MSI Vs ASUS Laptops: (Which Gaming Laptop Is Best In 2023)

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msi vs asus laptops

When it comes to purchasing a new laptop, two of the most popular laptop brands to compare are MSI vs ASUS laptops. Both brands have a reputation for producing high-quality devices. With some of the same features and specs to suit different needs and models in a similar price range.

In this blog post, I will compare their gaming laptops entirely. In addition, I will also look at customer service and the length of their warranties to help you make a better informed buying decision.

ASUS VS MSI Brand History
MSI and ASUS Brand Logo’s

More Helpful Content: You may also like to check out my in-depth comparison between Razer vs Alienware laptops, two of the best laptop brands that produce some great laptops.

ASUS Brand Overview

ASUS was formed by a team of young Taiwanese engineers. Four of which had before worked for Acer. In the early days, things were not all that rosy for ASUS, suffering various design issues. At which point, Mr Shih, took on the daunting task of getting ASUS back on track and that he did.

In 2006, ASUS built their first gaming laptops and their sub-brand was born, the Republic of Gamers (ROG series). Since then, ASUS has won a staggering 4000+ awards, including many world’s first products.

ASUS produces desktop computers, monitors, Netbooks and smartphones. And some of the best high-spec laptops, such as the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G series and ASUS Rog Strix laptops.

MSI Brand Overview

MSI (micro-star international) is also a Taiwanese company founded by a group of talented engineers who had previously worked together. (At Sony). MSI first built a reputation for manufacturing motherboards and graphics cards. And released their first gaming notebook, the X320 Laptop.

In 2015, MSI became the world’s 5th best laptop brand. MSI continued to gain popularity and in 2016, MSI sold more laptops than any other brand. MSI has won many awards for models such as the GS70 Stealth and the GT60 2PE Dominator PRO, some of the best gaming laptops at that time.

MSI products include high-spec gaming laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and PC hardware. Of which is often used by professional gamers and eSports teams around the globe due to its reliability.

ASUS Vs MSI Laptop Build Quality

MSI Laptops Design & Build Materials

MSI has some of the most impressive designs, known for their sleek and modern look that is sure to turn heads. However, there are some designs that are bland and simple, like the MSI Stealth range.

While other MSI gaming laptops, such as the MSI Raider series which was one of the best laptops with best cooling system in 2022, and features intricate details such as coloured LED lighting systems.

MSI Crosshair Gaming Laptop
MSI Crosshair Gaming Laptop

MSI also has impressive mid range laptops, like the MSI Crosshair. Although, only if you are a big fan of bright yellow or the action-packed shooter. Rainbow Six Siege. All these factors create an unforgettable design experience with an MSI laptop. Whether you want a powerful gaming machine or an attractive budget gaming laptop. MSI will give you what you need.

Regarding the build, MSI uses a process called CNC, a manufacturing process that ensures a high-quality finish that is durable and strong. MSI also uses a lot of brushed aluminium that gives their laptops a premium feel. The only downside is this material is more susceptible to fingerprints.

ASUS Laptops Design & Build Materials

When you compare MSI vs ASUS gaming laptops in terms of design, you will see they are mostly the same. ASUS laptops are also available in a range of designs. Their high-end laptops often combine premium materials, such as aluminium or magnesium alloy.

However, the budget ASUS laptop range, such as the ASUS TUF contains a lot of plastic. They are not as good as MSI budget laptops in terms of the build materials. Having said that, ASUS laptops tend to have good designs that are both attractive and practical for gamers and everyday use.

ASUS TUF 17-inch Budget Gaming Laptop
My New ASUS TUF 17-inch Budget Gaming Laptop

Moreover, one ASUS laptop that really stands out in terms of design is the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16. This model won an Honouree award at CES 2022 for its unique design. When you open up the lid, the second display rises and slides towards the main display. Thus, creating a seamless gaming or working experience, it also opens the ventilation system to increase cooling even further.

ASUS DUO 16 High-Spec Notebook
Credit: PCMag

MSI Vs ASUS Value For Money

Is MSI Value for money?

You will find an MSI gaming laptop for just about any budget. However, MSI’s higher-end notebooks are definitely on the more expensive side and especially their newer models. Expect to pay upwards of $3000 for one of their more powerful gaming laptops.

But MSI’s top end models do come with powerful specs, like NVidia RTX 3080 Ti GPUs and powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processors. It is also worth noting that their prices are in line with other quality gaming laptop brands, such as the latest Dell gaming laptops.

Helpful Content: Interested in the best gaming laptops under 800? I have carefully chosen this list of seven great options for you to consider.

MSI also has great mid-range and budget laptops like the MSI GF63 range, with prices as low as $800. Still, good enough to run the latest games, albeit on low settings. You can often find some great laptop deals with older MSI models. So, it would be worth shopping around before making any decisions.

Is ASUS Value for money?

