MSI is making its presence felt in the laptop market across various categories ranging from laptops to other PC components.
For many years, they have been providing specialized laptops for different purposes, available in every price range. The performance of MSI laptops is also seeing a continuous increase day by day.
MSI caters to every customer segment, offering a wide range of laptops suitable for students, business professionals, gamers, and individuals who need a laptop for heavy-duty tasks.
The company is known for its focus on gaming laptops, featuring designs that are both unique and functional. With so many options available, choosing the right MSI laptop can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with laptop components.
This guide will help you navigate your needs and budget to find the right MSI laptop for you.
We’ll cover options for a variety of budgets, from budget-friendly to premium, and address specific needs like video editing for students or optimal performance for office work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a MSI Laptop
Budget
Before buying a laptop, it is important to consider your budget as it will decide whether you can buy a high-quality laptop or not.
Also, understand for what purpose you are buying the laptop. It may require specific components depending on its use. Having a larger budget allows purchasing a higher-quality laptop. MSI laptops often cost a little more, ranging from $500 to $5000 or more, due to their focus on productivity.
Performance and Processing Power
The CPU (processor) and amount of RAM significantly impact a laptop’s overall performance.
For demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, 3D modeling, and programming, you’ll need a powerful processor—such as the latest-generation Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. More cores, threads, and higher clock speeds result in faster rendering and better multitasking.
For students, general home, and office work, the latest-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors should suffice. Additionally, having 16GB or more RAM ensures smooth operation with multiple apps and browser tabs.
Storage
If your budget is limited, consider a minimum of 128GB of SSD storage for primary use.
However, if your budget allows, 256GB or 512GB provides a better storage option.
For those needing more capacity, consider 1TB or more SSD storage—especially if you plan to do extensive video editing or save large amounts of data.
Graphics Capability
Gamers and creative professionals should pay special attention to a laptop’s graphics capabilities.
MSI gaming rigs offer NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 to 40 series GPUs, which deliver incredible frame rates, ray tracing, and high-resolution gaming.
Non-gamers can rely on integrated graphics, such as Intel Iris Xe, or AMD Radeon Vega, for video streaming and basic tasks.
Display Quality and Resolution
Opt for at least a Full HD (1080p) or QHD display for clear images and text.
While higher resolutions like 4K are attractive, they demand more processing power.
A high screen refresh rate (120Hz or 144Hz) enhances gameplay and scrolling.
For design work, consider color-accurate IPS or OLED panels.
Build Quality and Portability
When choosing a laptop, consider the tradeoff between a thin/light design and a sturdy, gaming-focused build.
The choice of materials—metal or plastic construction—directly affects durability.
Pay attention to the weight of the laptop, especially if you’ll be traveling frequently.
Gaming laptops tend to be heavier due to the powerful hardware components they house.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Look for a comfortable and responsive keyboard with ample key travel and spacing. This ensures fast and accurate typing.
The trackpad should be smooth and accurate for gestures and navigation.
MSI laptops often feature a backlit keyboard, which enhances gaming and relaxation experiences, especially at night.
Connectivity and Ports
Opt for laptops with versatile ports, including USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card reader. These expand your options for connecting peripherals.
The Thunderbolt 4 port offers fast data transfer and other advantages. Ensure the laptop has the necessary ports for your needs.
Battery Life
Battery runtime determines how easily you can use your laptop on the go.
For work or school, aim for 8+ hours of battery life.
If you’re a gamer, programmer, or content creator, consider a minimum of 4 hours of battery life.
When gaming or creating content, always carry a charger to stay powered up.
Operating System
Most MSI laptops are optimized for gaming, content creation, and business purposes. This means that they often come with a customized version of the Windows operating system. If you prefer something other than Windows, you may need to install it separately.
Warranty Considerations
When choosing an MSI laptop, it is important to consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A minimum warranty of 1 year is usually provided, but if your budget allows, look for options with 3 years of accidental damage warranty. It can provide peace of mind knowing that your laptop is covered in case of any issues or damage during the warranty period.
