MSI has introduced its Project Zero motherboards, incorporating concealed connectors, akin to Asus DIY-APE and Gigabyte Project Stealth. By relocating onboard connectors to the motherboard's rear, these designs prioritize cable management and a streamlined appearance.
Two distinct Project Zero motherboard models are available from MSI: the B650M Project Zero, compatible with Ryzen 7000 processors, and the B760M Project Zero, engineered for Intel 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs and subsequent models. Additionally, there are discussions about the forthcoming Z790 Project Zero model. The B760M Project Zero is an Intel B760 chipset-based microATX motherboard supporting Alder Lake and Raptor Lake CPUs. It also boasts compatibility with the latest Raptor Lake Refresh chips following a minor firmware adjustment. With a six-layer PCB featuring two-ounce copper and a 12+1+1 power delivery system, it's designed for high-performance CPUs, including Core i9. The motherboard is equipped with dual 8-pin EPS power connectors to ensure sufficient power delivery.
For memory, the B760M Project Zero has four DDR5 slots, allowing for a total of 192GB using 48GB modules. While it officially supports DDR5-7200 rates, actual compatibility varies with the processor's integrated memory controller (IMC), particularly for faster memories like DDR5-8600 kits. The motherboard offers four SATA III ports, supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, as well as two M.2 slots. The primary M.2 slot, at PCIe 4.0 x4 speed, connects directly to the CPU, supporting varied SSD sizes, while the secondary M.2 slot, also PCIe 4.0 x4, connects to the B760 chipset, accommodating both NVMe and SATA-based SSDs.
For expansion, it features three slots: one PCIe 5.0 x16, one PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 electrically), and a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Only the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 is CPU-connected, with the other two linked to the chipset. Connectivity features include a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port using a Realtek controller, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a range of USB ports. The rear panel provides an HDMI 2.1 port and a DisplayPort 1.4 output. Information on the Z790 Project Zero, although not officially announced by MSI, has been revealed by wxnod. Utilizing the Z790 chipset, it supports CPU and memory overclocking and employs the standard ATX form factor. While it maintains the memory support and display outputs of the B760M, it offers increased M.2 and SATA slots, an extra PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, enhanced wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4), and an expanded USB port array.
As of now, MSI has not provided details regarding the pricing or availability of the B760M and Z790 Project Zero models. However, based on recent listings, the Project Zero series is anticipated to launch in the near future.