The ASUS TUF laptops are quite similar to the MSI GF63 laptops, with prices starting in and around the $700-$800 price bracket. Moreover, the model I have features an NVidia RTX 3050 Ti graphics card and an Intel Core i5 CPU. So far, so good, considering this is a budget gaming laptop. (Chassis is plastic)

ASUS has high-end models such as the ASUS Strix and ASUS Zephyrus gaming laptops that will cost a pretty penny. You should expect to pay between $2000-$3000 for their high-end gaming notebooks.

Helpful Content: Interested in the best gaming laptops under 2000 dollars then you must read this guide. I have listed the top seven for you to consider.

You can often pick up slightly less powerful ASUS laptops with prices around $1000-$1500, with NVidia RTX 30 GPUs and speedy processors. And like MSI, they are priced similar to most gaming laptops brands, such as Alienware or Razer. Who do not jump on the entry level bandwagon like ASUS or MSI do. 

MSI Vs ASUS Hardware & Components

MSI vs Components

MSI has the complete line-up of laptop hardware, whether you want top-of-the-line performance or something more budget-friendly, there are likely some great MSI laptops to suit your needs.

They also feature the latest 12th gen Intel 14-Core processors, including Intel Core i9 CPUs. So, if you do more than just gaming, like streaming while gaming or video editing. MSI would be a viable option. 

The same goes for NVidia RTX graphics cards. MSI has the latest NVidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPUs. As well as older and more budget-friendly graphics, like the NVidia GTX 10 and 16 series.

MSI is one of only a few gaming laptop brands that shows the full details of the NVidia RTX variant. (TGP – Total Graphics Power). Which does affect gaming performance. Moreover, MSI also uses the latest DDR5 memory type. However, this is not be the case on lesser models, they still have DDR4 RAM.

ASUS Laptop Components

When comparing ASUS vs MSI laptops, you will see both brands incorporate the complete line-up of powerful hardware. Including the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and i9 processors and NVidia RTX 30 graphics. However, ASUS has gaming laptops with top-end AMD processors. MSI doesn’t seem to have those. So, if an AMD laptop is your preferred option, then ASUS would be the best choice.

Like MSI, ASUS  has a great range of laptops with NVIDIA RTX 3060, 3050, and the RTX 3050 TI GPU. ASUS also happily shares the details regarding which NVidia RTX variant you receive. They also use the latest DDR5 memory type, and some of their laptops take up to 64 GB of RAM (Same as MSI). Overall, when you compare the hardware between these brands. There isn’t much difference.

Overall, ASUS and MSI have a wide range of products from entry-level budget gaming laptops to high-end gaming laptops that will deliver the best gaming experience. ASUS does have a slight edge over MSI in that they have more laptops with the latest AMD Ryzen processors.

ASUS vs MSI Cooling Systems

MSI Cooling System

MSI gaming laptops come with a range of highly advanced cooling systems that keep your gaming laptop running as efficiently as possible. They feature the Cooler Boost 5 cooling technology consisting of two independent fans with seven heat pipes.

The more expensive MSI laptops come with an added thermal pad that helps further with cooling. These are called, phase change thermal pads that are used to further improve the thermal conductivity between the heatsink and the processor. Designed to change from a solid to a liquid at a specific temperature. 

Phase change thermal pads are typically more effective at transferring heat than traditional thermal compounds made from silicone or other synthetic materials. They are also easy to apply and do not need to be reapplied as frequently as other thermal compounds that can dry out.

The cooling of MSI and ASUS gaming laptops has vastly improved in recent years. Their laptops appear in table showing the top 7 laptop brands that handle heat the best.

Best Cooling Gaming Laptops Data
Best Cooling Gaming Laptops 2022

ASUS Cooling System

ASUS gaming laptops generally use a combination of a heatsink and multiple fans to cool their processors and graphics cards. The heatsink is a metal structure designed to transfer heat away from the components and the fans help to circulate the air and dissipate the heat. 

The more expensive ASUS gaming laptops use the liquid metal thermal compound in their cooling systems. Which is a thermal interface material used to improve the thermal conductivity between a heatsink and the processor. It has a higher thermal conductivity than traditional thermal compounds.

MSI Or ASUS Laptop Features

MSI Features

MSI gaming laptops come packed with impressive features and specs. Including SteelSeries mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX key switches that will allow you to click much faster. The per-key RGB lighting systems let you customise your gaming experience.

Their gaming laptops also boast user-friendly cooling solutions like Cooler Boost 5. The latest Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Plus, the latest DDR5 memory. Additionally, MSI devices offer advanced audio systems from Dynaudio sound quality and Nahimic 3D surround sound.

As for display options, the sky’s the limit, with high refresh rate displays from OLED display’s that support 240Hz and a 0.2ms response time to a 360 Hz Full HD display. And large 99 Whr battery capacity.

With MSI’s dedicated Dragon Centre app, gamers can adjust their settings easily. Clearly, MSI has built a collection of powerful gaming laptops that are perfect for hardcore and casual gamers.

MSI Laptop Stand Out Features

  • 99 Battery (Whr) + 230 W AC Adaptor
  • SteelSeries Per-Key RGB Keyboards
  • Comfortable Keyboard – Cherry MX Switches
  • Up to 1080p Full HD Camera’s
  • Windows Hello Functionality
  • Webcam Shutter for Privacy
  • Cooler Boost 5 Technology
  • Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity

ASUS Laptop Features

ASUS offers a great gaming laptop range that includes loads of speedy storage, including the fastest NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs. They also feature superior displays with high refresh rates, with up to a 3ms response time. The latest models come with Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.

