Summary
- The MSI Alpha 17 and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 are both available at similar price points, depending on the specific configuration.
- If you prefer a more aggressive design and a slightly lower price point, the ROG Strix G17 is a great option.
- Both the Alpha 17 and the ROG Strix G17 have effective cooling systems, but the Alpha 17 has a slightly more robust system with six heat pipes….
In the realm of high-performance gaming laptops, the MSI Alpha 17 and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 stand as two formidable contenders. Both boasting exceptional specs and features, these machines are designed to deliver an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience. But which one emerges victorious in the ultimate showdown? Let’s delve into the details to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Alpha 17 exudes a sleek and professional aesthetic, with its brushed aluminum chassis and minimalistic design. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix G17 embraces a more aggressive and gamer-centric look, featuring sharp angles and vibrant RGB lighting. Both laptops are well-built and sturdy, ensuring durability during intense gaming sessions.
Display
The Alpha 17 boasts a 17.3-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate, providing exceptional clarity and smoothness for fast-paced games. The ROG Strix G17 offers a similar 17.3-inch QHD display, but with a slightly lower 165Hz refresh rate. While both displays deliver vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, the Alpha 17’s higher refresh rate gives it an edge in competitive gaming.
Performance
Under the hood, the Alpha 17 packs a powerful Intel Core i9-12900HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. The ROG Strix G17 features a comparable Intel Core i9-12900H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. In terms of performance, both laptops are on par, delivering exceptional frame rates and handling demanding games with ease.
Cooling and Battery Life
The Alpha 17 employs a robust cooling system with six heat pipes and two fans, ensuring optimal heat dissipation under heavy load. The ROG Strix G17 also features an effective cooling system with four heat pipes and two fans. As for battery life, the Alpha 17 has a slightly larger 90Wh battery compared to the ROG Strix G17’s 80Wh battery. However, both laptops offer similar battery life, lasting around 4-5 hours on average use.
Features and Connectivity
The Alpha 17 comes equipped with a Thunderbolt 4 port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The ROG Strix G17 offers a similar range of connectivity options, including a Thunderbolt 4 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Both laptops also feature built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Alpha 17 features a full-size RGB backlit keyboard with per-key lighting and a dedicated number pad. The ROG Strix G17 also boasts a full-size RGB backlit keyboard, but with a more minimalist design and larger arrow keys. Both keyboards offer a comfortable typing experience, and the RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization. The touchpads on both laptops are spacious and responsive, providing a good alternative to an external mouse.
Price and Availability
The MSI Alpha 17 and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 are both available at similar price points, depending on the specific configuration. The Alpha 17 typically starts at around $2,000, while the ROG Strix G17 starts at around $1,800. Both laptops are widely available at major retailers and online stores.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Choice
The MSI Alpha 17 and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 are both exceptional gaming laptops that offer a premium gaming experience. While they share many similarities in terms of performance and features, there are subtle differences that may sway your decision. If you prioritize a high refresh rate display, the Alpha 17 is the clear choice. If you prefer a more aggressive design and a slightly lower price point, the ROG Strix G17 is a great option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which laptop has the better processor?
Both the MSI Alpha 17 and the ASUS ROG Strix G17 feature powerful Intel Core i9 processors, so their performance is comparable.
2. Which laptop has the longer battery life?
The MSI Alpha 17 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the ROG Strix G17, but the battery life of both laptops is similar.
3. Which laptop has the best cooling system?
Both the Alpha 17 and the ROG Strix G17 have effective cooling systems, but the Alpha 17 has a slightly more robust system with six heat pipes compared to the ROG Strix G17’s four heat pipes.
4. Which laptop has the better keyboard?
The keyboards on both laptops are comfortable and responsive, but the Alpha 17 has a dedicated number pad, which may be preferred by some users.
5. Which laptop is more affordable?
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 typically has a slightly lower starting price than the MSI Alpha 17.