If you have your own booth at CES, it makes a lot of sense to fill it with the brightest and shiniest of doodads to entice passersby. While some may see this as a cynical attempt to draw attention to a product that might not otherwise be worthy of attention, sometimes you get a diamond in the rough, as with MSI's limited edition MEG Maestro 700L PZ case.

It's a looker in its own right, but the addition of a clear LED crystal film display to its curved window gives it the wow factor that sets it apart from the pack. It's big and beautiful, yet the internal components are visible. Also, the way the display wraps around the outer curves is far more effective and eye-catching than just attaching the screen to a flat surface.

We were shown a demo where the output of the display is controlled by a mobile app, showing visual effects such as an image of a fireplace (a good indicator that the system may be overheating) or a swimming fish for a more Zen-like calm.

However, there is only so much that can be explained in words, and to get the full effect you need to see it in action:

The screen-clad version is a show exhibit and not necessarily a release product, but the case itself is coming soon and has several features worth noting, including a one-piece curved glass window, space for up to three 360mm radiators, and compatibility with ATX back-connect motherboards like the MSI B650M Project Zero. It is also compatible with ATX back-connect motherboards like the MSI B650M Project Zero

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Transparent displays seem to have been something of a theme at this year's show, with both Samsung and LG eagerly showing off some of their latest advances in this technology, but as far as practicality, much of the focus has been on commercial applications.

Sticking a transparent, bendable LED in the window of a PC case may seem gratuitous at first, but when it actually looks this cool, one can't help but marvel at the novelty of the experience.

Utilities...... No, the jury is still out. I suppose it could display temperature information, or a widget feed of weather reports, etc., but honestly, I think this is just a spectacle, and a real spectacle at that.

MSI has stated that the MEG Maestro 700L PZ chassis without display will be available soon, but if production is not at least releasing some special editions with built-in monitors if possible, I think it is missing a trick.

It will likely be very expensive to produce and purchase, but there are plenty of PC builders who thrive on exotic case designs, so I think the production numbers can be justified if only for the sake of the opulence and outrageous aesthetic of the thing itself.

_____________________________________ PC Gamer's CES 2024 coverage is courtesy of Asus Republic of Gamers.