MSI Sword 17 review
The MSI MSI Sword 17 ranks as the #668 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 67. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #366-ranked performance among 710 laptops. Consider the MSI Bravo 17 or MSI Prestige 15, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Sword 17 is a solid gaming laptop that offers a beautiful 17.3-inch IPS 144Hz display and a comfortable keyboard experience. However, the trackpad feels cramped considering the laptop's larger footprint. Despite this, performance-wise, it delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p high settings in popular titles like Injustice 2, Witcher 3, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Cyberpunk 2077 runs decently with DLSS enabled. While not the most powerful option on the market, this laptop offers great value for those seeking a 17.3-inch gaming experience without breaking the bank. Its performance is impressive, making it a worthy consideration for gamers on a budget.
Build
The MSI Sword 17's build is a mixed bag. The 17.3-inch IPS display is stunning, with vibrant colors and crisp visuals. However, the keyboard feels great but lacks a larger trackpad, considering the laptop's larger footprint compared to a 15.6-inch model. The overall design is sleek, but the trade-off for a more spacious internal layout could have resulted in a more comprehensive trackpad. Overall, the build quality is solid, with no major complaints. Give MSI Bravo 17 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled build.
Display
The 17.3-inch IPS display of the MSI Sword 17 is absolutely beautiful. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast ratio is impressive. Watching videos or playing games on this screen is a treat. The display's brightness is adequate for indoor use, but it may not be sufficient for very bright environments. Overall, I'm thoroughly impressed with the display quality of the MSI Sword 17. It's a great feature that adds to the laptop's overall value. The high refresh rate of 144Hz also makes gaming and video playback a smooth experience. Get your hands on MSI Bravo 17 if you're looking for better display.
Performance
The MSI Sword 17 delivers impressive performance despite its mid-range GPU. In tests like Witcher 3 and Project Cars 2, the laptop ran at high settings with averages above 100fps. Call of Duty Warzone also performed well, hitting an average of 116fps. However, Cyberpunk 2077 struggled, averaging only 71fps at medium settings. The CPU temperatures remained relatively low during testing, but a more customizable fan curve would be beneficial. Overall, the MSI Sword 17 is a strong contender for those seeking a decent 17.3-inch gaming laptop without breaking the bank. Consider discovering the power of MSI Prestige 16, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Sword 17's battery life is decent, lasting around 6 hours in typical use. The laptop charges quickly, reaching 80% capacity in just 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, I wish the battery was more efficient considering the larger 94Wh capacity. Despite this, the charger is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. Overall, while not exceptional, the battery life is sufficient for a gaming laptop of this size and performance.
Connectivity
The MSI Sword 17's connectivity options are robust, with ample ports for peripherals and accessories. The laptop features two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, and an Ethernet jack, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. A USB-C port is also present, supporting Thunderbolt 3 data transfer speeds. Overall, the MSI Sword 17's connectivity options are well-suited for users who need to stay connected on-the-go. For a superior connectivity, MSI Crosshair 16 HX could be the right choice.
Features
The MSI Sword 17 boasts a stunning 17.3-inch IPS 144Hz display, complemented by a comfortable keyboard with decent travel distance. However, the trackpad feels cramped considering the laptop's larger footprint. Other features include dual fans for heat management and a USB-A port alongside two Type-C and one HDMI connector. The design is sleek, but some users may find it too bulky. A better alternative might be MSI Vector 16 HX, featuring a next-level features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Sword 17 offers decent gaming performance without breaking the bank. However, its maintenance features are somewhat lacking. The BIOS could benefit from a fan curve adjustment to keep temperatures in check. Additionally, the keyboard is great, but the trackpad feels cramped given the laptop's larger footprint. Overall, a solid choice for gamers on a budget, with room for improvement in support and maintenance.
Pros
1. The 17.3 inch ips 144hz display does look absolutely beautiful.
2. The keyboard feels great
3. It's a decent 17.3 inch gaming laptop that's not going to quite break the bank
4. Fortnite ran at 156 fps with high settings
5. Injustice 2 and Witcher 3 ran smoothly at high settings
Cons
1. The trackpad is too small given the screen size and footprint of the laptop
2. CPU temps were not ideal, averaging 81 degrees Celsius during gaming tests
3. Fan curve adjustment was not available in the bios
4. Cyberpunk 2077 ran at only 71 fps with medium settings due to outdated GPU
5. Dirt 5 ran at 65 fps with high-medium mix of settings
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