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Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) vs MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against PC cases at a similar price

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW at 7.1/10.

The Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) leads on build and ease of building and noise.

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW leads on space and compatibility and value.

They score the same on airflow and cooling.

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

7.2/10verdict: buy

The Meshify 3 Black Solid is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid-tower with strong airflow and a plain steel-sided look. It suits air-cooled and radiator-cooled builds where cooling matters more than a glass window. It's best for people whose graphics card fits within 349 mm.

Typically about £124.90 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

7.1/10verdict: buy

The MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW is for builders who want a mesh-fronted ATX mid tower with plenty of fans already fitted. It suits gaming and general-purpose desktops where cooling matters more than silence. It also fits anyone who wants a glass side panel without buying extra fans.

Typically about £54.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW
Airflow and cooling30%8/108/10
Build and ease of building20%8/106/10
Space and compatibility20%6/107/10
Noise15%6/105/10
Value15%7/109/10
Overall7.2/107.1/10

Specifications

SpecFractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW
Case typeATX mid-towerMid Tower
Board sizesE-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Max GPU length349 mm330 mm (12.99 in)
Max cooler height173 mm160 mm (6.29 in), listed by MSI as maximum CPU cooler length; not verified as a height measurement
PSU supportATX only, maximum PSU length 180 mmATX, maximum PSU length 200 mm (7.87 in) without 2.5"/3.5" HDD tray installation
RadiatorsFront 280/360 mm; top 240/280 mm; rear 120 mmFront 120/140/240 mm; Top 120/240 mm; Rear 120 mm
FansThree Momentum 14 included at front; front 3x 120/140 mm, top 2x 120/140 mm, rear 1x 120 mmSix auto-RGB 120 mm fans pre-installed (front 3, top 2, rear 1). Support: front 3x120 or 2x140, top 2x120 or 2x140, rear 1x120, plus 2x120 on PSU shroud
Drive baysnot listed3 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 2.5/3.5 inch

Strengths and weaknesses

Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid)

  • + Mesh front with GPU air guide and three fans fitted
  • + Tool-less panels and captive thumbscrews ease building
  • + Front, top and rear radiator mounts with brackets included
  • − 349 mm GPU length limit draws owner complaints
  • − Front radiator makes power cable routing harder
  • − PSU bay is ATX only, maximum 180 mm long

Skip it if:

  • Buyers with a graphics card longer than 349 mm
  • Anyone who wants a glass side panel to show off parts
  • Builders using a non-ATX power supply or one longer than 180 mm
Read the full Fractal Design Meshify 3 (Black Solid) review ›

MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW

  • + Six 120 mm fans included
  • + Mesh front panel with praised airflow
  • + Radiator support at front, top and rear
  • − Owners complain about fan RGB control
  • − PSU length limit of 200 mm is tied to HDD tray
  • − Front I/O is two USB-A ports only

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a quiet case with a solid front panel
  • Builders planning a 280 mm or 360 mm radiator
  • Anyone who needs many 3.5 inch bays or lots of front USB ports
Read the full MSI MAG FORGE 120A AIRFLOW review ›

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