MSI’s new content creation laptops are all-in on AI

MSI is adding new models and AI features to its roster of PCs aimed at on-the-go content creators.

The new lineup consists of four models in all. The MSI Creator Z17 HX Studio is the first cab off the rank. It’s biggest claim to fame is that it features a new vapour chamber that promises to the hardware here to reach heights that are unmatched by the rest of the range when it comes to performance. Add to that a 17-inch screen with QHD+ resolution and spec configurations that go up an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, it’s clearly the biggest and best content creation machine that MSI has to offer here.

That said, one thing that it doesn’t have is an OLED screen backed by a Mini-LED backlight. If that’s something you want, you’ll have to look at the new Creator 16 AI Studio. The 16-inch OLED display found here doesn’t skimp on specs, with UHD+ resolution plus 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut support. Under the hood, the Creator 16 AI Studio is powered by Intel’s new Core Ultra 9 processors and comes kitted out with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM plus your choice of either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090. It’s no slouches when it comes to ports and features either, with two USB-C ports, a quad-speaker audio system, a backlit keyboard, HDMI 2.1 output and more. Despite the laundry list of inclusions (and a 99Whr battery) the whole thing weighs just under 2g.

By contrast, the MSI Creator M14 and Creator M16 HX fill some of the gaps between these two high-end options. Rather than an OLED screen, the latter opts for a 16-inch IPS one clocked at 240Hz. Like the Creator Z16 HX, it runs on up to an Intel Core i9 processor paired with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and up to a 4070 series Nvidia GPU. It’s the alternative for those who don’t mind skimping on some of the perks and premium features seen in the two laptops mentioned above but want the same kind of high-performance parts.

Meanwhile, the MSI Creator M14 is aimed at content creators who are willing to sacrifice even more of that performance in exchange for a smaller and more compact form factor. This laptop is built around a 14-inch 2.8K IPS display with 100% DCI-P3 colour. Under the hood, it runs on Intel’s Core i7-13620H processor, up to 64GB of RAM and either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 or 4050 GPU. 

Of course, the hardware here is only half the story. Since MSI’s latest lot of content creation laptops come equipped with Intel’s new Core processors, they all feature a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) that's designed to handle AI-adjacent workloads. According to Intel, its Core Ultra processors offers a 70% improvement in generative AI performance versus previous Intel processors. To make use of those gains, MSI’s new machines come armed with a suite of new generative AI features that cover everything from performance optimisation to noise cancellation and content creation.

For example, there’s a native offline text-to-image service called AI Artist. According to MSI, this more native approach eliminates both the network latency and data leakage risks of other platforms, while “offering additional features like image-to-image, image-to-text, and exporting layered PSD files for Photoshop editing, greatly boosting productivity for content creators.”

MSI's executive vice president for its notebook business unit Eric Kuo framed the move as a natural response to the broader AI moment in the tech world.

“We are excited to delve into AI, especially with how prevalent it is today,” he said.

Australian pricing and availability for the above laptops are to be determined but expect to see them roll out locally over the first six months of 2024. An MSI spokesperson recommended those keen to pick one up should keep an eye on the official website.