The MSI Aegis ZS2 B7NUE-853US is an imposing gaming desktop designed to meet the demands of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Packed with top-tier hardware and boasting cutting-edge features, this rig is a testament to MSI’s dedication to performance, durability, and aesthetics. Let’s dive into a detailed review of its specifications, performance, and overall value proposition.
MSI Aegis ZS2 B7NUE-853US Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 7900X (12 cores, 24 threads, 4.7 GHz base, up to 5.6 GHz boost) |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 5600 MHz (2 x 16GB) |
| Storage | 2TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD |
| Motherboard | PRO B650-VC (AMD B650 chipset) |
| Cooling | 240mm Liquid Cooler |
| Power Supply | 750W PSU |
| Dimensions | 19.4 x 9.1 x 19 inches |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Front I/O Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type C, 1x Mic-in, 1x Headphone-out |
| Rear I/O Ports | 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A |
| Expansion Slots | 4x PCI-E x16, 3x M.2, 4x SATA 6G |
| Video Outputs | 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a |
1Design & Build
The MSI Aegis ZS2 is a visually striking machine with dimensions of 19.4 x 9.1 x 19 inches and a weight of 26.9 lbs. The case features a mix of metal and tempered glass panels, with strategically placed RGB lighting that adds flair without being overbearing.
Its sturdy build quality ensures durability, while the compact footprint makes it manageable for most gaming setups. Airflow optimization is evident in its design, with well-placed vents and a 240mm liquid cooler ensuring effective thermal management.
2Performance
At the heart of the Aegis ZS2 is the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X processor. Built on TSMC’s 5nm FinFET process, this 12-core, 24-thread CPU offers exceptional performance with a base clock of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.6 GHz. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or handling demanding workloads like video editing or 3D rendering, the Ryzen 9 7900X delivers smooth and reliable performance.
The inclusion of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card is a significant highlight. With its advanced architecture, real-time ray tracing, and AI-enhanced features, the RTX 4070 SUPER provides stunning visuals and high frame rates. It effortlessly handles modern AAA titles at 4K resolutions and is equally adept at professional tasks like 3D modeling and AI computation.
Equipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM clocked at 5600 MHz, the Aegis ZS2 ensures seamless multitasking and future-proofing. The 2TB M.2 NVMe Gen4 storage offers lightning-fast read and write speeds, drastically reducing load times and enhancing overall system responsiveness. This combination of ample memory and storage capacity caters to gamers and creators who require fast and reliable access to their data.
In real-world performance tests, the Aegis ZS2 excels across the board. Gaming benchmarks show that the RTX 4070 SUPER consistently delivers over 120 FPS in demanding titles like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Forza Horizon 5” at 1440p Ultra settings. Content creators will appreciate the system’s ability to handle tasks such as video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, where rendering times are significantly reduced thanks to the combination of the Ryzen 9 CPU and the RTX 4070 SUPER.
3Connectivity & IO
The PRO B650-VC motherboard forms the backbone of the Aegis ZS2, leveraging the AMD B650 chipset’s features. It provides robust expansion capabilities with four PCI-E x16 slots, three M.2 slots for additional NVMe drives, and four SATA 6G ports for traditional storage options. The motherboard’s rear panel offers an extensive array of USB ports: four USB 2.0, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (5 Gbps), and two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A (10 Gbps). On the front panel, users can access a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A and a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type C port for quick connectivity.
The Aegis ZS2 provides excellent audio and video output options. It includes one mic-in and one headphone-out jack, ensuring high-quality audio input and output for gamers and streamers. Video outputs are comprehensive, with one HDMI 2.1 port and three DisplayPort 1.4a ports, allowing multi-monitor setups with high refresh rates and resolutions up to 8K.
The Aegis ZS2 offers ample room for expansion. The motherboard’s three M.2 slots and four PCI-E x16 slots allow users to add more storage or upgrade the GPU in the future. The four SATA 6G ports provide additional connectivity for HDDs and SSDs, ensuring that the system can evolve with the user’s needs.
4Thermals, User Experience & More
The 240mm liquid cooler is a standout feature, maintaining the CPU’s temperature under heavy workloads and ensuring consistent performance. The chassis’ airflow design complements the liquid cooling system, with strategically placed fans that minimize heat buildup. This robust thermal solution ensures that the Aegis ZS2 remains quiet even during intense gaming sessions.
The desktop is powered by a 750W PSU, providing ample headroom for the high-performance components. The power supply’s efficiency ensures stable operation and accommodates future upgrades, such as adding more storage or upgrading the GPU.
Running Windows 11 Home, the Aegis ZS2 takes full advantage of Microsoft’s latest operating system features. The OS is optimized for gaming and productivity, with improved multi-tasking capabilities and support for DirectStorage, which enhances game loading times. MSI’s software suite further enhances the experience, offering tools for system monitoring, RGB lighting control, and overclocking.
Conclusion
The MSI Aegis ZS2 B7NUE-853US is a powerhouse desktop that strikes an excellent balance between performance, design, and value. It is an ideal choice for gamers and creators looking for a ready-to-use system that can handle demanding workloads and deliver exceptional gaming experiences. Its expandability and premium components make it a future-proof investment that is hard to beat in its price range.
Priced competitively, the MSI Aegis ZS2 offers excellent value for its feature set. While it caters primarily to gamers and creators, the system’s versatility makes it suitable for a range of applications, including software development and virtual reality. Its premium components and robust build quality justify the investment, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Serious Performance for Gamers and Creators: Enjoy serious speed and the ultimate power efficiency with AMD Ryzen 9 7900 CPUs for gaming and creating, featuring 12 Cores and 24 processing Threads.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Max FPS. Max Quality. Powered by AI: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER GPUs are beyond fast for gamers and creators. Powered by the new fourth-gen Tensor Cores and Optical Flow Accelerator on GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, DLSS 3.5 uses AI to create additional frames and improve image quality.
- Liquid Cooling: With MSI's exclusive 240mm CPU liquid cooler, Aegis RS allows maximum heat dissipation and handles the most hardware-intensive games without breaking a sweat.
- Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.
