In recent years, MSI has established a strong reputation for its industry-leading gaming notebooks and also offers a robust Workstation series for professionals.
\nWith the recent exhibiting of the PS42 at Computex 2018 in Taipei, MSI now sets its sights on providing premium laptops for those who prioritize portability without a sacrifice in performance.
\nAt just over a kilogram with a chic metal chassis as well as a gorgeous narrow bezel design, let\u2019s delve into a closer look at the PS42.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/49mC9J7.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The PS42 belongs to the Prestige series and is a newly-designed model.
\nThe silver hair-brushed metallic chassis is not only classy but also less susceptible to fingerprints.
\nIts dimensions are 322 x 222 x 15.9 mm at a weight of only 1.19 kg with a discrete graphics card (MX150).
\nThe electronic scale weighs the PS42 to be 1203 grams, though this is likely due to systematic error.
\nWhile this is very light for a 14-inch notebook, there are other models that are even lighter.
\nHowever, the PS42\u2019s metallic chassis is strong enough that, when pressed, does not give; the PS42 achieves a balance in weight and durability.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/nNUDV8J.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
An MSI Dragon Shield Logo on the A-side painted in an understated silver.
\nExhausts are towards the rear on both the left and right sides of the chassis; the PS42 contains 2 fans and 3 heat pipes.
\nThe rotating shafts are on the left and right edges of the A side, allowing a large opening angle.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/e5nT4T6.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The B-side is mainly black while the C-side is silver like the A- and B-sides.
\nThe webcam is below the B-side screen, similar to the design on the DELL XPS 13.
\nThe webcam\u2019s angle isn\u2019t optimal, though at 30fps@720p, its video isn\u2019t choppy.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/60cA7Cb.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The upper, left and right sides feature the narrow-bezel design at only 5.7mm.
\nThe 14 \u2013inch, IPS-level matte screen sports a resolution of 1920 x 1080; the screen ratio is approximately 80%
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/pP1f9ur.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The C-side is predominantly dedicated to the keyboard. Each key has a white backlight which can be turned on or off.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/ShUMwVe.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The power button is centered above the keyboard while the small holes arranged horizontally are designed for the cooling system.
\nThe keyboard feedback is slightly soft but it is above-average in terms of thin laptops.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/N5ednHn.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The touchpad has excellent sensitivity.
\nThe scissor-switch design requires a harder press for precise response.
\nThe black rectangle to the upper-left of the touchpad is for fingerprint identification, a function that is only available on higher-end business laptops.
\nWith Windows Hello, unlocking your laptop is highly convenient.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/YlqrTX4.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
I\/O ports on the right.
\nLeft to right: Kensington lock \/ SD card reader \/ USB3.1 Gen1 Type-C \/ 2 X USB3.1 Gen1 Type-A.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/sRYbgnd.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
I\/O ports on the left.
\nLeft to right: power input \/ HDMI \/ USB3.1 Gen1 Type-C \/ Audio Combo.
\nThree indicators: power, battery, and Wi-Fi.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/dwsrgdo.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The PS42 can be opened to a maximum degree of 180.
\nSharing images and information in a meeting is easy.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/amhZN60.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Take a look at D-side, the internal cooling module is aided by a large area of ventilation to improve heat dissipation.
\nThe stereo speakers are located at the left and right sides below the touchpad.
\nFive rubber feet are evenly distributed at the bottom with enough thickness to benefit heat dissipation.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/WZyindX.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The 4-cell battery is built-in and non-removable, running at 50Whr.
\nThe power adapter charges at 65W; compact at only 213 grams, it is easily portable.
\nThe PS442\u2019s single DDR4 slot supports up to 16GB \u2013 this is a design shared by many ultra-thin models.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/eEZVZ6s.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
MSI’s exclusive software in its Gaming series is among its strength; lately, it has experienced customization.
\nThe Prestige series with its exclusive software has been anticipated.
\nThe PS42 adopts the latest version of Dragon Center 2.0, with the color scheme now black and white instead of the black and red in the Gaming series.
