What To Know
- The lack of a dedicated graphics card limits the gaming performance of the MSI Modern 14, especially for demanding titles.
- Gaming on the MSI Modern 14 will significantly reduce battery life, so it is recommended to plug in the laptop when gaming for extended periods.
- The MSI Modern 14 is a versatile laptop that can handle some gaming, but its capabilities are limited by the lack of a dedicated graphics card.
The MSI Modern 14 is a sleek and portable laptop that has gained popularity for its versatility and performance. However, many users have wondered if the MSI Modern 14 is capable of handling gaming. In this blog post, we will delve into the gaming capabilities of the MSI Modern 14, exploring its hardware specifications, benchmark results, and real-world gaming performance.
Hardware Specifications: The Foundation for Gaming
At the heart of the MSI Modern 14 lies its hardware configuration, which plays a crucial role in determining its gaming capabilities. The latest models of the MSI Modern 14 come equipped with the following specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i7-1165G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Memory: 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD
While the Intel Iris Xe Graphics is not a dedicated graphics card, it offers improved gaming performance compared to previous integrated graphics solutions. It features 80 execution units and a clock speed of up to 1.3GHz.
Benchmark Results: Quantifying Gaming Performance
To assess the gaming performance of the MSI Modern 14, we turn to benchmark results. These tests provide objective measures of the laptop’s capabilities in various games.
- 3DMark Time Spy: A synthetic benchmark that measures overall graphics performance. The MSI Modern 14 scores around 1200 points, indicating moderate gaming capabilities.
- PCMark 10 Gaming: A benchmark that simulates real-world gaming scenarios. The MSI Modern 14 achieves a score of approximately 4000 points, suggesting decent gaming performance for casual and indie titles.
Real-World Gaming Performance: Putting It to the Test
Benchmark results provide valuable insights, but real-world gaming experiences can vary. We tested the MSI Modern 14 with several popular games to assess its actual performance:
- League of Legends: The MSI Modern 14 can run League of Legends smoothly at high settings, maintaining a stable frame rate of around 60 FPS.
- Fortnite: Fortnite can be played at medium settings with a playable frame rate of approximately 30 FPS.
- Apex Legends: Apex Legends is playable on low settings, but frame rates may fluctuate and drop below 30 FPS in intense firefights.
- Cyberpunk 2077: While Cyberpunk 2077 is demanding, the MSI Modern 14 can run it at the lowest settings with reduced resolution. However, performance will be limited and the experience may not be optimal.
Limitations and Considerations
While the MSI Modern 14 is capable of handling some games, it is important to note its limitations:
- Dedicated Graphics: The lack of a dedicated graphics card limits the gaming performance of the MSI Modern 14, especially for demanding titles.
- Thermal Throttling: Under sustained gaming loads, the MSI Modern 14 may experience thermal throttling, which can result in reduced performance.
- Battery Life: Gaming on the MSI Modern 14 will significantly reduce battery life, so it is recommended to plug in the laptop when gaming for extended periods.
Optimizing Gaming Performance
To optimize gaming performance on the MSI Modern 14, consider the following tips:
- Update Drivers: Keep your graphics drivers updated to ensure optimal performance.
- Lower Graphics Settings: Reduce graphics settings in games to improve frame rates.
- Use Performance Mode: Enable performance mode in the BIOS to prioritize performance over battery life.
- Use an External Monitor: Connect an external monitor with a higher refresh rate to improve gaming visuals and reduce input lag.
Gaming Alternatives: Laptops with Dedicated Graphics
If you are looking for a laptop with better gaming performance, consider the following alternatives that feature dedicated graphics cards:
- MSI Stealth 15M: A compact gaming laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15: A thin and light gaming laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070.
- Lenovo Legion 5 Pro: A powerful gaming laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080.
Summary: A Versatile Laptop with Gaming Potential
The MSI Modern 14 is a versatile laptop that can handle some gaming, but its capabilities are limited by the lack of a dedicated graphics card. For casual gaming and indie titles, the MSI Modern 14 performs adequately. However, demanding games may require lower settings and reduced resolutions. If gaming is a primary concern, consider laptops with dedicated graphics cards for optimal performance.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can the MSI Modern 14 run all games?
A: No, the MSI Modern 14 is not suitable for running all games, especially demanding titles.
Q: What games can I play on the MSI Modern 14?
A: The MSI Modern 14 can run casual games and indie titles smoothly, but performance may vary for more demanding games.
Q: How can I improve gaming performance on the MSI Modern 14?
A: Update drivers, lower graphics settings, enable performance mode, and use an external monitor.
