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MSI Creator 15 Laptop Review: A bright 4K display for Content Creators

99-Wh battery. The MSI Creator 15 is directed at creative users but might also be interesting for gamers. The RTX GPU plus two RAID SSDs provide sufficient speed and graphics performance for it. Find out what kind of performance you can expect from this combination with Intel's Core i7-10875H and 16 GB of RAM in our review.
MSI Creator 15 A10SF

MSI have updated their content creator series with a new device: the Creator 15. While this isn't equipped with a mini LED display, such as the one on the Creator 17, it still its a lot more modern compared to the similar P65 Creator 9SF. The Creator 15 is equipped with a Core i7-10875H - an Intel CPU of the 10th generation - and the well-known Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q as well as 16 GB of RAM and two 1-TB RAID SSDs.

We will be comparing the MSI Creator 15 to the devices listed below. You can add further devuces from our database to the comparison beneath every graph.

MSI Creator 15 (Creator 15 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-10875H 8 x 2.3 - 5.1 GHz, Comet Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 900 MHz, Memory: 1375 MHz, NVIDIA 442.94
Memory
16 GB 
, Dual-Channel
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 3840 x 2160 pixel 220 PPI, Sharp SHP14A1, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel HM470
Storage
2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0), 2048 GB 
, 890 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Comet Lake PCH-H - cAVS
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: combined 3.5-mm audio jack, Card Reader: SD, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Ethernet Controller I225-V (10/100/1000/2500MBit/s), Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22 x 359 x 254 ( = 0.87 x 14.13 x 10 in)
Battery
99.99 Wh, 6578 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 0.9 MP, 16:9 (1280x720)
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Norton Security, MSI Creator Center, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.86 kg ( = 65.61 oz / 4.1 pounds), Power Supply: 773 g ( = 27.27 oz / 1.7 pounds)
Price
2800 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
84.7 %
10/2020
MSI Creator 15
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
1.9 kg22 mm15.60"3840x2160
85 %
06/2019
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
1.9 kg18 mm15.60"3840x2160
85.8 %
05/2020
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
2.2 kg20 mm15.60"3840x2160
86.9 %
08/2020
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
2.1 kg17.8 mm15.60"1920x1080
82.9 %
09/2020
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
2.1 kg19 mm15.60"1920x1080

Case - robust MIL-STD-810G certification

The MSI Creator 15 is a very high-quality device with good workmanship. The notebook appears to be very robust and fulfills the MIL-STD-810G requirements in terms of durability and reliability according to the manufacturer. Our test unit did not produce any creaking noises or have uneven gap dimensions. The display opens up to 180° and is held tight by the hinges. 

MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF
MSI Creator 15 A10SF

At 1.9 kg the Creator 15 is one of the lightest models in our test field. Its dimensions are very compact as well, although our competitors are even smaller, in particular in terms of depth. 

Size Comparison

359 mm / 14.1 inch 254 mm / 10 inch 22 mm / 0.866 inch 1.9 kg4.1 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 19 mm / 0.748 inch 2.1 kg4.61 lbs356 mm / 14 inch 250 mm / 9.84 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 2.2 kg4.8 lbs357 mm / 14.1 inch 247 mm / 9.72 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.9 kg4.19 lbs355 mm / 14 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 17.8 mm / 0.701 inch 2.1 kg4.73 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity - Thunderbolt 3 and fast Wi-Fi

The MSI Creator 15 offers the standard port selection, although the fact that there is only one USB Type A port means that users will need to work with adapters. These can also be used in combination with the USB Type C port while the Thunderbolt 3 can be used for a variety of applications. The ventilation holes at either side mean that the ports are pushed toward the front, which means you might have some cables in the way, depending on what you use the ports for.