\nThe desktop can be seen through the translucent software window; the System Monitor displays the current hardware status.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/vbuwIVk.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The System Tuner page is the same as that on gaming notebooks.
\nThe adjustment page for DPI, hardware performance, fan speed and screen color settings.
\nThere are 4 sets of original environment settings as well as 2 sets of user-defined settings for the user to adjust the settings according to his preferences.
\nShift has four performance modes: Turbo (GPU overclocking), Sport, ECO, and Power options.
\nFan Speed has the modes of Auto, Basic, Advanced, and Cooler Boost.
\nA wealth of options is offered for both performance and cooling, so the PS42\u2019s appeals not only in its business look but also in its performance adjustability.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/vbuwIVk.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
MSI True Color
\nThis feature is also available on the Gaming series and is mainly used to adjust screen colors.
\nI feel that the accuracy of screen colors may be more important for business purposes.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/jDORopx.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
True Color provides six modes which can each be slightly adjusted.
\nUsers with high requirements for drawing and image processing,
\ncan not only save their money on a color-calibration device but also utilize more functions.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/0O5R3nk.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The PS42 supports Nahimic 3 technology and also offers MSI’s own audio software interface.
\nAlthough many thin laptops are weak in terms of audio and related software, MSI employs its expertise in gaming, extrapolating great sound to the PS42.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/LHvSgOW.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The following describes my personal listening experience and is subjective. I compared the PS42 to the Ultrabook.
\nWhen the speaker is turned up to 60%, the volume is somewhat above-average. When it is turned up to 100%, the volume is decently loud.
\nHigh frequencies \u2013 excellent detail though lacking in punch
\nMiddle frequencies – The resolution is very good. When listening to songs, fullness is lacking; the overall performance is still above standard
\nLow frequencies – low frequency sound is clear; heavy bass is booming
\nIf I compare this PS42 to some Ultrabooks that I’ve shared before.
\nInserting a premium speak system into a thin laptop is challenging.
\nThe overall audio experience on the PS42 is excellent among the light and thin models.
\nMore fullness on the middle frequencies as well as a wider sound field would great improve this system.<\/p>\n
The microphone also has more features than most of the thin and light notebooks.
\nIt is more convenient for users who have video conferencing or business needs.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/ofL4a6g.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
In the high-end gaming notebook market, other than DELL Alienware\u2019s exclusive software, I personally think that a program with rich features and an exquisite layout is MSI\u2019s Dragon Center 2.0.
\nThe PS42 also supports Dragon Center 2.0, and the added value will be much better than similar-level products.
\nAfter personally testing many DELL notebooks and HP Ultrabooks, the software support for those models is much weaker than that for the PS42.<\/p>\n
MSI PS42 equipped with Intel 8th gen. Core i7-8550U, TDP 10~25W.
\nThe base clock is 1.8Ghz, and the maximum overclocking can reach 4.0Ghz (this performance can be achieved with a single core).
\nThe following is the multifaceted performance test of PS42:
\nCINEBENCH R15
\nCPU => 534 cb
\nCPU (Single Core) => 162 cb
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/wI4seiS.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
CPUZ 1.86.0
\nSingle Core => 397
\n6C12T Multi Core => 1653
\nFritz Chess Benchmark => 21.71\/10421
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/MEfdgBU.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Geekbench 4
\nSingle-Core Score => 4733
\nMulti-Core Score => 11643
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/QfuW3uO.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
FRYRENDER
\nRunning Time => 6m 27s
\nx265 Benchmark 2.1.0 => 18.71 FPS
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/UCMhbjx.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
PCMARK => 3786
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/vkGi7Mb.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Unti and including the 7th generation, Intel\u2019s i7 processors for ultra-thin notebooks consist of 2 cores and 4 threads.
\nSince the 8th generation, the i7 processors on Ultrabooks have consisted of 4 cores, 8 threads.
