MSI updated its mythic weapon-themed gaming desktop systems with support for Intel's 7th generation (Kaby Lake) processors.
The Aegis Series
MSI’s top-tier Aegis series features GPU options ranging from an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 on its lowest end Aegis 3 all the way up to two GTX 1080s on the Aegis Ti3. While all three models will receive a 7th generation Core i7, only the middle-level Aegis and the highest end Aegis Ti3 will receive an unlocked processor. VR-Link makes it easy to plug in a VR headset. The Aegis line-up’s RGB lighting may be customized with MSI’s Mystic Light application.
| Product Name | Aegis 3 | Aegis X3 | Aegis Ti3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700 | Intel Core i7-7700K | Intel Core i7-7700K |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 2400MHz | 16GB DDR4 2400MHz | 64GB DDR4 2400MHz |
| Graphics | Up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 | Up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 | Up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 x 2 |
| Storage | -512GB (256GB x 2) M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD-2TB HDD | -512GB (256GB x 2) M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD-2TB HDD | -1 TB (512GB x 2) M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD-3TB HDD |
| Networking | -802.11 b/g/n/ac (Intel AC3168)-Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 (Killer E2500 with Killer Shield)-Bluetooth v4.2 | -802.11 b/g/n/ac (Killer Wireless AC1435)-Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 (Killer E2500 with Killer Shield)-Bluetooth v4.1 | -802.11 b/g/n/ac (Killer Wireless AC1435)-Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 (Killer E2500 with Killer Shield)-Bluetooth v4.1 |
| Interface | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-VR-Link (HDMI Out)Rear: -Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 4-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-HDMI out-VR-Link (connect front VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HDMI 2.0-DisplayPort 1.4 x 3-DVI-D | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 2-VR-Link (HDMI Out), Rear: -Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 6-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-HDMI out-VR-Link (connect front -VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HDMI 2.0-DisplayPort 1.4 x 3-DVI-D | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (supports super charger 2)-VR-Link (HDMI Out) Rear: -Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 6-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2, -HDMI out-VR-Link (connect front VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HDMI 2.0-DisplayPort 1.4 x 3-DVI-D |
| Audio | -Realtek ALC1150-Nahimic 2.5 | Audio Boost 3 | -ESS Sabre HiFi DAC with SRC-Realtek ALC1150-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 3 | -ESS Sabre HiFi DAC with SRC-Realtek ALC1250-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 4 |
| Power Supply | 450W 80 Plus Bronze Certified | 600W 80 Plus Silver Certified | 850W 80 Plus Platinum Certified |
| Dimensions | 6.69 x 14.8 x 17.05 inches (WxDxH) | 6.69 x 14.8 x 17.05 inches (WxDxH) | 7.72 x 19.92 x 20.08 inches (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 21.36lbs | 21.36lbs | 31.53lbs |
The Nightblade Series
MSI’s Nightblade series is more value oriented than the high-end Aegis line, and thus none of its systems are equipped with unlocked processors. Nightblade 3, the most powerful system in this line-up, will be equipped with a locked Intel Core i7-7700 and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, while the entry-level Nightblade MIB will feature an i5-7400 and a 3GB GTX 1060. Just like the Aegis line-up, the Nightblades feature VR-Link. All three systems have configurable lighting via Mystic Light, with higher end systems having more customization options.
| Product Name | Nightblade MIB | Nightblade MI3 | Nightblade 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7400 | Intel Core i5-7400 | Intel Core i7-7700 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 2133 or 2400 | 16GB DDR4 2133 or 2400 | 16GB DDR4 2133 or 2400 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | -128GB M.2 SATA SSD-1TB HDD | -128GB M.2 SATA SSD-1TB HDD | -128GB M.2 SATA SSD-1TB HDD |
| Networking | -Intel Wireless AC 3168-Qualcomm QCA8171-Bluetooth 4.2 | -Intel Wireless AC 3168-Qualcomm QCA8171-Bluetooth 4.2 | -Intel Wireless AC 3168-Intel WGI219V-Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Interface | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 2.0 Type-ARear: -Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 4-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-HDMI out-DisplayPortGPU:-HDMI 2.0-DisplayPort 1.4-DVI-D | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 2.0 Type-A-VR-Link (HDMI Out)Rear:-Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A x 4-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-HDMI out-DisplayPort-VR-Link (connect front -VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HMDI 2.0-DisplayPort x 3-DVI-D | Front: -Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C-USB 2.0 Type-A (supports super charger) x 2-VR-Link (HDMI Out)Rear:-Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A-USB 2.0 Type-A x 2-HDMI out-DisplayPort-VR-Link (connect front -VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HMDI 2.0-DisplayPort x 3-DVI-D |
| Audio | -Realtek ALC1150-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 3 | -Realtek ALC1150-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 3 | -Realtek ALC1220-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 4 |
| Power Supply | 350W 80 Plus Bronze | 350W 80 Plus Bronze | 500W 80 Plus Silver |
| Dimensions | 5 x 9.21 x 13.39 inches (WxDxH) | 5.04 x 10.55 x 13.46 inches (WxDxH) | 6.97 x 11.57 x 16.77 inches (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 14.11lbs | 14.11lbs | 16.31lbs |
Trident 3
Finally, MSI’s Trident 3 targets the small-form factor market; CPU options range from a Core i5-7400 to an i7-7700, while GPU options include a GTX 1050Ti 4GB, a GTX 1060 3GB, or a GTX 1060 6GB. The Trident’s small footprint and VR-Link make it ideal for a VR machine in your entertainment center, but the GTX 1050Ti might not be ideal for heavy-VR gaming; potential customers may want to step up to at least the 3GB GTX 1060 for an unhindered experience.
| Product Name | Trident 3 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700ORIntel Core i5-7400 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4-2400 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or 6GB GDDR5ORNvidia GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB GDDR5 |
| Storage | -256GB M.2 SATA SSD-1TB HDD |
| Networking | -Intel Wireless AC 3168-Intel WGI219V-Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Interface | Front:-Earphone-Microphone jack-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (one supports super charger) x 2-VR-Link (HDMI Out)Rear: -Microphone/Line-in/Line-out-RJ-45 LAN-USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A-USB 2.0 Type-A x 4-HDMI out-VR-Link (connect front VR-Link and graphics card)GPU:-HMDI 2.0-DisplayPort 1.4-DVI-D |
| Audio | -Realtek ALC1150-Nahimic 2.5-Audio Boost 3 |
| Power Supply | 230W |
| Dimensions | 14.12 x 9.9 x 3.84 inches (WxDxH) |
| Weight | 6.99lbs |
