Products at a Glance
How we picked
For this guide, we looked at several MSI laptops, compared them, and selected the ones we think are the best for gaming. The laptops have been selected based on specs like CPU, GPU, display features, and other important aspects. Also, we’re regularly on the lookout for new products to add to our guide and keep it as updated as possible – so check back here again soon for more updates.
Product Reviews
- 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- 17.3-inch QHD display
- Expensive
If you’re looking for a powerful QHD laptop, then the MSI Stealth 17 Studio might be a great choice, and we think it deserves to be one of the best 17-inch laptops.
As this laptop was released in 2023, it comes equipped with the latest GTX 4090 GPU, paired with a 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor. Both are top-of-the-line components, so you can expect faster processing speeds, smooth graphics, and overall better performance. You also get a massive 64GB of DDR5 RAM paired with a 2TB SSD, which should keep you in a safe spot for at least a few years.
The Stealth 17 has a 17.3-inch screen with QHD resolution, making it ideal for gamers looking at 1440p gaming. Along with this, the laptop has a 240Hz refresh rate, which should be sufficient for most video games. To add to your gaming experience, the Stealth 17 has a per-key RGB backlit keyboard, which should give it that “gamer” look, if that’s the aesthetic you’re going for.
Making a 17.3-inch laptop look appealing doesn’t always work out, but this laptop’s chassis is just 0.82 inches thick, which is quite thin for a laptop this big. However, this does not mean that the laptop is light; it weighs a good 6.2 pounds, which is not exactly portable. Overall, it is one of the best MSI gaming laptops currently available.
- RTX 4060 GPU
- Budget laptop
- 32GB RAM
- Storage may be low for some users
- Display is only 260 nits
If you’re looking for a laptop that is not expensive but still packs a punch in terms of performance, we’d recommend the MSI Cyborg 15. Even though it is considered a budget MSI gaming laptop, it still comes packed with powerful components that can run the latest games smoothly at 1080p.
For the GPU, the MSI Cyborg 15 offers the RTX 4060, which belongs to the latest generation of GPUs offered by NVIDIA. It has 8GB VRAM, which is enough, considering the laptop is meant for 1080p gaming. As for the processor, we have the 12th-gen Intel Core i7-12650H, which comes with 10 cores and 16 threads. With a Max Turbo Frequency of 4.70 GHz, you can trust it with CPU-intensive tasks.
To help you store data, the laptop features a 1TB SSD. For the RAM, you’ll be surprised to know that this budget MSI gaming laptop features 32GB of DDR5 RAM. There is another variant with 16GB RAM, but the price difference isn’t that much. So, it’s better to opt for the 32GB variant, as that will keep you on the safe side for at least a few years. Coming down to the display, the Cyborg 15 features a 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. However, it has a peak brightness of 260 nits, so it’s not that suitable for well-lit environments.
Overall, the MSI Cyborg 15 is an excellent choice for users looking for a budget MSI gaming laptop. Its sleek design, paired with a powerful GPU and CPU, makes it a strong contender for the best budget laptops.
- RTX 4050 GPU
- 15.6-inch FHD display
- 144Hz refresh rate
- Mediocre brightness
If you want a thin yet powerful gaming laptop, then we think that the MSI Thin GF63 is a solid choice.
The laptop comes with an Intel i7-12650H core that can hit a maximum turbo speed of 4.7 GHz, which should handle most tasks effortlessly. Plus, this unit is equipped with an RTX 4050 GPU that has 6GB of VRAM memory, which, like some of the best RTX 4050 gaming laptops, should run demanding games smoothly.
Further, you get 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of SSD. While the RAM is enough, you might want to consider upgrading the storage, as a 512GB SSD can get full quickly. On the outside, the laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD display with 300 nits of brightness, which is great considering the price tag. You also get a 144Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient to run most AAA games without screen-tearing.
As mentioned in the name, the laptop is thin – it’s only 0.85 inches thick. Plus, it weighs only 4.1 pounds, which makes it quite lightweight and portable and makes it a strong contender for the best lightweight laptops.
- RTX 4070 GPU
- High RAM and storage
- Bright display
- Design may not be for everyone
We think that the MSI Raider GE78HX is the best MSI gaming laptop for 1440p gaming. While the laptop features a 1440p display, it also comes packed with components that can deliver the ultimate 1440p experience while maintaining high frame rates, making it on par with some of the best RTX 4070 gaming laptops.