Left side: ventilation, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
Left side: ventilation, Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
Right: combined 3.5-mm audio jack, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, SD card reader , GigabitLAN, ventilation
Right: combined 3.5-mm audio jack, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, SD card reader , GigabitLAN, ventilation

SD card reader

The SD card reader in the MSI Creator 15 reaches very good speeds of 222 MB/s when copying and 217 MB/s when writing data in combination with our reference card Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
MSI Creator 15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
222 MB/s
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
204 MB/s -8%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
200.4 MB/s -10%
Average of class Multimedia
  (17.6 - 205, n=61, last 2 years)
93 MB/s -58%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
243 MB/s +12%
MSI Creator 15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
217 MB/s
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
197.2 MB/s -9%
Average of class Multimedia
  (16.8 - 266, n=57, last 2 years)
122.4 MB/s -44%

Communication

When connecting via our reference router Netgear Nighthawk AX12, the MSI Creator 15 reaches an average 1437 MBit/s when receiving and 1497 MBit/s when sending data. This result places it at the top of our comparison field. The device is equipped with a GigabitLAN port for cable-based data transfer.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
MSI Creator 15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1497 (1349min - 1726max) MBit/s
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
1310 MBit/s -12%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1310 MBit/s -12%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1240 (619min - 1284max) MBit/s -17%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s -22%
Average of class Multimedia
  (285 - 1094, n=5, last 2 years)
789 MBit/s -47%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi
650 (629min - 713max) MBit/s -57%
iperf3 receive AX12
MSI Creator 15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1437 (1360min - 1463max) MBit/s
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1420 MBit/s -1%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1394 (843min - 1528max) MBit/s -3%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s -12%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
1170 MBit/s -19%
Average of class Multimedia
  (625 - 1675, n=5, last 2 years)
1127 MBit/s -22%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi
490 (376min - 596max) MBit/s -66%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800850900950100010501100115012001250130013501400145015001550160016501700Tooltip
MSI Creator 15 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1437 (1360-1463)
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657 Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø489 (376-596)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1393 (843-1528)
MSI Creator 15 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1497 (1349-1726)
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657 Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi; iperf3 transmit AX12: Ø650 (629-713)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1219 (619-1284)

Webcam

As with most current notebooks, the MSI Creator 15's webcam records images with a low 0.9 MP. Image content appears blurry even in good lighting and colors are lighter than they should be.

ColorChecker
6.6 ∆E
11.6 ∆E
12.7 ∆E
10 ∆E
12.7 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
9.7 ∆E
14 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
9.8 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
9 ∆E
19.9 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
18.3 ∆E
15.5 ∆E
1.2 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
11 ∆E
5.2 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
ColorChecker MSI Creator 15: 10.55 ∆E min: 1.18 - max: 19.94 ∆E

Accessories

The Creator 15 comes with a 230-Watt AC adapter. Buyers can purchase additional accessories such as a physical mouse, keyboards and more from the MSI website.

Maintenance

The base unit of the MSI Creator 15 can be opened by removing all the screws. Users then have access to the two SSD slots and the two RAM banks. The Wi-Fi module can be exchanged as well.

MSI Creator 15 A10SF - maintenance options
MSI Creator 15 A10SF - maintenance options

Warranty

MSI provides buyers of the Creator 15 with a 24 month warranty which can be extended for an additional charge.

Input Devices - large clickpad enables precise input

Keyboard

The keyboard of the MSI Creator 15 has large keys and a significant pressure point. This makes for comfortable typing. Even the arrow keys and delete, insert and position keys are normally sized. The only thing that takes a bit of getting used to is the horizontally divided enter key.

The three-tier backlighting enables users to light up the keys in dark surroundings. The light doesn't dazzle and illuminates the keys evenly, ensuring readability of the lettering. This, by the way, is easy to read even when the backlight is turned off.

Touchpad

MSI has chosen to install a very wide clickpad with a surface that is ideal for navigation. The integrated fingerprint sensor doesn't get in the way and clicks can be actuated reliably both by touch and by mechanical pressure.

