Tag: MSI

  • MSI MAG 346CQDF E20: 400Hz Dual-Mode Budget Ultrawide Monitor

    MSI MAG 346CQDF E20: 400Hz Dual-Mode Budget Ultrawide Monitor

    Key Takeaway

    – Dual-mode 3440×1440 at 200Hz or 1720×720 at 400Hz with DisplayPort required for the 200Hz mode
    – 1500R curved Rapid VA panel with 95% DCI-P3 and 85% Adobe RGB; HDR Ready at ~300 nits
    – Console-ready (PS5/Xbox Series X) and 0.5 ms GtG response; HDMI/DP, but 200Hz only via DisplayPort
    – Budget ultrawide positioning with Newegg price around $289.99; official pricing/availability TBD

    MSI gears up for a new ultrawide model in the US

    MSI is gearing up to launch a new dual-mode ultrawide monitor in the US, the MAG 346CQDF E20. Ahead of its release, the company has detailed the full specifications, and the monitor appears to be positioned as a more affordable option on account of its panel and overall feature set. Specifically, it uses a Rapid VA panel like many ultrawides already on the market, but its dual-mode functionality could help it stand out.

    Display specs and fast mode details

    The MAG 346CQDF E20 has a 3440 x 1440 resolution across 34 inches and a native 200Hz refresh rate. However, dropping the resolution to 1720 x 720 doubles the refresh rate to 400Hz, which could give gamers an added edge in competitive shooters and racing games. In addition, the monitor is listed with a 0.5 ms (GtG) response time and a console mode for the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

    Color, curvature, and HDR notes

    Elsewhere, the monitor features a 1500R curvature alongside 95% DCI-P3 and 85% Adobe RGB color gamut coverage. It is also listed as HDR Ready, although with only 300 nits brightness, HDR performance likely will not match what OLED gaming monitors can deliver. That said, the monitor has both HDMI and DisplayPort, but only the DisplayPort supports the maximum 200Hz refresh rate.

    Availability and price

    The MSI MAG 346CQDF E20 is currently listed on MSI’s website, although there is still no official word on pricing and availability. However, Newegg has the monitor listed for $289.99, which puts it well within budget ultrawide territory.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 4K 165Hz Monitor $599.99

    MSI MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 4K 165Hz Monitor $599.99

    Key Takeaway

    – 27-inch 4K QD-OLED with Samsung 4th Gen panel and Penta Tandem tech, but without Dark Armor film; focused on efficiency and brightness up to 1,000 nits peak.
    – 165Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, G-Sync VRR, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification; VESA ClearMR 9000 for motion clarity.
    – I/O includes two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C (up to 15W) for power; listed price $599.99 (US).

    The MSI MAG OLED family grows again, and this time it brings a 27-inch 4K option that aims to balance price and performance, all while leveraging Samsung’s Penta Tandem technology. The earlier MAG OLED 271QPX32 introduced a 27-inch 1440p panel with a blistering 320Hz refresh rate and MSI’s Dark Armor film, and now the new MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 steps into the scene, promising a more approachable entry point with some trade-offs.

    Like its 4K sibling, the MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 uses Samsung’s 4th Gen QD-OLED panel with Penta Tandem tech, but noticeably it lacks the Dark Armor film. This omission is said to influence black depth and scratch resistance, while the rest of the improvements center on efficiency compared to earlier 3rd Gen models. MSI asserts it can hit up to 1,000 nits peak brightness and still sip less power than previous generations, a claim that aims to reassure buyers chasing brightness without sacrificing energy use.

    In terms of core specs, the MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 delivers a typical SDR brightness of 250 nits, covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and carries DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. For gamers, it pairs 165Hz with a 0.03ms response time and G-Sync VRR, while also earning VESA ClearMR 9000 status for motion clarity. However, it doesn’t quite reach the same ClearMR rating as the MAG 271QPX X32, which sits at ClearMR 15000, indicating a slight performance gap in motion handling.

