Gaming laptops are too expensive right now, but this one’s a good value
Summary
Amidst a period of elevated gaming laptop prices driven by increased RAM and storage costs, the MSI Katana laptop emerges as a notable value proposition. Available for \$1,133.67 on Amazon, this model features a 15.6-inch 1440p display with a 165Hz refresh rate, an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU, an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The laptop offers robust connectivity, including three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with video output, an HDMI 2.1 port supporting up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, Ethernet, and a headphone jack. It also provides upgrade flexibility, supporting up to 96GB of 6,000MHz DDR5 RAM across two user-accessible slots, though it has only one M.2 SSD slot.
Key takeaway
For gamers or professionals seeking a new laptop amidst high component costs, you should prioritize models offering strong value and upgrade potential. The MSI Katana, priced at \$1,133.67, provides a solid 1440p/165Hz display and an RTX 5060 GPU, making it a compelling option. Consider its 96GB RAM upgrade capacity and diverse port selection to ensure it meets your long-term performance and connectivity requirements, especially if you plan to extend its lifespan.
Key insights
The current gaming laptop market is expensive, making value-oriented models like the MSI Katana noteworthy.
Principles
- Component cost fluctuations impact retail pricing.
- User-accessible upgrade slots extend device longevity.
- High refresh rate displays enhance gaming experience.
In practice
- Prioritize upgradeable RAM for future-proofing.
- Compare port configurations for connectivity needs.
- Seek 1440p/165Hz displays for better visuals.
Topics
- Gaming Laptops
- MSI Katana
- NVIDIA RTX 5060
- DDR5 RAM
- PC Hardware Pricing
- Laptop Upgrades
Best for: General Interest
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.