Reviews and Ratings
In the age of digital information, finding reviews and ratings for MSI laptops has never been easier. Websites such as Amazon, and Best Buy, and technology blogs like us (PCVenus) provide detailed user reviews from consumers. By reading reviews, you can get a better understanding of the laptop’s performance, reliability, and customer service.
Important: Remember, these recommendations are based on industry standards and best practices. Feel free to adjust them according to your specific needs and preferences!
The Best MSI Laptops for Gaming, Coding, Video Editing
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TOP Pick
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MSI Stealth 17 Studio
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MSI Raider GE68
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MSI Stealth 15
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MSI Creator M16
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MSI Katana 15
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MSI Thin GF63
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High-performance Gaming laptops (for demanding tasks)
MSI Stealth 17 Studio
| CPU (Processor) | 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H (2.6 to 5.4 GHz, 24MB Cache, 14 cores, 20 threads) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, 12GB GDDR6 VRAM |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 5200 MHz Memory |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Screen | 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 16:9, 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Weight | 6.17 lbs (2.8 kg) |
| Battery | 99.9 Whr, Li-Po (up to 12 Hours) |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, Thunderbolt 4 |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ Powerful Processor |
| ✔ Good Battery Backup |
| ✔ Smooth Graphics Performance |
| ✔ Excellent Cooling System |
| ✔ Solid Build |
| ✔ Great Display with Fewer bezels |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ Heavier and Bulkier |
The MSI Stealth 17 Studio gaming laptop is an absolute powerhouse that revolutionizes gaming and productivity. With its cutting-edge specs and innovative features, it stands out as a leader in the gaming laptop market.
Driven by the 13th-generation Intel Core i9-13900H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card with 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, this laptop offers unmatched performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.
Playing the latest AAA titles, rendering 3D animations, editing high-resolution videos, and training and running Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and LaMDA, the Stealth 17 Studio excels effortlessly.
The 17.3-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals and incredibly smooth gameplay, ensuring every frame is displayed precisely and clearly. Thunderbolt 4 and USB-Type C connectivity enable lightning-fast data transfer speeds, enhancing productivity.
Equipped with 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, the Stealth 17 Studio provides ample memory and storage for storing large files and running demanding applications. The Cooler Boost Trinity+ cooling system ensures optimal thermal performance, keeping the laptop cool and quiet even during intensive gaming sessions.
Compared to the MSI Raider GE68Hx laptop, the Stealth 17 Studio offers superior performance and features with its 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 4080 graphics card, and 32GB DDR5 RAM. While the Raider GE68Hx boasts an Intel Core i9-13950HX processor and RTX 4060 graphics card, it falls short in overall performance and capability but provides an excellent processor.
Overall, the MSI Stealth 17 Studio sets a new standard for gaming laptops with its top-of-the-line specs, innovative features, and sleek design. If you’re seeking the ultimate gaming and productivity machine, the Stealth 17 Studio is the perfect choice. You can purchase it for under $2800, and during Amazon sales, you can apply offers to get it at discounted prices.
MSI Raider GE68
| CPU (Processor) | 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13950HX (2.2 to 5.5 GHz, 36 MB L3 cache, 24 cores, 32 threads) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB GDDR6 |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 5600 MHz |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen 5.0 (4x) SSD |
| Screen | 16-inch, QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 240 Hz, IPS, Low Blue Light, 350 nits |
| Weight | 5.95 lbs (2.7 Kg) |
| Battery | up to 6 Hours |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard, 1080p webcam |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ Powerful Processor |
| ✔ Smooth Graphics Performance |
| ✔ Excellent Cooling System |
| ✔ Solid Build |
| ✔ Great Display with Fewer bezels |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ Little Bit Heavy |
| ✘ Expensive |
The MSI Raider GE68Hx Gaming Laptop redefines the gaming and productivity experience with its powerful components and innovative features. Its potent components and forward-thinking features make it a leading contender in the gaming laptop arena.
