charge of the ARGB effects. Perhaps the easiest way for most people to quickly change the look of the MEG Prospect 700R is through the Mystic Lighting module in the MSI Center. Using Mystic Lighting, it’s possible to enable game-specific effects as well as sync lighting in Synapse to a variety ofRazer mice, keyboards, and headsets.
The LCD panel on the MEG Prospect 700R may at first seem like a gimmick to justify its steep asking price. However, besides the cool factor, it actually proves itself useful for keeping tabs on system diagnostics without having a monitor constantly on. The panel is also bright with a vivid color palette and as responsive to touches as many of thebetter gaming smartphones.
A few quibbles with the capabilities of the case involve its storage capacity. Considering its size and the amount of open space, some buyers may assume the toolless drive bay could accommodate more than two 3.5-inch hard drives. Also, the power supply is confined to the bottom of the chassis to the point where it’s difficult to route cables to the motherboard. Thankfully, partially removing the shroud is a possibility but does require some effort.RELATED:The Best SSDs for Gaming in 2023
Buyers should also keep in mind that the MEG Prospect 700R, which weighs over 35 pounds without any additional components, is a chore to lift. MSI tries to alleviate the burden of replacing parts with panels that swing open. Still, the wide doors need enough open space on each side to open without obstructions, and space is often at a premium even on thelargest gaming desks.
What’s hard to knock with the MEG Prospect 700R is its overall build quality. Sure, there is some hard plastic visible near the front panel, but the case is predominately steel which leads to its considerable weight. Even the brackets for E-ATX motherboards or additional side fans are of such solid construction that it’s almost a shame not to use them in a build.
Cooling and Performance
The MSI MEG Prospect 700R is a wonderland for system builders who enjoy experimenting with various cooling configurations. By default, buyers have three 140 mm ARGB fans on the front of the case and an additional 140 mm fan on its rear side. However, 3 more 140 mm fans can spin on the top of the chassis, and using the expansion side bracket welcomes an additional 3 fans.120 mm fans are far more commonin mid-tower cases, so the extra-large alternatives here not only amplify the ARGB effects of the case but also can push more air around. In a very common configuration, by default, the 3 front fans send cooling air toward the back of the case while the single rear blower serves as the exhaust for hot air.
Gamers who have the money to invest in a high-end case like the MEG Prospect 700R are probably more likely to overclock CPUs and have an interest in ahigh-performance AIO Liquid Cooler. This MSI case has numerous prime locations for a radiator including space for 360 mm water coolers on the top front and sides, as well as supporting a distro plate. Space is more limited on the rear panel, so only 140 mm coolers are possible there.
In the build used in this review, theMSI MEG Coreliquid S360was installed on the roof of the case. The modular nature of the MEG Prospect 700R made it simple to remove the top panel and secure the radiator using screws in the available openings. Underneath, the hoses were routed in the case without interference from metal shrouds or components.
Case temperatures will depend on how many fans are installed, what heat-generating components are in the chassis, and the temperature of the room. With the MEG Prospect 700R in its factory configuration, case temperatures rarely rose above 30 Celsius, even with anoverclocked GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cardin the mix. Having the ability to see case and CPU temperatures on the LCD panel during an overclocking process is also a nice bonus.
The MEG Prospect 700R is sufficiently insulated so that the included 140 mm MSI fans are barely audible with both of the thick side panels shut. Any vibrations felt even when touching the case were minimal.
Conclusion
When spending over $300 on a mid-tower case, expectations are naturally high. Even so, when considering all that the MEG Prospect 700R brings to the table, the case is a surprisingly strong value. The LCD panel accounts for some of the asking price, but it provides enough practical functionality to make cases without screens seem lacking.
The MEG Prospect 700R is a massive mid-tower case but has side panels that pop open to make internal components more manageable to tinker with. Modular brackets can transform the MEG Prospect 700R with an additional internal panel to accommodate fans or radiators, making full use of the extra space. The top and front covers also come off without a struggle, making the installation of additional cooling a cinch. A series of dust filters are scattered around the case in locations easy to access and clean.
Build quality is exceptional throughout the MEG Prospect 700R with metal dominating any plastic used in its construction. MSI demonstrates a great sense of detail with the case, right down to the craftsmanship of the additional adapters and accessories included in the package. The aggressive angled styling of the MEG Prospect 700R’s front may not appeal to every buyer, but its understated color scheme should fit in with more setups.
Some drawbacks worth mentioning are a screwless hard drive bay that only has space for a pair of 3.5-inch hard drives. MSI clearly made a choice to keep the expansive chassis of the MEG Prospect 700R as open as possible in order to allow for a wide variety of cooling configurations. Even so, some more area could have been dedicated to the PSU compartment which often requires routing cables by feel rather than sight.
The MEG Prospect 700R may focus most on enthusiasts with thelatest CPUswho strive to squeeze out every bit of performance possible from their rigs. Regardless, it’s a case that is versatile enough to become a fixture on any gaming desk for years to come.
Related Products
When it comes to alternatives to the MEG Prospect 700R, other cases with LCD screens are rare, to say the least. Usually, such a feature requires some DIY efforts, but theiBUYPOWER Snowblind Sincludes a remarkable 19-inch transparent 1280 x 1024 LCD display on its left panel. Using the Rainmeter platform, this screen can display anything from stunning wallpaper to tracking system temperatures. However, it’s a far more compact case than the MEG Prospect 700R and the design restricts airflow somewhat in order to accommodate its unique features.
If looking to step up to a full-tower case with similar dimensions as the MEG Prospect 700R, thePhanteks Enthoo Pro 2has space for up to 15 fans and up to 12 hard drives. Radiator support for liquid coolers is also extensive, but its more conventional-looking shape with straight edges doesn’t scream gamer. Regardless, if a buyer is willing to sacrifice an LCD screen, it’s a tremendous value for all the build types it accommodates.
Finally, staying in the MSI family, theMAG Forge 112Ris a smaller mid-tower case that manages to match if not exceed the storage capacity of the MEG Prospect 700R. Game Rant recentlyreviewed the MAG Forge 112Rand found that it promoted excellent cooling with a mesh front and 4 included 120 mm ARGB fans. Although its side panels don’t open like doors, the tempered glass left side removes and reattaches to the chassis without the frustration of other cases.
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FAQ
Q: What are the most important factors to consider when buying a PC case?
When shopping for a new PC case, verify to consider form-factor and whether a mid-tower, full-tower, or more compact system would fit best in your gaming setup. Also, confirm that a potential new chassis promotes sufficient cooling to keep vital components like CPUs at safe temperatures.
Q: What is the best way to add RGB fans and lights to a case?
It’s easy and affordable to install additional RGB fans and light strips in a case. However, controlling all the lighting in a rig can be more difficult. If your system does not have the appropriate RGB or ARGB headers, look for a separate control box that overcomes the limitations of some motherboards.
Q: How do I know if my components will fit in a PC case?
Even smaller PC cases are designed to accommodate the most common components in a condensed area. Still, it’s best to check the specs of a case to ensure that long graphics cards will fit and that storage bays will hold a suitable number of hard drives.