    Connectivity on the MAG 272UP QD-OLED E16 includes two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port, though the USB-C is capped at 15W PD. The monitor is currently listed at $599.99 in the US, and the page shows it as Temporarily out of stock, suggesting a potential restock window rather than a sold-out state. This price point positions it as an appealing option for those seeking a 4K OLED with strong gaming chops without stepping up into the premium tiers.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • MSI Unveils Over 12 New Gaming Laptops Featuring Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

    MSI Unveils Over 12 New Gaming Laptops Featuring Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090

    Key Takeaway

    1. MSI has introduced eight new laptops featuring Intel’s Arrow Lake-HX Plus processors, including the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.
    2. The lineup includes the Crosshair 16 Max HX E2WGXK, the first to feature Nvidia’s upcoming 12 GB RTX 5070 GPU.
    3. Several models are updated with Core i7 or i9 HX processors and various GeForce RTX 5050 to 5070 graphics; MSI also announced new 15-inch Cyborg models.

    MSI Unveils New High-Performance Laptops with Cutting-Edge Processors and GPUs

    About a month ago, Intel launched their latest Arrow Lake-HX Plus processors like the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, shaking up the gaming and professional laptop scene. MSI has jumped into this trend with a bold lineup of eight fresh models that belongs to their Raider and Stealth Titan series. These new machines are packed with powerful hardware, especially the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPUs, promising to deliver impressive performance across genres.

    New Models and GPU Innovations

    The highlights include a series of gaming laptops, such as the Crosshair 16 Max HX E2WGXK, which is particularly notable for being the first to feature Nvidia’s upcoming 12 GB RTX 5070 laptop GPU. The rest of the lineup is equipped with high-end Nvidia graphics cards, including the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. Such specifications hint towards outstanding graphics capabilities for gaming and heavy-duty tasks alike.

    Updated Variants and Affordability

    Meanwhile, MSI has enhanced its existing models by updating the Crosshair 16 HX series with newer configurations of the E14WGK, E14WFK, and E14WEK. These variants now leverage the latest processors, like the Core i7 14650HX or Core i9-14900HX, paired with 8 GB versions of the RTX 5050, 5060, or 5070 GPUs. Additionally, MSI has introduced three new 15-inch Cyborg models—Max, C2WG, and C2WE—styled similarly to their previous year’s offerings, with a current price tag around $1,299.

    Market and Release Information

    Although MSI hasn’t yet shared specifics regarding prices or release dates for these new models, the company’s press release promises cutting-edge performance and diverse options for gamers and professionals. With this announcement, MSI reinforces its position in the high-performance laptop market, aiming to provide users with powerful options fueled by the latest technology innovations.


    Sources

      Tags: , ,
    • MSI Launches 2026 Gaming Laptops with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 12GB

      MSI Launches 2026 Gaming Laptops with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 12GB

      Key Takeaway

      1. MSI introduced new gaming laptops featuring Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs and Intel Arrow Lake and Raptor Lake processors.
      2. The Crosshair 16 Max HX E2WGXK is set to be available exclusively with an unannounced Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 12GB GDDR7.
      3. MSI’s new models will include updated processors such as Core Ultra 7 251HX, Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, and Core Ultra 9 275HX.

      New Gaming Laptops Unveiled by MSI

      Today, MSI revealed a bunch of new gaming laptops that are gona hit worldwide markets. These models, including the Cyborg, Crosshair, Raider, and Titan series, are powered with Nvidia RTX 50 series GPU’s and are paired with Intel’s latest Arrow Lake and Raptor Lake CPUs. It’s quite an exciting range for gamers and tech enthusiasts who looks for power and performance in their machines.

      Hidden Details About Nvidia’s Unannounced GPU

      In an interesting twist, MSI’s announcement, kinda slips in a hint about a Nvidia GPU that hasn’t been officially announced yet, the RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7. Specifically, MSI states that the Crosshair 16 Max HX E2WGXK will be exclusive to this new, high-end GPU. The specs and exact details remain secret for now, leaving lots of speculations absent which keeps this reveal pretty much a mystery for the moment.

      What We Know So Far

      Looking back, MSI’s earlier Max HX models, specifically the E2WFK and E2WGK versions, came with 8GB versions of either the RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 GPU. The current models are priced around $1,749, although that’s on Amazon and might vary. As for this new potential RTX 5070, MSI didn’t share so much, only confirming that it’ll have 12GB GDDR7 memory, a promising spec for gamers craving high performance.

      Upcoming Hardware Specs and Expectations

      MSI also announced that alongside this mysterious GPU, new processors — Core Ultra 7 251HX and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus — are also coming, together with the existing Core Ultra 9 275HX processors. Maybe Nvidia’s just about ready to announce their new GPU, and MSI is prepping for the launch with these new laptops. No word yet on when you’ll actually be able to buy the Crosshair 16 Max HX E2WGXK, so fans just gotta wait a little longer.


