As gaming, digital design, movie production, and video editing become increasingly popular career options, finding the right laptop that can deliver high quality images, true to life colors, and of course, easy portability can be quite the treasure hunt. If you find yourself in the same boat, then you’ve probably narrowed your search down to two computer brands: MSI and Alienware.
Both of these brands have dominated the gaming computer niche for quite some time, but their laptops are also increasing in popularity amongst creative professionals – and for good reason. Each of these brands delivers the highest quality laptops available on the market. However, how can you be sure that you are making the right choice when it comes to Alienware vs MSI?
We’ve pulled the top laptops from each brand based on customer reviews, quality, and overall popularity. From there, we carefully compared each product and the reputation of the companies themselves. Before you make the purchase for yourself, here is some of the top information we gathered on each brand that may impact your decision (1).
Alienware vs MSI: A Little About Each Brand
Alienware
If you’re in the world of gaming, then you’re probably quite familiar with the Alienware name. Alienware is an American computer brand that is actually a subsidiary of Dell computers – so you can see where they get their reputation from. It was founded in 1996 by Alex Aguila and Nelson Gonzalez who shared a common curiosity for the extraterrestrial.
As a result of this, many of their products are named after alien-themed events such as Area-51, Aurora, and even Hangar 18. They also identify their computers with the iconic Alien logo.
Alienware computers have been specifically targeting the gaming community and feature specs like incredibly fast frame rates, vivid colors, and quick response time for a more immersive gaming experience.
Their reputation has dominated the gaming community for years now, but even more creative professionals are utilizing the Alienware technology as well. As a result, Alienware has continued to grow in popularity and expand its user base.
MSI
MSI or Micro-Star International was originally founded in 1986 in Taiwan. Though still based in New Taipei, Taiwan, MSI is now a multinational information technology corporation specializing in graphic cards, all-in-one PCs, industrial computer setups, laptops, desktops, motherboards, and much more computer related technology.
MSI has been a dominating brand for some time in the world of technology and computers. They are a reputable brand with some of the highest quality products on the market. However, they have the most going for their gaming lineup, and especially their gaming laptops. High quality gaming laptops that meet all the needs of gaming for an immersive experience are hard to come by. But MSI delivers every time.
Alienware and MSI Laptop Comparison
Hardware Reputation
One of the components we measured when comparing these two brands was overall popularity, user feedback, durability, longevity, and overall user experience. Alienware has not only been the pioneer for gaming laptops and computers, but they have dominated the market for decades now. This is due to their top-shelf quality that is truly unmatched by any other brand on the market.
They set the tone for the highest frame rates, response times, immersive peripherals, and sleek aesthetic. In fact, most people recognize the brand Alienware even if they aren’t necessarily in the gaming space. MSI, on the other hand, doesn’t quite have the same ‘cool factor’ that Alienware does.
MSI has recently been gaining in popularity amongst gamers, as their gaming lineup is their most popular line of computers and laptops. Although they too have a high quality product, it does not hold a candle to Alienware in terms of durability, longevity, and overall user experience.
Price
As you may have noticed in your search, Alienware definitely comes with a much steeper price tag than MSI. This is because Alienware utilizes advanced technology that is always one step ahead of the rest of the industry. Thanks to their innovative gaming laptops and constantly perfecting their product, Alienware still delivers the best, and most expensive, product on the market.
On the other hand, this is why MSI is increasing in popularity amongst gamers. They offer gaming laptops at a much lower price than Alienware while still delivering the quality gamers are looking for in a laptop. Keep in mind, however, that with a lower price tag comes less competitive specs than Alienware.
Design and Appearance
To be honest, neither brand outshined the other in terms of appearance. Both deliver a sleek aesthetic, with as minimal desk space as possible, while still giving you that immersive viewing experience.
Alienware was really the first brand to start leaning into the use of bright colors in its aesthetics. However, in recent years, MSI has also followed suit by delivering colorful options in their laptops too. Overall, both companies deliver sleek, modern looking laptops that appeal to the gaming community.
Overall Performance
Off the bat, we noticed that both MSI and Alienware used top quality components in their laptops. Neither brand compromises the newest and best technology for the price, and both use the latest generation CPU’s and GPU’s in their laptops.
It appears both of these brands are dedicated to excellence, and it shines through their products. They use the best graphic cards, the most powerful RAM, and both have options for AMD and Intel. However, overall user feedback was that Alienware outperformed MSI every time. This was largely due to easier usability in Alienware, as well as better colors, contrasts, and frame rates.
Customizable Options
When it comes to options for customizing, Alienware wins every time. This is because Dell’s gaming division gives users the ability to customize their order from the ground up, giving you total control over every aspect of your gaming setup. In fact, they are one of the best available when it comes to choosing exactly what kind of computer specs you want.
However, if you are not quite at the point of building your own setup, MSI offers pre-built gaming setups that may be way less intimidating for you. MSI offers many great options for pre-built laptops and computers that still match what it is you are needing out of your laptop performance.
