Tag: MSI

  • Get Anno 117: Pax Romana Free with MSI Motherboards and More

    Get Anno 117: Pax Romana Free with MSI Motherboards and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI is giving away Football Manager 26 for free with select Z890 motherboards and gaming monitors.
    2. From November 13 to December 13, MSI is partnering with Ubisoft to offer a complimentary game key for Anno 117: Pax Romana with certain products.
    3. MSI’s product lines include the high-end MEG series, the mid-range MPG series, and the entry-level MAG series.
    4. Anno 117: Pax Romana allows players to manage provinces, build cities, create trade routes, and form alliances in ancient Rome.
    5. Customers can claim their game keys 14 days after purchase, valid until January 10 or while supplies last, and must activate the game by November 27, 2026.


    We shared that MSI is giving away Football Manager 26 for free with certain Z890 motherboards and gaming monitors. The company has also revealed another gaming partnership with Ubisoft to enhance the offer for buyers of selected items from November 13 to December 13. Customers will get a complimentary PC game key for Anno 117: Pax Romana along with motherboards, cases, liquid cooling systems, and power supplies.

    High-End Offerings

    The MSI MEG or MSI Enthusiast Gaming series is their top-tier line, aimed at elite gamers who want both the latest technology and premium packaging while they create their setup. On the other hand, the MPG or MSI Performance Gaming series is designed for the upper mid-range audience looking to find a good mix of performance and aesthetics. Lastly, the MAG or MSI Arsenal Gaming line serves as the entry-level choice for casual or novice gamers.

    About Anno 117: Pax Romana

    Anno 117: Pax Romana, a title from Ubisoft, is set in ancient Rome. Players can manage provinces within the empire, build cities, create trade routes, and form alliances, all while dealing with the outcomes of their decisions.

    Gamers can claim their keys 14 days after they buy their equipment, up until January 10, or as long as supplies last, and until November 27, 2026, to activate the game.

     


     

  • Win a Custom DOOM RTX 5090 Gaming PC from MSI Worth $10,000

    Win a Custom DOOM RTX 5090 Gaming PC from MSI Worth $10,000

    Key Takeaways

    1. Grand Prizes: MSI is giving away a custom-built DOOM: The Dark Ages gaming PC and a custom MSI Ultimate gaming PC valued at $6,000.

    2. Entry Requirements: Participants must submit two build lists on PCPartPicker—one under $1,500 and another under $2,700. For the second prize, a single build list up to $6,000 is required.

    3. Extra Entry Tasks: Additional chances to win can be earned by completing tasks such as following MSI and PCMR on social media and watching related videos.

    4. Eligibility: The main prizes are limited to U.S. residents, but 50 $100 Amazon gift cards are available to participants globally.

    5. Deadline: The entry period ends on October 15, with winners announced shortly after, and their names shared on social media and Reddit.


    MSI has partnered with the PC Master Race (PCMR) community for an exciting giveaway, offering some really cool prizes.

    Unique Gaming PC Prize

    The top prize is a unique custom-built DOOM: The Dark Ages gaming PC, crafted by Blue Horse Studios. This machine is powered by Nvidia’s leading RTX 5090 GPU. It also features a Ryzen 9 9950X processor, 64GB of RGB DDR5 RAM, 4TB of storage, and the MAG Coreliquid I360 cooler. All of these impressive parts are mounted on the MEG X870E Godlike motherboard.

    How to Enter

    To participate in this giveaway, you must submit two build lists on PCPartPicker via Gleam. One list should be within a budget of $1,500, and the other should not exceed $2,700.

    The second prize is just as incredible, with another fortunate winner receiving a custom MSI Ultimate gaming PC valued at $6,000. To enter for this prize, participants need to create and submit one PCPartPicker build list worth up to $6,000 through Gleam. If chosen, MSI will construct the exact PC design that the winner submitted.

    Extra Entry Opportunities

    You can also boost your chances of winning by completing extra tasks, like following msiUSA and OfficialPCMR on X, watching the video on how Blue Horse Studios created the DOOM: The Dark Ages PC Mod, and more.

    It’s important to mention that these grand prizes are limited to residents of the United States. Nevertheless, MSI will also be giving away 50 Amazon gift cards, each worth $100, which are available to participants globally.

    Be mindful that the entry period will close on October 15, and the winners will be announced soon after. MSI will reach out to the winners directly, and their names will be posted on social media and shared in this Reddit thread as well.