      Sources

        Tags: , , , ,
      • MSI to Increase Gaming Laptop and GPU Prices by 30% Due to Shortage

        MSI to Increase Gaming Laptop and GPU Prices by 30% Due to Shortage

        Key Takeaways

        1. MSI plans to increase prices of gaming laptops and GPUs by 15-30% due to memory shortages.
        2. The PC market may decline by 10-20% by 2026, according to MSI’s co-founder Huang Jinqing.
        3. MSI has limited memory inventory of only 1-2 months and faces challenges from DRAM suppliers.
        4. High-end graphics cards like the RTX 5070, 5080, and 5090 are seeing unprecedented price increases.
        5. MSI is shifting focus from budget gamers to enthusiasts and enterprise clients to capitalize on AI server growth.

        Building or purchasing a PC has become too expensive for a lot of gamers. Sadly, the Taiwanese Economic Daily News has shared more troubling news from another manufacturer. Due to the shortage of memory, MSI is planning to increase the prices of gaming laptops and GPUs by 15-30%. The company will focus on higher-end products and increase production of AI servers.

        Update from MSI’s Co-founder

        During a recent briefing, co-founder and executive Huang Jinqing informed investors about the situation. The rising costs of memory might also impact prebuilt gaming desktops and handheld devices. Jinqing noted the effect of the limited components, predicting that the PC market could decline by 10-20% by 2026.

        Inventory Concerns

        The Taiwanese news outlet reported that MSI currently has only “1-2 months of secure memory inventory.” DRAM suppliers, like Samsung and SK Hynix, are hesitant to make long-term agreements. Despite these difficulties, the company is optimistic that it can manage costs by raising the prices of gaming laptops and GPUs.

        MSI’s strategy is clear when it comes to the graphics card sector. As Nvidia responds to the rising demands of AI data centers, it is sending a reduced number of chips to its partners. MSI anticipates selling fewer Blackwell cards but will concentrate on the more profitable premium SKUs.

        Price Shock for Gamers

        Gamers have been shocked as options like the RTX 5070, 5080, and 5090 appear at unprecedented prices. These models might even get pricier to boost profit margins. The more commonly available RTX 5050 could also face threats since it doesn’t generate significant revenue.

        The company also plans to revisit the past with more DDR4-compatible motherboards. Although older modules have been affected by the memory crisis, they are still less expensive than DDR5 RAM. Gamers may need to settle for reduced performance in the latest gaming laptops and desktops.

        MSI has previously supported budget-conscious gamers with its MAG monitors and motherboards. However, it is now focusing on enthusiasts and enterprise clients to take advantage of the AI server growth. Even with a decline in the gaming PC market, it aims for an annual growth rate of 50-100% in the next 3-5 years.

        Source:
        Link

         

        Tags: , ,
      • MSI Venture 16: Fast Budget Office Laptop for Productivity

        MSI Venture 16: Fast Budget Office Laptop for Productivity

        Key Takeaways

        1. The MSI Venture 16 is an affordable office laptop priced at $1000, making some sacrifices but maintaining strong processor performance.
        2. It outperforms many competitors in CPU-intensive tasks due to its H-series Core Ultra 7 255H processor.
        3. The graphics performance is decent but not exceptional, as most business laptops lack discrete graphics.
        4. The integrated NPU of the Core Ultra 7 255H is limited to 13 TOPS, which may disadvantage users relying on AI-accelerated applications.
        5. Overall, the Venture 16 is a solid choice for CPU power at its price point, despite some limitations in graphics and NPU performance.

        The Venture 16 is among the most affordable office laptops offered by MSI, and it has made some sacrifices to achieve its appealing starting price of $1000. However, it does not compromise on its processor performance.

        Performance Comparison

        Our CPU and GPU charts present a comparison of the Venture 16 against around a dozen of the latest 16-inch office laptops. Surprisingly, the MSI device excels in most CPU-intensive tasks, even though it is labeled as a “budget-friendly” option. This performance advantage is largely due to its H-series Core Ultra 7 255H processor, while many other business laptops usually feature slower U-series or V-series processors.

        Graphics and Limitations

        When it comes to graphics, the Venture 16 is not as remarkable, but it still holds its own within this category since most business laptops lack discrete graphics.