ASUS gaming laptops also feature Aura Sync Lighting systems offering endless colour and pattern options. Giving you the ability to link the effects to your favourite music and games. This software is similar to the Razer Chroma software that you’ll get with the best Razer Blade laptops.

ASUS laptops also feature Optomechanical Keyboards that will offer faster and more accurate keypresses than traditional keyboards. They will also last a long time due to the durable mechanical switches. ASUS does fall a little shorter than MSI when it comes to battery life.

ASUS Laptop Stand Out Features

  • 90 Battery (Whr) + 200 W AC Adaptor
  • Aura Powered RGB LED lighting Effects
  • Optomechanical – Backlit Chiclet Per-Key RGB
  • Nebula HDR Displays – FreeSync Premium
  • Intel 14-Core i9 & AMD R9 Processors
  • More Powerful NVidia RTX Variants
  • Vapour Chamber Cooling
  • Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity

Customer Support & Warranties

MSI Customer Support

MSI has a reputation for not replying to complaints swiftly, and its web presence can be overwhelming. However, MSI does have an online customer service forum where you can ask questions and get product-related info. MSI offers mediocre Twitter tech support.

MSI also offers free technical support for the first year and will fix your laptop if you accidentally damage it. With only a few other brands offering this service. (you will have to pay for shipping).

During my recent test with MSI customer support, most of the questions I asked were answered within the same day and a few questions were not answered. All that aside, the MSI team was friendly and will do what they can to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

If you’re looking to buy a new MSI laptop, know that MSI’s customer service is ok. Just note, you may find yourself searching through the forums from time to time to get the answers you need.

ASUS Customer Support

ASUS offers a good customer service experience. Delivering quick response times to questions asked. They have friendly and knowledgeable staff. ASUS also has a good web presence that is easy to navigate.

The ASUS website is packed full of easy-to-follow articles and guides. If you create an ASUS account, you will get “5GB of Free cloud storage” that you can use when and wherever you like.

As for their warranties, most ASUS laptops come with a one-year warranty, including accidental damage and free two-way shipping for repairs. Unlike MSI, where you have to pay to return their products.

Is ASUS Better Than MSI Gaming Laptops?

ASUS is the preferred brand for quality everyday laptops, including the ASUS VivoBook range. ASUS business laptops are also high-quality and suitable for content creators. Both ASUS and MSI produce top-quality gaming laptops with impressive specifications and features.

Additionally, both ASUS and MSI laptops have great display options and other next-gen features that make them some of the best laptops for Call of Duty Warzone gamers. Both brands also have some of the best budget laptops for other games like World of Warcraft, Minecraft, and Sims 4.

Best And Worst Laptop Brand 2020

Best Laptop Brands 2020
Image Credit: Laptopmag.com

Finally, in 2020, ASUS got the vote from Laptop Mag for being the best overall laptop brand. In the same year, MSI squeezed into 4th place because of the improvements made on their gaming laptops, and MSI also redesigned its flagship laptops. So you can make your mind up from that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MSI and ASUS laptops?

MSI and ASUS are two well-known computer brands in the gaming industry that offer a range of laptops with various specifications. MSI laptops are generally known for their powerful performance and gaming capabilities and often have a more utilitarian aesthetic. ASUS laptops are known for their versatility and wide range of options for different usage scenarios. They tend to have a more premium look and feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

How do the prices of MSI and ASUS laptops compare?

The differences in price point between MSI and ASUS laptops can vary significantly depending on the specific model. In general, MSI laptops tend to be on the pricier side due to their high-performance and gaming-focused components. ASUS laptops, can be found at a wider price range due to their diverse product line. Both gaming brands have excellent cheaper gaming laptops for budget conscious gamers.

What factors should I consider when choosing between an MSI and ASUS laptop?

When deciding between an MSI or ASUS laptop, you have got a lot of factors to consider. Generally speaking, MSI tends to be more expensive than Asus due to their higher-end gaming features. However, both brands have models that fall into most price points, budget and high-end. Ultimately it is up to you based on what you can afford and need. Though ASUS have more AMD based gaming laptops.


More Helpful Content: If your heart is set on ASUS, you may like to read my comparison between Acer vs Asus laptops. You may be surprised who comes out on top!

Conclusion

There you go! I have compared MSI vs ASUS laptops. To recap, both brands offer a wide range of laptops designed for gamers. They also offer budget models that are perfect for gaming beginners.

If you are looking to buy a new gaming laptop. ASUS has a slight edge over MSI, thanks to its better range of features and slightly better customer service and they offer free shipping on repairs. In the end, you cannot go wrong with either brand, and both should be on your radar.

I hope you have found this article helpful. Be sure to check out my other helpful info and gaming laptop tips. Please also subscribe to my newsletter for more articles like this one.

Thanks for Reading, Cya in the next one!

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