MSI's Cyborg 15 Max gaming laptop

MSI's Cyborg 15 Max (C2WG-001FRNN) is a mid-range gaming laptop designed to deliver strong performance at a lower cost than high-end models. It features an Intel Core 7 240H processor and an RTX 5070 graphics card, making it suitable for most modern games.

Pricing and portability

The laptop is currently available for 1,349 euros at Darty, a 250 euro discount from its listed price of 1,599 euros. It weighs 2 kg and is 20 mm thick, making it relatively easy to carry in a backpack for daily use.

Design and materials

MSI has used plastic for the chassis to prioritize component performance over premium materials, but the design remains refined. The aesthetic is described as assertive and tailored for gaming, with a resolute gaming-focused look.

Display capabilities

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen has a 144 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals during gameplay. However, the screen's brightness is not its strongest feature, which could make outdoor use challenging.

Connectivity options

The laptop offers a range of connectivity features, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, RJ45, and a traditional jack socket. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing modern connectivity for gaming and other tasks.

Performance and limitations

The RTX 5070 and Core 7 240H combination allows for ray tracing and DLSS in 1080p or 1440p on an external monitor. However, 4K gaming is limited due to the card's 100-watt power constraint and 8 GB of video memory.

Storage and battery life

The laptop includes a 512 GB SSD, which may fill up quickly with multiple large games installed. The 60 Wh battery provides about 5 hours of normal use, which is acceptable but not ideal for extended gaming sessions away from a power source.