At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Star Wars Outlaws is doing everything it can to stand out from the traditional Ubisoft style.
The game’s creative director states that his team has a very different DNA than Ubisoft’s in-house studios.
He also states that the Star Wars universe led to a few unique mechanics that are different from the publisher’s other open-world games.
Gaming fans are all too familiar with Ubisoft’s traditional open-world formula. Defined by massive and beautiful yet shallow worlds, this formula is famous for all the wrong reasons today.
However, the publisher intends to break away from this style to dominate the open-world genre. Star Wars Outlaws, in particular, is making notable strides in this department, with the creative director explaining to fans that Massive Entertainment’s latest release will be very different from the typical Ubisoft title.
Why it matters: The publisher’s open-world style has become stale today, and Star Wars Outlaws has been criticized for potentially retreading familiar ground.
According to creative director Julian Gerighty, Massive Entertainment is well aware of Ubisoft’s style. He explained that the team does not necessarily follow the same mindset and has always been very different.
The creative director pointed to examples like The Divison and outlined that Massive Entertainment’s DNA is different from Ubisoft’s. He also outlined that the studio was previously owned by Activision.
We are hyper conscious of the Ubisoft house style. Massive has always been different.
-Julian Gerighty
According to Julian Gerighty, Star Wars Outlaws isn’t a Ubisoft game with a Star Wars skin. He also states that the IP itself lends to more creative ideas.
Star Wars Outlaws Sounds Very Ambitious
While the latest previews have raised some concerns, Star Wars Outlaws certainly stands out for a few key mechanics. The GTA-style wanted mechanic and the lack of a skill tree hint at the unique experience that awaits players in this open world.
The game recently went gold and is currently on track to launch in late August. Going gold well over a month before launch is certainly a great sign, so hopes are high for a grand outing in a galaxy far, far away.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Take-Two’s next financial earnings call is scheduled for August 8.
The publisher is expected to share screenshots for GTA 6 around this time after it revealed a Fall 2025 release window during its last call.
GTA 5’s screenshots also came 8 months after its first trailer, making it likely for Rockstar to do the same again.
GTA 6 has been on everyone’s mind since its initial reveal last year. Following a huge trailer that broke several records on YouTube, the game has not shown up again, but a timeline based on Rockstar’s history suggests that the next trailer will arrive before 2024 ends.
In addition to the trailer, fans are betting on more screenshots showing up by August. Take-Two is set to host its earnings call in the same month, and fans have reason to believe that GTA 6 will finally show up again close to this call.
Why it matters: Fans have been craving more information on the game since December. Many are still looking forward to new screenshots and gameplay.
Over on Reddit, fans have begun to discuss Take-Two’s next earnings call. Scheduled for August 8, this call will reveal important details, including new sales figures for GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
During its last earnings call, Take-Two confirmed a Fall 2025 release window for GTA 6. Fans believe that August’s call should reveal screenshots if the publisher stays consistent with past trends.
We’re likely going to see GTA 6 screenshots in under a month.
-u/FunAccountant2900
Others also agree with the thread, stating that enough time has passed for Rockstar to share new information. The GTA 6 trailer will be over 8 months old by August.
Interestingly, there was a similar gap between GTA 5’s first trailer and screenshots. The former debuted in November, while screenshots followed 8 months later in July. Overall, fans seem to have solid reason to believe screenshots will show up.
GTA 6 Stars Jason and Lucia
However, it’s still worth taking this information with a grain of salt. Rockstar’s marketing campaign is unpredictable, so there’s a small chance that GTA 6 will not receive any new information next month.
An announcement for Red Dead Redemption’s long-awaited PC port is also anticipated next month. If both of these predictions come to fruition, Rockstar fans will have the most eventful month of 2024 as far as gaming news and information goes.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
The First Descendant was released just last week.
Since then, the game has faced controversies over microtransactions, plagiarism, and more.
Despite these problems, it now boasts over 10 million players.
The First Descendant was released just over a week ago, and the title has already become a massive hit for the developers.
While the game has had its fair share of controversies, Nexon Games has found more success than most free-to-play titles. The studio reports that 10 million players have visited the game since its launch.
Why it matters: This record puts The First Descendant on par with some of the industry’s biggest titles. It can become a worthy rival if it continues to reach new heights at this pace.
The First Descendant Has Received Plenty of Support From Fans
The official Twitter account of the game has confirmed this milestone, promising an exciting future. Nexon Games has thanked the fans for playing and promises to bring the best experience to keep players engaged for as long as possible.
We will do our best to bring you great experiences. Can’t wait to continue this journey together!
-Nexon Games
Although there is no doubt that the game has become an instant hit, it has also been facing great controversies over the past few days. It currently has mixed reviews on Steam, as fans didn’t like the developer’s aggressive monetization approach.
Similarly, critical reception has been mixed across the board, with some feeling The First Descendant does not do enough to stand out in a competitive market. Recently, the developers were also accused of copying assets from Destiny 2.
The team has already taken notice of these accusations and confirmed that it will be changing specific icons to address the problem.
The First Descendant Works Best On Xbox Consoles
This year has already had major hits like Palworld and Helldivers 2. The First Descendant has now joined the list, marking yet another exciting addition to the free-to-play market.
However, the team must ensure a steady stream of content and updates to keep up the momentum and thrive in this highly competitive market.
Overall, the game has been doing great so far. It is currently one of the most played titles on Steam, averaging around 150K players every day in just the first week.
As a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I bring the latest findings from the tech industry to our readers. Specializing in processors, graphics cards, and more, I strive to deliver detailed insights that keep our audience well-informed and engaged. Periodically, I also delve into the vibrant world of gaming to share captivating stories.
