Two big companies make gaming laptops: MSI and Alienware. Both companies have some of the best gaming laptops out there. So, which one should you choose?
In this article, we will compare MSI and Alienware gaming laptops so you can decide. You will also learn about the features that make these gaming laptops stand out.
About MSI
Micro-Star International (MSI) is a Taiwanese international information technology company headquartered in Taiwan. In 1986, MSI produces motherboards, graphics cards, notebooks, desktop PCs, servers, commercial electronics, and industrial computing systems.
MSI’s gaming laptop series include the G, GE, GP, GL, GF, GT, GS, and GH series.
MSI’s products include some of the most powerful and technologically advanced gaming laptops, offering high-end specifications for demanding users. Their laptops are often more expensive than similar models from other brands, but they provide better value for money regarding features and performance.
About Alienware
Alienware is an American computer hardware subsidiary of Dell. Their products are designed for gaming and can be identified by their alien-themed designs. Founded in 1996, Alienware assembles desktops, laptops, workstations, and servers.
Alienware’s most popular products include the Area-51m, m15, and m17 gaming laptops. While their products are more expensive than other brands, they offer features that gaming enthusiasts appreciate, such as high-end processors and dedicated graphics cards.
Alienware also offers customizable lighting and thermal management options on many devices.
What is the Difference Between MSI and Alienware?
Before you make your decision on what gaming laptop to get, there are a few key differences between MSI and Alienware that you should be aware of.
Here are the key differences between MSI and Alienware:
1. Design
Regarding design, MSI gaming laptops are known for their sleek and elegant designs. They often have a matte black finish with red accents. On the other hand, Alienware gaming laptops are known for their bold and aggressive designs. They often have a glossy finish with RGB lighting.
MSI laptops are often thinner and lighter than Alienware laptops. This means they are more portable but may not be as durable. Alienware laptops are often thicker and heavier, which also means they are more durable.
2. Display
MSI gaming laptops usually have IPS displays, while Alienware gaming laptops usually have TN displays. IPS displays have better viewing angles and color reproduction, while TN displays have faster response times.
MSI gaming laptops usually have higher screen resolutions than Alienware gaming laptops.
Alienware gaming laptops usually have G-Sync or FreeSync technology, while MSI gaming laptops do not. G-Sync and FreeSync help to reduce screen tearing and input lag.
3. Hardware
MSI gaming laptops usually have Intel processors, while Alienware gaming laptops usually have AMD processors. MSI gaming laptops usually have NVIDIA graphics cards, while Alienware gaming laptops usually have AMD Radeon graphics cards.
MSI gaming laptops often have more storage than Alienware gaming laptops. MSI gaming laptops often have better cooling systems than Alienware gaming laptops. The Alienware Area-51m is one of the few gaming laptops with a desktop processor.
4. Graphic
Both MSI and Alienware gaming laptops come with powerful graphics cards. However, MSI gaming laptops usually have more powerful graphics cards than Alienware gaming laptops. MSI gaming laptops can handle more demanding games at higher settings and resolutions.
MSI gaming laptops also usually come with G-Sync or Optimus technology. This helps to improve the graphics performance and smoothness of gameplay. Alienware gaming laptops generally have better-looking graphics than MSI gaming laptops.
They often come with LED lighting and other visual features that make them more visually appealing.
5. Cooling
MSI gaming laptops usually have better cooling systems than Alienware gaming laptops. This is important for gamers who want to prevent their laptop from overheating during gameplay. A better cooling system also helps to extend the lifespan of the laptop.
The Alienware Area-51m is one of the few gaming laptops with a desktop processor. This means that it produces more heat than other gaming laptops. As a result, the Alienware Area-51m has a very good cooling system.
6. Battery Life
MSI gaming laptops offer some of the best battery life in the industry. Some of their gaming laptops can last up to 6 hours on a single charge. Alienware gaming laptops, on the other hand, have shorter battery life. Some of their gaming laptops can only last for 3 hours on a single charge.
So, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop with good battery life, MSI is the way to go.
7. Performance
Alienware is considered the better gaming laptop in terms of performance. They offer more powerful processors and graphics cards. They also have better cooling systems. So, if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle the most demanding games, Alienware is the way to go.
However, MSI laptops are still very powerful and perform well for most gamers.
8. Price
MSI gaming laptops are often more affordable than Alienware gaming laptops. This is because MSI focuses on offering value for money. They offer powerful gaming laptops at very competitive prices.
On the other hand, Alienware focuses on offering the best gaming experience possible. This comes at a higher price tag.
9. Warranty And Customer Services
MSI gaming laptops come with a two-year warranty by default, with the first year covered by MSI and the second year by the retailer. You can purchase one of MSI’s Care Packs to extend your coverage.
These range from one to three years of coverage and can be bought anytime.
