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My thoughts on the MSI Aegis ZS Ryzen 7700 RTX 4060 Desktop (2024)
Introduction
I recently bought the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop. I was looking for a machine that could handle heavy-duty gaming and multitasking for content creation. In the write-up below I’ll share some of my thoughts.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Uses For Product | Multimedia, Photo Editing, Gaming | Brand | MSI |
| Personal computer design type | Computer Tower | Operating System | Windows 11 Home Advanced |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Model Name | Aegis ZS 7NUC-607US |
| Included Components | Mouse, Keyboard | CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 7 |
| Color | Black | CPU Manufacturer | AMD |
Prices
Check prices of the MSI Aegis ZS Ryzen 7700 RTX 4060 Desktop on:
Under the Hood: Performance and Hardware
Under the hood of the MSI Aegis ZS is where this machine really starts to show its mettle. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700 is a beast when it comes to multi-threaded tasks, making this desktop a prime choice for gaming and content creation alike. Pair that with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and you’ve got a gaming powerhouse that can deliver ultra-high FPS and support heavy graphics loads with ease.
Here’s a quick specs rundown:
AMD Ryzen R7-7700: 8 cores and 16 threads for powerful multitasking.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060: Equipped with 8GB GDDR6X memory for stellar gaming performance.
16GB DDR5 RAM: Fast and efficient memory ideal for gaming and multitasking.
1TB SSD: Great storage capacity for quick system boots and ample space for games and applications.
But what does this all mean in terms of real-world performance? I can boot up my most demanding applications without a hitch, and multitasking is smoother than ever. I’ve noticed that in resource-intensive games like Fortnite and Smite, the frame rates stay consistently high, which makes for an immersive gaming experience.
The cooling system deserves a mention too. There are four fans—three to pull in cool air and one to expel hot air. This setup keeps the internals at optimal temperatures, even during long gaming sessions, ensuring sustained performance.
I’ve experienced some incredibly fast transfer speeds with Wi-Fi 6, but having the Ethernet port as a backup is always a plus. And for those nights where I just want to jump into battle, the plug and play set up with the included gaming mouse and mechanical-like keyboard means no fuss before fun.
Yet, like any tech, it has its shortcomings. Stock cooling for the CPU could be better – at idle temperatures of 120 F°, I’m thinking about investing in an aftermarket CPU cooler. Also, I’ve inadvertently hit that pesky reset button next to the power button a few times already. Moreover, while 16GB of RAM is sufficient for now, I can see myself needing an upgrade down the line, especially for more demanding tasks.
Although I can’t argue with the hardware packed into this tower, there’s a concern about quality control. Instances of missing SSDs or extra WiFi antennas on arrival have been flagged by users, indicating MSI might need to tighten up their shipping protocols. For more details on an MSI model, check out my experience with the MSI Codex R Gaming Desktop.
Despite these issues, the MSI Aegis ZS 7NUC-607US represents a solid choice for gamers and content creators alike. Its high-end components, DIY-friendly nature, and powerful performance more than makeup for its few shortcomings. Just remember to double-check the contents if you’re making the purchase.
Design and Aesthetics of the Aegis ZS
Diving right into the design and aesthetics of the Aegis ZS gaming desktop, one thing is for sure—MSI has given it a look that signals it’s built for gamers. I’m a firm believer that style plays a crucial role in the overall vibe of your gaming setup, and the Aegis ZS ticks a lot of the right boxes here. Outlined below are some of the key design highlights and the inevitable drawbacks:
Visual Impact:
Pros:
The RGB fan cooling isn’t just about function; it brings the rig to life with color and movement—definitely a big plus for those who love a dynamic look.
The tower’s size is formidable, standing taller than a 22-inch screen, suggesting that there’s plenty of room for high-end components.
Cons:
The massive size could be a downside if you’re short on space or prefer a more minimalist setup.
Build Quality:
Pros:
The sturdy construction and high-performance components signal durability and reliability, essential for any serious gamer.
Cons:
I’m not a fan of the reset button’s placement next to the power button—while it’s a small inconvenience, it’s an annoying design choice that’s led to a few accidental restarts.
Ergonomics:
- The included MSI gaming keyboard and mouse bundle is a neat addition. The mouse with adjustable DPI presets enhances precision, and the keyboard’s mechanical-like switches give a satisfying feedback.
From a personal perspective, the Aegis ZS has a black color scheme that’s pretty standard for gaming machines—not necessarily a standout feature, but you can’t go wrong with classic black. The machine’s color, coupled with the vibrant RGB lighting, means that it will fit into most gaming setups without clashing with other gear.
While the RGB lighting is definitely a big positive for the gaming aesthetic, some might find it over the top. Personally, I like the option to customize lighting to match the rest of my setup or to reflect my mood while gaming—luckily, it’s customizable, so if it’s not your thing, it’s easy enough to turn off or tone down.
In terms of upgradeability and the ‘DIY friendly’ aspect, I appreciate the thought MSI has put into making it user-friendly. It’s encouraging for future expansions; it means this desktop can grow with my needs, which is a huge plus for anyone looking to future-proof their investment.
