MSI is one of those names that you normally associate with high-performance computing especially in the field of gaming. Unlike their competitors, their entire line-up of PCs and laptops are focused on high-performance and high-demand computing solutions. Now, that also means creator-grade PCs.
Their single-minded drive to produce the best and most powerful solutions for all kinds of gaming and creation needs also pushes the brand to create the most desirable machines with the latest and most powerful innovations. For 2021, it means Intel’s latest 11th Generation Core processors and NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 30 series. But power is just half the story, aesthetics rule too, in the modern world of creator-class rigs.
MSI Creator Z16 & M16
For creators, the display could be everything. When you are on-the-go though, sometimes it is a case of ‘beggars cannot be choosers’. Not in the case of the Creator class Z16 though.
You still get a large 16-inch display at 16:10 display factor. For a super smooth experience in your work and 3D work, the panel refreshes at 120Hz as well. Technically, 120Hz (Z16) on this IPS display will look stellar too, if you are thinking of gaming. It is a creator class PC though so the QHD+ resolution is displayed at 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut for the most colour accurate images possible. It is also a touchscreen for even more flexibilities on the move.
A display like this requires a lot of power from the rest of the hardware within the notebook though. This is where the 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor kicks in to ensure you have 120fps from your programs and final product. The powerful processor is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 mobile GPU (RTX 1050 or RTX 1050 Ti for M16) to keep up with all sorts of 3D and rendering demands. With up to 64GB of configurable RAM, you would not be wanting for more power from this thin (16.8mm, Z16) and light (2.2kg) package.
There are two NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD slots (1x PCIe Gen 3 M.2 SSD for M16) within the svelte and understated all-metal body too. That means you can even get up to 4TB of storage if you want with two 2TB SSDs. With Gen4 speeds too, your workflow will be smoother and quicker than ever with nearly no bottlenecks.
You still get two full USB Type-A ports alongside two Thunderbolt enabled USB Type-C (1x for M16) ports for the best-in-class expandibility in terms of I/O. Unfortunately, power still goes through a proprietary port via a 180W adapter (150W for M16). There is also a 3.5mm combo audio jack if you are into music production and audio engineering, but the four stereo speakers tuned by Dyneaudio should be powerful enough for audio monitoring and even enjoying music on the side.
MSI Creator 17
Working on-the-go also means that you might have to compromise on display size. But there is a way with MSI. The Creator 17 is that way to have no compromises whether or not you work on your desk, and even when you are working on-the-go.
First things first, you get the most powerful processor of the lot; an 11th Generation Intel Core i9 processor. You can spec your desktop replacing machine with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (up to) if you want or need to. You can even spec your rig with up to 64GB of RAM if you really need.
Storage wise, you have one NVMe PCIe Gen4 slot for your ultra-fast working storage unit and another NVMe PCIe Gen3 M.2 SSD slot for whatever that you have already worked on. It is still fast too in today’s standards, if you need it to be your working drive still.
The internals powers Windows and other creator programmes that projects on a 17.3-inch Ultra HD 4K resolution Mini LED display. Just so you can do your best work even on-the-go, the Creator 17’s display is a HDR 1000 certified panel with 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. For your audio needs, you have two stereo speakers designed and tuned for Dynaudio for the best sound reproduction you can have in a notebook PC.
While all that might sound like a lot of heft in a notebook PC, the MSI Creator 17 weighs just 2.45kg. At 20.25mm in thickness as well, it is not what you would call a hefty item. It comes packing a 230W slim adapter to keep the package small and portable, just in case you need to get going quickly.