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  • MSI Forge GK600 TKL Keyboard with Screen and Keycap Options

    MSI Forge GK600 TKL Keyboard with Screen and Keycap Options

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI has launched the Forge GK600 TKL Special Edition mechanical keyboard, available in Topo Blue, Topo White, and Mars Edition designs.
    2. The Mars Edition features space-themed keycaps that allow RGB lighting to shine through, while the Topo editions have side-printed keycaps for a unique lighting effect.
    3. The keyboard has a compact 83-key layout with multiple connectivity options: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C.
    4. It includes hot-swappable linear mechanical switches, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, and a gasket-mount design for reduced noise and improved sound quality.
    5. A built-in mini display shows battery status, RGB profiles, and connectivity modes, with a 4,000 mAh battery that lasts up to 20 days of usage.


    MSI has introduced the Forge GK600 TKL Special Edition mechanical keyboard. This new model builds on the Forge GK600 TKL Wireless (currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon with a 30% discount) that was revealed at CES earlier this year. The Special Edition will come in two color options: Topo Blue and Topo White, featuring topographic keycaps. Additionally, there is a Mars Edition that showcases a striking and futuristic design inspired by space.

    Eye-Catching Design

    Among the three versions, the Mars Edition stands out with its space-themed keycaps, which MSI claims are influenced by Martian dunes and starry skies. The keycaps are designed with transparency at the bottom, allowing RGB lighting to shine through, giving it a more vibrant appearance than standard keyboards. On the other hand, the Topo Blue and Topo White editions feature side-printed keycaps with shine-through contour patterns, creating a distinctive lighting effect.

    Compact Features

    Similar to the original model, the Special Edition offers a compact 83-key layout with options for 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connections. It boasts hot-swappable linear mechanical switches and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, which have been refreshed in these new versions. Also, it incorporates a gasket-mount design with multi-layer dampening, which is said to help lessen noise and enhance sound quality.

    Built-in Mini Display

    One of the standout features is the integrated mini display, reminiscent of the one found on the Pulsar eS HE 70. While it isn’t customizable, it can display essential information like battery status, RGB profiles, connectivity modes, and more. Each model is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, reportedly lasting up to 20 days of usage according to MSI. Overall, the Special Edition closely resembles the original, with the main distinction being the newly designed keycap sets.

    MSI has yet to share pricing information, but given that the original Forge GK600 TKL debuted at $80, it’s anticipated that the Special Edition will be similarly priced when it becomes available later this month.

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  • MSI Launches Magnetic SSD: 40Gbps Speed for Your Phone

    MSI Launches Magnetic SSD: 40Gbps Speed for Your Phone

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced Speed Capabilities: The Datamag 40Gbps SSD offers speeds of 4,000 MB/s for reading and 3,600 MB/s for writing, a significant upgrade from the previous model’s 1,600 MB/s.

    2. Compact and Portable Design: The SSD features a lightweight aluminum enclosure measuring 2.6 × 0.5 inches, making it easy to carry and attach to devices.

    3. Ideal for Mobile Creators: The magnetic design allows users to easily attach the drive to devices, facilitating productivity for creators and enabling direct recording of ProRes videos on iPhones.

    4. Storage Options: The Datamag 40Gbps will be available in 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB capacities.

    5. Upcoming Release: MSI plans to release the SSD worldwide in the coming months, though specific launch dates and pricing are not yet announced.


    MSI has unveiled the Datamag 40Gbps, a compact magnetic SSD featuring a USB4 40Gbps interface. This latest addition builds upon the 20Gbps version that MSI released in October 2024. Customers can look forward to its availability in the next few months.

    Enhanced Speed Capabilities

    The earlier Datamag model had a maximum speed of around 1,600 MB/s. However, MSI claims that the new USB4 update significantly increases the speed, offering 4,000 MB/s for reading and 3,600 MB/s for writing. This performance level places it among rapid USB4 magnetic drives, similar to the Corsair EX400U, which currently retails for $179.99 on Amazon for the 2 TB variant. To fully utilize these speeds, users will need a device that supports USB4 or Thunderbolt 4, although it remains compatible with any USB-C device, including the latest iPhones.