Story Highlight
Nvidia is enhancing its AI GPU supply chain, leading to significant improvements.
The order backlog has decreased from 40% to single digits, indicating resolved supply issues.
Increased investments in AI clusters based on Blackwell servers are expected to boost the company’s sales and revenue.
A recent report indicates that Nvidia intends to dominate the AI GPU markets in the following quarters, given the significant improvement in the company’s supplychain.
According to DigiTimes, the tech giant has been addressing the supply chain by requiring suppliers to upgrade their production facilities or bring in new partners.
Why it matters: Nvidia is dominating the industry with its excellent artificial intelligence hardware. As such, these supply issues needed to be dealt with.
The Image Above Compares Monthly Revenue of AI Supply Chain Companies
As a result of these measures, the supply chain for AI GPUs has significantly improved over the last several quarters. According to the report, the supply will get significantly better with each quarter, and the market should have little to no order backlog of Blackwell GPUs.
The supply chain for AI servers encountered difficulties in the early part of the year when orders were placed but GPUs were unavailable. Shipments of customer orders didn’t start to rise until the end of the second quarter.
The supply chain projects that momentum will increase during the second half of the year as the shortage of H100 materials steadily improves. The order backlog numbers for this quarter have also improved and are now in the single digits.
This indicates that the problems have been mostly solved since the order backlog figures were as high as 40% in the middle of 2023.
As a result of the current push to acquire large AI clusters based on Blackwell servers, GPUs like the GB200 range are anticipated to see tremendous sales. This will play a significant role in Nvidia’s income stream.
Furthermore, the launch of consumer-based Blackwell GPUs is anticipated for 2024 or 2025, adding further revenue streams to an already successful company.
At Tech4Gamers, I hold the role of a News Reporter, where I merge my passion for gaming with my knack for storytelling. This unique blend allows me to bring you the latest updates, reviews, previews, and features from the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Microsoft recently confirmed Game Pass price hikes for nearly every tier of the service.
Analysts believe this won’t be the end of the price hikes.
They believe that Microsoft is now trying to maximize the amount of money from each subscriber, opening doors to more price uplifts.
People were concerned about price hikes for Game Pass when Microsoft was chasing the Activision Blizzard deal. However, Microsoft assured audiences that there would be no price hikes due to the merger.
Much to everyone’s surprise, the gaming giant announced a big price bump for nearly every Game Pass tier yesterday, leading to disappointment among fans. Despite the reaction, it seems Microsoft has further plans for price hikes.
Why it matters: Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion. The gaming giant is now looking to profit from this transaction.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Will Be Exclusive To Game Pass PC And Ultimate
Analysts predict that Game Pass will see another price bump in the future.
Microsoft’s latest changes mean that Game Pass Core went up from $59.99 annually to $74.99. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass and Ultimate have seen a $2 and $3 per month price uplift, respectively.
According to a report by Wccftech, MIDIA Research analyst Rhys Elliott believes Microsoft has reached its limits as far as new subscribers on consoles go. The company now aims to maximize revenue per subscriber.
Therefore, its latest introduction attempts to upsell console gamers to Game Pass Ultimate. This makes sense since the tiers below Ultimate are much worse than they used to be.
Moreover, he went on to explain that eliminating day-one games from the console tier will allow Microsoft to limit cannibalization of first-party games to an extent. This will further help it maximize revenue from each user.
Xbox seems to be slowly approaching a similar point on PC since Game Pass has also seen a small price hike on this platform. All in all Microsoft’s goal is to make as much profit as possible, so fans should prepare themselves for even more price hikes.
Black Ops 6 Marks This IP’s First Day One Launch On The Service
According to the analyst, the timing for this price hike is quite appropriate. With Black Ops 6 coming to the service, Microsoft will be able to pair the new price with the inevitable growth boost to the service.
Game Pass is slowly losing its value for budget gamers. While it remains an enticing deal after the new price, this may no longer be the case if Microsoft continues to introduce incremental price uplifts to the subscription.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
Story Highlight
The Japanese government has expressed concerns about Assassin’s Creed Shadows for misrepresenting its history and culture.
Politician Satoshi Hamada plans to bring this issue to the Japanese Diet.
He pointed out errors in the gameplay video, including inaccurate depictions of seasons, buildings, and mannerisms.
Hamada also believes Ubisoft used generative AI inaccurately to create historically inaccurate images.
The Japanese government, represented by Satoshi Hamada, has raised serious concerns about the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, pointing out changes and inaccuracies in how Japanese history is depicted.
Satoshi Hamada plans to bring this issue before the Japanese Diet, which is the country’s legislative body. Additionally, Hamada suspects that generative AI was used inaccurately to create images that fit the historical period.
Why it matters: Ever since Assassin’s Creed Shadows was revealed, the game has faced significant backlash and controversy. Now that the Japanese government is getting involved, things are not looking good for Ubisoft.
There are concerns about cultural appropriation in the game, particularly regarding the depiction of Yasuke, who served Nobunaga Oda.
Hamada recently took to Twitter with his concerns.
We have received a consultation regarding the alteration of Japanese history by a French game company [Ubisoft].
-Satoshi Hamada
In a series of Tweets, Hamada criticized Ubisoft for not admitting to their mistakes. He points out errors like “messed up seasons, messed up buildings, and messed up mannerisms” in the gameplay video.
Moreover, he expressed his concerns that AI, trained on historical photos, created inaccurate representations of Japanese culture. The post also criticizes the game for mistakenly including Chinese subtitles and blames Ubisoft for not addressing these errors.
