MSI Creator 17 review
The MSI MSI Creator 17 ranks as the #382 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #147-ranked features among 726 laptops. Consider the MSI WS66 or MSI Creator M14, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Creator 17 is a powerful laptop that's more suited for creators than commuters. While its Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 2070 Max Q GPU deliver impressive performance in games like "Control" and "Borderlands 3", the keyboard and speakers are subpar. However, for video and photo editors, the Creator 17 shines with seamless handling of 4K footage and high-resolution photos. At $1,500-$3,000, its competitive pricing might make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of a powerful portable workstation.
Build
The MSI Creator 17's build is a mixed bag. On one hand, the laptop's design is sleek and premium, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that feels solid in the hand. The 4K mini-LED display is also impressive, offering vibrant colors and good brightness. However, the keyboard and speakers are disappointingly average, lacking the polish of other laptops in this price range. The Creator 17's power brick is another issue, as it's bulky and heavy. While the laptop itself is relatively portable, the power supply makes it cumbersome to carry around. Overall, while the MSI Creator 17 has some great features, its build quality falls short of expectations. Get your hands on MSI Stealth GS77 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The MSI Creator 17's display is a highlight of the laptop. The 4K high refresh rate, super bright, and vibrant mini-LED panel is stunning. Colors are accurate and detailed, making it ideal for creative work. Text and images appear crisp and clear, even at close range. The display's brightness is also impressive, with minimal bleed or hotspotting. Whether working on photo editing or video production, the Creator 17's display provides an immersive experience. However, as a creator myself, I wish MSI had taken it a step further by incorporating more color-accurate modes and better audio capabilities. Consider discovering the power of MSI Pulse GL76, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The MSI Creator 17 delivers impressive performance across various tasks. Powered by an Intel 10th generation i7 processor and the RTX 2070 Max Q graphics card, this laptop handles demanding workloads with ease. The RTX 2070 Max Q handled games like "Control" on ultra settings with ray tracing at medium, making it a great option for gamers. Additionally, the Creator 17 handled video editing software like DaVinci Resolve smoothly, even with 4K footage and high-resolution photos in the timeline. This laptop's performance capabilities make it an excellent choice for content creators, editors, and heavy users. You might prefer MSI Katana A17 AI, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Creator 17's battery life is underwhelming, lasting around 4-5 hours with intense use. The laptop's charging speed is decent, taking about an hour to reach 80% capacity from empty. While the battery life is sufficient for general office work or web browsing, it falls short for creators who demand more power. The lack of a removable battery and the inability to charge while in use are notable drawbacks. Overall, the Creator 17's battery performance is a mixed bag, making it less portable than expected.
Connectivity
The MSI Creator 17 boasts an impressive array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity. With such a wide range of options, users can easily connect their devices, from external hard drives to high-resolution monitors. This level of flexibility is a major plus in today's multi-device world, making the Creator 17 an excellent choice for those who need to stay connected on-the-go. A better alternative might be MSI Vector 16 HX AI, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The MSI Creator 17 boasts an impressive array of features. Its Intel 10th gen i7 processor and RTX 2070 Max Q graphics card deliver top-notch performance for gaming and content creation. The laptop's 4K mini LED display is vibrant and super bright, making it ideal for video editing and photo manipulation. Additionally, the Creator 17 supports up to four external monitors, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking. You may find MSI Titan GT77 HX a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Creator 17 is a powerful machine, but its support and maintenance needs are significant drawbacks. The laptop's bulkiness and power brick size make it difficult to use on the go. The keyboard and speakers also disappoint. Despite this, the Creator 17 excels in gaming and video editing, making it a great choice for creators who prioritize performance over portability.
Pros
1. The MSI Creator 17 has a lot of what a gamer would want in a portable shell, an Intel 10 generation i7 processor, and the RTX 2070 Max Q are in the upper tier of performance specs.
2. It shows great performance in every game that I've played so far, running smooth as butter on ultra settings with ray tracing put on medium.
3. The computer is paired well with a few peripherals like Michael said, the keyboard and the speakers are definitely just the weakest part of this package.
4. The Creator 17 right here is actually the first laptop that I've used that doesn't buckle or even stutter under my 4k workflow.
5. It's great for video and photo editing processes with the same specifications that drive high powered gaming
6. The quality of life details of this laptop are good, it's just a shame they don't fit in any of my current bags.
7. MSI got a lot right with the Creator 17, don't get me wrong, but if you ask me, they did more to create something like a foldable desktop than they did a powerful, portable laptop.
8. The prices seem awful competitive given the last few laptops I've reviewed.
Cons
1. Michael said the keyboard and speakers are definitely just the weakest part of this package.
2. It's not very portable as it doesn't fit in any of my current bags
3. MSI did more to create something like a foldable desktop than they did a powerful, portable laptop.
4. The power brick is huge
5. It would be Michael's first choice if he had the option
6. The laptop can be overkill for some users who don't need that much power and performance
7. The MSI Creator 17 has a lot of features but it might not be suitable for all types of users
8. The prices may vary depending on the configuration which might make it hard to budget
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