    Compact and Portable Design

    Constructed from aluminum, the drive’s enclosure measures 2.6 × 0.5 inches, making it highly portable and easy to fit into a pocket or compact camera bag. Weighing slightly less than 3 ounces, it is lighter than the Corsair EX400U, which weighs in at 3.2 ounces, giving it an advantage in terms of portability. Additionally, MSI includes metal rings in the package, allowing the drive to attach securely to nearly any device, such as laptops and cameras, even if you lack a MagSafe or Qi2 phone.

    Perfect for Creators on the Go

    Magnetic drives like the Datamag 40Gbps are ideal for mobile creators. Thanks to the magnetic rings, users can easily attach the drive to the back of their devices, reducing the mess of cables and enhancing productivity while working outside. For iPhone users, it’s also possible to record ProRes videos directly onto the SSD, which helps to avoid issues with internal storage limits. MSI states that the 4TB model can accommodate up to 143 minutes of 4K/120 fps footage, making it a valuable tool for aspiring photographers and videographers.

    Availability and Future Details

    The Datamag 40Gbps will come in storage options of 1 TB, 2 TB, and 4 TB. Though MSI has yet to announce a specific launch date or pricing information, the SSD is anticipated to be released worldwide shortly.

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  • MSI Launches MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16: Confusing 4K Gaming Monitor

    MSI Launches MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16: Confusing 4K Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI has launched several new monitors, including the MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and MPG 346CQRF X24 priced at $410 on Amazon.
    2. The new MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 features 4K resolution and a 165 Hz refresh rate, similar to its predecessor, the MAG 321UP.
    3. The MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 can reach brightness levels of 250 nits in SDR mode and peak HDR brightness of 1,000 nits in small areas.
    4. It has a 0.03 ms GtG response time and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for dynamic refresh rates.
    5. The MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 is currently priced at approximately $876 in Taiwan and £898.99 in the UK, with no confirmed North American release date.


    MSI has been active in launching new monitors throughout the summer months, including models like the MPG 271QR QD-OLED X50 and the MPG 346CQRF X24, which is currently priced at $410 on Amazon. Recently, they have introduced another QD-OLED monitor that features Samsung Display’s slower Gen 3 panel.

    Monitor Specifications

    The newly announced MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 operates natively at 4K resolution and boasts a refresh rate of 165 Hz, similar to its predecessor, the MAG 321UP. A closer look at the specifications of both models shows that there are no significant differences between them. For transparency, we’ve included the datasheets for both monitors below. According to the datasheet, MSI asserts that the MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 can reach brightness levels of up to 250 nits in SDR mode and can achieve peak HDR brightness of 1,000 nits in small areas (3% APL).

    Performance Features

    In addition, this monitor features an impressive 0.03 ms GtG response time and is supported by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology for dynamic refresh rates. It comes with an adjustable stand along with four video input ports. At present, the MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 is being sold in Taiwan for TWD 26,900 (approximately $876) and in the UK for £898.99 (around $1,202). Since the MAG 321UP has been available in the US for more than a year, it remains unclear if the MAG 322UP QD-OLED E16 will be launched in North America anytime soon.

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  • Affordable MSI Crosshair 18 AX: 18-Inch Gaming Laptop with Core Ultra 9 275HX

    Affordable MSI Crosshair 18 AX: 18-Inch Gaming Laptop with Core Ultra 9 275HX

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI offers several 18-inch gaming laptops, including the Raider 18, Titan 18, Stealth 18, and Vector 18.
    2. The Crosshair 18 is the most affordable option at $1700, available through Costco.
    3. It features the Arrow Lake Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and P3 color performance, ensuring strong processing power.
    4. The display is QHD+ rather than 4K, and the graphics card is limited to the GeForce RTX 5070.
    5. The chassis is made of matte plastic, which may lack the durability and elegance of pricier models.


    MSI offers several 18-inch gaming laptops, including the Raider 18, Titan 18, Stealth 18, and Vector 18. Among them, the Crosshair 18 stands out as the most affordable choice, priced at only $1700 through Costco. It comes equipped with the Arrow Lake Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and features P3 colors, similar to those found in many high-performance gaming laptops, ensuring that buyers won’t compromise on processing power despite the lower cost.

    Some Drawbacks to Consider

    However, some compromises are unavoidable, and there are a few things to keep in mind. For instance, the display is QHD+ instead of 4K, resulting in a lower pixel density compared to most other 18-inch gaming machines. The graphics card is capped at the GeForce RTX 5070, with no options for the RTX 5070 Ti or higher available. Additionally, the chassis is primarily made of matte plastic, lacking the sturdiness or refined elegance of more expensive models.