Hamada mentioned his plan to closely examine how Yasuke, a black man who served Nobunaga Oda, is depicted in the game. He provided more screenshots of feedback received on this issue, highlighting broader worries about cultural appropriation and sensitivity.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Is Out In Just A Few Months
This has sparked a petition with over 81,000 signatures demanding Ubisoft to cancel the game’s release. Furthermore, there are concerns about how social norms and behaviors are portrayed.
The trailer depicts characters sitting in seiza style, a formal posture that became widespread during the Tokugawa period, rather than the cross-legged position more typical of the Sengoku period.
These inaccuracies have sparked accusations that Ubisoft did not adequately consult Japanese historians and cultural experts during the game’s development.
A Capcom developer recently mentioned that criticizing Ubisoft over Assassin’s Creed Shadows is pointless as he believes it’s a fantasy world, not reality. Ubisoft’s CEO also condemned the hate and criticism their upcoming is getting.
It will be interesting to see how the company handles the situation now that the Japanese government is involved.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlights
The Switch has overtaken the NES as Nintendo’s longest-lasting console.
It has recorded 2687 days of being the only console compared to NES’s 2686.
A successor is rumored to launch in 2025, which makes the Switch relevant for another year.
Nintendo launched the Switch on March 3, 2017, and it still stands as the company’s only modern console seven years later. This also earns the Switch a new milestone since it has now become Nintendo’s longest-standing console at 2,687 days since its release.
Why it matters: The Switch is one of the best-selling consoles of all time and might even overtake the DS and dethrone the PlayStation 2 from the top spot. While its successor is drawing close, the hardware is continuing to sell well 7 years after its launch.
The Nintendo Switch Will Still Receive First-Party Support In 2025
According to sources, the Switch successor will supposedly be released in March next year. Till then, the Switch will keep recording more sales and will go on for 8 years, recording more than 2900 days as the only Nintendo console.
Previously, Nintendo’s longest-lasting console was the Famicom, which was released in 1983, otherwise known as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The device was discontinued in 1990 at 2,686 days and was replaced by SNES.
After keeping the NES relevant for 7 years, Nintendo progressively shortened the tenure of its consoles. Only the Wii managed to last 6 years, and this time the Switch will beat them all to last a whopping 8 years.
Nintendo is gearing up to release the Switch successor next year
This console is currently on track to becoming Nintendo’s best-selling hardware. It’s only behind the DS, which has just over 150 million units sold. The Switch currently stands at over 141 million.
While the Switch is now over 7 years old and does show its age a fair bit, it has held up well for the hardware packed in the hybrid form factor. It is still the default handheld of choice for most people and is recording excellent sales figures.
The gaming giant expects similar results till the next hardware arrives next year.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
Hayyan Serwer
As the CPU Cooler and RAM Expert, I test the latest hardware to provide tips for smart purchases. I cover everything from busting myths about CPU coolers to looking into the newest RAM designs, examining various parts of PC hardware.
We are seeing more options in the fans market where the emphasis is on reducing cable clutter. Lian Li started it and it has gone viral. CORSAIR with its iCUE series fans is another example. Say hello to EZ120 ARGB fans from MSI who provide exactly that but in quite some style and form.
I am taking a look at MPG EZ120 ARGB White fans. These fans are available in black and white. They come as a single fan pack and a 3-fans pack. MSI has sent us a 3-fans pack since we are evaluating Project Zero components in parallel.
The 3-fan kit or pack retails at USD 119.99 whereas the single-fan pack retails at USD 39.99. If you think they are expensive, take a look at the iCUE QX120 fans retailing at USD 139.99.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Hayyan Serwer is our CPU Cooler expert who has been testing different AIOs, air coolers, and case fans for years.
80+ CPU coolers and fans tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
900+ hours spent testing different coolers and fans for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The EZ120 ARGB White fans offer a good performance. They have a distinctive X-shaped lighting. These fans are connected to a controller hub using a single cable.
You should buy the EZ120 ARGB White fans if you want to enjoy the perks of the MSI ecosystem and if you prefer good looks with easy cable management.
You should not buy the EZ120 ARGB White fans if you want affordable fans or if you want more warranty.
The basic principle between the EZ120 and QX120 fans is the same i.e. reduce cable clutter and provide a neat and clean look. While the QX120 connectivity and setup is user friendly, setting up EZ120 is a bit tricky. We have a lot of magnetic components that are required in a particular manner. The user guide is your best help. These fans cost less than Corsair fans but come with a low warranty against a 5-year warranty on Corsair.
Packaging And Unboxing
Packaging & Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The fans are shipped inside a cardboard box. The box has colorful packaging printing. The following are provided in a 3-fans pack:
3 x MPG EZ120 ARGB fans
3 x Decorative Blocks
4 x Magnetic Connector Blocks
1 x ARGB Fan Control Hub
1 x Self-Adhesive Magnetic Plate
1 x MicroUSB-JUSB Cable
1 x Hub-JAF1 Cable
1 x Hub-Fan-ARGB Y Cable
4 x Fan-Hub Cables
1 x Daisy Chain Cable
12 x Screws (M5 10mm)
12 x Screws (#6-32 33mm)
Design
Let’s start taking a look at these fans starting with salient features:
Fan hub & Daisy-chain cable are included in the 3-fan pack
Fans
Front View
Back View
One look at the fan and I would instantly guess it is Lian Li! Well, pun intended. The fan has a beautiful white frame. It has 9x frosted blades for vivid and even lighting fusion. The silver center really pops the fan look and feel. There are grooves on the borders that have A-RGB LEDs.
There is a slope-down design on the border that is more of an inlet of air for the fan. The anti-vibration pads are installed inside the mounting holes. The tip clearance is normal like in the majority of the fans unlike those of Notua NF-A12x25 series fans.
