MSI Infinite X PC review: A gorgeous, almost perfect pre-built gaming rig

MSI Infinite X

MSI makes some exceptional hardware. I'm a massive fan of the company'south laptop range, especially the GS65 Stealth. If a laptop isn't quite what you're after, then perchance the Space Ten may be just what you need.

The Infinite X is MSI's answer to gamers who desire a pre-built machine that'southward not only powerful enough for latest games, but tin can too exist upgraded at a after engagement and has a solid design that isn't also obnoxious. Featuring the latest in Intel and Nvidia tech, we're off to a good offset, but but how expert is this desktop where information technology counts most?

Gaming monster

MSI Infinite Ten

Starts at about $1,699

Lesser line: MSI has done a fine job with the Infinite X, if but it could work out a few minor complaints.

Pros

Solid build and design.
Upgradable.
Powerful enough for gaming.
Carry handle.

Cons

Glass window protrudes.
Limited I/O.

What you'll love virtually the MSI Infinite X

MSI Infinite X

I've never been a fan of pre-congenital desktop PCs, let alone gaming rigs. It wasn't long agone that some desktops would come rocking custom shrouds, also as a host of other "features" that would prevent i from upgrading the auto later or swapping out dead components. I get the reasons backside it (they desire y'all to buy another model at a afterwards engagement) but it isn't really consumer-friendly.

Category	Spec
Form factor	Desktop PC
Processor	Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7-7800K
Graphics	Upwardly to GTX 1080 Ti
RAM	16GB DDR4
Storage	256GB M.ii SSD 2 TB HDD
PSU	550W Statuary
Wireless	Intel AC3168 Bluetooth 4.ii (optional)
Ports	1x USB 3.ane Gen1 Type-C 5x USB 3.1 Gen1 Blazon-A 3x USB 2.0 1x DisplayPort 1x HDMI 5x Audio interface 1x LAN 1x S/PDIF 1x PS/2
Size	eight.2 inches x 17.seven inches x nineteen.2 inches (210 x 450 x 488 mm)
OS	Windows x Home
Weight	33 lb (xv kg)

Those days are long behind usa and the MSI Infinite has numerous things going for it that allows me to continue downwards my path of condign something of an advocate. These desktops really are the only option for those who simply cannot build their own PCs and don't wish to become down the fifty-fifty more than pricey custom build route.

The specifications of the Space X are impressive. You've got at least an Intel Core i7-8700 CPU, GTX 1070 GPU, and xvi GB of RAM. That makes for an impressive gaming rig — my main custom desktop has a Ryzen 5 and GTX 1070, handing virtually games on full settings at 1440p. If you have a little more cash to splash, at that place are even more powerful configurations available with the range-topper rocking a CPU that tin be overclocked.

Ambitious design

MSI Infinite X

MSI opted for a gamer expect without going besides overboard. Much similar its laptops, the visitor doesn't make the designs of components and other gamer gear besides obnoxious. Looking at the Infinite Ten, you tin tell it's a gaming automobile, but not ane that looks at all tacky.

MSI Infinite 10 is as powerful as information technology looks — and information technology looks incredible.

There are plenty of vents to let for enough air to laissez passer through the instance and absurd the internals. And the side console can be switched out for the included tempered drinking glass window. If you're all almost aesthetics, information technology'south a worthy upgrade and adds that last touch to an already excellent design. There are a few negatives most this drinking glass console, which I'll touch on later.

Overall, information technology'due south a great-looking desktop PC. There are fifty-fifty enough RGBs included for maximum gamer effect and a solid carry handle for transporting the desktop to LAN events. MSI too bundles a mouse and keyboard with the PC; both are mediocre.

All the power you need

MSI Infinite X

I could throw out all the synthetic benchmarks in the earth, but they don't really mean much when it comes to actual performance in games. You're not going to sit down there, gazing at Sky running all 24-hour interval, are you? Testing various games on the Infinite X, including The Witcher 3, Tomb Raider, GTA V, Ashes of the Singularity, and PUBG, I experienced very little in terms of stutter or dips in FPS.

Paired with a very capable Agon monitor with K-Sync (and a refresh rate of 120Hz), it all worked flawlessly. And if you notice yourself suffering a trivial in more demanding titles or wish to motion upwardly to 4K, you can but swap out the MSI GTX 1070 for 1 of the new RTX cards coming out from Nvidia.

MSI makes a large bargain about its compartment design, which is said to reduce the amount of rut accumulated within the chassis. The PSU has its own area, as does the GPU, and the remaining components all relish plenty of space and cooling capacity. If you're doing a CPU-intensive task, the GPU shouldn't oestrus upwardly much and vice-versa. Information technology all seems to work just fine equally I didn't experience any throttling and that's only with ii case fans.

Thermaltake could too have a few lessons from MSI on using PCIe ribbon extension cables that actually work.

What you'll dislike about the MSI Infinite X

Having the tempered glass side console is an excellent affect that finishes off the design. Who doesn't want to come across the internals of their machine when information technology's all lit up by countless RGBs? The only drawback to this window is the placement. It's held in by four protruding mounting screws that result in a gap of effectually 20 mm between the drinking glass window and the principal chassis.

A few drawbacks forbid this from being the perfect PC.

The reason MSI did this was that of the GPU orientation. The metal side panel has a grill to accommodate GPU cooling, only since air cannot pass through drinking glass, the visitor had to compromise past having the glass stick out on the side. It doesn't look bad (aside from blank metal existence exposed), but does allow for dust to more than easily go inside.

The included CPU blower cooler isn't too good. It's a little too loud for my liking when trying to keep the Intel Core i7-8700 within safe operating temperatures. I would either throw out the rear fan and install an AiO CPU cooler or the tried and tested Cooler Master Evo 212, though installing the latter may testify a picayune tricky with the GPU shroud. I will note that more expensive Space 10 configurations come up with a pre-installed AiO libation.

MSI Infinite Ten bottom line

MSI Infinite X

MSI has done a great chore at creating a gaming desktop that I, even someone who isn't a large fan of pre-built systems, wouldn't listen picking upward. In that location are a few design choices I would take reconsidered, especially the tempered glass panel, simply overall it has the power to make mincemeat of most games and can even exist upgraded.

Who should buy this desktop?

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you're going to want to build your own PC, simply for those who don't know how or wouldn't mind having a organisation that has been tested and comes with a manufacturer warranty, the Infinite 10 is an excellent pick.

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