Windows Central Insider
The last time I got my hands on a Maingear PC was to test out a 2025 version of the MG-1, the company's flagship gaming desktop.
Today, Maingear has announced a follow-up, refreshed version of the PC, known as the MG-1 Mk. II.
Article continues below
It can be customized with up to an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 or Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, 128GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, six M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, and an NVIDIA RTX 5090 or AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT.
Maingear's BYO RAM program is still going strong. You can send in your own memory and have it installed and tested by pros at Maingear before the PC is shipped out.
Why didn't Maingear call its new PC the "MG-2"?
As Maingear explains, this is a refinement of the original that doesn't change fundamental ideas that were already good. It was instead "built to raise the ceiling" on a PC that many, including me, consider to be among the best on the market.
The MG-1 set an extremely high bar. We knew refining it wouldn't be easy, but we're proud to say we've taken it further in every measurable way with the all-new MG-1."
Wallace Santos, Maingear CEO/Co-founder
The MG-1 Mk. II has had its case enlarged and its internals rearranged to provide significantly better thermal performance than its predecessor.
Behind the front panel, redesigned to allow more air past, is now a trio of 140mm intake fans. This setup replaces the CPU's AiO cooler, which is now mounted at the top of the case.
The MG-1 Mk. II is now using Maingear's patented MG-RC reverse connector system, which moves motherboard cables to the back of the board. Not only does this make for a cleaner look, but it also improves airflow through the case.
On the aesthetic front, the MG-1 Mk. II's RGB lighting has been redesigned to be completely diffused; no diodes are visible anywhere.
Lights are brighter and more plentiful, and they're all controlled directly via motherboard software rather than through any third-party app or hardware.
Because of the front panel's redesign to let in more air, it provides a wider canvas for custom artwork, which you can configure when you check out or later on. The panel's magnets are also stronger for a firmer fit.
Windows Central's take
When I reviewed the original Maingear MG-1, I was impressed enough to give it 4.5 stars and a Windows Central Best Award.
I had a few small nitpicks with the build, some of which — like the AiO placement — have evidently been remedied with the MG-1 Mk. II.
I value a clean build that uses standard parts and doesn't come with any surprises, and that's exactly what Maingear's MG-1 delivers. I have a few small nitpicks and you'll have to come to terms with paying a premium, but this is an impressive machine for both veterans and newcomers to PC gaming.
Cale Hunt, Maingear MG-1 review
It all looks great on paper, and I'm hoping to soon get my hands on one of the refreshed Mk. II units for testing and review.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
