Laptops and computers are now an integral part of our daily lives, and we depend on them to do everything from surfing the web to writing reports to doing our taxes and every other possible function.
If you want to buy a new laptop, you have options. The most often asked is which one is better, MSI or Dell? The answer? Both are great—for different reasons.
It all depends on what you’re looking for in a laptop. Comparing MSI vs. Dell computers can help determine which computer best fits your needs and lifestyle.
This guide will detail both brands, highlighting their good qualities and covering some bad ones.
About MSI
Founded in 1986, MSI has regional headquarters in Germany, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong, with 11 regional offices in Russia, Poland, and Brazil. The company is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of motherboards, graphics cards, notebooks, workstations, servers/workstations, and All-in-One PC.
MSI products include desktop PCs, notebooks, gaming notebooks, netbooks (Nettops), and motherboards for desktops and laptops.
As a technology innovator, MSI rapidly develops on hardware and software fronts and combines products with exceptional engineering expertise in personal computer (PC) components, storage devices, peripherals, and office productivity applications.
MSI has become among the leading IT manufacturers worldwide for consumers, corporate/business users, and PC enthusiasts alike.
The company has a strong presence producing gaming computers, popular among computer enthusiasts and gamers worldwide. MSI laptops are also top-rated for their high quality and unique design. Popular laptop models include MSI GE76 Raider, MSI GS66 Stealth, and MSI WS66 10TMT.
About Dell
Dell is a computer manufacturing company founded in 1984. It sells and supports various types of personal computers, software and accessories, servers, data storage devices, peripherals, and IT solutions (services).
It also develops, manufactures, and sells monitors based on LCD technology under UltraSharp and Alienware brand names.
Since its establishment, Dell has become a global brand name and is currently one of the biggest PC manufacturers worldwide.
As of 2015, it sells more than 54 million personal computers annually in over 140 countries, with over 73% of its revenue coming from outside North America.
Through its industry-leading Enterprise Solutions Group, Dell offers various services and solutions to business clients worldwide.
With over 100,000 employees and a market capitalization of over $60 billion, Dell is one of America’s most valuable companies. It supplies computers and accessories worldwide, with its popular models being Inspiron, Vostro, XPS series laptops, OptiPlex desktops, and Latitude notebooks.
What is the Difference Between MSI and Dell?
As with almost everything in life, there are pros and cons to both of these companies. To decide which one is right for you, it’s essential to understand what each has to offer and their differences.
Here is a quick rundown of MSI vs. Dell regarding build quality, design and aesthetics, budget, value for money, etc.
1. Build quality
While it might not be a new term, build quality refers to how well a product is made. This can refer to anything from how solid a computer feels in your hands to how sturdy its screen is in computers and electronics.
Both companies have unique strengths in building quality in the Dell vs. MSI debate. But who wins?
Generally, Dell’s laptops are generally more solidly built than MSI’s, known for having loose-feeling keyboards. On top of that, Dell laptops tend to have better battery life than MSI’s offerings.
However, MSI laptops tend to feel more premium than Dell’s offerings. They often feature more powerful hardware and higher-quality screens, making them feel like much higher-end laptops than they are.
2. Design and aesthetics
Design and aesthetics are two of the most important factors to consider when buying a laptop, especially if you’re a gamer or someone who needs their computer to look good and work well. In terms of design, most people agree that MSI has a slight edge over Dell.
While many Dell laptops look fairly plain or generic, many MSI models come with striking designs and cool features that give them an edge over competitors. They have slimmer profiles and often feature unique RGB lighting options that allow you to customize your laptop’s lighting scheme.
While Dell laptops aren’t bad-looking per se, they don’t always stand out next to many of MSI’s much more eye-catching models.
3. Budget and value for money
Budget is a huge factor to consider when buying a laptop, especially if you’re on a tight budget. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line laptop with all of the latest features and hardware, then MSI will be one of your best options, as they offer some of the most powerful laptops at low prices.
However, if you don’t need an ultra-powerful laptop or are on a budget, Dell might be more suitable. While their offerings aren’t as high-end as MSI’s models, they offer much better power and design value for money.
Many experts agree that many of their laptops provide better value than comparable offerings from other brands.
4. Operating system and software
Dell laptops are typically shipped with Windows 10 installed, a great operating system that’s easy to use and offers plenty of features for everyday users.
