Is MSI a Good Brand? [Laptops, CPUs & Monitors]

Everyone knows the big names in tech – Apple, Samsung, LG, and so on. However, there are a lot of lesser-known players that make high-quality products, sometimes at more competitive prices than their counterparts. MSI is a big name in gaming computers with a comprehensive lineup of offerings. So, is MSI a good brand? 

MSI is a good, reputable brand for many tech products, and they’ve been around since the 1980s. They’re one of the best options out there for standard and gaming laptops. However, they also produce high-quality graphics cards, motherboards, and other computer hardware components. 

Who is MSI and What are They Known For?

MSI (Micro-Star International) is a Taiwan-based company that was founded in 1986. As a self proclaimed world leading gaming brand and “the most trusted name in gaming and eSports,” MSI has spent years cultivating a winning product lineup to satisfy the most rigorous gaming system demands. 

Their Gaming Series products include premium quality laptops, graphics cards, monitors, motherboards, desktop computers, and other gaming accessories. 

The Content Creation Series is something 10+ years in the making that’s designed specifically for digital content creators. 

MSI also boasts pioneering developments in fields like AI, enterprise computing, and loT. Their product R&D spans into cloud servers, industrial PCs, smart appliances and robotics, and vehicle systems. 

Awards and Recognitions

In 2020, MSI had six products honored with RedDot Awards. They also had eight different products awarded a total of ten CES Innovation Awards. One of their laptops and two PC cases won iF Design Awards in 2020. 

MSI had two motherboards win European Hardware Awards in 2020.

Beyond their numerous recognitions, MSI has also sponsored over 20 eSports teams around the world and they often make dedicated efforts to have in-person interactions with gamers. 

In that respect, they’re often more “in touch” with the changing needs and demands of the gamer community than some of their competitors. 

Is MSI a Good Brand for Monitors? 

MSI is a good brand for computer monitors. Their product lineup focuses on gaming monitors, and they have something for everyone in a variety of price ranges. 

They have options including 144Hz, 165Hz, 180Hz, 240Hz, and 360Hz refresh rates along with 1 ms response times. Their monitors may be equipped with G-SYNC technology, FreeSync, or 4K. MSI promises smooth gameplay without tearing, stuttering, or flickering. 

MSI gaming monitors range from just over a hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the size and specs. However, they compare very well with other mid-range monitor options, especially when you look at them side by side for what they offer. 

So, when compared to other similar monitors, MSI offers the same or better refresh rates, larger screen sizes, and superior picture quality at the same or a lower price. Based on the cost and what you get for the purchase price, MSI is a good option for buying a new monitor.  

Is MSI a Good Brand for GPUs and Graphics Cards? 

The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is one of the most important components to consider when purchasing a new computer or laptop, especially if you plan to use it for gaming. 

MSI is a good brand for GPUs. They’re known for producing high-quality graphics cards that are highly durable and stand up with consistent performance over the years. 

Users report that MSI graphics cards do very well under heavy stress and they even stay quieter than some other comparable options. 

MSI specializes in computer equipment and technology built for gamers and gaming.

Gaming computers and components require high-quality graphics and they have to be able to withstand the heavy demands that gaming places on the graphics system. MSI delivers quality without sacrificing in other areas. 

For graphics cards, MSI produces two lines – NVIDIA GPU and AMD GPU. Both of these have products to support the newest and most advanced games and gaming systems, with top-quality graphics and technology. 

Is MSI a Good Brand for Motherboards?

MSI motherboards are very good. They’re high-quality and will last for a long time. MSI motherboards typically have a larger range than some of their competitors, with options for all budgets. 

MSI is known for providing good value for users, offering the same kind of specs that you might get with other pricer options, but at a lower cost. 

More importantly, MSI motherboards are known for being reliable. They will last for a long time without failure because they’re made with quality components. 

When comparing what MSI has to offer, it’s easy to see that they have products that meet or exceed the specifications of their competitors, and for a comparable (or lower) price. 

Is MSI a Good Brand for Gaming Laptops?

MSI is considered to be one of the best brands out there for gaming laptops. They only use high-quality, high-performance components. They also offer a great warranty and accidental damage coverage on their gaming laptops. 

One of the best things about MSI when it comes to purchasing a gaming laptop is the range of options with high-quality products available for all budgets. Their gaming laptops start at around $700 and range up to over $3,500 for their products designed for serious, professional gamers. 

• Titan GT Series: Includes the GT76 Titan, with a 10th Gen Intel Core processor and GeForce RTX 20 series technology. 

• Stealth GS Series: Includes the Stealth GS77 – 12U, Stealth GS66 – 12U, GS76 Stealth, GS66 Stealth, and Stealth 15M. These laptops are equipped with either 11th or 12th Gen Intel Core processors. 

• Raider GE Series: There are six laptops in this series, including the Raider GE 76, Raider GE66, GE76 Raider Dragon Edition Tiamat, and GE66 Raider, just to name a few. 

• Vector GP Series: Includes the Vector GP76 – 12U, Vector GP66 – 12U, GP66 Leopard, and GP76 Leopard. These are equipped with either 11th or 12th Gen Intel Core processors. 

• Crosshair/Pulse GL Series: This series includes ten different laptops, including Crosshair 15 Rainbow Six Extraction Edition, Crosshair 17 – B12U, Pulse GL76 – 12U, Crosshair 15, and GL75 Leopard, to name a few. 

• Sword/Katana GF Series: This robust series includes nineteen different products, including the Sword 15 – A12U, Katana GF76 – 12U, Katana GF66, Katana GF76, Sword 17, GF65 Thin, and many others. 

• Delta Series: The Delta Series includes the Delta 15, AMD Advantage Edition, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5000 H-Series Mobile Processor, and AMD Readeon RX 6000M Series mobile graphics. It’s top of the line equipment in every way.

• Alpha Series: Includes Alpha 15, Alpha 17, Alpha 15 AMD Advantage Edition, and Alpha 17 AMD Advantage Edition. 
• Bravo Series: This series includes the Bravo 15 and Bravo 17, each built with AMD Ryzen H-Series mobile processors and AMD Radeon RX 5000M series graphics. 

The broad range of offerings with various capabilities and specifications demonstrates the skill and quality associated with MSI brand gaming laptops. There’s an option for every type of gamer, making it one of the most popular brands on the market. 

The Bottom Line

Whether you look at reputation, brand longevity, product offerings, value, or quality, MSI is almost always included as a top choice for gaming technology and associated products.

Their gaming laptops are almost always a top pick for reviewers, because they’re built using high-quality components and they’re made to last. 

MSI stands behind their products with a standard manufacturer warranty and an accidental damage warranty. They’re one of the only tech companies in the world that offers such a benefit to purchasers. 

No matter what kind of product you’re looking for, if MSI makes it, you’ll be able to find something in your specified budget. One of the best things about their products is that there are many offerings at all different price points.

Even if you purchase something at the lower end of the price spectrum, you can still buy it with confidence that it’s going to be a good quality MSI product. 

The only time it may not be a good idea to go with an MSI product is if you’re shopping for a standard laptop for non-gaming purposes.

In that case, you’d be better off getting something that’s not so heavily invested in the components needed for improved gaming, which typically increase the price quite a bit compared to a standard laptop for school or work.