ASUS vs. MSI: Who Makes the Better Laptop in 2023?

Hi Matt,

You mentioned you‘re trying to decide between ASUS and MSI for your next laptop purchase in 2023. I know how confusing it can be parsing through all the gaming laptop options out there right now with new models coming out every year!

Since I‘m a tech geek who has researched this extensively, let me provide you with a comprehensive ASUS vs MSI comparison so you can determine which brand would be the better fit for your needs. I‘ll go through all the factors step-by-step to break it down!

Overview of ASUS and MSI

First, let’s briefly look at what these two laptop brands are all about.

ASUS

Founded in 1989, ASUS has become one of the top makers of laptops, computers, and PC components worldwide. The Taiwan-based company is recognized for bringing innovative, high-performance hardware to the mass market at reasonable prices.

Some of ASUS’ most popular laptop product lines include:

ROG (Republic of Gamers): The premium tier gaming lineup with the latest processors and graphics made for power users and enthusiasts.
TUF Gaming: Mid-range gaming models focused on versatility, portability, and durability at accessible prices.
Zenbook: Stylish, ultra-slim notebooks ideal for productivity on the go thanks to long battery life.
Vivobook: Mainstream laptops focused on everyday computing needs priced low for budget buyers.

Across segments, ASUS has a reputation for quality construction, unique futuristic aesthetic designs, and customer-focused hardware engineering. Their vast product portfolio and market share reflects their broad appeal.

MSI

MSI, founded in 1986, stands for Micro-Star International. Based like ASUS in Taiwan, MSI is a bit more specialized, concentrating mainly on developing gaming laptops, workstations, and content creation PCs.

Their most popular lines include:

GF Series: MSI’s budget-friendly gaming laptops with moderate power for essential titles.
GP Series: High performance options still suitable for taking on the go. Offers the best balance of gaming muscle and somewhat portable form factors.
GE Series: Low cost gaming systems with decent specs for new gamers or secondary rigs.
GS Series: Lean and subtle gaming laptops focused on ultraportability without sacrificing too much performance.
Titan Series: MSI’s top-end luxury laptops packing desktop-class components for enthusiasts who want max power.

While pricier MSI gaming rigs rival ASUS, MSI sets itself apart by making gaming accessibility and mobility a priority across its value-focused product suite. Their understated styling also contrasts with ASUS‘ flashier designs.

Now that you understand what each brand is about, let’s do a detailed comparison of how they stack up in major categories you should evaluate.

ASUS vs MSI Detailed Comparison

Performance and Components

When buying a new laptop, one of the top considerations is definitely the performance hardware inside that determines how fast and smoothly it runs games and applications. Let‘s break down how ASUS and MSI gaming laptop hardware compare.

For CPUs, both brands offer 10th or 11th gen Intel Core i7/i9 processors or the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 and 6000 series chips in their high end gaming laptops. These new Ryzen mobile processors in particular are extremely capable for gaming and content creation workloads thanks to their high core/thread counts and excellent integrated graphics.

In 2022 top configs, you can find:

Up to an Intel Core i9-12900HK in MSI‘s Raider GE67 with 14 cores and 20 threads!
Up to an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX like in the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 providing 8 cores and 16 threads.

So when it comes to processing power, both brands deliver elite options.

GPU (graphics)-wise, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000 series laptop GPUs dominate the lineups. NVIDIA‘s latest architecture enables immersive ray traced graphics and high FPS counts in AAA games even at 1440p or 4K resolution.

For example, in the 2022 ASUS ROG lineup, you can configure laptops with:

Up to an RTX 3080 Ti graphics card with 16GB GDDR6 video memory for maxed out performance
Or an RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3060 for great value at lower price points

MSI‘s higher end gaming laptops like the GE76 Raider also pack RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 Ti GPUs for top-tier performance. Some even offer MUX switches to further boost FPS.

RAM and SSD storage are other vital components. Both ASUS and MSI let you configure laptops with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM for excellent multitasking and 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSDs for quick load times.

In summary, thanks to utilizing the most advanced components from industry partners like AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA, both ASUS and MSI laptops are stacked with cutting edge hardware for blazing fast gaming and work performance. You really can‘t go wrong with either brand if you want a laptop with the latest tech inside.

Performance Comparison Table

To give you an at-a-glance idea of how similarly equipped models from each brand might compare, check out this performance spec comparison table:

Laptop Model	CPU	GPU	RAM	Storage
ASUS ROG Strix G15 (2022)	AMD Ryzen 7 6800H	NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti	16GB DDR5	1TB SSD
MSI GP66 Leopard (2022)	Intel i7-12700H	NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti	16GB DDR5	1TB SSD

As you can see when comparing the ROG Strix G15 and GP66 Leopard with identical RTX 3070 Ti graphics, on paper the performance potential is very close between the two brands once you get to similarly configured high end models. The same applies across ASUS and MSI‘s lineups when hardware is equal.