Powered by the Intel Core i9-13950HX processor and equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM, this laptop offers lightning-fast performance for gaming, content creation, speech recognition and generation tasks, and multitasking.
Its 16-inch QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals and ultra-smooth gameplay, immersing users in an unparalleled gaming experience. Thunderbolt 4 and USB-Type C connectivity enable high-speed data transfer and seamless connectivity with external devices, enhancing productivity and versatility.
With 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, the Raider GE68Hx provides ample memory and storage for large files and demanding applications. The Cooler Boost 5 cooling system ensures efficient heat dissipation, keeping the laptop cool and performing optimally during extended gaming sessions.
Running on Windows 11 Pro, the Raider GE68Hx offers a seamless and secure user experience with enhanced productivity features and advanced security measures.
Compared to the MSI Katana 15 laptop, the Raider GE68Hx offers superior performance with its higher-resolution display and faster refresh rate but has a less powerful graphics card than the Katana. While both laptops excel in gaming and productivity, the Raider GE68Hx stands out for its top-tier specs and innovative features.
If you are only concerned about graphics cards, go with the Katana 15, which will give you better graphics performance than the MSI Raider and even save you money.
The Raider GE68Hx caters to the diverse needs of gamers, content creators, and power users alike, making it an excellent choice for those seeking exceptional performance and versatility in a gaming laptop.
Read our MSI Raider GE68 Gaming Laptop Review
MSI Stealth 15
| CPU (Processor) | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H (2.4 to 4.9 GHz, 24MB Cache, 10 cores, 16 threads) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 8GB GDDR6 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR5 5200 MHz Memory |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Screen | 15.6-inch, FHD 16:9 (1920×1080 pixels), anti-glare display, 144Hz |
| Weight | 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Battery | 53.5WHrs, Li-Po (up to 6 Hours) |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Windows 11 Home, Backlit Keyboard |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ Powerful Processor |
| ✔ Smooth Graphics Performance |
| ✔ Excellent Cooling System |
| ✔ Solid Build |
| ✔ Great Display with Fewer bezels |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ Average Battery Backup ✘ No Thunderbolt Port |
MSI’s lineup of potent gaming laptops is tailored to meet the needs of professionals, streamers, office users, and students, offering versatility and performance in one package. This MSI Stealth 15 is a sleek and powerful gaming laptop designed for exceptional gaming experiences.
Powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, it delivers stunning visuals and seamless gameplay. Its slender and lightweight build ensures exceptional portability while maintaining top-notch performance.
The laptop features a vibrant 15.6-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming experiences. With a range of connectivity options, including USB A, HDMI, and USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C, along with Wi-Fi 6E support, it ensures fast and reliable connectivity, but the thing that is missed here is the thunderbolt port.
Overall, the MSI Stealth 15 combines power, portability, and style in one impressive package, making it a top choice for gamers whose budget is below $1300.
In comparison with the MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop, it offers similar specifications with an RTX 4070 graphics card and a Thunderbolt 4 port. While both laptops excel in gaming performance and feature a robust design, the Stealth 15 stands out for its portability and sleek design, whereas the Katana 15 offers a better graphics card and potentially better connectivity options because of Thunderbolt 4.
To be honest, I suggest you spend a little more and go for the MSI Katana 15, as it will give you value for money if your budget is around $1300.
