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Maximum Thermal Performance - Noise normalized results
For this first test, I’ve set the system fans to run at 40.3 dBA on cases with PWM control. I’ve also normalized the output of Akasa’s Soho H4 Plus cooler, setting it to 76% - 40.9 dBA from one meter away.
You can consider this a measure of the case’s efficiency when set to low noise levels. The result of 254.1 watts isn’t one of the best or worst results – but don’t forget that you can increase this case’s efficiency by installing one of the optional side plates. Another thing to keep in mind is that this test stresses only the CPU, and the other tests shown in this review are performed with both a CPU and GPU load. Finally, remember that size matters: a smaller case like Montech’s Air 903 Max might have better results due to better airflow efficiency.
Maximum Thermal Load – GPU Temperature Results
For this next test, the fans are allowed to operate at their maximum speeds and I load both the CPU and GPU to their fullest potential. This is a worst-case scenario, and the results should be interpreted as such. Most users who game or do standard productivity work will not deal with such a stressful test in their use of computers.
You’ll note there are two results shown for the MSI case here. The bottom result is how the case operates by default, while the top result shows the performance when you use the touch screen to manually set the system fans to 100% PWM. Both are middle-of-the-road results and should provide acceptable thermal performance for the vast majority of users.
Maximum Thermal Load – CPU Wattage Results
The CPU results aren’t as impressive, landing near the bottom of our results. However, this result is likely at least partially a victim of my standardized testing using a simple air cooler – most users considering this case will be using water cooling.
“Gaming” Thermal Load – CPU and GPU temperatures
For this last test, I’ve simulated a “heavy gaming” workload by running a 150W workload on Intel’s i9-14900K and a full load on ASRock’s Steel Legend Radeon RX 7900 GRE. This section and the next section are the primary thermal results that most users should consider important to their purchasing decisions.
The results of the CPU temperatures here are in the middle of the chart, but aren’t far from our best records, trailing by only 2 degrees C!
GPU temperatures are even better in this scenario, trailing our best results by only a single degree. As far as I’m concerned; that’s a margin-of-error difference that doesn’t really matter.
Noise Levels
This last chart covers noise levels. In this case’s default “out of the box” configuration, noise levels are steady at 39.6 dBA. If you manually enable higher fan speeds using the touchscreen display on the front of the case, the volume increases and will run as loudly as 43.8 dBA.
Both of these results are better than the majority of cases on the market, and really there’s no reason to allow the fans to run at full speed. The quieter, default level of 60% PWM/39.6 dBA provides “good enough” thermal performance for all typical scenarios.
A reminder about how to improve performance
Just as a reminder: If you’re looking for stronger thermal performance than shown in the benchmarks above. there are ways to improve this case without spending any or much extra cash.
Specifically, one of the side plates included will reduce potential air leakage – resulting in improved thermal efficiency. Alternatively, you could install additional fans on the side (using the included radiator plate) or top of the case to help reduce temperatures.
Conclusion
MSI’s MEG Prospect 700R isn’t a chassis for budget buyers, but it has a lot of features that make it an interesting option. I found the touchscreen panel and its supported functions useful. Hinged doors make accessing the internals of the case simple, and it is one of a limited number of cases that allow fancy PSUs to show their displays. When considering all of these features in unison, MSI’s Prospect 700R is a very nice and fancy option for a premium PC build.
However, the case would be much easier to recommend if it were $100 cheaper. My biggest complaint is that a case of this price should include a GPU support bracket for horizontal mounts and a PCIe riser cable for vertical mounting.
