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Alienware vs. MSI: How Do They Compare?

Alienware vs. MSI

Alienware vs. MSI: How Do They Compare?

MSI vs. Alienware: Four Must-Know Facts

  • Alienware is a line of laptops and desktop computers made by Dell, while Micro-Star International (MSI) is an information technology corporation headquartered in Taiwan. 
  • Alienware gaming laptops are often designed with TN displays, while MSI gaming laptops normally have IPS displays.
  • MSI gaming computers have the best battery life which can last up to 6 hours on a single charge, Unlike Alienware’s battery life which lasts for 3 hours on a single charge. 
  • Alienware gaming laptops come with a one-year warranty, while MSI offers a two-year warranty by default. Both coverages can be extended. 

If you are seeking the best gaming computer in the market today, Alienware and MSI are the leading brands to consider. The two brands are top-ranked for producing powerful gaming laptops and desktops that provide maximum performance, are speedy, and support the latest games.

However, it would be best to have a clear understanding of the two gaming brands to ensure you find the perfect choice for your needs and budget. In this Alienware vs. MSI comparison, we look at important specifications and factors such as pricing, displays, performance, and design so that you land an ideal gaming computer.

Without further ado, let’s dive in. 

Alienware vs. MSI: Side-by-Side Comparison

AlienwareMSI
What it isIt’s an American Computer hardware subsidiary of DellIt is a multinational information technology corporation based in Taiwan
ConceivedOctober 24, 1996August 4, 1986
FoundersNelson Gonzalez, Alex Aguila, Joe Balerdi, Arthur Lewis, Frank AzorJoseph Hsu, Jeans Huang, Frank Lin, Kenny Yu, Henry Lu
HeadquartersMiami, Florida, United StatesZhonghe, New Taipei, Taiwan
Products Desktops, laptops, Notebooks, Peripherals, Monitors Personal computers, Motherboards, Graphics cards, PC components, Peripherals, Monitors, Server Hardware
Latest releasesAlienware X15 R2, Alienware m15 R7, Alienware m15 R7 AMD, Alienware x17 R2, Alienware m17 R5 AMD, Alienware x14Stealth GS77, Raider GE76, Raider GE76 Deluxe Edition, Vector GP76, Crosshair 15 Rainbow Six Extraction Edition
Alienware X15 R2 Gaming Laptop
$2,452.93
  •  15.6-inch Full High Definition screen
  • Powerful Intel CPU, intelligent quad cooling technology
  • Impressive performance across many top games
  • Stunning graphics for an immersive gaming experience
  • Ample16GB RAM and 512GB SSD
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/27/2023 05:46 am GMT

Alienware vs. MSI: What’s the Difference?

Alienware vs. Razer

Alienware gaming laptop on table.

©Lastroll/Shutterstock.com

Both MSI and Alienware are premium gaming laptop brands with a reputation for boasting excellent specs under their chassis. However, there are some key differences that make them better suited for different types of users.

Performance

A perfect gaming computer should have the best performance to enable you to play high graphic games effectively. You should check on significant properties such as graphics power, CPU power, memory capacity, refresh rates, and screen resolution. Generally, Alienware and MSI have great performance to handle modern games without lagging or causing visual Artifacts and graphical glitches. Both offer a variety of models with different performance levels to accommodate all your gaming needs. 

Alienware has been praised to have the best performance but is relatively expensive compared to MSI. One of its cheapest models is the m16 R6 which features the Intel core i7 11800H that can be boosted to 4.6GHz to provide the best gaming experience. On its expensive end, you can pick the Alienware x17 featuring an 8-core Intel Core i9 11980HK that can be upgraded to 5.0GHz. Other than the powerful Intel chip, it can be overclocked to increase its watts of power in order to run graphic-intensive games effectively. 

On the other hand, MSI has also improved the performance of its computers, especially its processors. It has the AMD and Intel chips developed in their gaming laptops so you get to pick the best depending on your needs. Having a look at the 17.3” MSI GS66 Stealth, which is one of its high-performance laptops. We can’t underestimate its features even though it’s slightly below Alienware’s best models. The 17.3” MSI GS66 Stealth has an i7-10870H that can be boosted up to 5.0GHz. In addition to the powerful processor, it offers the GeForce RTX 3080 for ultra-performance in gaming. 

Display

Alienware and MSI have great displays but they are different. Alienware gaming laptops normally have TN displays while MSI gaming laptops have IPS displays. Alienware’s TN display is designed to provide a fast response time making it suitable for playing high-graphic games. On the other hand, MSI’s IPS displays have a better color gamut and viewing angles to create a clear view when playing games.

MSI laptops usually have higher resolutions compared, while Alienware gaming laptops have better-looking graphics. Both brands support the G-Sync or FreeSync technology which is essential in controlling the computer’s refresh rates. 

Design

MSI gaming laptops will be the perfect option if you are seeking a gaming machine with unique and elegant designs. They usually have a matte black finish blended with red accents. Additionally, MSI laptops are thinner and lighter making them more portable than Alienware gaming computers. Although Alienware often designs ruggedized laptops, they are durable and work efficiently under extreme conditions. Alienware gaming laptops are also designed with programmable LEDs which glow up the keyboard when in use. You can customize the LEDs by changing them to your preferred color or turning them off. 

