MSI MAG Forge M100R case overview

Four years ago, the cases in MSI’s portfolio could be counted on the fingers of one hand. And now, in the three main lines MAG, MPG and MEG, there are many models and modifications. And the subject of this review will be a relatively budget chassis called MAG Forge M100R.

Characteristics

Model MSI MAG Forge M100R Model and product page MAG Forge M100R Case type Mini-Tower Dimensions, mm 423 (H) x 200 (W) x 388 (D) Material Steel, plastic, tempered glass Weight, kg 4.2 Color Black Form -factor MicroATX, Mini-ITX 5.25″ devices – 3.5″ external devices – 3.5″ / 2.5″ internal devices 2 / 3
(one 2.5″ drive is installed instead of a 3.5″ drive) Number of expansion slots 4 Top fans – 2 x 120 mm
front – 3 x 120 mm (installed) / 2 x 140 mm
rear – 1 x 120 mm (installed)
internal — 2 x 120 mm Top radiators — 1 x 120/240 mm
front – 1 x 120/140/240/280 mm
rear — 1 x 120 mm
internal – 1 x 120/240 mm Interface connectors 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2 x 3.5 mm headphone and microphone inputs Features Tempered glass left side panel. Removable dust filters for PSU and top panel (magnetic). Four 120mm ARGB fans included. Built-in 6-port ARGB backlight controller. Fan power splitter from one port to four (three pins). Price, UAH 2699

Packing and scope of delivery

The case is supplied in a regular cardboard box, on which the front and back of the product is schematically depicted in one-color paint. And on the sides there is information about its advantages and technical characteristics. There are also cut-out carrying handles. By the way, with a special hole that easily allows you to turn them in both directions. The goods inside are protected from damage by two foam dampers, a plastic bag and two adhesive films on the glass.

The package includes:

User’s Manual; brochure with information about the guarantee; two reusable ventilated plugs for PCI slots; fan power splitter from one port to four connectors, three pins each; five disposable plastic cable ties; two long screws for fastening the fans to the PSU shroud; two screws with a yellow plastic knurled head for fixing 3.5″ drives in the basket; three elongated cylindrical screws for fixing 3.5″ drives in the basket; four metal supports for the motherboard; six case screws for the PSU and video card; 17 small screws for motherboard and 2.5″ drives.

Appearance

The appearance of the MSI MAG Forge M100R is quite restrained, without unnecessary design frills. The chassis has a clear rectangular shape with straight sides. The front panel consists almost entirely of a metal mesh mounted on top of a plastic frame with slanted edges. The dragon logo is located in the middle of the bottom, and fans are visible through the grille, which also have ARGB backlighting.

Controls and external ports are located at the front of the top panel. From left to right, in order, there is a large round PC start button, a small reset button, two dot LED indicators for drive activity and power (red and blue respectively), two 3.5mm audio jacks for microphone and headphones, two ports USB 2.0, one USB 3.2 Gen1 port and a key for switching backlight modes, located on the right side of the plastic front frame.

The left side panel is completely glass and transparent. It is held on by two plastic knurled screws and has a handle on the back for easy removal. It is removed in the direction back and to the side.

The thickness of slightly tinted tempered glass here is 3 mm. The metal fasteners on the front and back faces are glued to the glass.

The right sidewall is completely metal and smooth. It has the same mounting system as the left side glass.

Massive stiffeners inside on all sides keep thin metal from bending.

The top panel is ventilated and covered with a magnetic dust filter made of fine metal mesh.

The long holes on the grill allow you to mount two 120mm fans underneath.

The back panel has a standard configuration. Narrow ventilation grille on top, another grille for a 120mm fan below. Elongated mounting holes allow you to adjust the height of the propeller within 15 mm. Even lower there are four slots for PCI-E expansion cards, covered with disposable ventilated plugs. Opposite the slots there is a decorative latch held on by a single screw with a plastic knurled head. The power supply mount only allows it to be placed in a fan-down orientation.

On the bottom panel of interesting elements there is a metal mesh of the PSU dust filter and two screws holding the drive basket inside. Four plastic legs in the form of trapezoids are located at the corners. They have soft stickers on the bottom. At the bottom of the front panel there is a recess for which it can be easily removed.