To address some concerns I’ve noticed, there have been reports of quality control issues, such as missing SSDs or Wi-Fi antennas. That said, these seem isolated, and with any mass-produced item, there can be hiccups. My experience with MSI has been positive, and their customer service has been prompt when I’ve reached out in the past with questions.
Overall, the design and aesthetics of the Aegis ZS win more points than it loses. It has the gaming look down pat, and while it might have some minor design quirks, they’re vastly overshadowed by the machine’s visual appeal and the quality build. If you’re looking for a system that impresses on both performance and looks, this one’s definitely worth considering.
Connectivity and User Experience Enhancements
When unboxing the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop, the immediate standout feature was the plug-and-play convenience. Having a gaming keyboard and mouse included is a small but significant touch, shaving off additional costs and hassle. Moreover, the pre-built Wi-Fi 6E capability got me online at impressive speeds, a significant upgrade from my previous rig. For someone like me who relies on a stable and fast connection for gaming and streaming, this was a welcome upgrade.
Here’s a rundown of the connectivity features that particularly impressed me:
Wi-Fi 6E support for faster and more reliable wireless connections
Ethernet LAN, which, while slower, is a handy backup
Keyboard and mouse bundle, eliminating the need for immediate additional purchases
RGB lighting on peripherals, bringing that gamer aesthetic right out of the box
Multiple cooling fans, ensuring stable performance during heavy use
These elements work in unison to create a frictionless setup and dive into play and productivity. However, it’s not all perfect out of the gate. The positioning of the reset button perilously close to the power button has led to a few frustrating accidental shutdowns.
On the software side, I did encounter some bloatware, a common issue with pre-built systems, but nothing a little tinkering couldn’t fix. Debloating heightened the already zippy boot and load times, making my user experience smoother.
Despite the sleek functionality, I did run into some drawbacks. My system, luckily, came intact, but I read reports of others receiving units with opened packages, missing SSDs, or wifi antennas. Quality control issues like these do merit a cautious approach when purchasing.
I also experienced minor stutters and freezing during use. These glitches are infrequent but worth mentioning for complete transparency. While these hiccups didn’t detract significantly from my overall experience, potential buyers should be informed.
For those keen on future-proofing, upgrading is user-friendly. The system supports additional RAM without a sweat; adding two more sticks of 8GB to max out at 32GB is on my to-do list, which aligns with my value-for-money philosophy.
In essence, this MSI offering handles my rigorous daily use with aplomb. User experience enhancements, particularly in connectivity, are standout, and while the journey isn’t without potholes, the road is largely smooth. I recommend potential buyers weigh the pros against the cons, as I find the positives here do shine brightly.
Gaming and Content Creation: A Real-World Test
Testing out the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop was quite the ride. Coming from a setup that struggled to keep pace with modern gaming demands, the leap in performance here was substantial. I often toggle between content creation and gaming, a perfect stress-test for any rig. Here’s how it fared in both arenas:
Gaming: Let’s start with gaming because, let’s be honest, that’s the fun part. The GeForce RTX 4060 handled everything thrown at it with ease. I’m talking “max settings” ease on games like Fortnite and the ever-demanding Starfield. And honestly, the high frame rates are just bliss, especially when paired with a 144Hz monitor.
Content Creation: On the flip side, video editing is a breeze. The AMD Ryzen 7 7700, with its 8 cores, means that my rendering times have seen a significant drop. Couple that with the 1TB SSD, and you’re not only working faster but also without the constant fear of running out of space mid-project.
It’s not all sunshine, though. I noticed a couple of drawbacks. First, the CPU gets toasty – we’re talking 120°F at idle with the stock cooler. I highly suggest investing in a secondary CPU cooler to keep things chill. Also, the pesky reset button placement next to the power button? A bit of a design oversight – I’ve hit it mistakenly more than I care to admit.
On the plus side, the build quality is nothing to scoff at. You’re getting MSI’s reliability, and it is DIY-friendly if you’re into that. Plus, it boots up in seconds. However, it’s not without its glitches—some users have mentioned slight stutters, and on rare occasions, there have been issues with components like missing SSD or motherboard faults. Thankfully, MSI’s customer service came through with the clutch for quick resolutions.
But what I absolutely vibe with is the plug-and-play nature of this machine. It’s paired with a gaming mouse and keyboard that are more than competent for starting your gaming adventures immediately.
To wrap this up, here’s what I think:
Pros:
Powerful performance in gaming and editing
Quality build with reliable components
Quick boot times and fast SSD
Decent cooling system with plenty of fans
Cons:
Need an immediate upgrade on CPU cooling
Some minor design annoyances
Occasional quality control issues upon delivery
Taking it all in, the MSI Aegis ZS is a solid choice for a mid-range gaming PC. It hits that sweet spot of price to performance—sure, it’s not flawless, but the pros outweigh the cons, making it a worthy recommendation for any gamer or content creator looking for a robust and capable machine.