MSi Creator 15 - clickpad
MSi Creator 15 - clickpad
MSi Creator 15 - keyboard
MSi Creator 15 - keyboard
MSi Creator 15 - backlighting
MSi Creator 15 - backlighting

Display - MSI Creator 15 with UHD display

Subpixel
Subpixel

The screen of our test unit of the MSI Creator 15 consists of a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The brightness of 464 cd/m² positions it at the top of our comparison field while the brightness distribution is comparably low at 86 percent. Our measurements also show that the display flickers at brightness levels below 20 percent with a frequency of 25000 Hz. As this value is very high, even users with sensitive eyes shouldn't have any problems.

Alternatively, the Creator 15 is available with a FullHD panel that is optionally available as a touchscreen.

461
cd/m²
475
cd/m²
467
cd/m²
403
cd/m²
464
cd/m²
416
cd/m²
434
cd/m²
451
cd/m²
445
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Sharp SHP14A1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 475 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 446.2 cd/m² Minimum: 24 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 463 cd/m²
Contrast: 1326:1 (Black: 0.35 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.39 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.97 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
100% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
75% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
84.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
99.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
85.4% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.23
MSI Creator 15
Sharp SHP14A1, IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
AU Optronics AUO41EB, IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Samsung SDCA029, OLED, 3840x2160, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
AU Optronics B156HAN12.0, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
B156HAN12.0 (AUOBC8C), IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Display
5%
11%
-12%
-11%
Display P3 Coverage
85.4
84.4
-1%
99.9
17%
69.4
-19%
69.7
-18%
sRGB Coverage
99.7
100
0%
100
0%
98.8
-1%
99.7
0%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
84.9
98.5
16%
98.2
16%
70.5
-17%
71.1
-16%
Response Times
24%
31%
89%
78%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
62 ?(32, 30)
51 ?(24, 27)
18%
2.2 ?(1, 1.2)
96%
3.2 ?(1.4, 1.8)
95%
14 ?(6.8, 7.2)
77%
Response Time Black / White *
44 ?(26, 18)
31 ?(18, 13)
30%
1.8 ?(1, 0.8)
96%
8 ?(4, 4)
82%
9.6 ?(5.2, 4.4)
78%
PWM Frequency
25000 ?(20)
60 ?(80)
-100%
Screen
-20%
13%
-12%
-4%
Brightness middle
464
445
-4%
385
-17%
345.4
-26%
283
-39%
Brightness
446
462
4%
390
-13%
342
-23%
289
-35%
Brightness Distribution
85
83
-2%
93
9%
90
6%
90
6%
Black Level *
0.35
0.5
-43%
0.34
3%
0.24
31%
Contrast
1326
890
-33%
1016
-23%
1179
-11%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.39
4.75
-99%
2.46
-3%
3.18
-33%
2.26
5%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6
7.79
-30%
4.01
33%
6.57
-10%
5.64
6%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.97
4.49
-13%
1.39
65%
3.8
4%
3.4
14%
Gamma
2.23 99%
2.49 88%
2.31 95%
2.15 102%
2.228 99%
CCT
6817 95%
7374 88%
6395 102%
7109 91%
7249 90%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
75
87
16%
98
31%
64.3
-14%
71
-5%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
100
100
0%
100
0%
99
-1%
93
-7%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.6
1.77
1.11
Total Average (Program / Settings)
3% / -9%
18% / 16%
22% / 2%
21% / 6%

* ... smaller is better

Color space coverage (sRGB) - 100 percent
Color space coverage (sRGB) - 100 percent
Color space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 75 percent
Color space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 75 percent

The MSI notebook offers a good contrast ratio of 1326:1 and an only slightly elevated black value of 0.35 cd/m². Combined with the good color space coverage of 100 percent (sRGB) and 75 percent (AdobeRGB) this creates vivid and clear screen content. Black screen content only has a minimal gray cast.

The preinstalled MSI Creator Center enables users to adjust the color display of the screen themselves. The standard settings show a slightly elevated proportion of blue and a DeltaE 2000 deviation of 2.39. The color profile P3, on the other hand, increases the green content and leads to a DeltaE 2000 deviation of 6.03.