Looking at the backside of the fan, there is a 4-arms assembly with wider bodies. These are installed in a spiral format and the tips are angular to form a particular divided airflow coming through the fan.
The center has a copper part. This is a copper tube or copper shell for the motor housing. This reinforces the bearing.
Side View
Connector Side
I am showing one side of the fan. Each fan has two strong magnets on opposite ends. This is because fans are connected magnetically like the CORSAIR QX120 fans.
There is a black connector and a white connector. Pay attention to these as they need to go in a particular order. One side of the fan has two black connectors and the other side has one black and one white connector.
There is an X pattern that is ARGB backlit.
ARGB Side
Power Side
Take a look at the fans connected in a manner that all the black connectors are aligned on one side. These connectors power the ARGB LEDs and strengthen the signal. I am showing the other side of the fans with black and white connectors aligned alternatively. This side powers the fans’ motors and also strengthens the signal.
Connected Fans
Magnetic Connector Blocks
The above picture shows the wire-free fans daisy-chained. There are 4x magnetic connector blocks. You can see that two blocks have black connectors on both ends whereas two blocks have a white and black connector combination. These blocks are magnetic and they would contact the pin pads on each side of the fan.
Connect the black-only blocks to the all-black connector side of the connected fans. Connect the white and black pin blocks to the side that has white and black pads. These blocks will complete the circuit and also strengthen the fans’ connection.
Decorative Blocks
Connection Main View
MSI has provided 3x decorative blocks which are magnetic. They are labeled with numbers and they can only fit in the same labeled corners of the connected fans. They will fill the empty or hollow corners for a same and squarish finish.
The second picture illustrates the clean and neat view of the fans with magnetic connections and decorative blocks installed.
Control Hub
MSI has provided a control hub that only comes with a 3-fans pack.
Controller Hub
Controller Hub Ports
The controller’s housing is made of plastic. It is finished in black. It has a total of 4 ports for main connectivity. Two SATA cables are coming out of the box. This shows the power-hungry system. This is probably because each box can control up to 18 EZ120 ARGB fans.
There are 4 ports labeled from number 1 to 4. They are 7-pin ports.
Rear Ports
Cables
There are two more ports on the SATA cable side. You can connect 1x micro-USB to JUSB cable that is provided in the box to the USB port. Optionally, you can connect the hub with the MSI motherboard if that board has JAF header. MSI has provided the following cables with the hub:
1x Micro-USB to J-USB
1x Hub-Fan-ARGB Y Cable
1x Hub-JAF1 Cable
SATA Connectors
Daisy-Chain Cable
I am showing both SATA connectors. Connect these to PSU. MSI has provided a daisy-chain cable that allows multiple stacked fans to be inter-connected. 4x Fan-Hub cables are to be used to provide a main connection between the connected fans and the controller hub.
Fan Connection Illustration 1
Fan Connection Illustration 2
The first picture shows one possible way to connect two sets of fans to the controller hub using two individual Fan-Hub cables. This way you can access and control both sets individually from the software.
The second picture shows two sets interconnected using a daisy-chain cable and then the connected sets are wired to the controller hub using a single Fan-Hub cable.
Digital RGB Lighting
You would need MSI Center to access the controller hub and control the speed and lighting effects of the fans. Please note that the fans will spin to a maximum of ±1400 RPM at the start. You can’t make them spin at full speed until the software is installed and either software is used to control the speed or control is handed over to the motherboard.
Here are some pictures:
RGB Effects
1 of 4
RGB Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
RGB Showcase (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Thermal Testing
I have used below mentioned configuration to test the performance of these fans: –
You can see that the MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB White fans are 1ᵒC behind the stock fans of the SYN360. This is a comparable performance from these fans. They make 44 dB(A) at an ambient sound level of 35 dB(A). This is a bit loud sound output.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You are planning for the MSI ecosystem: These fans are a perfect choice if you are into the MSI ecosystem, particularly Project Zero.
✅You want to experience Aesthetically pleasing white color fans: This kit costs less than the CORSAIR QX120 kit and offers you probably one of the best-looking fans on the market without a doubt.
✅You want to reduce the cable clutter: The ultimate target here is a neat and clean front with minimum cables as opposed to 1-2 cables per fan which is a cable management challenge.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are on a budget: The MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB White 3-fan pack retails at $119.99 and a single fan pack retails at $39.99. These are steep prices for sure.
❌Warranty is your thing: MSI offers a 2-year warranty on these fans which should have been more given the high price tag of these fans.
My Thoughts
MSI has released new fans in the MPG line. They are named EZ120 ARGB. They are available in black and white. They come in a single fan pack and a triple fan pack. The selling feature of these fans is their magnetic connectivity eliminating the cable clutter.
I have got my hands on a triple fan pack. MSI has bundled a controller hub that can house up to 18 EZ120 ARGB fans. This controller is powered by dual SATA connectors. This indicates that this kit draws more power. The fans have 9x frosted blades. MSI has used Fluid Dynamic Bearings inside copper housing.
These fans are rated for up to 1900 RPM ±10% generating 73.82 CFM at an air pressure of 2.56 mmH₂O. The triple fan kit comes with magnetic connector blocks and decorative blocks so that the final assembly can be neat and clean in look and feel. MSI has bundled Fan-Hub and Daisy-Chain cables for interconnectivity between the sets of fans and the controller hub.
The hub is connected to the motherboard using a USB 2.0 header. MSI Center is needed to control the speed of the fans and lighting effects or to switch the control to the motherboard. The fans are interconnected using a magnetic connection. This is further reinforced using magnetic connection blocks. The block color connectors/pads power the ARGB LEDs and the white/black combination connectors/pads power the motor of the fan.
