MSI – Stealth 14 14″ 165Hz FHD+ Ultra Thin Gaming Laptop-Intel Core i7-13620H with 16GB Memory-RTX 4060-1TB SSD – Star Blue
Original price was: $1,499.99.$1,299.99Current price is: $1,299.99.
A combination of sharp appearance and excellent performance, the all-new Stealth 14 Studio. One second you may be working in a busy city, and the next second you could fall into a gaming battlefield to fight for a win. Succeed at gaming and work, no matter where you go. The Stealth 14 Studio comes with 3.75lbs ultra-light and 0.75in ultra-slim, and the durable Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy Chassis with two-tone colors represents a unique taste. Pure White represents the beauty of technology and the future under its brilliant refraction. Star Blue refers to the color of the starry sky on a dark night. the new slim and light body just like a Space shuttle blasted to the sky, exploring beyond the limits.
TJCA –
This was one of the easiest laptops I’ve ever upgraded. Just unscrew the bottom, add in the RAM (comes with 2x8GB, replaced them with 2x32GB) yielding a 64GB powerhouse that cost 1/3rd the price of an equivalent Apple 14″ laptop. Ubuntu 23.10 works out of the box, just install the NVIDIA drivers and you are speeding through AI development. This has quickly become my favorite laptop I’ve ever had to work with, beating Macbooks which were previously my favorite.
I do wish that there would be MSI linux support for turning off the gamer-bro Stealth lights on the back, so you’ll have to set up a Windows account and turn them off before converting to Linux if you want them off. I would love it if MSI either supported Linux drivers for modifying those lights or if the bios settings were able to control them.
Trackpad is great, perhaps not entirely up to Apple standards, but good enough that I wasn’t bothered migrating from a macbook to this laptop. Keyboard is perky.
This is my second attempt to migrate to a 14″ NVIDIA laptop as my main driver, prior attempt with a different brand was just too hot. This laptop gets warm, but never approaches uncomfortable.
The only thing that I miss coming from macbook-land is the battery life on this is average. You will never ever come close to the battery life of Macbooks with this device. However, I’ve found the battery life adequate as long as long as I lower my Macbook-induced expectations. It is well worth the price of getting Linux freedom.
Linux people, if you are looking for a 14″ powerhouse that is AI-development ready, this is a great solution for a great price.
JoshuaM –
I recently purchased a gaming laptop, and I must say it has exceeded my expectations in various aspects. One standout feature is the exceptional quality of its speakers. The audio output is crisp and clear, providing an immersive gaming experience that truly enhances gameplay.
The laptop’s display boasts an impressive refresh rate, making it perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The visuals are smooth, and the colors are vibrant, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to every gaming session. Additionally, the sleek design of the laptop caught my eye immediately. It has a modern and sophisticated look that sets it apart from other gaming laptops.
Built with durability in mind, the laptop’s construction is of high quality. It feels sturdy and well-built, ensuring longevity and reliability. The overall design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical.
While the laptop has many positives, I did notice that the fans can get quite loud during intense gaming sessions, especially when playing resource-heavy games like Warzone. However, this is a minor inconvenience considering the laptop’s overall performance.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this gaming laptop, especially for video editors and casual gamers. Its outstanding speakers, impressive display, stylish design, and durable build make it a fantastic choice for those looking for a versatile and high-performing device.
IvanN –
I recently purchased the MSI Stealth 14, and it has exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I unboxed it, I knew I had made the right choice. Here’s why I’m thrilled with my new laptop:
1. Unboxing and Design:
The unboxing experience was premium, with the sleek aluminum chassis immediately catching my eye. The Stealth 14’s slim and lightweight design is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. It feels sturdy and looks incredibly stylish, a perfect blend of form and function.
2. Exceptional Performance:
The performance is nothing short of spectacular. With the latest Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, this laptop handles everything I throw at it with ease. Gaming is smooth, with no lag or stutter, and my productivity tasks are faster than ever. The Stealth 14’s multitasking capabilities are a game-changer for my workflow.
3. Stunning Display:
The 14-inch Full HD display is vibrant and crisp, with a high refresh rate that makes gaming and video playback buttery smooth. The thin bezels add to the immersive experience, making it a pleasure to use for both work and play.
4. Efficient Cooling System:
One of my concerns was overheating, but MSI’s advanced cooling system has put those worries to rest. Even during intense gaming sessions, the Stealth 14 stays cool and performs consistently without any thermal throttling. It’s clear that MSI has put a lot of thought into the thermal design.
5. Long-lasting Battery Life:
I was pleasantly surprised by the battery life. For such a high-performance machine, it lasts impressively long on a single charge. This makes it ideal for long days at work or extended gaming sessions without being tethered to an outlet.