    Overall Impressions

    The Crosshair 18 isn’t a bad option, particularly considering its price point. Not every gamer needs RTX 5090 graphics or 4K mini-LED screens in their 18-inch laptops. We suggest taking a look at our review of the Crosshair 18 to discover more about what this device has to offer.

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  • MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition: Early Battery Life & Performance Boosts

    MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition: Early Battery Life & Performance Boosts

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI’s Claw A8 Ryzen Edition is expanding its availability, moving from China to Asia and now to European stores.
    2. The device is expected to be available in Germany starting August 10, 2023, with listings confirming its release.
    3. The Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will be offered in Neon Green and Polar Tempest White and features a Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage.
    4. The pricing for the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will be €999, matching the current Claw 8 AI+ model.
    5. A BIOS update has been released to address performance issues, along with enhancements to the MSI Center for better power management and battery life.


    MSI has been gradually expanding its first gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen to more regions over the past few weeks. The Claw A8, also known as the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition, was first launched in China, later moving to various areas in Asia, and just recently made its way to European stores. For some odd reason, MSI had only promised to launch the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition sometime during summer.

    Release Timeline in Germany

    The German branch of MSI has mentioned that the device should be available starting in week 32, which begins on August 4. This means that the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will likely be accessible in Europe by August 10 at the latest. According to listings from MSI Germany, this model will only come in Neon Green and Polar Tempest White colors, featuring a Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, 24 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of M.2 2280 storage.

    Pricing Comparison

    Interestingly, this new version will be priced the same as the current Claw 8 AI+ (currently $999 on Amazon), at €999. Thus, it is probable that the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will also hit other regions like North America at a similar price as its Intel Lunar Lake-supported sibling.

    BIOS Update and Improvements

    In the meantime, MSI has rolled out a BIOS update for the new handheld. This update, version v.103, is reported to fix performance issues in Manual Mode when users tweak the thermal design power (TDP) settings. Additionally, MSI Center M version 2.0.2507.2201 has been released, bringing support for Copilot Key, better power monitoring, and improvements to the battery life of Endurance Mode.

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  • MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Launches in Europe

    MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Launches in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI launched its first gaming handheld, the Claw A8 BZ2EM, powered by AMD Ryzen, at Computex 2025, with a global release still pending.
    2. The Claw A8 is gradually expanding its availability, recently launching in Cambodia, Taiwan, and now Europe (Austria, Germany, Slovakia).
    3. The pricing for the Claw A8 is set at €975 and €978.90, making it cheaper than the Claw 8 AI+, which is priced at $999.
    4. The Claw A8 features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset with eight Zen 5 CPU cores and a Radeon 890M iGPU, competing with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in performance.
    5. The Claw A8 includes an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is not available in the 8-inch version, and comes with 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.


    MSI has officially introduced its first gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen back in May at Computex 2025, prior to Asus showcasing its upcoming ROG Ally gadgets. Nevertheless, the firm has yet to announce when the Claw A8 BZ2EM or Claw 8 Ryzen Edition will be available globally. Instead, the company has been gradually expanding the device’s availability to new markets after its initial launch in China at the beginning of July.

    Recent Market Expansions

    To give some background, the Claw A8 made its debut in Cambodia and Taiwan just over a week ago. Now, it has arrived in Europe, starting with Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Currently, neither Alza nor Smarty.sk have shared any information on when the Claw A8 will start shipping. However, customers can pre-order the new gaming handheld from both retailers, available in Neon Green and Polar Tempest color choices.

    Pricing Details

    In the meantime, the retailers have noted that the Claw A8 is priced a bit lower than the Claw 8 AI+ (currently $999 on Amazon), even though they share similar specifications. Specifically, Alza and Smarty.sk have set the price for MSI’s latest gaming device at €975 and €978.90, respectively, both including 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

    Key Features

    The primary difference between the Claw A8 and Claw 8 AI+ lies in its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, which integrates eight Zen 5 CPU cores along with a Radeon 890M iGPU. Early tests suggest that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme performs comparably to the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V found in the Claw 8 AI+, though it underperforms at lower wattages. Additionally, the new MSI Claw offers an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is absent in its 8-inch version. Here are the complete specifications for the Claw A8:

    In the meantime, the retailers have noted that the Claw A8 is priced a bit lower than the Claw 8 AI+ (currently $999 on Amazon), even though they share similar specifications. Specifically, Alza and Smarty.sk have set the price for MSI’s latest gaming device at €975 and €978.90, respectively, both including 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage.

