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My review of the MSI Cyborg 15.6’ Gaming Laptop: i7-13620H with an RTX 4050 (A13VE-218US) (2024)
Introduction
I recently got my hands on the MSI Cyborg 15.6” Gaming Laptop and have been putting it through its paces. As a gamer who also needs a reliable machine for work, I’ve been wanting a laptop that can do both. This laptop has impressive specs and performs great.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | MSI | Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB | CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Graphics Card Description | Dedicated | Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 |
| CPU Speed | 4.9 GHz | Hard Disk Description | SSD |
Photos
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Prices
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High-End Performance and Gaming Experience
When it comes to balancing power and portability, the MSI Cyborg 15.6” Gaming Laptop stands out with impressive specs that promise both elite gaming and practical use for content creation. I can definitely sense the high-end performance at play here, which is much appreciated during heavy-duty tasks and fast-paced games.
The heart of this powerhouse is the 13th gen Intel Core i7 processor, supporting a smooth and reliable experience even when I’m juggling between gaming, streaming, and recording. Here’s a quick rundown of the most crucial aspects that caught my attention:
CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i7, maintaining a solid performance with minimal hiccups.
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, delivering stellar graphics and ray tracing capabilities crucial for a rich visual experience.
Display: 15.6-inch FHD with a refresh rate of 144Hz, crucial for that edge in reaction times in high-speed games.
Memory: 16GB DDR5, which is plenty for keeping multiple applications open without slowdown.
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD, offering speedy boot and load times, though I might need an upgrade for extensive game libraries.
One aspect that really stands out is the RTX 4050 GPU backed by Ada architecture. It marks a significant step up from its predecessors, especially with ray tracing that truly enhances the visual fidelity in games. It’s exactly what you’d want for a machine that can handle the latest titles without concern.
However, it did arrive with Windows 11 Home rather than Pro, which isn’t a dealbreaker for me, but is something to keep in mind if you’re after advanced features and security enhancements that the Pro version offers. But honestly, for everyday gaming and tasks, Home is more than sufficient for most users, and it runs seamlessly on this rig.
On a more critical note, I’ve noticed it can get a bit warmer than I’d like during extended gaming sessions, which might be a minor inconvenience. But overall, the MSR Cyborg is still a solid choice—especially when considering the compact form factor and its impressive internals.
I want to quickly touch on the customer service aspect too. It seems there’s some inconsistency here. While I’ve personally had a good experience with what I received, I’ve noted that not everyone has had the same luck, especially regarding the seller’s responsiveness and issues with invoice emission. It’s an area that definitely requires attention and improvement.
All in all, this laptop has ticked a lot of boxes for me in terms of performance, and despite a few downsides, it’s been a substantial upgrade from my previous gaming laptops. It goes without saying that I’d still recommend it to fellow gamers looking for portability without compromising on power.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to the MSI Cyborg 15.6” Gaming Laptop, its design and build quality deserve a decent shout-out. Personally, I’m one for subtlety, and this machine satisfies with its clean and simple aesthetic – a slick black chassis that doesn’t scream “gamer” yet has a sturdy feel. The blue backlit keyboard not only adds a touch of flair but is practical for late-night gaming sessions with its anti-ghosting capabilities for those high-intensity moments.
Let’s break down my observations:
Display: The 15.6-inch FHD, IPS-level screen is crisp with faithful color reproduction—critical for both work and play. And at 144Hz, it’s smooth sailing whether I’m editing video or immersed in the latest RPG.
Keyboard: The blue-lit keyboard provides good feedback, and with 99 keys, it’s nearly full-size, which I appreciate because I can bounce between gaming and typing without missing a beat.
Build: It’s not the lightest at 4.4 pounds, but it’s manageable, and the dimensions are reasonably compact for a gaming laptop. Plus, the sturdy build gives me confidence in its longevity.
Speakers: At 2x2 watts, the speakers are decent. They won’t blow you away, but for a laptop, they hold their own.
Of course, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. The weight might be a slight hindrance for those constantly on the move, although I find it quite balanced for a gaming-centric device. Another thing to note is the resolution. At 1920x1080, it ticks the boxes for FHD but I do sometimes wonder how graphics would pop with a 4K display – although I appreciate this might bump the cost significantly and take a toll on the GPU. And speaking of the GPU, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, while impressive, seems like a slightly missed opportunity. I’ve eyed the 4060, tempting me with its extra oomph, but still, the 4050 is no slouch, and the price-to-performance ratio holds up.
