Best MSI Desktop Computers in 2022

Desktop machines are some of the most powerful devices in the computing space, and MSI makes plenty of excellent ones that will serve you well for gaming, although they'll also do perfectly for content creation and other power-hungry activities. Out of all of them, we think that the MSI Infinite X is the best you can get your hands on due to its awesome horsepower, badass aesthetic, and balanced price.

Best Overall: MSI Infinite X

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MSI Infinite X

The best of MSI

Reasons to buy

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Extreme power
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Excellent RAM and storage
+
Beautiful aesthetic
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Comes with mouse and keyboard

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive

The MSI Infinite X is a perfect combination of power, style, and price. It can be configured with up to an NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti graphics card and an Intel Core i9-9900K processor — both of which are cutting-edge pieces of hardware that will allow you to run every game out right now at max settings without any issues. This also means that you'll be able to confidently play games at 4K resolution. In terms of RAM, the computer can be configured with a whopping 32GB, and there's room for an addition 32 if you want to upgrade in the future. In addition, the storage space is superb, since all configurations come with a 2TB hard drive and an additional 256 or 512GB solid-state hard drive, depending on what you choose. Lastly, the PC comes with a solid keyboard and mouse set if you don't have your own already.

When it comes to looks, the MSI Infinite X doesn't disappoint. It features a sleek and angular appearance with RGB lighting accents. The side of the PC that you can open to tinker with the interior is made out of transparent glass so you can display what's "under the hood" for all to see. The black finish of the tower has a wood-like appearance, which makes it look textured and striking.

Finally, the price, while very high, is completely fair. For power and style like this, the price that MSI is charging is right about where it should be. Overall, the MSI Infinite X is a fantastic desktop that will make any gamer happy, as long as they're willing to pay a pretty penny.

Best Mid-Range: MSI Vortex

MSI Vortex

Balanced and affordable

Reasons to buy

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Fantastic RAM, good storage
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More affordable
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Can be used vertically or horizontally

Reasons to avoid

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Not most powerful option
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Design is just OK

The MSI Vortex is a great desktop computer if you're looking for something that fits into the mid-range category. Its NVIDIA GTX 1070 GPU and Intel Core i7-8700K processor aren't top-of-the-line pieces of kit, but they're still solid, and you'll be able to play modern games on good settings without too many issues. It also comes with awesome RAM configurations, since you're able to get up to 64GB if you really want it. The storage space options, while not fantastic, are still pretty good, as all models come with a 1TB hard drive and you can choose between a 256 or 500GB solid-state hard drive.

I'm personally not a big fan of the look of the computer, but that comes down to personal preference. Something about its physical design that I do love though is the fact that it can be set up either vertically or horizontally, like an Xbox One S or X console. That way you can fit it into any space.

In terms of price, the MSI Vortex is also solid considering the fact you get reliable medium-level horsepower. Overall, if you're looking to get something that's good for gaming but won't completely drain your wallet, this is the machine for you.

Best Budget: MSI Trident 3

MSI Trident 3

Budget-friendly goodness

Reasons to buy

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Rock bottom price
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Looks great
+
Can be used vertically or horizontally
+
Comes with mouse and keyboard set

Reasons to avoid

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Low specs across the board

The MSI Trident 3 is your go-to desktop if you're trying to get your hands on a competent gaming PC without spending much. It contains an NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU and can be configured with up to an Intel Core i7-8700 processor. Additionally, it comes with a standard 8GB of RAM and 1TB of hard drive storage space.

These specs will give you low-to-medium performance capabilities with today's latest games, but if you're able to live with turning settings down, the rock bottom price of the MSI Trident 3 means it's a fantastic option if you want to save a lot of money. The aesthetic is nice, too, and like with the MSI Vortex G25-022US, it can be stood tall or laid flat. It also comes with a mouse and keyboard set that you can put to good use.

Best Slim: MSI Trident X

MSI Trident X

Awesome power, smaller frame

Reasons to buy

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Excellent power
+
Awesome storage
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Slim frame
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Comes with great extras

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Could have more RAM

The previous two computers on the list are fairly small and slim, but they don't offer a ton of horsepower. If you're looking for a desktop that doesn't take up a ton of space, but still offers awesome performance, the MSI Trident X is the PC for you. It's nearly 50% thinner than other high-end PCs like the MSI Infinite X, which means that it'll be much easier to move, carry, and fit into tight spaces.

In terms of specs, it can be configured with up to an NVIDIA RTX 2080 graphics card and an Intel Core i7-9700K. All of the models come with 16GB of RAM only, which is a bit disappointing, but the storage space options are insane; you can configure an MSI Trident X with up to 2TB of both hard drive space and solid-state hard drive space, giving you 4TB in total. Overall, the computer isn't as powerful as the MSI Infinite X, but it's pretty close.

The aesthetic is quite excellent, featuring a sleek black finish, an angular shape, accents of RGB lighting, and mesh "windows" that allow you to peek inside the PC and also assist with cooling. The price is overall about the same as the MSI Infinite X, though its starting price is substantially higher. Finally, purchasing an MSI Trident X will give you both a mouse and keyboard set and a pre-order copy of Wolfenstein: Youngblood, which will be a great way to put your new awesome PC to the test.

Best Simple Look: MSI Codex

MSI Codex

Classic style, modern power

Reasons to buy

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Great power
+
Great storage
+
Plenty of RAM
+
Simple look

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive
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Only available at select retailers

All of the other PCs on this list feature an aggressive look that appeals to the style that modern gamers typically love, but if you prefer the classic rectangular shape without too many visual bells and whistles, the MSI Codex is an excellent choice. The case is almost entirely black save for the red accents on the front, and all of the sides are completely flat.

It's got an NVIDIA RTX 2070 GPU and an Intel Core i7-8700 processor. This combination offers pretty great performance overall, although it isn't as amazing as what you would get with the MSI Trident X or Infinite X. In addition, it comes with 16GB of RAM, a 2TB hard drive, and 512GB of solid-state hard drive space, which is pretty awesome. Ultimately, you should go with this desktop if you prefer simplistic style over a fancier aesthetic.

Bottom line

MSI is a trusted name in the computer space, both for its laptops and its desktops. Sure desktops aren't as portable as laptops, and not everybody has the room for them, but they're worth a look if you want to max out on powerful specs for gaming or other intensive tasks. You might end up paying more for the privilege of an MSI desktop, but depending on your budget, it's worth it.

Each of these MSI desktops offer something different, and depending on what you want or need, one of them will surely be right for you. When it comes to which one is the best overall, though, we think that the MSI Infinite X takes the cake due to its incredible power, amazing visual aesthetic, and fair price.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.