Skip to main content

MSI reveals its Computex lineup of VR-ready desktops, updated backpack PC

msi computex desktops laptops vr one
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Prior to Computex opening its doors in Taipei, MSI revealed its lineup of products heading to the show. These include an updated backpack PC for anchor-free VR gaming, a new line of gaming desktops, new entries to its GT series of gaming laptops, and a new entry in its Vortex family of compact gaming PCs. The laptops are actually available to purchase now, while all other products have no release dates and pricing.

VR One Backpack PC

For starters, the company updated this wearable PC for virtual reality with seventh-generation Intel Core processors. The device weighs a mere 7.93 pounds, enabling users to freely move around in their virtual experience without feeling weighed down and anchored to a stationary VR-capable PC. It comes with two hot-swappable 90-watt-hour batteries to keep users in the virtual world without having to completely exit due to a dead battery.

The two VR One models are mostly the same outside their obvious graphics chip and price differences. The GTX 1060 model only has 6GB of GDDR5 video memory and 256GB of internal storage whereas the GTX 1070 model has 8GB of GDDR5 video memory and twice the storage. Either model is a great cord-free VR option although you may find that the 256GB SSD may fill up extremely fast.

GeForce GTX 1070 Model GeForce GTX 1060 Model
Model: VRONE065 VRONE067
Processor: Intel Core i7-7820HK
2.9GHz base, 3.9GHz boost
Intel Core i7-7820HK
2.9GHz base, 3.9GHz boost
System memory: 16GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz 16GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz
Graphics memory: 8GB GDDR5 6GB GDDR5
Storage: 512GB SSD
M.2 NVMe, PCIe Gen3 x4
256GB SSD
M.2 NVMe, PCIe Gen3 x4
Audio: Nahimic Sound Nahimic Sound
Ports: 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x Thunderbolt 3
1x HDMI 2.0
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2
1x Audio port
4x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x Thunderbolt 3
1x HDMI 2.0
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2
1x Audio port
Connectivity: Wireless AC (2×2) (Killer 1535)
Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless AC (2×2) (Killer 1535)
Bluetooth 4.1
AC power adapter: 230 watts 230 watts
Battery pack: 2x 8-cell 90-watt-hour batteries 2x 8-cell 90-watt-hour batteries
Dimensions: 15.9 x 11.5 x 2.4 inches 15.9 x 11.5 x 2.4 inches
Weight: 7.9 pounds 7.9 pounds
Operating system: Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro
Color: Black Black
Price: $2,299 $1,999
Image used with permission by copyright holder

GT83VR Titan SLI Gaming Notebook

MSI’s latest notebook arrives in two flavors: One with two GTX 1080 graphics chips and one with two GTX 1070 chips despite the “Titan” name. That’s right: Owners get full SLI goodness with these two laptops, which are backed by seventh-generation Intel Core processors and double the video memory. They also include mechanical keyboards built by SteelSeries sporting per-key RGB backlighting and Cherry MX Silver mechanical switches.

There are actually two versions of each model ranging in price from $3,499 to $5,399. For instance, the GTX 1080 SLI model sells with a configuration including 16GB of system memory and a single 1TB hard drive. A more expensive configuration sells with 64GB of system memory, one 1TB hard drive, and two 512GB SSDs. Rinse and repeat for the GTX 1070 SLI model.

GTX 1080 SLI Model GTX 1070 SLI Model
Model: GT83VRSLI252
GT83VRSLI212
GT83VRSLI253
GT83VRSLI213
Screen size: 18.4 inches 18.4 inches
Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 1,920 x 1,080
Screen type: IPS IPS
Processor: Intel Core i7-7920HQ
3.1GHz base, 4.1GHz boost
Intel Core i7-7920HQ
3.1GHz base, 4.1GHz boost
System memory: 16GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz (252)
64GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz (212)
16GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz (253)
64GB DDR4 @ 2,400MHz (213)
Graphics memory: 2x 8GB GDDR5X 2x 8GB GDDR5
Storage: 1x 1TB HDD
1x Blu-ray disc burner
2x 512GB SSDs (252 only)
1x 1TB HDD
1x Blu-ray disc burner
2x 512GB SSDs (252 only)
Audio: Nahimic Sound
4x Dynaudio Tech speakers
1x subwoofer
himic Sound
4x Dynaudio Tech speakers
1x subwoofer
Ports: 1x SD card reader
5x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x gigabit Ethernet
1x Thunderbolt 3
1x HDMI 1.4
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2
1x TOSLINK optical
x SD card reader
5x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x gigabit Ethernet
1x Thunderbolt 3
1x HDMI 1.4
1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2
1x TOSLINK optical
Webcam: Full HD (30FPS at 1080p) Full HD (30FPS at 1080p)
Connectivity: Wireless AC (2×2)
Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless AC (2×2)
Bluetooth 4.1
AC power adapter: 2x 330 watts 2x 330 watts
Battery: 8-cell 75-watt-hour 8-cell 75-watt-hour
Dimensions:
(inches)
16.85 x 12.36 x 1.66/2.52 16.85 x 12.36 x 1.66/2.52
Weight: 13.13 pounds 11.59 pounds
Operating system: Windows 10 Windows 10
Color: Aluminum Black Aluminum Black
Price: $4,299 (16GB / HDD)
$5,399 (64GB / SSD / HDD)
$3,499 (16GB / HDD)
$4,199 (64GB / SSD / HDD)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Infinite A Desktop

MSI is introducing a new line of desktops under the Infinite brand, starting with the Infinite A. These desktops are powered by MSI’s Gaming-branded graphics cards, seventh-generation Intel Core processors, and the company’s proprietary Silent Storm Cooling 3 thermal design. Given they’re based on a tower form factor, users shouldn’t have any trouble upgrading the components when needed.

