MSI vs Alienware: Which Gaming Laptop Brand is Better?
Gaming enthusiasts need a high-performance laptop to enjoy their gaming experience.
When comparing popular gaming laptop brands MSI and Alienware, it’s clear that Alienware’s gaming laptops are better than MSI’s. Despite the high cost, Alienware laptops are renowned for being the best for gaming because of their impressive specs.
This detailed guide will help you make a more informed decision on which brand is right for you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Is MSI or Alienware Better?
Alienware is better because it manufactures alien-themed gaming computers that make the brand stand out in the market. Alienware is also the best laptop brand because it offers a unique design, user-friendly keyboard and touchpad, durable magnesium alloy chassis, and friendly customer support.
For instance, the Alienware M15 R6 is one of the best Alienware laptops because it gives you access to the latest NVIDIA and Intel technology. The M15 R6 comes packed with the following specifications:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H.
- 8 to 32 GB RAM
- NVIDIA RTX GPU
- 1TB SSD
- Three USB-A 3.2 ports
- One USB-C
- Full-size ethernet
- HDMI 2.1
Alienware vs MSI for Gaming
Although Alienware is better for gaming than MSI, you should compare both brands’ product features that affect your gaming experience. Below are a few things you should know:
Components
Gaming is the most intensive process a computer can perform, which means you should compare each brand’s performance level. Because MSI and Alienware are top-of-the-range gaming laptops, both brands use quality components.
Alienware and MSI use the best graphics cards with high frames per second (FPS), latest generation processors, and powerful RAM. Both manufacturers have AMD and Intel options too.
Design
Alienware gaming laptops have a rugged and robust look. The only hint of modernity is the colorful LEDs that light up when you touch the keyboard. MSI laptops are similar to Alienware laptops, but MSI laptops are clunky, and the brand doesn’t regularly update the designs.
Options
Most gamers are drawn to Alienware laptops because you can custom order your device. This means that you can choose every facet of your machine, from graphics cards to the number of cores. However, MSI may be a better option than Alienware if you don’t know how to build a PC and prefer to get a pre-built machine instead.
MSI Laptops in Detail
Micro-Star International (MSI) is a Taiwanese computer manufacturing company that was established in 1986. Today, MSI is a big-name brand that keeps up with other high-end companies like Dell, Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung in terms of quality and performance. MSI develops the following:
- Desktops
- Laptops
- All-in-one PCs
- Motherboards
- Graphics cards
Although MSI is a large computer manufacturing company, you probably haven’t heard of the brand unless you’re a gamer. This is because their products are targeted at the gaming world. To determine if MSI is the right laptop brand for you, you should consider the following features:
Design
MSI laptops have a strong aesthetic and are available in various sizes. MSI laptops are standardized, and the same chassis is maintained across all products.
MSI laptops don’t look much different from standard laptops, so if you’re looking for a laptop with a striking appearance, this brand isn’t for you.
Build quality and hardware
Build quality, hardware, and durability are the three most important features to consider when shopping for a gaming laptop. This is because gaming laptops are exposed to more wear and tear than standard laptops.
Although MSI laptops undergo rigorous testing and come with extra warranties after purchase, they don’t have the best build quality compared to most competitors.
Some of MSI’s models are slim and light, and this causes high core temperatures and loud fan noises. In addition, MSI laptops have weak speakers and weak battery life.
Display
For screen specs, MSI stands out. You can choose between 15.6 inch or 17.3 inch screens with FHD (full high definition), 2K, or 4K resolution. Note that a big display screen doesn’t always mean that the screen is better, so a 4K display screen isn’t necessarily better than an FHD laptop.
Instead, a 1080 FHD laptop will provide you with better gameplay and a long-lasting battery than some 2K and 4K laptops. This is the main reason why the MSI Titan Series only comes with a 1080 FHD display.
For the perfect gaming experience, you should also consider the screen’s refresh rate. While standard laptops come with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, state-of-the-art MSI laptops have a refresh rate of 360 Hz.
RAM
Gaming computers need fast access to data, which means the laptop should have a large RAM. While most software will require 4GB RAM for a smooth gaming experience, MSI laptops are built to support most applications. The brand’s laptops start with 8GB RAM, and offer up to 32GB on top-tier models.
Battery lifespan
Gaming laptops have poor battery lifespans. However, MSI batteries perform much better than other brands. For example, the MSI GS65 Stealth has a decent battery that can last up to five hours per charge. While this is less than the eight hours that the brand promises, this feature is still impressive for a gaming laptop.
Customer service support and warranty
If you experience issues with your MSI laptop, don’t expect good customer service. Most MSI laptop users have complained that it takes the company weeks to reply to queries, even on social media platforms.
Trying to reach the MSI team through their website or email is also challenging. However, warranty and accidental damage protection are among the best policies that the brand offers its clients.
