MSI Gungnir 100
BEHOLD! MIGHTY... Gungnir?
PRICE $ 159 www.msi.com
MSI is not normally a name that I’d leap to when it came to choosing a PC case for a new build, but the hardware company is continuing to branch out, and while its new MGP Gungnir 100 case may not boast a name that rolls off the tongue, it certainly makes an impact. This is a roomy case, able to house an E-ATX motherboards if size really is your thing, but it also has a few other tricks up its rather expansive sleeves…
Now, if you really don’t give a damn about the continuing dominance of RGB lighting as a feature of modern PC hardware, the Gungnir is going to be basically yawn-worthy, as many those tricks related to ARGB lighting effects. Inside is an addressable RGB-lit fan (at the rear, as the three front fans are hidden behind the front fascia), and a one-to-eight ARGB hub, so you can plug in more RGB components such as light strips. This hub can be controlled by a single button alongside the rest of the case’s buttons – by holding it down for three seconds you can cycle through seven preset effects, and of course the case can sync up with MSI’s own Mystic Light software for a truly coordinated lightshow.
There are also lighting strips at the top and bottom of the aggressively angled front fascia, and there are two inset logo-blocks that also light up to match your case’s disco effects. These are even neater than they first appear, as these parts can be swapped out for custom, 3D printed logos. Got an esports team you follow, or a favourite gaming logo? Print it out, and your case can become a one of a kind work of art. The bottom logo is also designed to reflect on whatever surface your case is resting on. Nice touch. Lighting may not be your thing, but the Gungnir does have more to offer. Cable management has very cleverly handled by a large range of rubbergrommeted cable runs, and removable metal shroud behind the motherboard plate adorned with Velcro tabs. This keeps every out of the way, improving airflow and general looks, which will matter given the tempered glass sidepanel, itself anchored by sturdy thumb screws and backed by rubber seats. If you take full advantage of all the interior assets of this case, you’ll have one striking build. Storage leans toward SSD drives, with four brackets overall, and two 5.25in drive bays.
Cooling, out of the box, is similarly impressive. Three 120mm fans draw air in, while a single fan handles exhaust. This leads to positive interior air pressure, which will help keep dust and other particulates out of the interior. If you want to go liquid, there’s heaps of room for just about any liquid cooling option you can think of.
For the asking price the features are top notch, though removable dust filters would have been nice, as they’re becoming common on far cheaper cases. Otherwise, MSI’s foray into case design is looking strong out of the gate.
Cable management has very cleverly handled by a large range of rubber-grommeted cable runs, and removable metal shroud behind the motherboard plate adorned with Velcro tabs.