CalMAN - color accuracy
CalMAN - color accuracy
CalMAN - grayscales
CalMAN - grayscales
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - color accuracy (P3)
CalMAN - color accuracy (P3)
CalMAN - grayscales (P3)
CalMAN - grayscales (P3)
CalMAN - saturation (P3)
CalMAN - saturation (P3)

The good brightness value and matte display surface make the MSI Creator 15 suitable for use outdoors.

MSI Creator 15 - outdoor use
MSI Creator 15 - outdoor use
MSI Creator 15 - outdoor use
MSI Creator 15 - outdoor use

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
44 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 26 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 98 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
62 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 32 ms rise
↘ 30 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 96 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 25000 Hz ≤ 20 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 25000 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 20 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 25000 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The IPS panel of the Creator 15 has very stable viewing angles and displays content correctly from almost every angle.

Viewing angle stability
Viewing angle stability

Performance - better performance with Comet Lake

MSI has directed its Creator 15 at users who are looking for a performative laptop for demanding applications. Performance largely depends on the selected hardware, which puts our test configuration in a promising position.

The following benchmarks were completed in the performance mode "high performance".

MSI Creator 15 - CPUz
MSI Creator 15 - CPUz
MSI Creator 15 - CPUz
MSI Creator 15 - CPUz
MSI Creator 15 - HWInfo
MSI Creator 15 - GPUz
 
 

Processor

MSI has equipped its Creator 15 with an Intel processor of the 10th generation. The octa-core Intel Core i7-10875H can work up to 16 threads simultaneously and clocks at between 2.3 and 5.1 GHz. The cooling system plays a major role in defining how long these high clock rates can be kept up. Our CineBench R15 long duration test shows that the performance of the MSI notebook does drop by about 10 percent under continuous load, but that the notebook's average performance is still better than that of other notebooks that are equipped with this CPU. The individual benchmarks' results are average. 

0100200300400500600700800900100011001200130014001500160017001800Tooltip
MSI Creator 15 Intel Core i7-10875H, Intel Core i7-10875H: Ø1660 (1639.81-1814.64)
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657 Intel Core i9-9880H, Intel Core i9-9880H: Ø1439 (1417.84-1545.36)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP Intel Core i7-10875H, Intel Core i7-10875H: Ø1573 (1544.4-1818.6)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q Intel Core i7-10875H, Intel Core i7-10875H: Ø1366 (1323.8-1373.01)
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L Intel Core i7-10875H, Intel Core i7-10875H: Ø1627 (1603.72-1663.62)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Multimedia
  (341 - 812, n=93, last 2 years)
638 Points +33%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
511 Points +6%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
488 Points +1%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (430 - 524, n=32)
486 Points +1%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
481 Points
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
456 Points -5%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
467 Points -3%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Multimedia
  (1192 - 11768, n=93, last 2 years)
5230 Points +28%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
4094 Points
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
2853 Points -30%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
3907 Points -5%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
3801 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (1986 - 4176, n=32)
3455 Points -16%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
3256 Points -20%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (142.6 - 308, n=95, last 2 years)
249 Points +24%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
213 Points +6%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (190 - 220, n=37)
204 Points +1%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
202 Points 0%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
201 Points
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Core i9-9880H
196 Points -2%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
192 Points -4%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (580 - 4703, n=102, last 2 years)
2279 Points +26%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
1818 (1544.4min - 1818.6max) Points 0%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
1815 (1639.81min - 1814.64max) Points
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
1664 (1603.72min - 1663.62max) Points -8%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (1003 - 1833, n=38)
1554 Points -14%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Core i9-9880H
1545 Points -15%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
1373 (1323.8min - 1373.01max) Points -24%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
383 Seconds *
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
279 Seconds * +27%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
333 Seconds * +13%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (259 - 535, n=30)
327 Seconds * +15%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
285 Seconds * +26%
Average of class Multimedia
  (107 - 956, n=91, last 2 years)
276 Seconds * +28%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
261 Seconds * +32%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Multimedia
  (3398 - 7163, n=86, last 2 years)
5616 MIPS +7%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
5457 MIPS +4%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (5071 - 5780, n=31)
5360 MIPS +2%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
5285 MIPS +1%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
5257 MIPS
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
5256 MIPS 0%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
5114 MIPS -3%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Average of class Multimedia
  (11813 - 119900, n=86, last 2 years)
56363 MIPS +18%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
47941 MIPS 0%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
47797 MIPS
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
36575 MIPS -23%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
47170 MIPS -1%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (29844 - 49562, n=31)
43117 MIPS -10%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
38667 MIPS -19%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Multimedia
  (926 - 2342, n=96, last 2 years)
1741 Points +35%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
1347 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (1233 - 1371, n=29)
1304 Points +1%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
1287 Points 0%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
1286 Points
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
1242 Points -3%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Multimedia
  (3307 - 23059, n=96, last 2 years)
11130 Points +38%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
8087 Points 0%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
8053 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (5715 - 8620, n=29)
7734 Points -4%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
7583 Points -6%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
7345 Points -9%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Multimedia
  (4.12 - 30.5, n=84, last 2 years)
15.3 fps
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
13.5 fps
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
13 fps
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (7.27 - 14.1, n=27)
11.7 fps
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
11 fps
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
52.4 s * -1%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
51.9 s *
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
30.2 s * +42%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (30.2 - 84.3, n=30)
50.3 s * +3%
Average of class Multimedia
  (6.7 - 84.9, n=88, last 2 years)
48.5 s * +7%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
47.1 s * +9%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
46.3 s * +11%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.662 sec *
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.589 sec * +11%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.597 sec * +10%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.583 sec * +12%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H
  (0.546 - 0.662, n=29)
0.582 sec * +12%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.547 sec * +17%
Average of class Multimedia
  (0.3826 - 0.763, n=86, last 2 years)
0.4866 sec * +26%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1815 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
161 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
201 Points
Help