Top 3 Best Alienware Laptops
Alienware m15 R4 Gaming Laptop
The m15 R4 gaming laptop by Alienware is considered one of the most popular choices for Alienware gaming laptops amongst users. Although it comes with a steep price tag, this is actually on the cheaper end of Alienware laptops too, making it an even more popular option
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This 15.6” screen comes in FHD (1920 x 1080) and 144hz and 7ms response time. What’s more, is this laptop works to enhance in-game features by including a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with enhanced Ray tracing cores and high-performance storage of up to three M.2 NVMe solid state drives.
We could go on about the advanced cyro-tech, unparalleled display technology, and hyper-efficient voltage regulation, but you get the point. This laptop was built by gamers for gamers and does not compromise on quality for anything.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 15.6”
Dimensions: 10.86 x 14.19 x 0.78 inches
Weight: 5.5lbs
Refresh Rate: 144hz
Alienware m17 R4 Gaming Laptop
Similar to the m15 R4, the Alienware m17 R4 is like a sister. The only difference is this monitor packs not only a larger screen and faster refresh rate, but an insane amount of storage space as well with a 16GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory.
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This brilliant monitor also packs an impressive 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10870H Processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 Graphics, and 360hz for the ultimate gaming experience. The bottom line is if you are looking for an immersive but portable gaming experience, the Alienware m17 R4 Gaming Laptop is the top tier option.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 17.3in
Dimension: 11.59 x 15.74 x 0.87 inches
Weight: 5.57lbs
Refresh Rate: 360hz
Alienware m17 R3 17.3 Gaming Laptop
Kicking things up a notch, we have the Alienware m17 R3 17.3 Gaming Laptop. This 17.3in monitor utilizes high quality, lightweight materials such as magnesium alloy, steel, and copper for a more performance driven game. What’s more, is this laptop also includes the iconic AlienFX lighting that we all know and love.
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The Alienware m17 R3 17.3 Gaming Laptop comes with standard Alienware display features as well as 300hz and 3ms response time on a Full HD panel. This gaming laptop also comes in at a slightly smaller size than its m17 R4 companion weighing in at only 4.65lbs and under 20.5mm thin.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 17.3in
Dimensions: 15.74 x 11.59 x 0.89 inches
Weight: 5.5lbs
Refresh Rate: 300hz
Top 3 Best MSI Laptops
MSI Flagship GE76 Raider Gaming Laptop
Next, we have the MSI Flagship GE76 Raider Gaming Laptop which offers a premium gaming experience at a lower price compared to its Alienware competitors. Equipped with the most powerful 11th Gen Intel 8-Core i7-11800H, this 17.3in Full HD IPS display is sure to give you the most immersive gaming experience from the MSI line of gaming laptops.
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The MSI Flagship GE76 Raider Gaming Laptop also includes a Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB and Integrated Intel UHD Graphics. With a thin-bezel display and 144hz refresh rate, this portable gaming laptop will hold up to the speed you need for competitive multiplayer gaming.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 17.3in
Dimensions: 10.57 x 15.63 x 1.08 inches
Weight: 6.39lbs
Refresh Rate: 144hz
2021 MSI GE75 Raider 17 Premium Gaming Laptop
Similar to its MSI Flagship GE76 Raider gaming laptop companion, the 2021 MSI GE75 Raider 17 Premium Gaming Laptop comes with some slightly updated perks. For starters, this 17.3in Full HD gaming laptop comes with the latest 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors and Intel Hexa-Core i7-10750H.
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It also packs an impressive 144hz and 3ms response time for an elevated multiplayer gaming experience and upgraded storage of 16GB DDR4 SDRAM Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, and 1TB Hard Disk Drive. The 2021 MSI GE75 Raider 17 Premium Gaming Laptop truly is the premium option when it comes to MSI gaming laptops.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 17.3in
Dimensions: 14.17 x 10.43 x 0.91
Weight: 5.7lbs
Refresh Rate: 144hz
MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop
Coming in at a slightly smaller size, but a much smaller price tag, is the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop. This 15.6” gaming laptop still offers all the premium technology that we can expect from the MSI gaming line. It packs Full HD panel, 144hz refresh rate, and true-to-life colors for an immersive, portable gaming experience.
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This portable gaming laptop also boasts an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 for supercharged graphics, and an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor for high performance and redefined power. The MSI Stealth 15M is designed with portability in mind and is made to be thin and light for easier travel. At the most affordable price, the MSI Stealth 15M Gaming Laptop is the best value for money gaming laptop.
Specs and Dimensions
Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Screen Size: 15.6”
Dimensions: 0.63 x 14.1 x 9.76 inches
Weight: 3.73lbs
Refresh Rate: 144hz
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, either of these laptops will deliver the performance and overall immersive experience that you are looking for. Each comes with its own advantages and can be a great option for gaming or creative work. However, our verdict is if you have the budget definitely go with Alienware over MSI.
Alienware will perform better over time, allows you to customize your setup from scratch, and provides that awesome top shelf quality you are looking for. Alienware is built on quite an unshakable reputation and their laptops are a great example of this. While both brands provide users with incredible gaming experiences, Alienware has and continues to dominate all other brands in the market.
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