6. Customizable RGB Keyboard:
The per-key RGB backlit keyboard is a standout feature. The tactile feedback is just right, and the customizable lighting adds a personal touch. It’s not only functional but also adds a fun, dynamic element to my setup.
7. Versatile Connectivity:
The variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C, and HDMI, have been incredibly convenient. Connecting peripherals, external displays, and transferring data has never been easier. The Stealth 14 covers all my connectivity needs effortlessly.
8. Impressive Audio Quality:
The audio quality is superb. The built-in speakers deliver clear, immersive sound that enhances both gaming and multimedia experiences. Whether I’m gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, the audio experience is top-notch.
Final Thoughts:
The MSI Stealth 14 has been a fantastic addition to my tech arsenal. It combines powerful performance, stunning visuals, efficient cooling, and impressive battery life in a sleek, portable package. As a recent purchase, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The MSI Stealth 14 is truly a powerhouse laptop that meets all my needs and then some.
kewP –
I have owned this laptop for just over 5 months now and wanted to wait until I had used it for a while before writing a review. I also am not being compensated by anyone for this review. I am leaving it 100% of my own accord so that people can get an honest review of this computer. With so many “gaming laptops” out there to choose from (Legion, Razer Blade, HP Omen, etc.) I think people should take a serious look at this MSI laptop. So, let me get started!
I used to have a different MSI laptop that worked great but would get very hot while playing games. It was also a 16″ screen. I wanted something lighter and more portable so I upgraded to this and let me tell you I couldn’t be happier. This laptop is so lightweight and easy to travel with. Beyond that, it still does get hot while playing games but not nearly as hot as my older MSI model. I do use a cooling pad still just because it makes sense to.
I also looked at the Legion 15.6″ and Legion 14″. I returned the 15.6″ because honestly, I didn’t like the look and feel of it. It looked like your typical every day laptop. I prefer a laptop that looks premium. The 14″ Legion was really nice, but it has its RAM soldered to the motherboard which means it is not replaceable or upgradable. That was a HUGE downside for me. I wasn’t going to buy a $1,500 laptop and not be able to upgrade/replace one of the most essential parts of it… enter the MSI Stealth 14.
POWER:
This laptop comes with a huge power brick charger (typical for gaming laptops). It powers and charges the laptop well. One thing I will say is that the USB-C ports can be used to charge this PC as well. So, if you are using it for every day tasks you could get a much more lightweight and compact charger that will work fine.
RAM:
This laptop (2) RAM slots that are not soldered. So, I was easily able to upgrade my RAM from 16GB to 32GB. Taking the case off was a bit difficult if you odon’t have something slim like a credit card or pry it open. There is a cover over the RAM that seems like it is impossible to get off. But it pops off and is just a plastic piece that easily sets back over the RAM after the update.
SSD:
The only one particular downside to this laptop might be the fact that it only has space for (1) SSD. My older laptop had 2 slots. However, give the small size of this laptop it makes sense. I also upgraded the SSD from the 1TB to a 4TB Crucial P3 Plus and it swapped out in a couple minutes. Open the case, unscrew the 1 screw holding the NVME drive in and then pop your new one in and tighten the screw back down!
DISPLAY/KEYBOARD/TRACKPAD:
The display is great for me (however, I usually use external monitors). It is not a fancy screen like some of the Razer Blade laptops or Legion laptops have but honestly it works just fine for me. There is a little bit of bleed around the edges of the monitor that can be a little distracting if you are playing in a low lit room. However, when the lights are on you cannot tell at all. The 165Hz refresh rate is more than enough for me as when you play video games on high graphics settings you aren’t going to pull anything over 100FPS anyway. The entire body of this laptop is fingerprint resistant and it is awesome. I have never had a fingerprint ever on my laptop. It always looks clean. The keyboard lighting is AMAZING and can be customized using Steel Series GG software. It has way more options for lighting than the Legion laptops (which only have 4 quadrants). This laptop has PER KEY lighting so you could change the lighting on each key if you wanted to. The trackpad is average. Nothing much to say about it. It works well and I have no complaints.
GRAPHICS:
The Nvidia 4060 is amazing. I really enjoy the ability to do ray tracing on games as well as use their new DLSS 3.0 to get an incredible boost in FPS (I got +60FPS in some games when using 3.0).