        One area where the Core Ultra 7 255H falls short is its integrated NPU, which has a maximum performance of only 13 TOPS, especially when compared to the 48 TOPS found in laptops with the mentioned Core V-series CPU. Therefore, users who depend on AI-accelerated applications or Co-Pilot might find a V-series CPU more beneficial than an H-series one. Nevertheless, for pure CPU power, the Venture 16 remains a solid choice, particularly for its price. Additional benchmarks and comparisons are available in the review of this model linked here.

        Tags: , ,
      • Easy Upgrades for MSI Raider 16 HX: Max RAM and SSD Options

        Easy Upgrades for MSI Raider 16 HX: Max RAM and SSD Options

        Key Takeaways

        1. The MSI Raider 16 HX Max features a new hatch for easier access to upgradeable components like RAM and SSDs.
        2. This design change allows users to install up to two DDR5 SODIMM modules and two M.2 PCIe5 SSDs without removing the entire bottom panel.
        3. The number of screws required for access has been reduced from over a dozen to just one or two, simplifying the upgrade process.
        4. The new design avoids “warranty void” stickers, making upgrades more user-friendly and hassle-free.
        5. MSI plans to incorporate similar upgrade-friendly features in other models based on user feedback.

        Professional users who know about rugged laptops or tablets might be used to seeing small latches or covers on the bottom or back sides of their devices. These small doors allow users to quickly access serviceable parts like the RAM, SSD, or battery without having to remove the whole back panel. Interestingly, this feature has not been very common on consumer laptops. MSI aims to bring this idea back to more of its models, starting with the new Raider 16 HX Max.

        Exciting Launch at CES 2026

        Just a few weeks ago at CES 2026, the Raider 16 HX Max was revealed. It will be powered by the same Intel Arrow Lake-HX CPUs and Nvidia Blackwell hardware as the 2025 version. However, this year’s chassis has been redesigned and now includes a new hatch on the bottom panel for easier access to upgradeable components, as shown in the images below. Owners will be able to install up to two DDR5 SODIMM modules and two M.2 PCIe5 SSDs without needing to take off the entire bottom panel.

        Making Upgrades Easier

        While upgrading components wasn’t too hard on older MSI gaming laptops, the new design should make the whole process much quicker, appealing to both those who like to tinker and regular users. Cutting down the number of screws from over a dozen to just one or two is definitely a welcome change. This also avoids the “warranty void” stickers that many previous MSI models had, making upgrades more hassle-free.

        Bear in mind that you will still have to remove the entire bottom panel for tasks like cleaning the fans or servicing the battery. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the Raider model, but MSI has shown interest in adding similar design features to other models based on user feedback for the Raider 16 HX Max. In our view, making upgrades easier and improving repairability should be priorities for all types of models. Anticipate the Raider 16 HX Max to be available by the next quarter of this year.

         

        Tags: , ,
      • MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ Glacier Blue and Polar Void Editions

        MSI Launches Claw 8 AI+ Glacier Blue and Polar Void Editions

        Key Takeaways

        1. MSI unveiled new devices during CES 2026, including updates to the Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld.
        2. The Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ are powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake technology.
        3. The refreshed Claw 8 AI+ will feature a Glacier Blue Edition, primarily a cosmetic update.
        4. Previous editions like the Polar Tempest included significant upgrades, suggesting potential enhancements for the Glacier Blue Edition.
        5. MSI is also showcasing the Polar Void Edition, which is not expected to launch fully at this time.

        Earlier today, MSI unveiled multiple new devices during its CES 2026 presentation. The company also hinted at updated versions of its well-liked Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld. For reference, the Claw 8 AI+ was launched at the same time as the smaller Claw 7 AI+ (currently priced at $959.99 on Amazon).

        Current Offerings

        Currently, these two models are among the few gaming handhelds powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake, along with the OneXPlayer X1 Air. It seems that the next versions using Panther Lake technology are still some time away from hitting the market. Meanwhile, MSI has opted to refresh the Claw 8 AI+ with a Glacier Blue Edition. As seen in the image above, this Glacier Blue Edition might just be another cosmetic update like the previous Polar Tempest Edition.

        Potential Upgrades

        MSI differentiated the Polar Tempest Edition from the original Sandstorm model by including a 2 TB SSD. Therefore, we wouldn’t be shocked if MSI has similar enhancements planned for the Glacier Blue Edition. While the Glacier Blue Edition is on the way, MSI is also showcasing the Polar Void Edition at CES 2026. Sadly, this version is not expected to make a complete market debut at this time.