MSI is known for offering praiseworthy warranties that range between one and two years. In addition, the company offers a free one-time accidental damage repair cover. T
his has given MSI a clear edge over competitors, especially because repairing these laptops can be expensive. Keep in mind that you will need to pay shipping costs to send or receive your laptop.
Summary
MSI is a great laptop brand and is ideal for elite gamers and content creators. It’s also one of the leading companies that produce deluxe hardware for their laptops, especially when it comes to video cards.
MSI laptops come with stellar graphics cards and hardware. Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-end gaming laptop, you should consider MSI.
Alienware Laptops in Detail
Established in 1996 by American computer game developers, Alienware is one of the oldest brands in the market. In 2006, Alienware was acquired by Dell, which helped the brand to become one of the leading manufacturers of high-end laptops.
Dell Alienware laptops are top-of-the-range gaming laptops. They offer a massive variety of hardware options, lights, and customization options. These laptops are perfect for anything from hardcore gaming to light photo editing or even video editing.
Alienware design
Alienware laptops are famous for their design. Alienware laptops are slim, which is something you don’t see from other brands. They have a powerful lit-up keyboard that adds to the overall gaming experience.
Alienware machines are also designed with stylish laptop edges, which give the laptops a sci-fi theme that complements the brand’s name. These laptops feature an easily recognizable alien head logo that adds to the style
Build quality and hardware
One of the top factors you should consider before buying a gaming laptop is its build quality. Alienware laptops are solid, but they can also be cumbersome.
Initially, Alienware made their laptops heavy and bulky to support hardcore gaming. However, the brand has made significant changes over time and now offers light and portable machines. The Alienware m17 R1 is the lightest Alienware gaming laptop.
Overall, Alienware is the best laptop brand if you’re looking for a good gaming experience with five-star build quality and powerful hardware.
Graphics
Alienware Graphics cards are high-quality and reliable. NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, like the GTX 1080 and the GTX 1070, are recommended for hardcore gaming. Some of Alienware’s laptops even offer a Graphics Amplifier, which allows you to swap out the original graphics card for a more powerful one. This amplifier is compatible with most NVIDIA graphics cards as well.
Performance
Alienware offers a variety of performance options. Its top-of-the-line graphics cards and processors offer the best gaming experience available today.
For the overall specs, Alienware offers more storage in their gaming laptops than other laptop brands.
The brand’s laptops also have up to three times faster response time than other brands. This means that Alienware laptops can boot up fast, which is vital for gaming.
Durability
Alienware laptops are known for their durability. They use high-quality materials and components, which can take a lot of punishment. This makes Alienware laptops perfect for heavy gaming, photo editing, or video editing.
Customer care service
Alienware is famous for its customer service. The brand’s customer service team is very responsive, and they’ll answer most of your questions quickly.
In addition, Alienware’s service team offers lifetime support on the original product purchased.
Even if you cannot answer your phone or use webchat, you can communicate with the company via email and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Support and warranty
Alienware is part of Dell, which means that Dell’s service and support extend to all its products. Dell is one of the top computer manufacturers with a high reputation for support and warranty services.
This brilliant reputation also extends to Alienware laptops. In fact, Alienware laptops come with a warranty of up to four years — and even upgrading the laptop’s storage or RAM won’t void your warranty.
Dell also offers an accidental damage protection warranty at an additional cost. The company will repair your laptop an unlimited number of times.
Price
If you compare the price of Alienware laptops to other brands, you’ll see that Alienware laptops have a higher ticket price than other market leaders. This is because Alienware laptops are fitted with video RAM (VRAM) for hardcore gaming.
These laptops also have customized motherboards with numerous quality features. Plus, the manufacturing and engineering process uses sophisticated and expensive components.
Summary
Alienware laptops have a high-quality build and a gorgeous design, and are market leaders in performance.
Although they are more expensive than other gaming laptops, Alienware laptops have a warranty that extends up to four years. Therefore, if you value quality and performance over price, Alienware laptops are the best choice.
Conclusion: Should I Buy an MSI or an Alienware Laptop?
MSI and Alienware laptops are both excellent choices for gaming, but they’re also different from one another.
MSI gaming laptops are more affordable than Alienware laptops, but you don’t get the same design, performance, or customization options with MSI devices.
When it comes to choosing between MSI and Alienware, you should consider the laptop’s use.
If you’re looking for performance and gaming features, then Alienware offers the best experience. However, MSI is a laptop that can run almost any task, from media editing and office work to gaming.
Comparisons of all the best laptop brands:
About the Author Marcus
Marcus has a graduate degree in computer engineering and has many years of experience in cutting-edge technology research and development in both startups and Fortune 500 corporations. In his free time, he enjoys RTS gaming.
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