The RTX 4070 GPU lies in the heart of the MSI Raider GE78HX paired with the 13th-gen Intel Core i9-13950HX processor. The GPU features a VRAM of 8GB, while the processor comes with 24 cores and 32 threads. Both components belong to the family of powerful GPUs and CPUs and can handle high-demanding tasks with ease. They can run the latest AAA titles, such as Starfield and Lords of the Fallen, at high graphical settings smoothly.
To make things even better, the laptop comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, which is almost double of what most games require. On top of that, we have a 2TB SSD that can store plenty of data. With these specs, you don’t have to worry about upgrading anything. The display is also stunning, with a QHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 240Hz. The display is pretty bright, with a peak brightness of 412 nits. This also makes the MSI Raider GE78HX usable in well-lit settings, including outdoors.
Overall, for 1440p gaming, the MSI Raider GE78HX is the best choice. With an RTX 4070 paired with a powerful processor, you will get the ultimate 1440p experience on the QHD+ 244Hz display.
- RTX 4090 GPU
- Massive 64GB RAM
- Stunning 17.3-inch 4K display
- Expensive
The MSI Titan GT77 HX is one of the most premium laptops offered by MSI for 4K gaming. It offers unparalleled performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. After all, it is one of the best RTX 4090 gaming laptops currently available in the market.
Just as what you’d expect from a laptop with a premium price tag, the MSI Titan GT77 HX features the RTX 4090, which is the most powerful GPU in NVIDIA’s latest lineup. To make sure the laptop delivers top-tier performance, MSI has paired the RTX 4090 with the Intel Core i9-13980HX. With 24 and 32 threads, this CPU can handle whatever you throw at it, and it can smoothly run CPU-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077.
If we take a look at the storage and RAM, again, the MSI Titan GT77 HX does not disappoint. It features a big 2TB SSD paired with a massive 64GB of DDR5 RAM. Coming down to the display, the laptop features a 17.3-inch 4K mini LED. As it is a premium display, it features a high refresh rate of 144Hz.
All in all, the MSI Titan GT77 is the best MSI laptop for 4K gaming, and it also happens to be one of the most expensive ones. If budget is not an issue, you’d want to give this laptop a try, as it ticks all the boxes of a premium and high-end laptop that delivers good performance in 4k gaming.
How to pick the best MSI gaming laptop
Here are a few things to consider before making a final decision.
CPU
As MSI laptops come in almost all shapes and sizes, you should be able to find one with a processor that suits your needs. If you are planning to go all out, then we’d recommend looking at MSI models that come with the newest processors. For instance, some of the best Intel 13th gen laptops and the best Intel 12th gen laptops can handle demanding video games and software well.
However, if you have a budget or do not need so much processing power, you can look for mid-range processors (like quad-core or a hexa-core ones) processor that can get the job done.
GPU
The right kind of GPU will depend on your requirements. If you want a laptop for casual gaming and performing simple tasks, then we’d suggest getting the NVIDIA RTX 1000 or 2000 series. But if you play demanding video games and software, then you can consider investing in NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000 series or RTX 4000 series graphics card.
Storage and RAM
Ideally, you’d want to go for a laptop with at least 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. 1TB of storage may be enough for some users, but it can get filled quickly, considering the file size of latest games. To stay on the safe side, aim for at least 2TB as this will be plenty.
Display
When it comes to display, you should pick a size first. Usually, you will find laptops ranging from 14-inch displays to 18-inch ones. For daily usage, 15.6-inch is the most common size, and for gaming, you can consider getting a 16-inch or a 17-inch model.
Further, MSI laptops come in various resolutions – 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Now, this aspect depends on your requirements and budget. But to give you an idea, a 4K laptop will deliver incredibly detailed visuals, while a 1080p laptop will likely give you better frame rates for gaming. Meanwhile, 1440p forms a good middle ground between the two resolutions.
Weight
Carrying around a heavy laptop every day can hurt your shoulders, neck, and back. Some MSI laptops are pretty sleek and are not that heavy, but you’ll also come across bulky laptops. You’d want to avoid the bulky ones as not only does the laptop itself weigh a lot, but it also comes paired with a heavy power brick.
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a powerful laptop with the latest CPU and GPU, then we’d suggest getting the MSI Stealth 17 Studio. The laptop comes with Intel 13th gen i9 core along with NVIDIA RTX 4090, so you should expect excellent performance. Further, you get a 17.3-inch display with 1440p resolution, which should deliver high picture quality. Plus, you get a 240Hz refresh rate that should give you a stutter-free gaming experience.