        Source:
        Link

         

        Tags: , ,
      • MSI Unveils 2.5K 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitor for North America

        MSI Unveils 2.5K 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitor for North America

        Key Takeaways

        1. MSI has launched the MAG 274QP X24, a budget-friendly 27-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor featuring a 240 Hz refresh rate.
        2. The monitor has lower brightness levels, with 200 nits in SDR mode and 400 nits in HDR mode.
        3. It offers an impressive 0.03 ms GtG response time, VESA ClearMR 13000 certification, and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage.
        4. The MAG 274QP X24 supports Adaptive Sync and is optimized for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X, but lacks a USB hub.
        5. The monitor is priced at $499.99 in the U.S., with pre-orders available in Canada for CAD$549, but it’s not yet available directly from MSI or major retailers.

        MSI has added a new gaming monitor to its collection, featuring another Gen 3 QD-OLED choice. The company utilized Samsung Display’s 27-inch and 1440p (2.5K) screen, which was initially launched with a 360 Hz refresh rate in models like the MAG 271QPX and MPG 271QRX.

        New Entry-Level Monitor

        The latest MAG 274QP X24 adopts the same 240 Hz option found in the MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2 and MAG 271QP X24 (currently priced at $597.99 on Amazon). From what we observe, the MAG 274QP X24 is now considered MSI’s budget-friendly choice due to its lower price and reduced brightness levels. Specifically, it offers 200 nits in SDR mode and 400 nits in HDR mode, which is lower than the 250 nits and 450 nits available on other similar gaming monitors.

        Impressive Features

        Despite these limitations, the MAG 274QP X24 still boasts a remarkable 0.03 ms GtG response time, VESA ClearMR 13000 certification, and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage with ΔE ≤2 factory color calibration. Additionally, this monitor supports Adaptive Sync and includes optimized profiles for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X consoles. Furthermore, MSI has equipped it with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ports, although it lacks a USB hub.

        Pricing and Availability

        The MAG 274QP X24 is listed at $499.99 in the United States, but it’s not available directly from MSI’s website yet. In contrast, both Amazon and Newegg have not listed the MAG 274QP X24 in stock as of the time this was written. However, customers can pre-order MSI’s newest 27-inch gaming monitor from Best Buy Canada for CAD$549 (about $397).

        Source:
        Link

         

        Tags: , ,
      • MSI Launches MS-C910E Edge AI Box Industrial PC for Enhanced Performance

        MSI Launches MS-C910E Edge AI Box Industrial PC for Enhanced Performance

        Key Takeaways

        1. The MSI MS-C910E Edge AI Box is designed for AI inference tasks and features a rugged, anti-vibration enclosure.
        2. It supports Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors with a maximum of 96 GB DDR5-5600 RAM.
        3. The device includes extensive connectivity options, such as 8 USB-A ports, 4 COM ports, and 4 2.5 GbE NICs.
        4. It has a modular design allowing for three PCIe expansion cards and multiple storage options, including M.2 NVMe and SATA drives.
        5. Pricing and availability information can be directly obtained from the MSI IPC branch.

        The industrial PC division of MSI is preparing the MS-C910E Edge AI Box, which is specifically made for AI inference tasks. This new device is housed in a tough, anti-vibration, shock-proof enclosure that appears to be inspired by ITX design, providing enough space for three PCIe expansion cards.

        Basic Configuration

        It seems like a barebones setup that includes an Intel R680E motherboard featuring an LGA 1700 socket. This supports Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors. Users can enhance the processor’s performance with up to 96 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM through two SO-DIMM slots, which also support ECC. For storage, it offers an M.2 NVMe/SATA slot along with two 2.5-inch SATA drive bays. Additionally, there are PCIe 4.0 slots (X16, X8, and X1) allowing for desktop-grade GPUs to be installed.

        Tailored Connectivity

        The port selection is specifically designed for industrial applications and includes 8x USB-A 10 Gbps ports, 4x COM ports, 4x 2.5 GbE NICs, 2x HDMI and 2x DisplayPort video outputs, dual audio jacks, and GPIO 8-bit / 5-35V / Isolation 1.3 KV connectors.

        MSI has proposed a variety of industrial uses for this system, which includes:

        Additionally, the compact and scalable casing is equipped with a front-facing smart fan, and there’s room for six more fans on the top and both sides. The dimensions of the case are 285 x 217 x 431.1 mm, and the weight of the barebones configuration is 11 kg.

        Source:
        Link

         

        Tags: , ,