MSI Creator M16
Specifications
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H (up to 4.9 GHz, 10 cores, 12 threads, 24 MB cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe SSD |
| Screen | 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS 60 Hz display |
| Weight | 4.98 lbs (2.26 kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-cell, 53.5Wh, Li-ion |
| Others | Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Sensor, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Windows 11 Home |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ Powerfull Processor |
| ✔ Handles Most Games Smoothly |
| ✔ QHD+ IPS Display |
| ✔ Easily Upgradeable for Future Gaming Needs |
| ✔ Solid Build Quality |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ No Thunderbolt Port |
| ✘ Battery Life is just Okay, not Great. |
Recognized for its top-tier gaming laptops, MSI caters to a broad spectrum of users, from professional gamers and streamers to creative professionals and students, ensuring suitability across all categories. This MSI Creator M16 Gaming Laptop redefines the gaming and productivity experience with its cutting-edge specs and pioneering design.
Featuring a stunning 16-inch QHD+ display, powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H processor, and paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, this laptop delivers exceptional performance for gaming, real-time machine translation tasks, handling complex algorithms, etc.
With 32GB DDR5 RAM and a spacious 2TB SSD, the Creator M16 offers ample memory and storage for multitasking seamlessly. Its 180-degree lay-flat design adds versatility, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures fast and reliable wireless internet for online gaming and streaming.
The laptop also provides a range of ports including USB 3.2 Type C and HDMI for convenient connectivity with external devices, while missing the thunderbolt port. Running on Windows 11 Home, it offers a seamless user experience with enhanced productivity features and security measures.
Overall, the MSI Creator M16 caters to the needs of gamers, content creators, and professionals, making it a solid investment for anyone in need of a high-performance laptop with extra RAM and storage options, and doesn’t mind missing a Thunderbolt port.
When compared to the MSI Raider GE68Hx laptop featuring an Intel Core i9-13950HX processor, it surpasses the Creator M16 with its superior processor and Thunderbolt connectivity. While both laptops deliver robust performance and immersive displays, the Creator M16 distinguishes itself with its higher RAM and SSD capacity, as well as its versatility. This makes it an excellent option for users seeking a blend of gaming capabilities and productivity.
If 16GB RAM and 1TB storage is enough for you, I would recommend opting for the MSI Raider GE68Hx. It offers superior features and is available at a more affordable price compared to the Creator M16.
MSI Katana 15
Specifications
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H (up to 4.9 GHz, 10 cores, 12 threads, 24 MB cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 RAM |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe SSD |
| Screen | 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) IPS 60 Hz display |
| Weight | 4.98 lbs (2.26 kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-cell, 53.5Wh, Li-ion |
| Others | Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Sensor, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Windows 11 Home |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ Powerfull Processor |
| ✔ Handles Most Games Smoothly |
| ✔ QHD+ IPS Display |
| ✔ Easily Upgradeable for Future Gaming Needs |
| ✔ Solid Build Quality |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ No Thunderbolt Port |
| ✘ Battery Life is just Okay, not Great. |
MSI’s gaming laptops are renowned for their robust performance and versatility, making them ideal for a diverse range of users, including professionals, streamers, office workers, and travelers. This MSI Katana 15 laptop is a sleek and powerful gaming machine engineered to provide exceptional performance and immersive gaming experiences priced at around $1300.
Powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, this laptop offers blazing-fast speeds and smooth gameplay for even the most demanding AAA titles.
The 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures stunning visuals and fluid motion, allowing gamers to enjoy every detail with precision. Equipped with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a lightning-fast 1TB NVMe SSD, the Katana 15 provides ample memory and storage for multitasking and storing large game libraries.
The inclusion of USB-Type C connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 enhances connectivity options, allowing users to connect external devices with ease. The Cooler Boost 5 cooling system ensures optimal thermal performance, keeping the laptop cool and quiet during intense gaming sessions.
Running on Windows 11 Home, the Katana 15 offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, with improved productivity functionalities and enhanced security protocols.
With its sleek black design and powerful hardware, the MSI Katana 15 is not only a gaming powerhouse but also a stylish and versatile laptop suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual user, the Katana 15 delivers impressive performance and reliability.