Alienware laptops come with a one-year warranty by default, but you can extend it to up to four years when you purchase your laptop. If you need to use the warranty, you must send your laptop back to Alienware for repairs.
When it comes to customer service, MSI has a few options. If you need help with your laptop, you can contact customer support through live chat, email, or phone. You can also visit MSI’s support website for FAQs, manuals, drivers, etc. If you need to send your laptop in for repair, you can create a support ticket on MSI’s website.
10. Thermal Efficiency
Thermal efficiency is an essential factor to consider when choosing a gaming laptop. MSI gaming laptops are more thermally efficient than Alienware gaming laptops. This means that they run cooler and don’t overheat as easily.
MSI is the way to go if you’re looking for a gaming laptop that can handle long gaming sessions without overheating.
11. Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard and touchpad are important factors when choosing a gaming laptop. MSI gaming laptops have some of the best keyboards and touchpads in the industry. They’re well-designed and offer a great typing experience.
Alienware gaming laptops also have good keyboards and touchpads, but they’re not as good as MSI’s.
The MSI GS65 Stealth Thin keyboard is an excellent example of a well-designed keyboard. It has a comfortable layout and backlit keys. The keys have a nice travel distance and are very responsive.
The touchpad on the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin is also very good. It’s large and has a smooth surface. The touchpad is very responsive and supports multi-touch gestures.
12. Ports and Connectivity
Ports and connectivity are important factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop. MSI gaming laptops offer a good selection of ports and have good connectivity. Alienware gaming laptops also offer a good selection of ports and connectivity.
The MSI GS65 Stealth Thin has three USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, one Mini DisplayPort, and one Thunderbolt 3 port. It also has a headphone jack and an SD card reader.
The Alienware 15 R3 has three USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, one Mini DisplayPort, one Thunderbolt 3 port, and one Ethernet port. It also has a headphone jack and an SD card reader.
MSI vs Alienware: Which Brand is Better?
Both MSI and Alienware offer great gaming laptops. However, MSI gaming laptops typically have better specs than Alienware gaming laptops. This means that MSI laptops usually provide better gaming performance.
However, Alienware laptops typically have more stylish designs. So, it depends on your priorities as to which brand is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSI Cheaper Than Alienware?
No, MSI is not cheaper than Alienware. They are priced similarly, with MSI usually a bit more expensive. However, MSI offers more affordable options in their laptop lineup, so if the price is a major factor, MSI may be the better choice.
Is Alienware Laptop for Gaming Only?
No, an Alienware laptop can be used for a variety of tasks. However, they are most commonly used for gaming purposes due to their high-performance specs. Alienware will be a good option if you are looking for a laptop for gaming.
But if you need a more versatile machine, MSI might be a better choice.
Is Alienware Still the Best?
It depends on what you need and wants from a laptop. If you are looking for a gaming machine, Alienware is still one of the best choices.
However, MSI has recently gained popularity and offers a more versatile product line. So, it depends on your needs.
Does Dell Own Alienware?
Yes, Dell owns Alienware. Dell is a major computer manufacturer, and they acquired Alienware in 2006. Since then, Alienware has remained its separate brand under Dell. You can find both Dell and Alienware laptops on the Dell website.
Is Alienware Good for School Work?
Yes, an Alienware laptop can be good for schoolwork. They are powerful enough to handle most schoolwork tasks, and they have various features that can benefit students. Based on your specific needs and budget, you can decide if an Alienware laptop is right for you.
Do Gamers Prefer MSI or Alienware?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the person. Some gamers prefer MSI because of its more affordable options and versatile product line.
Other gamers prefer Alienware because they are known strictly for gaming laptops and offer high-end specs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Is Alienware Good for Office Use?
Yes, an Alienware laptop can be good for office use. They are powerful enough to handle most office tasks, and they have various features that can benefit workers. It is possible to find an Alienware laptop specifically designed for office use.
Is MSI or Alienware Better for Fortnite?
This is a hard question to answer because it depends on the person. Some people like MSI because it offers more affordable prices and various products. Other people like Alienware for their laptops, which are perfect for gaming and come with high-end specs.
It all comes down to what you want, so consider what you like best.
Is Alienware Good for Engineering Students?
Yes, an Alienware laptop can be good for engineering students. They are powerful enough to handle most engineering tasks, and they have various features that can benefit students.
Is MSI or Alienware Better for Video Editing?
This is hard to answer because it depends on what you want. Some video editors like MSI because they are good and cheaper. Other video editors like Alienware because they only do laptops for gaming, so their laptops are very good. It’s up to you.
Conclusion
Gaming machines are more than just regular laptops. They are made for different purposes with different features and different audiences in mind. MSI is a good option if you want a machine to let you enjoy the latest and greatest games without spending too much money.
However, if you want the best possible gaming experience with all the features that come with it, you should check out what Alienware offers.
