MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop Review: Is It Worth Your Upgrade?

Setting up a new gaming desktop can be a pain, but the Aegis ZS keeps things simple—everything you need is right there in the box. Plug it in, and you’re basically ready to go. The included keyboard and mouse aren’t fancy, but they get the job done for gaming or just daily stuff.

Performance on newer games feels smooth, especially at 1080p. Folks who’ve tried upgrading storage say it’s straightforward, which is handy if you’re the type to keep lots of games around. There are some quirks—RAM upgrades are a bit limited, and you’ll want to consider airflow, particularly if you’re squeezing it into a tight spot. The RGB fans and lighting are flashy but not in-your-face.

Overview of the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop

This desktop’s biggest appeal is how easy it is to upgrade, especially when it comes to adding more storage. It holds up well for both gaming and daily tasks, even after long sessions. The RGB lighting adds some style without being too much.

Some buyers have pointed out the pre-installed RAM could be a limitation if you’re hoping to go big on upgrades—there are just two slots. Still, it’s ready to use right out of the box, so you’re not stuck fiddling with setup. The keyboard and mouse are bundled in, though honestly, they’re pretty basic. The system handles demanding games well, but if you’re working in a cramped space, you’ll want to keep airflow in mind.

Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Processor

After putting the Aegis ZS through its paces with a bunch of heavy apps, the Ryzen 7 7700 really does feel snappy. Programs open up quickly, and whether you’re editing photos or gaming, everything runs with barely a hiccup.

This processor seems built for multitasking—multiple browser tabs, software, no problem. It does heat up a bit if you’re really pushing it, so the included cooling is helpful, though don’t expect it to be whisper-quiet.

If you’re coming from an older PC, the jump in speed is pretty noticeable.

Smooth Gaming With GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics

When you actually sit down and game, the RTX 4060 in this desktop keeps things running smoothly. Most popular games play great at 1080p, with steady frame rates and no weird stutters. You might have to tone down a few settings for the newest, most demanding titles, but overall, it’s a solid experience.

Cooling does its job—noise and temps stay reasonable, even during long gaming sessions. Just a heads-up: if you tuck the tower into a small space, you might notice airflow gets a little restricted. Still, for most gamers, the RTX 4060 is more than enough.

High-Speed 16GB DDR5 RAM

Multitasking is easy, thanks to the 16GB DDR5 RAM. Browsing, streaming, photo editing—it all happens without lag. Apps pop open fast, and switching between big programs is smooth.

The RAM’s speed is especially noticeable when gaming or moving big files around. If you’re into heavy video editing or run a ton of memory-hungry apps, you might want more, but for most people, 16GB is plenty. The two-slot limit might frustrate those who love to upgrade.

Pros:

• Fast load times
• Solid for gaming and creative work

Cons:

• Might need upgrading for pro-level workloads
• Only two RAM slots

Spacious 1TB SSD Storage

Storage isn’t tight here. The 1TB SSD swallows big game downloads and updates with room to spare. Game load times and file transfers are quick—no waiting around.

If you’re dealing with huge video projects or a massive game library, you could run out eventually, but for most users, this is more than enough. It’s reliable and roomy, though heavy users might need to add more down the line.

Vibrant RGB Fan Cooling System

The customizable RGB lighting is hard to miss, and honestly, it’s kind of fun if you like a colorful setup. The RGB fan cooling keeps things cool during long gaming stretches, and people say the cooling holds up well over time.

The lighting adds some flair, but if you keep the case side panel on and the tower in a cramped spot, airflow might not be ideal.

Pros:

• Customizable lights
• Cooling works for most setups

Cons:

• Airflow can be tight in small spaces

If you’re tucking the tower away, just keep an eye on temps.

Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity and Included Accessories

Wi-Fi 6E is a nice touch—if you’ve got a compatible router, connecting is fast and pretty much hassle-free. Downloads are quick, and online gaming feels stable.

The keyboard and mouse that come in the box are decent for getting started, though most gamers will want to upgrade eventually. Unboxing is painless; everything’s there, so you’re not scrambling for extras. Wi-Fi performance is solid, but as usual, your speeds will depend on your network and where you set up. All in all, it’s above average for a desktop, and having the basics included gets you going right away.

DIY Friendliness and Easy Upgradability

Getting into the guts of this desktop is simple—the case opens up easily, and the cable management is tidy. Swapping out the graphics card or adding storage doesn’t feel like a chore.

Upgrading RAM or storage is straightforward, though the inside can feel a bit cramped if you’ve got big hands. Not every upgrade slot is clearly labeled, so beginners might want to double-check the manual.