Decorative blocks fill the empty area of the corners giving a full and solid square design. You can connect two sets via Daisy-Chain cable and then connect the complete set to the hub using a fan-hub cable hence requiring 1 to 2 cables at max. However, don’t forget the three cables coming out from the hub. Since these cables are on the backside of the PC Case, you will still get a neat and clean look on the front.
MSI is offering a 2-year warranty on these fans. These fans have a comparable performance against the My_Vlakyrie SYN360 stock fans. However, they are a bit loud during operations so I would recommend using a custom fan curve or Auto PWM function.
At Tech4Gamers, I take on the role of Hardware Reviewer with pride. My responsibilities involve a thorough examination of essential hardware components like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, and CPU coolers, among others, focusing on their complexities and functionalities.
Dr. Usman Saleem
At Tech4Gamers, I’m the PC Hardware Specialist, primarily contributing to the “Best-Ofs” section. I provide thoughtful buying advice based on thorough testing and personal expertise. I also review hardware products and games to keep things fresh.
Backplug motherboards are gaining more attraction. Project Zero is MSI take on backplug motherboard where these boards have connectors on the backside of the PCB. I have earlier tested MSI B650 PZ which is mATX size motherboard. This time I am testing an ATX size motherboard named Z790 PZ.
Why Trust Tech4Gamers
Usman Saleem is our hardware tester who loves to put all the latest GPUs, CPUs, RAM, and motherboards for a spin.
40+ motherboards tested and reviewed by our team of hardware experts (Tech4Gamers Team).
800+ hours spent testing different motherboards for our reviews.
At Tech4Gamers, ensuring you get reliable information is our priority. That’s why every hardware round-up undergoes a meticulous review process by our team of experts and editors. Each review is carefully examined against our strict editorial guidelines, guaranteeing you trustworthy insights you can depend on.
Key Takeaways
The MSI Z790 PZ is a back-plug motherboard with a Gen5-based PCIe x16 Slot, WiFi 7 solution, 2.5GbE LAN port, and USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2x2 port.
You should buy the MSI Z790 PZ if you want a back-plug motherboard that offers exceptional value for its money by offering great connectivity and features.
You should not buy the MSI Z790 PZ if you have high-end gaming requirements and plan to overclock your flagship CPU to its limits.
The salient features include:
This motherboard supports Intel® Core™ 14th/ 13th/ 12th Gen Processors for LGA 1700 socket
The memory support is up to 7200+(OC) MHz DDR5
The power design comprises a 14+1+1 Duet Rail Power System.
The motherboard has a PCIe 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
The thermal solution comprises an extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr
The board is using an average ALC897 codec from Realtek
The PCB is 6-layered, made of 2oz thickened copper and server-grade material
In all honesty, I can’t answer this question since I have not yet tested the Asus counterpart of this motherboard. Comparing this motherboard with regular motherboards that have connectors on the front will not make sense, but given the price point, feature set, and VRM design, I would prefer MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi over this motherboard. MSI should have upped the game on the power delivery side.
Packaging And Unboxing
Unboxing And Accessories (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The motherboard is shipped inside a standard cardboard packing box. MSI has included the following in the box:
1x ATX Motherboard
2x SATA 6Gbps Cables
1x Quick Installation Guide
1x European Union Regulatory Notice
2x EZ M.2 Clips
1x DVD for Drivers installation
1x WiFi Antenna
1x Cable Sticker
Design
Main Design (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI Z790 Project Zero is based on an Intel LGA1700 socket that powers the 4x DIMM slots, 1x HDMI 2.1 port rated at 4K@60Hz, and 1x DP 1.4 (HBR2) port. In addition, this socket provides 20x PCIe lanes. The first PCIe x16 slot is wired to this socket. The first M.2 Gen4x4 port is wired to the socket.
The DMI link operates at x8 PCIe between the socket and chipset. The connectivity comes from the Z790 chipset, including 3x Gen4x4 M.2 slots, WiFi 7 solution, Intel NUC, SATA, and Audio solution. Let’s start with the power delivery circuit of this motherboard.
Power Delivery To Socket
VRM Heatsink
VRM Heatsink Covers
As mentioned above, this motherboard uses an Intel LGA1700 socket, making it compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th-generation desktop processors. MSI has used two aluminum extended heatsink covers which are finished in silver color for cooling of power delivery circuit. The thermal pads are rated for 7W/mK.
MSI Project 0 is printed in black over the main heatsink or IO cover. Don’t take this motherboard for a white variant. It is a silver one that can bode well with white and black themed builds.
You can see gray thermal pads on the heatsink covers. There is no heatpipe connecting both heatsinks. These covers are layered and probably act like fins for heat diffusion.
VRM (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI uses 14+1+1 (VCore+GT+Aux) duet power rail design meaning two phases will get same PWM signal. Anyhow, MSI seems to have provided an average power delivery. 14 phases are only 55A rated per phase generating 770A for VCore only and 880A in total.
The main PWM controller is RealTek RT3628AE. MSI has used Dr.Mos SPS phases. BR00 359R is printed over these phases.
MSI has enabled overcurrent protection in the PCB design to provide a safeguard to the components of the PCB from excessive current. This would provide stability and durability.
DIMM Slots
DIMM Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard has 4x DIMM slots that can house up to 192GB of total memory. The maximum rated speed is 7200+ (OC) MHz. This is a mediocre rating since many mid-range and even low-end motherboards support higher frequencies.
These slots are not steel-reinforced. These support Intel XMP 3.0 with dual-channel and dual-controller modes. The supported memory is non-ECC and unbuffered.