Unfortunately, MSI doesn’t have an exact list of the different configurations that will be made available in the United States, but here are the base components:

Processor: Intel Core i7-7700
Graphics: MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Gaming
System memory: Up to 64GB DDR4 (4x DIMM slots)
Video memory: 8GB GDDR5X
Storage: 1x M.s PCIe / SATA SSD
2x 3.5-inch HDD
3x 2.5-inch HDD/SSD
1x Optical drive
Audio: 5.1 Channel HD audio
Nahimic audio enhancer
Connectivity: Wireless AC (Intel 3168)
Bluetooth 4.2
Ports (front): 1x VR-Link
1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C
1x USB 2.0 Type-A
Ports (back): 3x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A
1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C
2x USB 2.0 Type-A
1x gigabit Ethernet
1x DVI
2x PS2 ports (keyboard, mouse)
1x audio output
Power supply: 550 watts 80 Plus Bronze
Operating system: Windows 10 Home
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Vortex G25VR Gaming Desktop

Finally, a new version of MSI’s compact gaming desktop is on the way. MSI didn’t provide any hardware specifics, but merely stated that it relies on a cooling system spanning dual fans and eight heat pipes to pull all that heat away from the crucial components. It will also sport a 2.5-liter form factor, Hi-Res audio, and Nahimic audio enhancement.

More details will be coming soon for pricing and availability, MSI says.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Best HP laptop deals: Get a 17-inch workhorse for $370 and more
An open HP Spectre x360 16 sits on a table, angled so that the screen and keyboard can be seen.

HP is one of the best laptop brands on the market, and if you're thinking of picking up a new laptop, then you may want to consider one of its many varieties of laptops. Not only that, but HP usually has some form of deal going on each of its sub-brans, so whether you're looking for an HP Omen gaming laptop or a Spectre X360 2-in-1 convertible, you'll likely find a good deal on it. Of course, it can be hard to navigate the dozens of different types of laptops HP has, which is why we've gone out and collected some of our favorite deals to help save you the trouble. That said, if you can't find quite what you're looking for below, be sure to check out these other great laptop deals and gaming laptop deals as well.
HP Laptop 15z -- $250, was $500

If you need a budget laptop for basic tasks, you can't go wrong with the HP Laptop 15z. With its AMD Athlon Silver 7120U processor, AMD Radeon Graphics, and 8GB of RAM, it's going to be a dependable device for doing online research and working with productivity apps. The laptop features a 128GB SSD with Windows 11 Home pre-loaded, and a relatively large 15.6-inch HD screen for its low price.

Read more
Some Intel CPUs are about to take a big performance hit, report says
Intel's 14900K CPU socketed in a motherboard.

High-end Intel CPUs are about to lose some significant performance, according to a new report from BenchLife (via VideoCardz). The outlet claims Intel has sent guidance to motherboard partners to implement the Intel Default Settings on Z790 motherboards, following a wave of reports of instability on recent high-end Intel CPUs.

According to the report, these default settings will enforce a PL2 of 188 watts. Intel maintains power limits (PL) for its processors. PL1 is the base power, or the power that the processor can sustain for long periods of time. PL2 is the maximum boost power, which the processor can hit for brief spurts when under a heavy load.

Read more
Best Buy laptop deals: Cheap laptops starting at $159
Apple M1 MacBook Air open on a desk with plants in the background.

If you’re looking for an affordable laptop, Best Buy is a great outlet to turn to. It carries some of the best laptops on the market, and often you’ll find many of the best laptop deals taking place at Best Buy. And while it’s a great place to land some savings on almost any device, including tablet deals, headphone deals, and smartwatch deals, the Best Buy laptop deals you can shop right now are worth taking a look at. Among them you’ll find many quality laptop options at some of the best prices we’ve seen, so read onward for more details. And if Best Buy doesn’t have what you’re looking for, you can check out some of the best Amazon deals and best Walmart deals, where you’ll also find a discounted laptop or two.
HP 14-inch laptop — $159, was $180

The HP 14-inch laptop is a fast and fun computing device. It's a great option for anyone searching the best laptops for high school students or the best laptops for college. It has an Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of system RAM that combine to push through homework assignments, work presentations, and hours upon hours of binge watching. The 14-inch screen sports HD resolution and makes this HP laptop a great way to enjoy movies, photos, and other digital content. The HP 14-inch laptop is able to reach up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge, making it a great all-day option for people who like to do their work on the go.

Read more