PORTS:
The ports are a bit limited on this laptop due to its size so I do recommend some sort of USB hub. There is only 1 USB 3.0 port on this and the rest are USB-C ports (one of them is a Thunderbolt 4.0). There is an HDMI port but the USB-C ports also function to out video. I am using a USB-C to DP cable for my monitors and do not use the HDMI port. There is NO ethernet port on this laptop. You would need a hub adapter to hardwire this laptop if you prefer. This is what I do – but the WiFi is also amazing on it and I pull about 500-600 Mbps on WiFi. When hardwired I pull 995 Mbps on a gigabit connection (which is absolutely amazing).
SOFTWARE:
I personally LOVE MSI Center. A lot of people out there have said they don’t but it is fantastic for me. It allows me to control when my laptop enters “Gaming Mode”. I simply add the game to the list and when I open the game the MSI laptop automatically configures my PC for GPU overclock and increases the power of the CPU. I also like that this software allows you to use “Cooler Boost” on the fans which puts them into a very high RPM rate to cool the laptop down. I rarely ever use it but it is a great feature to have. It can also be activated using a keyboard shortcut on the laptop keyboard itself. The program also lets you check if you have the latest approved drivers, switch between Hybrid Graphics and Dedicated etc.. I also love the “Smart AI” feature the program has with this laptop. I have it set up so that if the laptop is not being charged it goes into “Super Battery” mode and turns off all the keyboard and laptop lighting. It increases the battery by a lot. I get about 4-5 hours of use with this mode. You can also set how you want your battery to charge (All the way, stop at 60% or 80%). This is nice so the battery isn’t constantly charging and will help to increase its lifespan.
One last thing I enjoy about MSI laptops is the lack of applications that come installed on the new OS. It simply has MSI Center and that is it. There is no annoying trial software or bulk apps that you don’t want.
I hope this review helps people out. I really believe this is probably the best 14″ gaming laptop out right now (although MSI has a slightly newer one just released with a better screen for $1600). At $1,250 this is a steal.
GaryH –
The device is very powerful for the size, at the price I paid 1,099usd, I would recommend it for desktop replacement use. It is amazing for portable gaming and heavier college work(Cisco packet tracer).However there are some drawback, one being the magnesium frame/chassis gets very hot if not propped up for airflow, in addition the fans get uncomfortably loud very quickly; anything outside of web browsing will spin up the fans to max.
with all of that being said it makes a great gaming laptop that can double duty as a desktop/workstation. This is not a viable setup for going to class or any public space where noise is an issue.
Another thing not mentioned is that the keyboard is phenomenal, one of the best laptop keyboards I’ve used, beats out a t470 thinkpad
SuzB –
First time spending over 1k on a laptop. Does everything I need it to do. I love the keyboard–it lights up and changes colors. Size is great, not too big or too small. Havent had time to properly game with it yet but so far it runs everything with no issue.
Only thing about it that was slightly annoying is that it only has one USB port, where my old laptop had 2. This was easily rectified by getting a cheap USB dock, so now I can plug in my wireless mouse, microphone, and capture card at the same time, the laptop has no issue with detecting them.
Overall extremely pleased with it and I’m happy I decided to buy it.
Emanuel01 –
I was a little bit skeptical when getting a gaming laptop, because I mainly use normal PC’s or consoles for gaming, but I came across this laptop, and it grabbed my eye with its keyboard, and then I looks at the specs and its price and took it.
I’ve been with it for two years now and it’s still worth the buy. The only gripe is its battery life, but performance wise is a beast. I would get it again if I saw it on sale.
ShashankGuda –
The MSI Stealth 14 is a powerhouse gaming laptop packed into a sleek, ultra-thin chassis. Weighing just 3.3 lbs and measuring 0.63″ thick, it’s remarkably portable for a machine with this much horsepower under the hood.
Powering the Stealth 14 is Intel’s latest 13th Gen Core i7-13620H processor, a 10-core CPU that delivers blazing fast performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking. It’s complemented by 16GB of RAM which provides plenty of memory headroom. For graphics, it has NVIDIA’s brand new RTX 4060 GPU with 8GB of dedicated VRAM. This cutting-edge GPU enables ultra settings and ray tracing in most games at 1080p resolution.
The 14″ display impresses with its 165Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. Games look buttery smooth and crisp on this panel. It covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut as well for excellent color accuracy. The slim bezels give it a modern look too.
Storage comes from a speedy 1TB NVMe SSD that loads games quickly. Ports include USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and an audio combo jack. MSI even includes a nice touch with per-key RGB backlighting on the keyboard.
While battery life is average on this type of high-powered gaming laptop, the Stealth 14 otherwise delivers incredible performance in a incredibly light and portable package. It’s an ideal option for gamers and creators who want desktop-grade power they can easily take on the go. The vibrant “Star Blue” color scheme looks great too.