In gaming laptops, the 14-inch category strikes a balance between portability and performance. The problem, though, is the expense of fitting robust hardware into a small package. The Cyborg 14 from MSI tries to solve this problem by providing an affordable alternative. In this blog article we will examine the Cyborg 14’s design, features, performance, and any potential trade-offs due to its low price.

Design and Build Quality

The Cyborg 14 has a beautiful black plastic finish and a stunning translucent blue color. Tone While its build quality may not match the premium feel of more expensive 14-inch gaming laptops, it remains solid during regular use. The dimensions of the laptop match its parallels, although it is slightly thicker at the back. The Cyborg 14 is somewhat portable, weighing 1.6 kg (3.6 lb) or 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) when using the included 120-watt charger.

Internal Specifications

Under the hood, my Cyborg 14 has a 10-core Intel CPU and Nvidia’s RTX 4050 graphics, along with a 14-inch 144Hz display. The keyboard is illuminated by a single zone of blue backlighting, offering a satisfying, clicky feel. A notable feature is the large touchpad that works seamlessly.

Port selection and Connectivity

On the left side of the laptop is a Kensington lock, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, and an audio combo jack. A second USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a faster 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector, an HDMI 2.1 output, and power input are located on the right side. For those who prefer wired connectivity, the Cyborg 14’s Ethernet connector makes it the only 14-inch gaming laptop with this capability.

Internal and Upgradeability

Opening the laptop reveals a 3-cell 53.5Wh battery, two DDR5 memory slots, a PCIe Gen 4 storage slot, and a Wi-Fi 6E card. Despite being budget-friendly, the Cyborg 14 allows for memory upgrades, a feature not usually present in this price range.

Display and Audio Quality

Cyborg 14 surprises in the display department. Offering decent color reproduction and a brightness of around 500 nits, it outperforms many more expensive alternatives. The 144Hz screen provides responsive transitions and acceptable total system latency. However, the front corner-mounted speakers are only moderately loud and lack bass.

Performance and Thermal

MSI’s Cyborg 14 is equipped with a single fan and shared heatpipe for CPU and GPU cooling. The MSI Center software provides a performance mode that allows users to adjust fan settings from quiet to intense. The laptop’s thermal management is still efficient, allowing for cool internal temperatures under a range of workloads.

Gaming Performance

When tested in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, the Cyborg 14 performs well at 1080p. However, its GPU power is capped at 45 watts, which affects its performance compared to laptops with higher power limits.

Case

Battery

Graphics Card