\nAudio and video purposes such as conversion and editing have experienced great performance improvements.
\nI have previously tested the Ultrabook featuring the i7-8650U \u2013 the higher clock speed pushes its performance a little higher.
\nHowever, the MSI PS42, equipped with the i5-8550U, has good performance and renders the price more affordable.<\/p>\n
The storage device is a 512G M.2 PCIe Gen.3 SSD slot
\nAnd the SSD that this PS42 is equipped with is SAMSUNG MZVLB512HAJQ
\nAS SSD Benchmark – 3547
\nSeq Read – 2418.72 MB\/s\uff0cWrite – 1798.45 MB\/s
\n4K – 64Thrd Read – 1059.46 MB\/s\uff0cWrite – 1238.36 MB\/s
\nCrystalDiskMark
\nSeq Read – 3340.5 MB\/s\uff0cWrite – 1900.2 MB\/s
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/nDnRqIq.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
This SSD model is PM981, which is also the new SSD of SAMSUNG.
\nTemperature and performance performs well.
\nMost of the power saving options of BIOS can be turned off, so 4K performance will be lower.
\nIn the field of notebooks, PM981 is a very efficient M.2 SSD.
\nIn addition, many notebooks of other brands have different SSD models for different regions, periods or versions.
\nThe PS42 may also have other SSDs of other brands, and the speed will vary from specification to specification.<\/p>\n
The difference between the two versions of PS42 is the NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5.
\nExcept for that, other hardware configurations are almost the same, of course, the price will be different.
\nThis article is the NVIDIA MX 150 standard edition which we used to test 3D performance.
\n3DMARK Fire Strike => 3235
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/0caFAT1.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
UNIGINE 2
\n1080P MEDIUM => 2465
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/ek9VnE6.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Dota2, this game has been purchased around 2012, and there are still some people playing this game.
\n1920 x 1080, all the setting is best, begin with the character setting – 152 FPS
\nGet into the game at the beginning – 71 FPS
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/FkshpT1.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
League of Legends
\n1920 x 1080, all the 3D setting is pretty high, get into the game at the beginning – 211 FPS
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/VdItgqa.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
PAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS
\n1280 X 720, 3D setting is medium, begin with the character setting – 48 FPS
\nAdd, 3D setting is ultra, begin with the character setting – 31 FPS
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/haPkY3k.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
The NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 is close to the GeForce GT 1030 and is capable of dealing with all kinds of entry 3D games.
\nSome games that require mid-level or higher 3D performance need to lower resolution or decrease special effects.
\nBut there is also a chance to have the smoother experience.
\nCompared to the Intel UHD Graphics 620, in most scenarios, the MX 150 is about 60-200% higher in 3D performance, making the PS42 more capable.
\nIf you have the need for 3D modeling or drawing, it would be better to choose the MX 150 version.
\nAnd if you have the sufficient budget, it is recommended to directly go for the MX150 version to avoid that Intel Graphics 620 occupies the memory.
\nBecause in the long-term, if Intel Graphics 620 occupies too much of the memory, the smoothness will drop.<\/p>\n
Burn-In test, the power setting is balance, the temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius.
\nWe turn on the Cooler Boost to run LinX 0.6.5, when the CPU really kicks into overdrive, the temperature is about 72-74 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature is 85 degrees Celsius for a moment.
\nAnd if we turn down the Cooler Boost to run LinX 0.6.5, when the CPU really kicks into overdrive, the temperature is about 78-81 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature is 86 degrees Celsius for a moment. [IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/LqsJSnM.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Although the Intel CPU will be much lower at the full clock, the CPU temperature performs well.
\nTurn off the Cooler Boost at full speed, the noise is a bit high-pitched, but the volume is quite low.
\nTurn on the Cooler Boost at full speed, the noise increases, but compared with other models, the volume of noise is only a bit louder.<\/p>\n
When we run FurMark and turn on the Cooler Boost, the highest temperature is 87 degrees Celsius once.