PRO TIP: MSI has provided a handy Memory Boost support in UEFI BIOS that enables the users to leverage the true performance of their DDR5 kits.
Storage Options
M.2 Ports
M.2 Ports Without Covers
This motherboard has a total of 4x M.2 Gen4x4 ports. The top port is wired to the CPU socket, whereas the other three are wired to the chipset. The top port also supports the 22110 form factor. The M2_3 and M2_4 also support SATA. These ports have a stylish aluminum heatsink. The top port has MSI Shield Frozr cooling.
I am showing these ports after removing the covers. There is no thermal pad on the base of these ports. These use M.2 EZ Clips.
M.2 Ports Heatsink
SATA Ports
There are thermal pads under the aluminum heatsink covers. This motherboard has 6x SATA 6G ports on the backside driven by chipset.
PCIe Connectivity
PCIe Slots (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard has a total of 4x PCIe slots with strange implementation. The first slot is full x16 slotted and wired to the CPU socket. It is PCIe Gen5 rated.
The second slot, PCIe Gen3 x1, is wired to the chipset. The third slot is PCIe Gen4x16 (actually x4) and is wired to the chipset. The last port is PCIe Gen3 x1 and is wired to the chipset.
The top PCIe slot is steel reinforced, which MSI refers to as Steel Armor, and it has heavy soldered connections on the PCB to support the weight of heavy graphics cards. It uses extended clips for easy removal of the graphics card.
USB Connectivity
USB (Image By Tech4Gamers)
This motherboard is packed with USB ports on the front, rear, and mid-board. It has:
4x USB 2.0 (Rear)
4x USB 2.0 (Front)
2x USB 5Gbps Type A (Rear)
4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front)
1x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
1x USB 10Gbps Type C (Front)
1x USB 20Gbps Type C (Rear)
MSI has used several USB hubs and controllers, including GL850G, GL9930, GL9900N, PI3EQX2, PI3DBS, and 75DP159.
Networking Solution
Network (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI has provided wired and wireless connectivity on this motherboard. There is a 2.5GB LAN port (NUC) powered by Intel S3493L06. In addition, there is a powerful WiFi module that comes pre-installed, and a dedicated antenna is also in the box. This motherboard has WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Wi-Fi 7 improves the modulation scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM, which is impressive. This new generation is capable of sending and receiving data across several frequencies and channels at a time.
Audio Solution
Audio (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI has implemented Audio hardware on two separate layers of the PCB. The driving force is nothing spectacular but ALC897 with Chemi-Con capacitors. This solution is wired to the Z790 socket.
This is a 7.1 Channel audio solution that has S/PDIF output as well. It supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel. MSI has designed the isolated analogy structure for the output on the rear panel. In this design, the external metal housing is separated from the internal layout to improve the sound quality further.
Chipset
Chipset
Chipset Cover
I am showing the Z790 chipset after removing its heatsink cover and the heatsink cover of the Z790 chipset. The other covers are from the motherboard’s right side, where you would normally expect connectors. Since connectors are on the backside, MSI has installed two stylish aluminum covers.
Internal Connectors
There are:
Internal Connectors
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24 ATX Pin (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Bottom Connectors (Image By Tech4Gamers)
EPS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
EZ Debug LED (Image By Tech4Gamers)
PWM (Image By Tech4Gamers)
SATA Connectors (Image By Tech4Gamers)
1x Power Connector 24-pin (ATX_PWR)
2x Power Connector EPS (CPU_PWR)
1x CPU Fan Header
1x Pump Fan Header
6x System Fan Headers
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
1x TBT connector (JTBT, supports RTD3)
2x Addressable V2 RGB LED connectors (JARGB_V2)
2x RGB LED connectors (JRGB)
1x TPM pin header (Support TPM 2.0)
1x USB4 card connector (JTBT_U4_1, supports RTD3)
4x USB 2.0 ports
4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
1x USB 10Gbps Type C ports
EZ Debug LEDs
Each fan header is powered and controlled by nuvoTon 3961S. The Pump Header is rated for 3A. The other fan headers are rated for 2A. There are 4x LEDs to troubleshoot the system in case anything goes haywire. These LEDs correspond to the CPU, RAM, VGA, and Boot. However, there is no debug LED on this motherboard.
Rear IO Panel
IO Panel (Image By Tech4Gamers)
There are:
Mouse / Keyboard
DisplayPort 1.4
USB 2.0
5G LAN Port
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna
HD Audio Connectors
Flash Bios Button
USB 2.0
HDMI™ 2.1 Port
USB 5Gbps Type-A
USB 20Gbps Type-C
USB 10Gbps Type-A
MSI has implemented an extra layer of sponge materials on the Rear IO panel. The shield itself is corrosive resistant. This improves the static electricity reducing electromagnetic radiation noise from the system. It is good to see that MSI did not ditch USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port. This port is capable of providing up to 20Gbps bandwidth. I like the provision of Flash BIOS function.
Naked View
Backside View
I am showing the PCB after removing the heatsink and other covers and the backside of the motherboard. You can see all the connectors on the backside which is the theme of backplug motherboards. It is BTF in Asus ecosystem and PZ in MSI ecosystem.
BIOS Chip (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI has used the winbond 25Q16JVN1Q BIOS chip on this motherboard.
BIOS
BIOS Walkthrough
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BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
BIOS (Image By Tech4Gamers)
MSI has provided the same interface that I have seen on other MSI motherboards hence I am not going into details. The overall layout is easy to navigate, and related settings are grouped. BIOS is started in Eazy Mode, which the user can switch to the advanced mode by pressing the F7 key. There are six main sections or categories in the Advanced Settings. OC has CPU and memory-related voltages and other settings. The settings menu has system-related settings, including BOOT and Save & Exit.