This means picking between them for sheer speed comes down to pricing and chassis capabilities which we‘ll discuss later!

Display and Visuals

The laptop screen you‘ll be staring at for hours on end matters a ton for gaming and entertainment. Let‘s go through how ASUS and MSI displays compare.

Both brands offer high resolution displays up to QHD 2560 x 1440 or UHD 4K. This level of sharpness makes games really pop visually and lets you take advantage of the powerful GPUs inside. For creators, it‘s great for editing high res photos and video.

They also provide high refresh rate panel options from 144Hz all the way up to 360Hz depending on model. This enables smoother motion clarity and responsiveness which can give you a competitive edge in twitch reflex games like first person shooters. It makes a massive difference over a standard 60Hz laptop screen.

Panel technology is another consideration. Most mid-range and premium models from ASUS and MSI offer IPS-level screens or OLED which provide vibrant colors and great viewing angles. Content looks lifelike thanks to high color accuracy. Plus, their near bezel-less designs maximize immersion.

For features, both manufacturers support modern gamer-centric display tech:

NVIDIA G-Sync or AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) eliminates annoying screen tearing by matching the panel‘s refresh rate to the frame rate output of the GPU. This syncs things up perfectly.
Fast response times of just a few milliseconds result in fluid, lag-free motion clarity in games where every millisecond counts.

Overall, I don‘t think you can go wrong with either brand when it comes to getting a stellar viewing experience from their gaming laptop displays.

Display Spec Comparison Table

Here‘s a visual display spec comparison between two similar models from each company:

Laptop Model	Display Size	Resolution	Max Refresh Rate	Panel
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15	15.6"	QHD 1440p	240Hz	IPS-level
MSI GS66 Stealth	15.6"	QHD 1440p	240Hz	IPS-level

See what I mean? Nearly identical options between them for key visual specs.

Design and Build Quality

The physical design and construction of a laptop matters since it determines the look, durability, and portability of the device. Let‘s explore how ASUS and MSI laptop designs compare.

ASUS Gaming Laptop Design Philosophy

ASUS gaming laptops are defined by their bold, attention grabbing aesthetics. Their flagship ROG Zephyrus and Strix models really exemplify the ASUS design language with:

Futuristic styling including cyberpunk inspired accents and Mayan/Aztec style patterns
Transparent design elements and asymmetric chassis shapes
Full RGB backlit keyboards and light bars
Large HD displays elevated off the desk at an ergonomic angle
High quality metal alloy materials on all touchpoints for rigidity and durability

The overall vibe is sleek yet alien thanks to the exotic styling. For gamers who want a laptop that screams "gaming machine", ASUS nails it. The downside to some may be that their gaming laptop designs kind of stand out versus a professional setting. But that‘s part of the appeal to enthusiasts.

MSI Gaming Laptop Design Philosophy

In contrast, MSI opts for a subtler, understated aesthetic for their gaming laptops defined by:

Matte black finishes with less obvious gaming cues
More mainstream chassis shapes focused on thinness and lightness
Targeted RGB lighting accents instead of full keyboard backlighting
Tapered rears and lid shapes reminiscent of sports cars
Visible cooling designs on rear exhausts

The MSI look can be described as mature yet stylish. The styling allows their gaming laptops to potentially blend into professional environments better if desired. Yet, there are still nice refinement touches gaming enthusiasts appreciate.

No matter your stylistic taste, both brands present appealing options.

Keyboard, Trackpad, and Inputs

Since you‘ll be typing and inputting a lot on your laptop‘s keyboard, it‘s really important it offers a comfortable, responsive experience. Let‘s compare ASUS vs MSI keyboards.

ASUS

Chiclet style key layouts with decent key travel distance around 1.7mm for responsive tactile feedback.
ErgoLift hinge tilts keyboard at optimal 4.3 degree angle for comfort.
RGB backlighting with support for Aura Sync effects across ASUS ecosystem.
Spill-resistant design.
Large glass trackpads for smooth navigation and gestures.

MSI

SteelSeries co-designed keyboards on many MSI laptops optimized for gaming with fast switches.
Subtle slope shape improves typing position.
Per key RGB lighting capable of over 16 million colors.
Trackpads positioned left of center to leave room for gaming mouse.
Fingerprint reader built into trackpad for easy biometrics login.

Both brands clearly engineer their keyboards specifically with gaming in mind while still ensuring a solid typing experience for day-to-day use. Size, key travel, and feedback suit most people‘s preferences. It‘ll come down to trying them in person.

