New MSI laptops land at CES 2022

MSI has made a tradition of extensive CES launches for gaming laptops, and the latest installment is no exception. MSIology returned with a virtual launch for CES 2022, bringing gaming and creative laptop updates. The updates include refreshed Intel and Nvidia internals and a few brand-new launches that are ready for the Metaverse.

See also: AMD vs Nvidia

Last year, MSI was among the first to adopt Intel’s 11th-Generation processors, and now it’s back for the 12th generation. You’ll find H-series processors across the board, as well as up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti graphics card. Both choices are key, as they help MSI secure Meta-Ready badges for its latest laptops. Meta-Ready means the laptops pack enough processing and graphical might to handle what the Metaverse offers.

MSI Stealth, Raider, and Vector updates

The first updated laptop in the MSI gaming family is the Stealth GS77. It’s lightweight and sleek for performance in the boardroom and the battlefield. MSI added a new zinc alloy hinge for improved durability with a new Core Black finish. The Stealth GS77 comes with up to a 12th-Gen Core i9 12900H processor onboard with up to a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU to match. The touchpad and keycaps are also larger — the trackpad grew by 50% — for a more comfortable typing experience. Finally, MSI packed the Stealth GS77 with six speakers and 100W PD charging.

The MSI Raider GE76 is loud where the Stealth is subdued. It offers Aurora RGB lighting across the front edge. It relies on Phase Change Liquid Metal Pad cooling to improve performance and offers an optional 4K display. However, you’ll need to pick up a Core i9 version to get the Phase Change cooling option. Of course, while the exterior designs are different, the Raider and the Stealth top out with the same internals, including 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of onboard storage. The base configuration will start from $1,599.

We don’t have too much information on MSI’s new Vector GP76, though it was born from a combination of gaming, engineering, and scientific computing. It comes packed with ports on both sides and the rear panel, and it matches the flagship offerings with some premium internals. You can grab Intel’s 12th-Gen Core i7 processor, a GeForce RTX 3080, and up to 64GB of dual-channel memory. Like many of the most popular MSI laptops, the Vector employs Cooler Boost 5 to keep temperatures low.

We do know that it will cost $1,899 for the base model when the Vector GP76 launches.

MSI Crosshair 15

The newest MSI launch falls into the Crosshair GL series, and it’s a collaboration between the gaming giant and Ubisoft. The design incorporates sci-fi elements and is inspired by the tension of gameplay. MSI’s Crosshair GL series features Intel Core i9 processors with Cooler Boost 5 technology and comes in two sizes — 15 and 17 inches. However, the 15-inch model also comes in a limited Rainbow Six Extraction Edition with exclusive accessories and a copy of Rainbow Six Extraction.

While some gaming laptops squish the arrow keys as a bit of an afterthought, the Crosshair GL series packs full-sized buttons. The keys also travel a full 1.7mm for a clicky and responsive experience. Inside, the options are capped slightly, with a GeForce RTX 3070 Ti as the top graphics option. You can still pair an Intel Core i9-12900H and up to 32GB of RAM, of course.

The Crosshair GL series will start at $1,599 and reach up to $2,499 at launch.

MSI laptops for creation and productivity

Over on the creative side, MSI’s new Creator Z17 is the first 17-inch laptop to support pen touch and comes with a 16:10 display and thin bezels all around. The design is inspired by the Golden Spiral and includes all of the ports you need for your creative pursuits — from Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI and even an SD card reader.

The new Creator Z16P also supports pen touch and a Vapor Chamber Cooler system. MSI claims the new setup provides 20% additional cooling power over a 12th-Gen Intel laptop without vapor cooling. There aren’t quite as many configurations to sort through, as you can only choose between a Core i7 12700H and a Core i9 12900H with the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti standard across most models. The most considerable difference between the Z16P and Z17 is the screen size — 16 inches vs 17 inches.

Learn more: The best laptops for video editing and graphic design

Finally, the MSI Creator M16 serves as the budget-friendly way to try your hand at content creation. It starts at under $1,600 and offers an Intel Core i7 12700H processor with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3050 Ti onboard. You’ll get less RAM and storage as well, but the price is far more approachable than the Creator Z-series.

The Creator Z17 will start at $3,249, while the Z16P will launch from $2,999.