System Performance

The results of the PCMark 10 system performance benchmark confirm our expectations of the MSI Creator 15. The results are slightly above average compared to the other notebooks tested with this hardware. The notebook runs smoothly at all times during everyday use without any micro freezes or similar issues. Programs start up smoothly and files and folders open quickly as well. 

Find out what performance other notebooks can offer in ouCPU benchmark list.  

PCMark 10
Score
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
6739 Points +3%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
6580 Points +1%
Average of class Multimedia
  (4039 - 8670, n=81, last 2 years)
6551 Points +1%
MSI Creator 15
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
6514 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (6263 - 6582, n=4)
6412 Points -2%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
5447 Points -16%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i9-9880H, 2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0)
5211 Points -20%
Essentials
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
10458 Points +7%
Average of class Multimedia
  (8480 - 12420, n=81, last 2 years)
10420 Points +7%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
10341 Points +6%
MSI Creator 15
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
9744 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (9117 - 10064, n=4)
9689 Points -1%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
9498 Points -3%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i9-9880H, 2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0)
8961 Points -8%
Productivity
Average of class Multimedia
  (5462 - 11186, n=81, last 2 years)
8687 Points +4%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
8503 Points +2%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
8485 Points +2%
MSI Creator 15
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
8339 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (8028 - 8469, n=4)
8300 Points 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
8200 Points -2%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i9-9880H, 2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0)
5986 Points -28%
Digital Content Creation
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
9448 Points +2%
MSI Creator 15
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
9234 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
9017 Points -2%
Average Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (8560 - 9234, n=4)
8906 Points -4%
Average of class Multimedia
  (3861 - 13548, n=81, last 2 years)
8558 Points -7%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i9-9880H, 2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0)
7161 Points -22%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
5442 Points -41%
PCMark 10 Score
6514 points
Help

DPC latencies

Our LatencyMon test shows that the MSI Creator 15 does not have any increased latencies. Only the DPC routines can take a little longer to be completed. This means that the notebook is suitable for real-time applications.