    Distinctive Features

    The primary difference between the Claw A8 and Claw 8 AI+ lies in its AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset, which integrates eight Zen 5 CPU cores along with a Radeon 890M iGPU. Early tests suggest that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme performs comparably to the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V found in the Claw 8 AI+, though it underperforms at lower wattages. Additionally, the new MSI Claw offers an M.2 2280 SSD slot, which is absent in its 8-inch version. Here are the complete specifications for the Claw A8:

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  • MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now Available

    MSI Claw A8: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Handheld Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. The MSI Claw A8 has not yet received an official global release date, but it has launched in China.
    2. The Claw A8 is priced at CNY 6,999 in China and is now available for pre-order in Taiwan at TWD 27,900 (approximately $950).
    3. The Claw A8 is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, allowing early users to compare it with Intel-based models.
    4. The pricing of the Claw A8 is lower than the Claw 8 AI+, which is listed at $999, despite its enhanced storage capabilities.
    5. The Claw A8 may be priced between the Claw 7 AI+ ($899) and Claw 8 AI+ ($999) when it eventually reaches North America and other markets.


    The latest MSI Claw still hasn’t been given an official release date for the global market. However, VideoCardz has spotted the device popping up in another country, marking its first step into international waters.

    Recent Launch in China

    To give some background, the Claw A8 made its debut in China earlier this month, priced at CNY 6,999. Shortly after that, MSI’s first gaming handheld powered by AMD began shipping, providing early users an opportunity to compare the Claw A8 with its Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU against other options, such as the Intel Lunar Lake-based Claw 8 AI+ (currently listed at $999 on Amazon).

    Pre-Orders in Taiwan

    Currently, the Claw A8 is available for pre-order in Taiwan at TWD 27,900, which roughly translates to about $950. Notably, this pre-order price is lower than that of the Claw 8 AI+ in both its Sandstorm and Polar Tempest versions, with MSI pricing the latter differently due to its enhanced storage capabilities.

    Comparison with Other Models

    In comparison, the new MSI Claw comes at a much higher price than the original 7-inch model and its Lunar Lake-based successor, which are only available in select regions. It seems that when the Claw A8 finally reaches North America and other markets, it will likely be priced between MSI’s two Lunar Lake gaming handhelds. To provide some context, MSI charges $899 for the Claw 7 AI+ and $999 for the Claw 8 AI+ in the US. Sadly, there is no clear indication of when the Claw A8 will leave Asia for other locations.

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  • MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition Set to Launch AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme 2025

    MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition Set to Launch AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. MSI’s Claw A8 is the company’s first AMD-based gaming handheld, marking a new direction in their product line.
    2. The Claw A8 is set to launch this summer, with an initial release likely limited to China.
    3. MSI will showcase the Claw A8 at BiliBiliWorld 2025 in Shanghai from July 11 to July 13.
    4. The handheld will debut with the new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, positioning MSI ahead of competitors.
    5. Competing brands like Asus and Lenovo are also developing their own Ryzen Z2 Extreme handhelds, set for release later this year.


    MSI has shared more information about its upcoming gaming handheld after its debut at Computex 2025 in mid-May. The Claw A8 marks the company’s first venture into AMD-based gaming handhelds, ending months of conjecture about MSI’s decision to adopt Ryzen APUs.

    Release Timeline Unveiled

    Despite providing detailed specs back in May, MSI hadn’t indicated when the Claw A8 BZ2EM would hit the market. Now, known as the Claw 8 Ryzen Edition 2025, it includes impressive hardware components:

    Recently, MSI stated on Weibo that the Claw A8 is set to launch this summer. The company is planning to display this new gaming handheld at BiliBiliWorld 2025 in Shanghai, scheduled from July 11 to July 13. However, at this point, we think the summer launch is likely only for China, with other regions potentially waiting longer.

    AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme Debut

    Moreover, MSI hinted that this handheld will be the first to feature the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. This means MSI is likely to get ahead of competitors like Asus and Lenovo, who are also working on their own Ryzen Z2 Extreme gaming handhelds, intended to replace the ROG Ally (currently priced at $549.98 – renewed on Amazon) and Legion Go, which are both coming out later this year.

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