Pros:

• Tool-less access
• Neat cable management

Cons:

• Tight interior for larger hands
• Some slots aren’t marked clearly

If you like tinkering, you’ll probably appreciate how little hassle there is.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Setup is quick and painless—you’re gaming almost right away, even if you’re not a computer whiz.

Performance is strong across the board. People mention smooth gaming, and the desktop doesn’t seem to choke on modern titles. The RGB lighting gives it some personality, which is a plus if you like your setup to stand out.

Upgrade potential is solid. Adding storage is easy, and the design invites future upgrades. The included keyboard and mouse are a practical extra if you’re starting from scratch.

Cons

Only having two RAM slots could be a pain if you’re hoping to go beyond 16GB down the line.

Airflow can be an issue, especially in cramped spaces. Some people found cooling improved with the glass panel off. Worth considering if you’re planning to push the system or tuck it away in a corner.

The pre-installed lights and case design aren’t for everyone—if you like a low-key look, it might not be your thing. And while the included accessories are useful, they’re not exactly high-end—good for starting, but you’ll probably want to upgrade.

Customer Reviews

People say getting the Aegis ZS up and running is a breeze, and they like that it’s basically ready to use out of the box. Performance gets a lot of praise; gaming is smooth, even when pushing the system.

Some enjoy the RGB lighting and bundled peripherals, saying they add a bit of style. Easy storage upgrades are a plus for those who like to customize.

Criticisms mostly focus on the RAM slot limitation, which can be a dealbreaker for folks who want more upgrade options. Others mention leaving the case open for better airflow, especially in tight setups.

Most people seem happy with the desktop’s reliability and performance, but if you’re big on upgrades, keep the limitations in mind.

Conclusion

The Aegis ZS finds a pretty good balance between performance and ease of use, both for gaming and daily stuff. People like how easy it is to set up, the strong graphics, and the fact that upgrading isn’t a headache.

Highlights:

• Reliable for gaming and heavy use
• Simple upgrades, but RAM slots are limited
• RGB lighting adds some flair

If you’re tight on space, watch out for airflow, and if you want loads of RAM, the slot limit is a real thing. But overall, it’s held up well for most users and makes a solid choice if you want a gaming PC that won’t drive you crazy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Readers have had a few common questions after trying out the Aegis ZS. Here are some of the main points, with some honest thoughts from hands-on use.

What improvements does the MSI Aegis ZS2 have over its predecessors?

The ZS2 brings snappier performance, thanks to the newer AMD Ryzen chip and DDR5 memory. People notice faster load times and smoother multitasking compared to older models.

Cooling is a bit better with the updated RGB fans, though don’t expect things to be much quieter.

What type of motherboard is included in the MSI Aegis ZS?

You’re getting an MSI-branded board that works well with the Ryzen 7 7700 and DDR5 RAM. It covers the basics for upgraders but doesn’t have a ton of premium extras.

It’s easy enough to work with, but only two RAM slots—so if you want to go big on memory, that’s a limitation.

How does the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor perform in the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop?

The Ryzen 7 7700 handles daily use and gaming with ease. Paired with the RTX 4060, most games run at high settings in full HD, and you’ll get good results at higher resolutions too.

If you’re after absolute top-end speed or heavy content creation, you might want something beefier, but for most users, it’s more than capable.

What are the options for RAM upgrades in the Aegis ZS 7NUC-607US model?

It ships with 16GB DDR5 RAM in dual-channel. There are just two RAM slots, so you can swap in higher-capacity sticks or stick with what’s there.

Not ideal if you want four sticks or plan to upgrade memory a lot. Some users find this limiting, but the default setup is already fast for gaming and everyday stuff.

What unique features does the MSI Aegis ZS case offer?

The ZS case really stands out with its RGB lighting—honestly, you’ll catch those colors even if the desktop’s stashed under your desk. The tempered glass panel? Great for showing off your internals and lighting setup, if you’re into that.

Cable management’s not bad, and swapping out drives or components is pretty painless. That said, the airflow out of the box sometimes leaves a bit to be desired. Some folks have found themselves popping off the glass for better ventilation, especially when the case is crammed into a tight spot.

How does the MSI Aegis ZS Gaming Desktop compare to other models sold at Costco?

When you stack it up against other gaming PCs at Costco around the same price, the Aegis ZS grabs attention mostly for its newer hardware and the fact that it’s not a pain to upgrade down the line. Some rivals might offer chunkier cases or toss in a bit more storage, but honestly, the mix of gaming performance and hassle-free setup is hard to ignore.

The included keyboard and mouse? They get the job done, but don’t expect anything fancy. The ZS is a solid value overall, though if you’re picky about super-quiet cooling or want to swap out RAM with zero fuss, it’s worth pausing to consider your priorities.