MSI Modern 14 (2021)

MSI Modern 14 (2021)

Manufacturer	MSI
Release date	January 2021 (2021-01)
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro)
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 7530U (2.0 - 4.5GHz)
Memory	16 GB DDR4 (onboard, dual channel)
Storage	512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD
Storage slots	1 x NVMe M.2 SSD by PCIe Gen3 x4
Removable storage	Micro SD
Display	Screen size: 14 inch Panel type: IPS-Level Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 60 Hz NTSC: 45%
Graphics	AMD Radeon Graphics
Sound	2 x 2 W stereo speakers
Camera	720p HD Webcam
Touchpad	Multi Touch
Connectivity	AMD Wi-Fi 6E RZ608 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C 1 x HDMI-out 4K @ 30Hz Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo
Power	65W [DC-in]
Battery	3 cell (39Whr) Li-Polymer
Keyboard	White backlight keyboard (83 Key)
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	No
Website	MSI

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The MSI Modern 14 (2021) is a mid-range laptop designed for business and productivity tasks. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor and integrated AMD Radeon Graphics. The laptop is equipped with 16 GB of onboard DDR4 memory and a 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD. It runs on Windows 11 Home, with an option to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 7530U processor. This CPU features:

• 6 cores and 12 threads
• Base clock speed of 2.0 GHz
• Boost clock speed of up to 4.5 GHz

The Ryzen 5 7530U is designed for efficient performance in everyday tasks and light multitasking. It is built on AMD's Zen 3 architecture, which offers improved performance and power efficiency compared to previous generations.

Reviewers have noted that the Ryzen 5 7530U provides adequate performance for typical business and productivity applications. The CPU handles multitasking well and can manage light to moderate workloads without significant slowdowns. However, it is not designed for heavy computational tasks or intensive gaming.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23:
  • Single-core: ~1300 pts
  • Multi-core: ~7000 pts

Graphics

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) comes with integrated AMD Radeon Graphics. This GPU is part of the Ryzen 5 7530U processor and is designed for basic graphical tasks and light gaming.

The integrated Radeon Graphics provide sufficient performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, video playback, and office applications. It can also handle light gaming and some older or less demanding titles at lower settings.

Reviewers have found the integrated graphics to be adequate for the laptop's intended use case. However, it is not suitable for modern AAA gaming or intensive graphical applications.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Time Spy:
  • Graphics score: ~1000 pts

Memory

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) is equipped with 16 GB of DDR4 memory. The memory is onboard and features a dual-channel design, which helps improve performance in memory-intensive tasks.

The 16 GB of RAM is sufficient for most business and productivity tasks, including multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. However, the onboard nature of the memory means it cannot be upgraded.

Storage

The laptop comes with a 512 GB NVMe PCIe SSD. This provides fast read and write speeds, which help improve overall system performance and reduce load times for applications and files.

The storage can be expanded via an additional NVMe M.2 SSD slot, allowing users to add more storage if needed.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark:
  • Sequential read: ~3500 MB/s
  • Sequential write: ~3000 MB/s

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) features a white backlight keyboard with 83 keys. The keyboard is designed for comfortable typing with adequate key travel and feedback.

Reviewers have noted that the keyboard provides a good typing experience for extended periods. The backlighting is useful for working in low-light environments, although it is not customizable.

Touchpad

The laptop includes a multi-touch touchpad. The touchpad is responsive and supports various gestures for improved navigation and productivity.

Reviewers have found the touchpad to be accurate and easy to use, although it is smaller than those found on some competing models.

Webcam

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) is equipped with a 720p HD webcam. The webcam provides adequate video quality for video calls and conferencing, although it is not suitable for high-quality video recording.

Reviewers have noted that the webcam's image quality is average, with some noise and lack of detail in low-light conditions.

Microphone

The laptop features a mic-in/headphone-out combo jack. The built-in microphone provides clear audio for voice calls and conferencing.

Output Devices

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Display

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS-level display. The display features a 16:9 aspect ratio, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 45% NTSC color gamut.

The display provides good color accuracy and viewing angles, making it suitable for productivity tasks and media consumption. However, the 45% NTSC color gamut means it is not ideal for color-critical work such as photo or video editing.

Reviewers have found the display to be adequate for everyday use, with good brightness and contrast levels. The matte finish helps reduce glare and reflections.

Audio

The laptop is equipped with two 2W stereo speakers. The speakers provide clear audio for video calls and media playback, although they lack bass and overall volume.

Reviewers have noted that the audio quality is average, with sufficient clarity for voice and media but lacking depth and richness.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) features AMD Wi-Fi 6E RZ608, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Reviewers have found the Wi-Fi performance to be good, with stable connections and fast transfer speeds.

Bluetooth

The laptop includes Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for easy connection to various wireless peripherals.

SD Card Reader

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) comes with a Micro SD card reader, providing convenient access to expandable storage.

USB

The laptop is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
• 2 x USB 2.0
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C

Display Outputs

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) includes an HDMI-out port that supports 4K resolution at 30Hz, allowing for connection to external displays.

Case

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The MSI Modern 14 (2021) features a sleek and lightweight design, making it portable and easy to carry. The chassis is made of plastic, which helps keep the weight down but may not be as durable as metal alternatives.

Reviewers have noted that the build quality is good for the price, with a solid feel and minimal flex. The laptop's design is professional and suitable for business environments.

Maintenance

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The bottom panel of the MSI Modern 14 (2021) can be removed for maintenance and upgrades. The laptop allows for easy access to the storage and cooling system, although the onboard memory cannot be upgraded.

Cooling System

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The laptop features a single fan cooling system designed to keep the CPU and GPU temperatures in check during regular use.

Heat

Reviewers have noted that the laptop remains relatively cool during light to moderate tasks. However, it can get warm under heavy loads, with the bottom of the laptop reaching uncomfortable temperatures for lap use.

Noise

The cooling system is generally quiet during regular use, with the fan noise becoming noticeable only under heavy loads. Reviewers have found the noise levels to be acceptable for a laptop in this category.

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) comes with a 65W power adapter. The laptop is designed to be energy-efficient, with low power consumption during regular use.

Battery Life

The laptop is equipped with a 3-cell (39Whr) Li-Polymer battery. MSI claims that the battery can provide up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, although actual battery life may vary depending on usage.

Reviewers have found the battery life to be average, with around 6-8 hours of usage during typical productivity tasks.

Benchmarks:

• WiFi Browsing (150 nits): ~7 hours
• Video Playback: ~8 hours

Biometrics

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The MSI Modern 14 (2021) does not include any biometric features such as a fingerprint reader or facial recognition.

Software

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The laptop ships with Windows 11 Home, with an option to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business users.

Preinstalled Software

The laptop comes with several preinstalled software applications, including MSI Center for system optimization and management, and a 30-day trial of antivirus software.

Accessories & Warranty

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The MSI Modern 14 (2021) comes with a 65W power adapter and standard documentation. MSI offers a one-year limited warranty for the laptop.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MSI Modern 14 (2021) is well-regarded as a solid mid-range laptop for business and productivity tasks. Reviewers appreciate its lightweight design, adequate performance, and good display quality. The laptop is suitable for users who need a portable and efficient device for everyday tasks.

Problems Summary

• Onboard memory cannot be upgraded.
• Average audio quality with lack of bass.
• Can get warm under heavy loads.
• Plastic chassis may not be as durable as metal alternatives.