Pricing 

Gaming computers are usually expensive because they are developed with fast processors, quality graphic cards, and big memory sizes. Alienware offers the best gaming experience but is more expensive than MSI. Therefore, we would recommend going for an MSI computer if you are planning on a small budget. This is because MSI focuses on producing powerful gaming computers that are budget-friendly. 

If you decide to buy Alienware laptops, you will have to pay about $650 for its cheapest gaming laptops and around $8000 for the highly valued gaming machines. On the other hand, you should have a budget of about $850 to acquire the cheapest MSI gaming laptop and about $6000 for the most expensive ones. 

Battery Life 

MSI gaming laptops should be your first choice if you seek a powerful gaming computer with long battery life. Their best gaming laptops such as the GE66 Raider, GS66 Stealth, and the 2019 GS75 Stealth can last up to 6 hours on a single charge making them suitable for playing high-graphics online games. In the case of Alienware gaming laptops, it can run for 3 hours on a single charge making it unreliable at some point. 

Warranty and Customer Services 

MSI gaming laptops offer a two-year warranty which is covered by MSI for the first year and the retailer for the second year. You can extend your coverage by purchasing MSI’s Care Packs which offer between one to three years of coverage. If you pick an Alienware gaming laptop, you will get a one-year warranty by default. Similar to MSI, you can extend the coverage up to four years. However, to use Aliensware’s warranty, you have to send your laptop back to the company for repairs. 

Having a look at MSI customer services, it provides multiple options to enable you to contact them quickly. You can use live chat, email, phone, or visit MSI’s support website. Alienware gaming laptops also provide a few options like emails, chats, and telephone numbers to contact their technical team. 

EXCaliberPC 2022 MSI Stealth GS77 12UGS-041 (i7-12700H, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, RTX 3070Ti 8GB, 17.3" QHD 240Hz, Windows 11 Pro) Gaming Laptop
  • Display: 17.3" QHD (2560 x 1440) Anti-Glare Wide View Angle 240Hz 3ms DCI-P3 100%
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6 Graphics Card w/ Up to 1135MHz Boost Clock (105W Maximum TGP w/ Dynamic Boost 2.0)
  • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake Core i7-12700H 14 Cores (1.7GHz-4.7GHz, 24MB Intel Smart Cache, 45W)
  • RAM: 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR5 4800MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro | Warranty: 1-Year MSI USA Warranty Parts & Labor (include 1 Year Global Warranty) + Lifetime Tech Support from EXCaliberPC
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Please note: As of July 18, 2023, the EXCaliberPC 2022 MSI Stealth GS77 Gaming Laptop is out of stock at Amazon. If you can’t find this item elsewhere, check back with Amazon at a later date.

Pros and Cons of Alienware

ProsCons
Lots of options within each model, along with customization options when buyingSome models are heavy to the point that it undermines their portability
Signature flashy designHigher-tier models can get pretty expensive
High-end models provide unmatched performance
Some models have a pretty impressive battery life

Pros and Cons of MSI

ProsCons
More affordable prices, especially in the lower rangeCould use some work in the design department
Great range of options to choose from, not limited to gamingOutperformed by Alienware in the high end
Years of experience in serving gamers
Durable and sturdy

Alienware vs. MSI: Which One Is Better?

So, which one should you choose between Alienware and MSI? Both brands offer great gaming performance, but if you are seeking a gaming machine that can handle high graphics games without causing a lag, Alienware is the way to go.

Alienware gaming laptops are fast and have powerful hardware. Additionally, it has the best processors like Core i7 and i9 to provide the best gaming performance. However, if you have a limited budget, it would be best to get a mid-range MSI gaming laptop since it offers value for money. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSI better than Alienware?

Although both brands make some impressive gaming machines, Alienware is the better choice if you have an unlimited budget and high-end gaming performance is your priority. They’re known as one of the best brands on the market, although their high-tier models can get quite expensive. MSI gaming laptops are a perfect choice if you are seeking a budget-friendly gaming machine.

Is MSI gaming a good brand?

Yes. MSI is one of the most dominant companies in the computer business. It has developed various models with modern designs to support high-performance games. With over 30 years of service delivery, they manufacture gaming laptops that are reliable and fast enough to provide excellent performance for gamers.

Is Alienware still a good brand?

Alienware gaming laptops have been praised by gamers for their amazing performance. The brand is still reliable and is ranked among the best gaming laptops in the world. It’s still a good brand releasing new gaming machines with excellent build quality and significant features. For instance, the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor which is expected soon into the market has a 34-inch monitor and offers 175Hz refresh rates.

Are Dell and Alienware the same thing?

Although Dell acquired Alienware in 2006, they are not the same thing. Alienware remains a subsidiary of Dell, free to make most of its own decisions regarding design, hardware, and marketing.

What makes Alienware so special?

With a higher price tag than most computers, Alienware offers a unique design, powerful hardware, and reliable support. All Alienware computers offer the user some sort of clever design, whether that be a unique case or an efficient cooling system. Overall, Alienware is exceptional thanks to a mix of quality parts, stylish design, and brand reputation.

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