MSI MPG Velox 100R Chassis Review

Check out Andy’s detailed review of the MSI MPG Velox 100R chassis in the video above.

Key time stamps:

00:33 – Specs

02:36 – Benchmarks

08:45 – Features and Build Quality

28:35 – Conclusion

MSI has a long history in the PC component industry, starting with motherboards in 1986 and graphics cards in 1997. Despite this, they are relatively new to many markets.

Today, we are focusing on one of their latest cases, the MPG Velox 100R, set to be released in late October/early November, along with a more performance-oriented 100P Airflow model.

The case measures 490mm x 474mm x 231mm (HxDxW), making it a mid-sized mid-tower. It features tempered glass front and side panels, though they are on the thinner side at 3mm. The case comes with four 120mm ARGB PWM fans and an ARGB LED strip along the side of the PSU shroud. While the design is somewhat generic and resembles many other RGB cases on the market, it is still visually appealing and would fit well in various setups.

All the RGB lighting in the case is connected to a simple LED controller located behind the motherboard. This controller can be operated using a button on the front I/O panel or connected to a 3-pin 5v ARGB header on your motherboard for control through software. The front I/O panel includes power, reset, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps). However, the placement of these ports down the right side of the case, with the USB-C port positioned halfway down, may cause accessibility issues depending on the case’s placement.

Unfortunately, the case suffers from some build quality issues. The steel used is thin, ranging from 0.7-0.8mm, and many panels have unnecessary ventilation, making them flimsy. The PSU shroud has a small window to showcase the power supply, but it is partially obstructed by the window’s black border and may obscure most ATX PSU badges.

MSI includes a vertical GPU mount made of thicker steel, providing excellent support for the GPU without noticeable sag. However, the installation process for the GPU mount is cumbersome, with none of the six standoff placements fitting a Corsair PCI-e riser. Additionally, the design hinders the installation of both the bracket and GPU with the motherboard in place, making it a challenging process. Thumbscrews are not provided, further complicating the installation.

On the positive side, cable management in the case is well thought out. There is ample depth for cable management, with 24 cable-tie points spread across the motherboard tray. The rear panel, while only secured at the front and rear edges, effectively manages cable bulge and is relatively easy to close with one hand using self-retaining thumbscrews. The case also includes a pair of 2.5-inch drive sleds with rubber grommets for vibration damping, though the 3.5-inch bay under the PSU shroud is less impressive, with a flimsy metal frame and limited space for drives.

Regarding cooling performance, the included fans are adequate but not exceptional. Adjusting the fan placement can improve temperatures, with the stock fan configuration showing suboptimal results. The case’s price point is a significant drawback, as it is significantly higher than comparable RGB cases on the market, despite lacking exceptional build quality or features to justify the premium.

Pros

• Good cooling potential

• Quiet fans provided

• Flexible fan and radiator mounting options

• Included vertical GPU mount

Cons

• Suboptimal fan setup out of the box

• Thin, cheap-feeling materials

• Poor implementation of 3.5-inch drive cage and vertical GPU mount

• High price premium