Test Build
Test Build (Image By Tech4Gamers)
I have used the following configuration to test the motherboard:
The above is a picture showing a run of CPU-Z. We can see that CPU is reported at almost 5.5GHz. You can also see that graphics card is operating at x16 link. The RAM was operating at its tested speed of 7200MT/s after loading the XMP.
We have divided the overall tests in four major categories. These are:
CPU and Memory Tests
Storage Tests
Gaming Tests
Overall System Tests
Test Result
The testing was done on CPU’s stock settings with XMP loaded. I have used Intel default power profile.
CPU And Memory Benchmarks
CPU And Memory Benchmarks
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CPU Profile (Image By Tech4Gamers)
7-Zip Compression Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
AIDA64 CPU and Memory Benchmark (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Blender Benchmark 4.1.0 Result (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Blender Benchmark 4.1.0 Score (Image By Tech4Gamers)
CINEBENCH R23.2 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Geekbench 5.4.5 (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The CPU scored 29975 points in CPU Multi-Core load and 2119 points in a Single Core Load in R23.2. This is a good score. The DDR5 kit was performing at its rating, and we found the results comparable with the results when this kit was tested on other PCs. The single core score was even more impressive in Geekbench 5.4.5. With a compression result of 142168 MIPS and 112782 MIPS score in Decompression, this CPU has shown its true performance potential.
Storage Test
Storage Test
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CrystalDiskMark - NVMe SSD
CrystalDiskMark - USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Drive
PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark - NVMe SSD
PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark - USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Drive
I have used a PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe drive and a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C drive. The Sabrent Rocket NANO V2 4TB portable drive is rated for 1500MB/s. The NVMe drive passed the sequential read and write speeds in the CrystalDiskMark. The USB drive was operating above 1600MB/s, which confirms the rated speeds.
We have good performance from the NVMe drive in PCMARK10 Data Drive Benchmark doing 621.68MB/s bandwidth with a latency of 38µs only. The overall score was 4141. The USB drive scored 565.
Gaming Tests
Gaming Tests
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Gaming Performance
3DMARK - Fire Strike
3DMARK - Speed Way
3DMARK - Time Spy
The overall gaming performance is on par for 1080P gaming using a 144Hz refresh rate monitor.
System Performance Test
Performance Test
PCMARK 10
The system was doing 9392 in PCMARK10 Basic test which is a good performance from this build. The result from Performance Test is 12203.
Core Clocks Behavior
Core Clocks Behavior
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System Stats 1T Load
System Stats Idle
System Stats Multi Core Load
The system was left idle for 10 minutes under the Balanced Power Profile. The idle clocks were 798MHz on P-Cores and E-Cores. The clocks were peaking to almost 5.5GHz under 1T load. All cores load put these clocks to 5.4HHz. These figures confirm Intel’s clock ratings for Core i7 13700K.
Testing was done on an ambient temperature of 26ᵒC. the CPU was idling at 31ᵒC and the graphics card was idling at 30ᵒC. Under load, the CPU was doing 92ᵒC whereas the GPU was doing 70ᵒC.
Thermal Imaging (Image By Tech4Gamers)
The VRM/MOSFET was doing 70.3ᵒC. These temperatures are a bit high for my comfort zone.
Should You Buy It?
Buy It If
✅You are into backplug motherboards: MSI Z790 PZ is an ATX size backplug motherboard. It is among the few options available right now in this segment.
✅You are looking for Gen 5 connectivity: This motherboard has a 1x PCIe Gen5 x16 slot. It may be worth your consideration.
✅Value is your thing: Coming in at USD 279.99, this motherboard is a nice option, particularly given it is a backplug design. However, MSI Z790 Tomahawk Max retails at around 294.99 and gives a better value.
Don’t Buy It If
❌You are looking for a High-Spec motherboard: If you are a heavy user and looking for an extensive feature set in a motherboard, then this motherboard is not for you. You can take a look at MSI Carbon WiFi II or ACE, for that matter.
My Thoughts
The overall performance of this motherboard, which has an i7 13700k, is satisfactory.
I have tested a second Project Zero motherboard from MSI. This time it is Z790 PZ. Earlier I tested B650M PZ. The Z790 PZ is a value-oriented motherboard with a core backplug connectivity design, meaning all the connectors are on the backside of the PCB.
This motherboard has a decent connectivity option. We have a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot as well as a PCIe Gen4x4 (mentioned as Gen4 x16) slot. The provision of two PCIe Gen3 x1 slots does not make sense to me. This motherboard has a total of 4x M.2 ports. There is no Gen5 M.2 port.
All M.2 ports are Gen4x4. The top port is wired to the CPU socket and supports a form factor of up to 22110. It has Shield Frozr cooling from MSI. The last two ports support PCIe and SATA drives. These ports have aluminum covers with a single thermal pad per port. This motherboard has 6x SATA 6G ports.
This motherboard has a total of 17 USB ports on mid-board and rear/front including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port on the rear IO panel. MSI has provided Flash BIOS button and a dedicated USB port making our lives easy.
This motherboard has a mediocre 14+1+1 power delivery mechanism (DUET Rail). These are 55A phases, which may not be sufficient for the Core i9 SKUs, in my opinion. In contrast, the Tomahawk Max WiFi has 16+1+1 with 90A power phases.
The cooling department is strong as well, with 8x Fan headers and aluminum heat sink cover over the VRM/MOSFET, M.2 ports, and Chipset. MSI has used 7W-mK-rated thermal pads on the VRM/MOSFET covers.