When compared to the MSI Stealth 15 laptop with a similar processor and RTX 4060 graphics card, the MSI Katana 15 offers a significant performance boost with its higher-tier RTX 4070 graphics card and Thunderbolt connectivity. Additionally, both laptops feature similar specifications in terms of RAM and SSD storage, but the Katana 15 stands out for its superior graphics performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking top-notch gaming performance.
Budget-friendly options (suitable for beginners)
MSI Thin GF63
Specifications
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H (up to 4.4 GHz, 12MB Cache, 8-Cores, 12-Threads) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 3200MHz Memory |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Screen | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED-backlit 144Hz Display |
| Weight | 4.10 lbs (1.86 kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-Cell, 52 Whr, lithium-polymer |
| Others | Backlit Keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and Windows 11 Home OS |
| PROS |
|---|
| ✔ DLSS support with the potent RTX 4050 GPU |
| ✔ Handles most games smoothly |
| ✔ Lightweight for its size |
| ✔ Easily upgradeable for future gaming needs |
| CONS |
|---|
| ✘ The screen is not very bright |
| ✘ Gets hot when playing games |
| ✘ The screen is not very bright |
MSI has built a reputation for crafting robust gaming laptops that cater to diverse user needs. The MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop offers impressive performance and portability, making it a standout choice for gamers, travelers, office workers, or students.
Powered by an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card, it delivers exceptional gaming experiences and handles productivity tasks effortlessly.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals. At the same time, the 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD provide ample storage and fast data access for multitasking and help real-time applications like voice assistants, chatbots, and real-time translation in video conferencing to function smoothly.
Compared to the MSI Prestige 13 EVO laptop from our list, which features an Intel Core i5-1240P processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, the GF63 offers better gaming performance with its dedicated GPU.
Additionally, the GF63’s larger display and higher refresh rate provide a more immersive gaming experience. However, the Prestige 13 EVO boasts a more compact design and longer battery life, making it a better option for users prioritizing portability and battery longevity.
In conclusion, the MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop stands out for its gaming prowess and versatility. With its powerful specs, sleek design, and reasonable price of under $600 with discounts and extra card offers, it’s a solid choice for users needing a reliable gaming laptop that can easily handle everyday tasks.
Read our MSI Thin GF63 Gaming Laptop Review
FAQs
MSI is renowned for producing high-quality components for gaming PCs, making their gaming laptops popular choices among both gamers and personal users. They launch excellent laptops not only for gaming but also for video editing, programming, rendering, and other heavy-duty needs.
MSI’s reputation as a reliable brand is well-deserved, especially when it comes to their gaming laptops. Their commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technologies make them a top choice for a variety of laptop uses.
Globally, the market for MSI is not that wide. So, if you are searching from a specific country, the MSI laptop or service center may not be available.
It depends on whether you want to just play games or do other work as well. If you are specifically looking for gaming, the MSI Raider GE68 is always the best choice.
Gaming laptops are often considered the best choice for video editing, but MSI designs laptops specifically for content creators, such as the MSI Stealth 17 Studio.
It’s an excellent choice for video editing if your budget allows, as it can handle 4K video editing with ease. The MSI Creator M16 is another great option, as both of these laptops are specifically designed for video editing and also offer gaming capabilities.
A gaming laptop is a better option for programming because every component of a gaming laptop is very powerful. MSI mostly manufactures gaming laptops, which is why you can do programming from basic to advanced levels on any laptop from this list.
MSI Thin GF63 is the best Budget Programming laptop.
Final Words
In this article, we discuss the important factors for selecting an MSI laptop, as this is essential knowledge to have when purchasing a high-quality MSI laptop for tasks like gaming, video editing, business use, or study purposes.
Next, we’ve also included a selection of recommended laptops. Most of these laptops have been reviewed by us and have been included in this list only after such consideration.
So, if you buy a laptop from this list, based on our experience it will probably perform better than your current laptop. If you are still unable to select a laptop, just write in the comment box, and we will recommend a better laptop based on your needs and current market availability.
