MSI Sword, MSI Cyborg, and MSI Thin 15 – for the mainstream gamers!
MSI has refreshed its selection of mainstream gaming laptops, offering powerful specs and features to appeal to casual and enthusiast gamers alike. The new lineup includes the Sword 16/17 HX, Cyborg 15 AI, Cyborg 14, and Thin 15 models spanning screen sizes from 14 to 17 inches.
The Sword 17 HX stands out with its large 17-inch QHD+ display touting a superb 240Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for fast-paced competitive gaming. Packed with up to an Intel Core i7-14700HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, it has the power to run the latest games smoothly at high settings. The PCR plastic chassis focuses on eco-conscious design, while RGB keyboard backlighting and ample connectivity including HDMI 2.1 cater to gamers.
Stepping down slightly in specs, the Sword 16 HX maintains the striking space grey design in a more compact 16-inch chassis. Gamers can configure it with up to QHD+ 240Hz or FHD+ 144Hz displays to best suit their needs. The latest Intel and NVIDIA chips remain on offer for strong 1080p or 1440p gaming. As MSI’s most affordable models with new Intel HX and NVIDIA 40-series chips, the Sword laptops pack a lot of power starting under $2,000.
Gamers wanting ultra-slim portability can consider the svelte Thin 15. Starting under 3 pounds with a 0.8 inch thick aluminum chassis, it squeezes in capable GPUs up to the RTX 4050. The 144Hz 1080p screen keeps up with fast gaming, while DDR4 memory and Gen 4 storage provide good performance. Its subtle professional looks blend in anywhere, making this a flexible pick for school or work.
On the more affordable end, the Cyborg 14 offers a distinctly gaming-inspired design in a small 14-inch form factor. Despite its compact size, it can be configured with new Intel 13th gen Core i7 processors and up to GeForce RTX 4060 graphics for solid 1080p gameplay. The keyboard even incorporates cyberpunk-esque translucent keycaps that glow icy blue, offering style points. With multiple configurations available under $1,500, it brings faster performance than past generations down to a more accessible price point.
Rounding out the lineup, the Cyborg 15 AI earns its name with a see-through panel exposing the inner hardware. RGB lighting around the open section create a high-tech cyber aesthetic. The 15.6-inch size hits a sweet spot between mobility and immersion, while using the latest Intel processors with RTX 40-series graphics for reliable 60+ fps gaming. With mid-range configurations around $1,300, it lets gamers get in the game without breaking the bank.
All the laptops provide gaming necessities like anti-ghosting keyboards, quick PCIe Gen 4 or 5 SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6E networking, HDMI 2.1 connectivity, and ample USB ports. They also share gaming-centric software features like RGB lighting control, performance profiles, and the Nahimic audio app. This combines to deliver great out-of-box usability.
MSI managed to hit various gaming niches with this lineup refresh. The new models provide the latest specs to rival top-end gaming rigs, while more affordable configurations bring better performance to budget gamers. Combined with distinct designs catering to different tastes, MSI makes a compelling case for gamers shopping mainstream laptops in 2023. These forward-thinking machines balance innovation with practicality, keeping gaming strong for years to come.