In summary, the MSI Cyborg balances performance with portability. It’s a solid choice for those who need a reliable companion for both work and play, and its few drawbacks – mainly weight and resolution – are not deal-breakers, at least for me. The build quality aligns with the premium components housed within, and it feels like a product that’s built to last, even through the rigors of daily use. It’s got a gamer’s heart but a professional’s poise, and that’s a blend I can get behind.
Connectivity and Expansion
When it comes to the connectivity and expansion capabilities of the MSI Cyborg 15.6’’ Gaming Laptop, I’m generally impressed. It’s clear the laptop is designed with the modern user’s needs in mind—those who demand both high-speed internet and versatile port options for their peripherals. Here’s a quick rundown:
USB Connectivity: With 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, this machine offers quick data transfer and compatibility with a wide range of devices. It’s pretty much the standard you’d expect from a modern laptop.
Type C Port: The inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen1 with DP1.4 is a game-changer for me. This port not only handles data but also supports a DisplayPort connection for an additional monitor, which is a big plus for multitasking and gaming setups.
Video and Audio Ports: The HDMI 4K @60Hz output lets me connect to high-resolution external displays with ease—key for editing content or an immersive gaming experience, while the audio combo jack works just fine for headphones or speakers.
Wireless Connectivity: The laptop boasts Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Wi-Fi 6 is a highlight, providing fast and reliable connections that are indispensable when gaming or streaming.
Webcam and Speakers: Integrated 720p HD webcam and dual 2W speakers aren’t groundbreaking but serve the purpose for calls and occasional media consumption.
However, not everything is perfect. For instance, while I find the Wi-Fi speeds to be insanely fast compared to the older generation, it’s worth noting that to get the most out of it, you do need a compatible router that can handle Wi-Fi 6. Also, while Bluetooth 5.2 is a robust standard for wireless peripherals, I’d expect future iterations to come equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 or even 6 for further range and stability improvements.
One minor inconvenience is the lack of more USB Type-C ports. In an ideal world, I’d love to see at least two of these considering how common USB-C devices have become. This would reduce the need for additional adapters or hubs, which goes against the laptop’s portability.
In terms of personal experience, I’ve not had any hiccups when it comes to connecting my devices. The ports are well-placed and there’s enough variety to cover all my needs—from hooking up a gaming mouse and keyboard to attaching an external SSD for additional storage.
Overall, the MSI Cyborg 15.6’’ delivers a well-rounded package for connectivity and expansion. While there are laptops with more ports out there, the generous offerings here hit the sweet spot for both casual users and serious gamers alike. The future-proof Wi-Fi 6 and versatile USB-C with DisplayPort are particularly standout features, ensuring that this machine remains competitive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Thermal Management and Overall Value
In wrapping up my review of the MSI Cyborg 15.6” gaming laptop, I want to focus on an aspect that is crucial for gaming devices: thermal management and the overall value this machine brings to the table.
Here’s a snapshot of my pros and cons regarding these aspects:
Pros:
Solid performance without throttling under normal gaming loads.
Effective cooling system, albeit with some noise under heavy use.
Impressive cost-to-performance ratio given the specs. Cons:
Device can get quite hot during extended gaming sessions, which is a bit of a letdown.
Lack of Windows 11 Pro out of the box may be a minor hiccup for some.
Now, I’ve noticed the laptop does warm up after a few hours of gaming, which is pretty standard among high-performance laptops. But here’s the thing – despite the heat, there’s no significant performance drop. MSI seems to have figured out an adequate heat dissipation strategy to keep things smooth sailing. Still, I’d recommend a cooling pad if you’re planning on marathon sessions to give it a bit of a breather.
On the value front, this laptop hits a sweet spot. Getting a machine with a powerful RTX 4050 and 64GB RAM without breaking the bank is a pretty solid deal. I must confess, the 512GB SSD is a bit on the lean side considering game sizes these days, but thanks to the NVMe tech, swapping in a larger drive is a straightforward affair.
A minor grumble: it didn’t come with Windows 11 Pro as advertised, but frankly, for gaming and everyday tasks, Windows 11 Home does the job just fine. And if you’re not into business features or domain joining, you’re likely not missing out.
Lastly, customer service can make or break the experience. Having a non-responsive seller when it comes to invoicing is a real pain, but it doesn’t take away from the performance perks of the laptop itself.
So, let me lay it out straight – if you’re after a device that offers top-notch gaming on the go without setting your lap on fire, the MSI Cyborg is a prime contender. While it’s not without its quirks, the pros outweigh the cons, especially when you weigh it against the price tag. For the gamers out there looking for a reliable workhorse that won’t require a liquid nitrogen cooling system, this is one to consider.