MSI Cyborg 14 (2024)
| Manufacturer | MSI |
|---|---|
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro) |
| CPU | Up to Intel 13th Gen Core i7 |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB DDR5-5200 (2 slots) |
| Memory slots | 2 user accessible |
| Storage | 1x M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD slot |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Display | Screen size: 14 inch Panel type: IPS-Level Resolution: 1920 x 1200 Refresh rate: 144 Hz |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 45 W w/ Dynamic Boost Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 45 W w/ Dynamic Boost |
| Sound | 2 x 2 W stereo speakers |
| Camera | HD type (30fps@720p) |
| Connectivity | 802.11 ax WiFi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x RJ45 |
| Mass | 3.6 pounds (1.6 kg) |
| Power brick | 120W adapter |
| Battery | 3-Cell 53.5 WHr |
| Keyboard | Single zone blue backlit |
| Chassis | Color: Translucent Black Materials: Plastic with translucent blue accenting |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Website | MSI |
All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.
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The MSI Cyborg 14 (2024) is a budget-friendly 14-inch gaming laptop designed to offer decent performance and features at a competitive price point. It is equipped with up to 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series mobile GPUs. The Cyborg 14 is positioned as a portable gaming solution with a weight of 1.6 kg (3.6 lbs) and a relatively small 120-watt charger, making it a suitable option for gamers on the go.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The MSI Cyborg 14 can be configured with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor. The specific model and core count are not detailed in the manufacturer's specifications, but it is noted that the laptop features a 10-core Intel CPU in some configurations.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the multicore CPU performance is not as strong compared to other 14-inch laptops tested over the last year, although single-core performance remains comparable. The CPU performance decreases when the laptop is running on battery power, with a more significant drop in multicore performance.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench results indicate better performance in higher power modes, as expected.[2]
Graphics
The Cyborg 14 is available with the following discrete GPUs[1]:
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1605 MHz boost clock, and 45 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, up to 1470 MHz boost clock, and 45 W TGP with Dynamic Boost.
The RTX 4050 configuration matches the performance of the Alienware x14 with RTX 3060 graphics in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p, but higher-powered RTX 4050 laptops can achieve a 25% higher average frame rate. In Red Dead Redemption 2, it performs similarly to the Alienware x14 and MSI’s GF63, but higher-powered laptops are 15% ahead.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark results show lower performance compared to other similarly specced laptops due to the laptop’s lower CPU and GPU power limits.[2]
Memory
The Cyborg 14 supports up to 64 GB of DDR5-5200 memory across two slots, allowing for upgrades. This is uncommon for 14-inch laptops, which often have soldered memory, providing potential performance improvements in multitasking and gaming.[1]
Storage
The Cyborg 14 features a single M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD slot. The laptop comes with a 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, and there is room for a double-sided M.2 drive. The speeds from the installed SSD are decent, but users might need to remove or modify the included thermal pad for upgrades.[2]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Cyborg 14 features a single-zone blue backlit keyboard with clear WASD keys and a power button. All keys and secondary functions are illuminated, and users can change between three levels of key brightness using the F8 shortcut. The typing experience is described as surprisingly good, with a clicky feel, though the smaller arrow keys can be annoying to press. The keyboard's flex is minimal during normal use.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad on the Cyborg 14 is fairly large and works well, responding accurately to gestures and clicks without any reported issues.[2]
Webcam
The laptop includes a 720p camera above the screen, but it lacks IR for Windows Hello face unlock. The webcam quality is standard for budget laptops and performs adequately for video calls.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The Cyborg 14 is equipped with a 14-inch FHD+ (1920x1200) IPS-Level display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen offers decent colors for gaming and gets quite bright, reaching just shy of 500 nits at full brightness, which is ahead of most other more expensive 14-inch options. Backlight bleed is minimal and not noticeable during normal use. The screen response time is decent for a 144Hz screen, with transitions occurring within the 6.94ms refresh window.[2]
Audio
The Cyborg 14 features two 2W speakers located at the front on the left and right corners. The speakers are fairly loud but lack bass, resulting in a tinny sound. There is also some wrist rest vibration when music is playing.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Cyborg 14 is equipped with a Wi-Fi 6E card, providing above-average Wi-Fi speed, only beaten by ASUS’s more expensive Zephyrus G14.[2]
Bluetooth
The laptop includes Bluetooth 5.3.[1]
USB
The Cyborg 14 offers the following USB ports[1]:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort support
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
The Type-C port cannot be used to charge the laptop but does support DisplayPort for monitor connections.[2]
Display Outputs
The laptop includes an HDMI 2.1 output and a Type-C port with DisplayPort support. The HDMI connects to the integrated graphics, while the Type-C port connects directly to the Nvidia discrete graphics, bypassing optimus.[2]
Case
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The Cyborg 14 features a black plastic finish with translucent blue accenting. The overall build quality is sturdy for a budget laptop, with only minor screen wobble when typing. The hinge feels smooth to open and close, and the large rubber feet underneath prevent sliding on surfaces.[2]
Maintenance
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The bottom panel of the Cyborg 14 is held on by 8 Phillips head screws, all of the same length. Opening the laptop requires pry tools, but it is not too difficult to access the internals.[2]
Upgradeable components:
- Two DDR5 memory slots
- One PCIe Gen 4 storage slot
Cooling System
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The Cyborg 14 is equipped with a single fan and shared heatpipes between the CPU and GPU. There are plenty of holes underneath for air intake, and air is exhausted out the back and on the left side, avoiding hot air on the mouse hand.[2]
Heat
Internal temperatures are well-managed, with no issues during idle or stress tests. The cooling system effectively keeps temperatures low during combined CPU and GPU stress tests.[2]
Noise
The fan is audible at idle but remains fairly quiet. In higher performance modes, the fan speeds up, and setting it to full speed is quite loud, but not necessary as temperatures remain low without it.[2]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Cyborg 14 comes with a 120-watt charger. The power limits in balanced mode are the same as in extreme mode, allowing for quieter fan operation during gaming. Display power saver is enabled by default, reducing the screen’s refresh rate to 60Hz when unplugged to save power.[2]
Battery Life
The laptop is equipped with a 3-cell 53.5 WHr battery. Battery life is considered average, lasting over 5 hours in a YouTube video playback test, comparable to MSI’s higher-tier Stealth 14 with a larger battery.[2]
Biometrics
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The Cyborg 14 does not include a fingerprint reader or support for Windows Hello face recognition.[2]
Software
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The Cyborg 14 ships with Windows 11 Home, with an option to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use. The laptop also comes with a one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass.[1]
Linux Support
Linux support was tested with an Ubuntu 23.10 live CD. By default, the keyboard, touchpad, camera, speakers, ethernet, and Wi-Fi all worked. Keyboard shortcuts for adjusting volume, keyboard brightness, screen brightness, and turning on max fans all worked, providing an excellent result.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Cyborg 14 comes with a 120-watt AC adapter and standard documentation. Warranty details are not specified in the available reviews.
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The MSI Cyborg 14 is praised for its budget-friendly price and decent performance, making it a competitive option in the 14-inch gaming laptop market. It offers a good display, upgradeable RAM and storage, and a sturdy build. However, it compromises on CPU and GPU power limits compared to more expensive models, affecting gaming performance.[2]
Problems Summary
- Limited CPU and GPU power limits affect performance.
- No IR for Windows Hello face unlock.
- Speakers lack bass and sound tinny.
- Type-C port cannot be used for charging.