\nWhen we turn off the Cooler Boost and run FurMark, the highest temperature could be 92 degrees Celsius once.
\n[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/u872vKU.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
According to the comparison above, we can see the difference between with MSI Cooler Boost 3 and without it.
\nThe temperature performance of the CPU is quite satisfied, and the GPU is quite good in terms of thin and light models.
\nEspecially the noise volume, people will be amazed that the volume isn\u2019t loud, but it will be better, if the pitch of the noise could be mid- or low frequency.
\nDuring the burn-in test, the exhausts on the C-side are about 38-40 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature of the exhausts behind is about 42 degrees Celsius.
\nThe highest temperature of the exhausts on the D-side is about 52 degrees Celsius, the temperature performance of PS42 is pretty good in terms of thin and light models.<\/p>\n
In terms of the battery lifetime, the power setting is set to be balance mode, and battery setting is set to save power.
\nOfficially advertises that the battery lifetime of the PS42 is up to 10 hours, but that may be only under the circumstances like some paperwork or online browsing.<\/p>\n
Summarize all the features and advantages parts of MSI Prestige PS42 8RB
\n1. The appearance is designed with metallic hair-brushed, and that helps in improving the texture and aesthetic design.
\n2. 14-inch with narrow bezel design could make PS42 roughly as small as the other 13-inch laptops, and a discrete graphics card within a 1.2 kg laptop.
\n3. The 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U Processor has the 4 cores, 4 threads architecture that allows multiplex performance to be much better than the 7th Generation Intel i7 Processors with the 2C4T architecture.
\n4. The performance of MX150 graphics card in 3D modeling is much better than the Intel UHD 620 graphics.
\n5. The interface of Dragon Center 2.0 is very fine, the functions plus the ability of software integration are great as well.
\n6. The MX150 version with Cooler Boost 3 which has two fans on both right- and left side plus 3 heat pipes.
\n7. The exclusive Nahimic 3 sound software has more sufficient functions than the thin and light notebooks of other brands.
\n8. It\u2019s pretty ingenious to put a fingerprint sensor which is usually seen in the mid- and high-end business notebooks on the touchpad.
\n9. The 65W transformer is small in size and light in weight, improving the convenience of carrying out.<\/p>\n
The part that can be improved in the future
\n1. It will be more convenient if the webcam is at the top of the screen.
\n2. Although the noise of the fan is not loud, it will be better if it is a low frequency.<\/p>\n
[IMG]https:\/\/imgur.com\/UEVswdU.jpg[\/IMG]<\/p>\n
Performance \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 90\/100
\nMaterial \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606 88\/100
\nPrice \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606 90\/100
\nAppearance \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606 86\/100
\nCost\u2013performance ratio \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606\u2606 83\/100<\/p>\n
Finally, MSI launches the mid- and high-end thin and light laptop. Besides PS42, there\u2019s the P65 which is lately launched.
\nMSI also applies the concept of gaming to the PS42, which has more features than many thin and light laptops of other brands.
\nThere are quite a number of laptops which price is between $1,000-1,300 on the market.
\nConsumers need to compare more while choosing.
\nThe narrow bezel design in14-inch with thin and light chassis, it\u2019s only around 1.2kg, and have a MX150 graphics card get to choose.
\nIn terms of chassis design, the PS42 is really great, of course, there are still some flaws needed to be improved.
\nAnd if compared with 13-inch thin and light laptops that I\u2019ve shared, like DELL Latitude, XPS 13 or HP Spectre 13.
\nPS42 is quite great actually. Moreover, the prices of the three laptops above are higher.
\nIf the budget is sufficient, and you happen to need a mid-and high-end ultra-thin, business purpose, image drawing, film transfer, that can be easily carried.
\nThen MSI PS42 should be a worthwhile option to be in the purchase list.<\/p>\n
This article also shared on my personal Facebook -[URL=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/windwithme”]Windwithme WWM[\/URL]
\nIf this article helps you to know more about this product, please feel free to click like to encourage me.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"