On the other hand, MSI ships their laptops with either Windows 10 or Windows 8/8.1 installed, which can be a bit more challenging for some people and offers some unique features that aren’t available in other operating systems.
5. Customer service and support
Both companies offer similar customer service. Their websites have comprehensive FAQ sections where you can find answers to common questions about laptop or software issues.
They both offer email and phone support through toll-free numbers that you can call 24 hours a day if you need help troubleshooting a laptop issue.
MSI vs Dell: Which Brand is Better?
Such a tough question, right? Well, it’s not about which brand is better but about what’s best for you and your needs. Both companies offer excellent products in their respective categories, but it runs down to personal preference when choosing between them.
For instance, if you’re looking for a gaming PC to handle anything in today’s market, MSI is likely your go-to choice.
However, if you want something that can double as a typical workstation or home computer, Dell may be more suited to your needs. Regardless of your choice, both are fantastic, with plenty of fans on either side of the fence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MSI a Good Brand?
Undeniably, yes. MSI is a brand that specializes in manufacturing motherboards for PCs and laptops. It was founded in 1986 in Taiwan by three engineers with over 30 years of experience developing high-end motherboards for companies like IBM and Intel.
Since then, MSI has been dedicated to creating quality products that are affordable and easy to use. Today, it’s one of the top brands on Amazon, with more than 2,000 customer reviews and an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.
MSI’s PC components and accessories are generally a step above its competitors, with better quality, added features, and an attractive design.
The only main complaints observed are that some products have poor customer service when you have problems (but these instances are few and far between) and delayed delivery time frames for international orders, which are also rare.
Is MSI Laptop Good for Gaming?
Yes, MSI laptops are popular among gaming enthusiasts because they’re affordable and powerful without sacrificing a stylish design. They’re also well-known for their durability, and most customers report that their laptops last several years with little to no maintenance.
The only thing you need to be aware of is that some models have limited storage space – so if you’re looking to store large amounts of data or install multiple games, you might want to look elsewhere or include an external hard drive in your purchase.
How Long Does Dell Laptop Last?
Dell laptops approximately last for 4 years, but there’s a good chance you’ll get even more use out of them if you take care of them properly. The most common complaint is that parts break down after a few years, mainly if you often use your laptop or travel with it.
To avoid these issues, we recommend purchasing a protective case and screen protector and keeping your computer in an area that won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
Is MSI a Good Graphics Card Brand?
Yes! If you’re looking for high-quality graphics cards at an affordable price, MSI is one of your best bets. Their video cards are known to last several years without any major issues and don’t require much maintenance either.
Besides, MSI graphics cards tend to have more memory than other brands, so if you’re planning on playing newer games or using multiple monitors, it might be worth investing in an MSI card instead.
Does MSI Make Nvidia?
No, they don’t make Nvidia graphics cards. MSI buys them from Nvidia and incorporates them into their graphics cards. MSI recently announced the Custom GeForce RTX 3090 Ti Graphics Card, a high-end product powered by Nvidia.
Why Does the Dell XPS Get So Hot?
The XPS is a high-end laptop with some of Amazon’s best specs, and it’s also one of its hottest models. If you’re planning on purchasing an XPS, we recommend keeping it in an area without long periods of exposure to high temperatures or humidity. Otherwise, you risk damaging your computer and voiding your warranty.
It gets hot because it uses powerful components like Intel Core i7 processors and Nvidia graphics cards. These features are great if you need a fast machine for gaming or editing photos, but they generate a lot of heat, damaging your laptop if not correctly managed.
Many customers report that their XPS stopped working after a few years of use. However, you can avoid these issues by keeping your computer in an air-conditioned room with plenty of ventilation.
What Are MSI Keyboards Like?
MSI keyboards are known for being some of the best in terms of quality and durability, so they’re a good choice if you plan on using your keyboard frequently or every day.
The MSI G-Series are some of their most popular gaming keyboards, but they have several others to choose from, including mechanical keyboards and silent ones if you want to work in peace without disturbing those around you.
Conclusion
There are some things to consider before purchasing for consumers shopping for a new computer, such as a laptop or desktop PC. Although both MSI and Dell produce great products, subtle differences regarding specs and design elements could affect performance over time.
What matters most is how well each product meets your needs and how long you plan on using it. If you’re looking for something powerful with an extended lifespan, we recommend going with Dell.
If you want something more affordable with plenty of gaming features, go with MSI. Regardless of your choice, remember to research beforehand to know what type of system will best suit your lifestyle.