The BIOS interface is the same as we have seen on the MSI motherboard. MSI has used RealTek ALC897 codec. This motherboard retails at USD 279.99 at NewEgg and has a 3-year warranty from MSI.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
The Las Vegas Sphere relies on Nvidia’s RTX A6000 GPUs.
150 of these GPUs power the 1.2 million programmable LEDs in the sphere.
It is also said that the sphere can consume a maximum of 28 megawatts of power.
Las Vegas’ iconic sphere has captured everyone’s attention recently. This beautiful structure offers a splendid view from across the city and uses its many LEDs to portray various effects and advertisements to everyone in the city.
Previously, it was used to advertise big AAA releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Moreover, the sphere often displays an emoji that keeps an eye out for traffic throughout Las Vegas. According to Nvidia, this massive structure is powered by its own RTX A6000 GPUs.
Why it matters: The Las Vegas Sphere has become an important structure for tourists and advertisers. Upcoming content is frequently advertised through the sphere because it’s so hard to ignore.
The Sphere Looks Dazzling. (Image via Nvidia)
Nvidia reveals that 150 RTX A6000 GPUs work behind the scenes to bring the sphere’s visuals to life. It also contains about 1.2 million programmable LEDs that can display a wide range of graphics. These displays use a 16K resolution.
Overall, the 150 RTX A6000s lead to a total of 7200GB of memory and 1.6 million cores. The sphere is also said to consume 28 megawatts of power, which comes out to about 28,000,000 watts.
For a rough reference, this much power can be used for electricity in 21,000 homes. Authorities are currently attempting to ensure 70% of this power is drawn from solar sources to ensure an environmentally friendly approach.
It’s no secret that Nvidia’s GPU hardware is a cut above the rest. Thanks to its focus on hardware improvements and artificial intelligence, the gaming giant briefly became the world’s most valuable company.
While it may not have been able to retain the spot for too long, Nvidia is the sole leader when it comes to modern artificial intelligence and graphics. This is precisely why its RTX A6000 GPUs are used to power a structure as iconic and grand as the Las Vegas Sphere.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Xbox is giving its consoles less importance than ever.
A new report suggests that console marketing will take the back seat in certain regions, including Europe.
The company will focus on Game Pass, cloud gaming, and controllers in these parts of the world now.
This week has been a rollercoaster ride for Xbox console fans. Not too long ago, Xbox’s latest advertisement suggested that players no longer need to buy a console to enjoy Xbox.
Later, it was confirmed that Game Pass would see another price hike and become a much worse deal on the console than on the PC. Following recent news, a new report suggests that Xbox is dialing down its console marketing in many regions.
Why it matters: While the current generation hasn’t been amazing for Xbox’s consoles so far, it appears that Microsoft is no longer trying to bounce back.
The Xbox Series S Could Not Change Things For Microsoft
As reported by Tom Warren, Microsoft will change its Xbox strategy in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the near future and won’t promote the Xbox Series S|X consoles in certain markets.
Instead of focusing on the consoles, the company will promote Game Pass, cloud gaming, and controllers. Following this focus, Microsoft is expected to allocate less console stock for these regions.
If done right, Microsoft’s approach won’t be a huge problem. If Game Pass and the other segments go through sufficient growth, they could make up for the lack of major success in the console department.
It is also important to note that Xbox’s consoles don’t sell too well outside the US. Most other regions are dominated by PlayStation and Nintendo.
Xbox Game Pass Has Massive Tittles Coming Later This Year
Tom Warren states that he has been unable to verify this leak. As such, it may be best to take it with a grain of salt. However, it isn’t too hard to believe. Xbox’s recent decisions are all pointing toward a limited focus on consoles, so this seems like a natural step.
Fans should expect Xbox to gradually dial down efforts in the console segment moving forward. Even though new hardware for one more generation is already confirmed, Microsoft is more interested in Game Pass and cloud gaming.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
Story Highlight
Recent changes to the Rockstar Games launcher suggest Red Dead Redemption is coming to PC soon.
The team’s investor call is also coming next month, so the announcement should be made around the same time.
Going by past trends, this version will be released shortly after the announcement.
Red Dead Redemption has been one of Rockstar Games’ most significant and successful releases. Although the game came out 14 years ago, fans have still been waiting for the PC port.
Not too long ago, it was noted that Rockstar Games was indeed working on the PC port of Red Dead Redemption, but it would not be released anytime soon. A few months later, it appears that the official announcement is nearly upon us.
Why it matters: The franchise is already Rockstar Games’ second biggest, with over 75 million units sold. The numbers are likely to increase following the release of the PC port.
Red Dead Redemption Is Currently Playable On PC Through Emulation
According to Ben, Red Dead Redemption’s PC release is imminent. Rockstar Games recently redesigned the PC launcher. The new user interface also highlights a list of classic titles from the studio, and Red Dead Redemption would fit right in with this section.
Perhaps the biggest piece of evidence is the fact that Take-Two has an investor call coming up soon. Red Dead Redemption could be announced for PC around this call in August since the publisher used the same approach with the console version in 2023.
We already know that a PC port exists, so it’s only a matter of time before the announcement is made. Fortunately, evidence suggests that this reveal is coming sooner rather than later.
Red Dead Remains The Second Biggest Franchise For Rockstar Games
A recent Epic Games leak also suggested that development on the PC version is ongoing. Therefore, all eyes are on Rockstar Games.
As for the release date, fans can expect the port to arrive during the same month or in September. This is the same trend that Rockstar Games followed for the console versions, so fans can rest assured that the PC port is coming soon.
The developer is also working on GTA 6. As the Fall 2025 release date approaches, expectations are higher than ever for this release. All in all, fans of the studio have plenty to anticipate.