MSI Sword 17 HX and MSI Sword 16 HX Specifications
| Model Name | Sword 17 HX B14VGKG / B14VFKG/ B14VEKG | Sword 16 HX B14VGKG / B14VFKG/ B14VEKG |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7 processor 14700HX | Intel® Core™ i7 processor 14700HX |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro |
| Chipset | Intel® HM770 | Intel® HM770 |
| Memory | DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB | DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB |
| Display | 17″ QHD+ (2560×1600), 16:10, 240Hz Refresh Rate, 100% DCI-P3(Typical), IPS-Level panel (Optional) 17″ FHD+ (1920 x1200), 16:10, 165Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB(Typ.), IPS-Level panel (Optional) | 16″ QHD+ (2560×1600), 16:10, 240Hz Refresh Rate, 100% DCI-P3(Typical), IPS-Level panel (Optional) 16″ FHD+ (1920 x1200), 16:10, 144 Hz Refresh Rate, IPS-Level panel (Optional) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (B14VGKG) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (B14VFKG) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 (B14VEKG) | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (B14VGKG) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (B14VFKG) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 (B14VEKG) |
| Storage Slots | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen5 x4 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4 | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen5 x4 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Keyboard | 24-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard | 24-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers 1 x Audio combo jack Nahimic 3 Audio Enhancer Hi-Res Audio ready | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers 1 x Audio combo jack Nahimic 3 Audio Enhancer Hi-Res Audio ready |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) 3x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI™ 2.1(8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz), 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) | 1 x HDMI™ 2.1(8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz), 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) |
| Communication | Gigabit Ethernet / Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth v5.3 | Gigabit Ethernet / Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth v5.3 |
| Webcam | HD type (30fps@720p) with 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) | HD type (30fps@720p) with 3D Noise Reduction (3DNR) |
| Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0 / Kensington lock / Webcam Shutter | Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0 / Kensington lock / Webcam Shutter |
| Battery | 4-Cell, Li-Polymer, 65Whr | 4-Cell, Li-Polymer, 65Whr |
| Power Adapter | 200W | 200W |
| Dimension | 383.2 (W) x 279.9 (D) x 22.2~27.3 (H) mm | 359 (W) x 266.4 (D) x 21.8~27.7(H) mm |
| Weight | 2.6 Kg | 2.3 Kg |
MSI Cyborg 15 AI and MSI Cyborg 14 Specifications
| Model Name | Cyborg 15 AI A1VFK / A1VEK | Cyborg 14 A13VF / A13VE / A13UDX / A13UCX |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H | Up to Intel® Core™ i7-13620H processor |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro |
| Chipset | Integrated SoC | Integrated SoC |
| Memory | DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB | DDR5, 2 slots, up to 64GB |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz Refresh Rate, IPS-Level panel | 14″ FHD+ (1920×1200), 16:10, 144Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB (Typical), IPS-Level panel |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (A1VFK) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 (A1VEK) | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6 (A13VF) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 (A13VE) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 96-bit (A13UDX) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 Laptop GPU 4GB GDDR6 (A13UCX) |
| Storage Slots | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4 | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4 |
| Keyboard | 4-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard | Blue Backlit Gaming Keyboard |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers 1 x Audio combo jack DTS Audio Processing Hi-Res Audio ready | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers 1 x Audio combo jack DTS Audio Processing Hi-Res Audio ready |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C / DP 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C / DP 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI™ 2.1(4K@60Hz), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C / DP | 1 x HDMI™ 2.1(4K@60Hz), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C / DP |
| Communication | Gigabit Ethernet Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth v5.3 | Gigabit Ethernet Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth v5.3 |
| Webcam | HD type (30fps@720p) | HD type (30fps@720p) |
| Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0 / Kensington Lock | Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0 / Kensington Lock |
| Battery | 3-Cell, Li-Polymer, 53.5Whr | 3-Cell, Li-Polymer, 53.5Whr |
| Power Adapter | 120W | 120W |
| Dimension | 359.36 (W) x 250.34 (D) x 21.95~22.9 (H) mm | 314.7(W) x 233.5 (D) x 18.6~22.3 (H) mm |
| Weight | 1.98 Kg | 1.6 Kg |
MSI Thin Specifications
| Model Name | Thin 15 B13VE / B13UC / B13UCX |
| Processor | Up to Intel® Core™ i7-13620H processor |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro |
| Chipset | Integrated SoC |
| Memory | DDR4-3200, 2 slots, up to 64GB |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080),144 Hz Refresh Rate, IPS-Level panel |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 Laptop GPU 6GB GDDR6 (B13VE) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3050 Laptop GPU 4GB GDDR6 (B13UC) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2050 Laptop GPU 4GB GDDR6 (B13UCX) |
| Storage Slots | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen4 x4 1 x 2.5“ HDD |
| Keyboard | Blue Backlit Gaming Keyboard |
| Audio | 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers 1 x Mic-in / 1 x Headphone out DTS Audio Processing Hi-Res Audio ready |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A |
| Video Output | 1 x HDMI™ (4K@30Hz), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C / DP |
| Communication | Gigabit Ethernet / Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth v5.3 |
| Webcam | HD type (30fps@720p) |
| Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0 / Kensington Lock |
| Battery | 3-Cell, Li-Polymer, 52.4Whr |
| Power Adapter | 120W |
| Dimension | 359 (W) x 254 (D) x 21.7 (H) mm |
| Weight | 1.86 Kg |
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