You really can‘t go wrong with either ASUS or MSI when it comes to the inputs. They‘ve focused on getting these details right.

Battery Life

Gaming laptops are notoriously power hungry, but thanks to optimizations from AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel, the latest models last surprisingly long on a charge. Let‘s see how ASUS and MSI compare for battery life.

In reviews, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 with AMD Ryzen can hit 8+ hours of light web browsing and office work. The MSI GS66 Stealth manages a solid 6 hours of mixed use as well thanks to its 99.9Wh battery.

Of course, battery life takes a hit once you start gaming. But still, you can expect 3-4 hours of AAA gaming which is impressive given the performance.

For pure unplugged endurance, ASUS seems to come out slightly ahead. But both brands are making tangible battery life improvements with each generation, so any 2022 or 2023 model from either will surely last you a full work or school day away from an outlet without issue.

Connectivity and Ports

No gaming laptop is complete without a full array of the latest ports for connecting all your peripherals and accessories.

ASUS laptops like the ROG Zephyrus models contain:

2-3 USB Type-A ports
2-3 USB Type-C ports (some with Thunderbolt 4 speeds)
HDMI 2.1
3.5mm audio jack
MicroSD card reader
Ethernet LAN port

MSI laptops such as the GS66 Stealth offer:

3x USB 3.2 Type-A
1x USB-C Thunderbolt 4
1x HDMI
Mini DisplayPort
Ethernet
Audio jack

As you can see, both brands deliver enough I/O options to handle anything you throw at them. You‘ll never lack ports with either gaming laptop.

Pricing and Value

With your budget in mind, you‘ll want a gaming laptop that provides strong price to performance value. Here‘s how ASUS and MSI compare among various price tiers.

Under $1000

In the budget range, MSI tends to offer better value with their GF65 or GL65 models equipped with RTX 3050 Ti or RTX 3060 graphics that outperform equivalent ASUS TUF laptops. You‘ll get superior entry level 1080p gaming FPS in titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite.

$1500

In the mainstream segment, MSI GP66 Leopard laptops with RTX 3070 GPUs deliver better performance per dollar than competing ASUS ROG Strix G15 options. You can expect at least 20% higher frame rates in AAA games with MSI here.

$2000+

Once you move up to flagship laptops above $2000 with RTX 3070 Ti or RTX 3080 class graphics, ASUS and MSI are basically equal in terms of price to performance ratio. The hardware specs align closely between brands so you‘re mainly paying for design and chassis capabilities at this point.

If squeezing the most performance possible from your budget is critical, MSI tends to have an advantage in the low to mid-range price points. But with top configs, it‘s a wash.

Service and Support

On the off chance something goes wrong with your laptop, customer service quality and warranty coverage becomes crucial. Here‘s how each brand stacks up there:

ASUS

1 year limited warranty standard on laptops. Optional 2 year extended warranties available.
30 day zero bright dot display guarantee against stuck pixels.
ASUS support website contains drivers, manuals, FAQs to help troubleshoot problems.
Technical phone support available but can be hit or miss based on anecdotal reports. Physical repair center locations are limited.

MSI

1-2 year limited warranty provided depending on specific laptop model. Additional 2-3 year extensions can be purchased.
Repairs arranged by shipping laptop to MSI support depot center. More hands-off process.
Knowledge base with Frequently Asked Questions available on MSI website to assist with troubleshooting.
Phone tech support wait times can be long. Support satisfaction appears to be average.

I‘d say when it comes to servicing and tech support, ASUS may have a slight edge given their scale and larger presence. But neither brand receives rave reviews from customers when repairs are needed. The limited standard warranties reflect the generally short expected lifespans of gaming laptops. Overall, this may not be a huge differentiating factor between them.

Bottom Line Recommendation

Hope this complete side-by-side comparison between ASUS and MSI gaming laptops for 2023 helped provide some clarity, Matt! Here‘s my quick bottom line advice based on your priorities:

If you want maximum processing power for competitive esports games, MSI gives you better performance per dollar. Their RTX 3070 laptops offer superb 1080p gaming FPS under $1500. I‘d check out the MSI GP66 Leopard or GE76 Raider models.

But if you like getting the latest components to future-proof performance, plus ASUS‘s signature flashy styling, their ROG Zephyrus or Strix lines with Ryzen CPUs and RTX 3080 graphics are stellar choices if they fit your budget.

Honestly, you can‘t go wrong with either brand these days when shopping for a capable, reliable gaming laptop. Let me know if you have any other questions while finalizing your buying decision! I‘m always happy to offer my tech purchasing advice.

Talk soon,
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