MSI x EVA vs ROG x EVA

[BenWayland]

Let me start out by saying that it is really hard to compare these two spec for spec as they are both for different kinds of builds.

You have your MSI Evangelion build which is designed for the lower budget builds. Next you have the ROG Evangelion build which (depending on what graphics card you choose) can be the deciding factor of a mid range build to a really high end build. Let us dive into the specs of these 2 systems. We will start with MSI first and then move onto the ROG.

The MSI Evangelion set up consists of only 4 components that are the Limited Edition variant. At the time of writing this, the only component still available to order is the AIO. All other components are completely sold out and are not even listed on the website anymore. With MSI you get:
- Motherboard
- Case
- AIO
- PSU

The motherboard MSI decided on was their MAG B660 Tomahawk. This is a 12th Gen Intel motherboard that you will need to use DDR5 on. The board features purple VRM heatsinks and M.2 shields. MSI added the “NERV” emblem onto the rear IO plate which is integrated into the motherboard. The motherboard is silk screened on both the front and the rear with EVA-01 making an appearance on the back side of the board. The CPU socket shield is also silk screened with an EVA theme as well.

The case is the MPG Gungnir 110R. They decided to use the tempered glass version of this case over their mesh style. This case will come equipped with 4 of MSI’s RGB non PWM fans inside of it. There is also an included RGB hub as well. On the front tempered glass panel, you will find EVA stickers lining the border. On the rear panel you will find EVA-01. The front of the case does have purple plastic and tempered glass with a green border which is completely removable for better access to the front fans. The inside of the case does not feature any kind of EVA markings. The 2 side panes of this case are held on by 2 screws that are non captive.

The AIO is the MAG Coreliquid C240. The radiator itself will have “EVA E-Project” silk screened onto the side of it and the CPU block will feature an RGB plate with “NERV’ on the corner. The pump for this AIO can be found built into the radiator and comes included with 2 120mm RGB PWM fans. One thing I wish MSI did with these fans was add some kind of EVA stickers onto the front hub.

The PSU (which I was never able to get my hands on) is the MAG A650BN. This is MSI’s 650w, non modular, 80+ bronze PSU. I am not sure why MSI decided that was the PSU to use in all honesty as that really limits what you can power in this system. The PSU will feature an all purple housing with green trim, but the cables that are pre-attached are just standard black cables. I feel MSI missed a HUGE opportunity with this PSU.

Up next we have the ROG Evangelion build. This set up comes with WAY more parts for it (which I will list), but we are only going to be covering the motherboard, case, AIO, and PSU. At the time of writing this all components are available with the exception of the PSU and monitor which are due to release early September.

The parts that make up the ROG x EVA build are as followed:
- Motherboard
- Case
- AIO
- PSU
- GPU (2 kinds)
- Monitor
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Desk Mat
- Headset
- SSD Enclosure
- Router

The motherboard ROG decided on was the Maximus Z690 Hero board. This is a 12th Gen Intel motherboard as well and utilizes DDR5 for the RAM. The motherboard features purple with green trim VRM heatsinks and purple and black M.2 shields. The front and rear of this motherboard does feature silk screening as well. Much like the MSI motherboard, the CPU socket shield is silk screened, but with the “NERV” badging. There is no custom rear IO plate on this motherboard which I would like to have seen.

The case is the GT601 Helios. This case is considered a mid tower, but is on the larger side. It features a tempered glass panel for both sides and an engraved tempered glass panel on the front. The rear glass panel also has some EVA inspired engravings on it as well. The inside of this case does feature “01” on the motherboard tray, green PCI-E slots, silk screened PSU basement, and a purple GPU brace with “EVA 1” on it. The top of the case features purple and green carry straps that can be removed for easier installation of the AIO. The side panes can be removed by pressing a button on the back side of the case which releases the retaining tabs. This case features 4 ROG 140mm non PWM fans installed on it with a fan hub on the back side of the case.

The AIO is the Ryujin II 360 RGB. The Ryujin II features an LCD screen on the pump housing with a smaller fan on the underside to blow air over the VRM heatsinks on the motherboard. The fans that come with it are ROG 120mm RGB PWM. Two of these fans feature the ROG eye and one of the fans features the “NERV” logo. Included with the Ryujin II is a fan/RGB hub that allows you to install 4 fans and 4 RGB connectors.

Last but not least we have the PSU. The ROG THOR 1000 Platinum II. This PSU will feature an OLED screen that gives you a digital read-out of the wattage your system is pulling and an RGB panel. Spec wise, this PSU is 1000w, fully modular, and 80+ Platinum rated. The exterior is silver with red trim and comes with black and red PSU cables for the 24 pin, EPS, and PCI-E. The red and black versions of the cables are only 600mm, so if you want to have proper cable management on the back side of the Helios you are going to want to use the standard black 1000mm PSU cables that come included as well. One cool thing about this PSU is that it comes in a black pelican case.

I will be doing full builds in both of these systems. They will be higher spec’d systems and both will feature custom cables that I build for them. I have every single part for the MSI build but I am still waiting on all the parts for the ROG system. Once I have parts and cables built is when you will see me post all of the specs that each system will run.

Till then, hope you guys enjoyed this comparison!