LatencyMon - statistics
LatencyMon - statistics
LatencyMon - driver
LatencyMon - driver
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
7107 μs * -2747%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
1877 μs * -652%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
1768 μs * -608%
MSI Creator 15
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
249.6 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Storage Devices

MSI has equipped our test unit with two 1-TB SSDs from Western Digital which are configured as RAID. They reach good reading and writing speeds that can compete with comparable storage devices. The Creator 15 is positioned in the center field in terms of storage performance compared to today's comparison devices.

Find out what performance to expect from other storage devices in ouHDD / SSD benchmark list.  

MSI Creator 15
2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
Average 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
10%
4%
2%
-8%
10%
Write 4K
134.4
105.6
-21%
127.4
-5%
139.8
4%
127.4
-5%
136.7 ?(116.4 - 159.2, n=3)
2%
Read 4K
45.7
46.32
1%
147.5
223%
48.62
6%
46.38
1%
47.2 ?(43.9 - 51.9, n=3)
3%
Write Seq
2480
2910
17%
485.9
-80%
2260
-9%
2034
-18%
2841 ?(2480 - 3115, n=3)
15%
Read Seq
2583
2820
9%
1352
-48%
2135
-17%
2172
-16%
2626 ?(1997 - 3298, n=3)
2%
Write 4K Q32T1
351.8
545
55%
476.5
35%
499.3
42%
413.7
18%
404 ?(352 - 468, n=3)
15%
Read 4K Q32T1
526
632
20%
531
1%
552
5%
354
-33%
513 ?(475 - 538, n=3)
-2%
Write Seq Q32T1
3227
3349
4%
1061
-67%
2960
-8%
3063
-5%
3640 ?(3227 - 4331, n=3)
13%
Read Seq Q32T1
3491
3333
-5%
2552
-27%
3269
-6%
3396
-3%
4598 ?(3491 - 6746, n=3)
32%
AS SSD
2%
-35%
-13%
12%
-5%
Seq Read
3015
2860
-5%
1200
-60%
1957
-35%
2714
-10%
3466 ?(2406 - 4978, n=3)
15%
Seq Write
2742
2604
-5%
836
-70%
2092
-24%
928
-66%
2556 ?(2058 - 2867, n=3)
-7%
4K Read
43.22
45.15
4%
65.8
52%
50.2
16%
42.83
-1%
42.7 ?(41.5 - 43.4, n=3)
-1%
4K Write
122.9
100.2
-18%
103.8
-16%
96.5
-21%
120.5
-2%
126.2 ?(108.8 - 146.9, n=3)
3%
4K-64 Read
1420
1428
1%
789
-44%
1594
12%
978
-31%
1402 ?(1260 - 1525, n=3)
-1%
4K-64 Write
1113
1401
26%
929
-17%
2005
80%
2797
151%
1307 ?(1113 - 1424, n=3)
17%
Access Time Read *
0.056
0.049
12%
0.103
-84%
0.057
-2%
0.057
-2%
0.04533 ?(0.039 - 0.056, n=3)
19%
Access Time Write *
0.032
0.037
-16%
0.045
-41%
0.112
-250%
0.032
-0%
0.06933 ?(0.032 - 0.102, n=3)
-117%
Score Read
1765
1759
0%
975
-45%
1840
4%
1292
-27%
1791 ?(1765 - 1807, n=3)
1%
Score Write
1510
1762
17%
1117
-26%
2310
53%
3011
99%
1689 ?(1510 - 1819, n=3)
12%
Score Total
4166
4411
6%
2594
-38%
5103
22%
4881
17%
4351 ?(4166 - 4573, n=3)
4%
Copy ISO MB/s
1793
2307 ?(2009 - 2605, n=2)
Copy Program MB/s
573
875 ?(651 - 1099, n=2)
Copy Game MB/s
1418
1795 ?(1709 - 1881, n=2)
Total Average (Program / Settings)
6% / 5%
-16% / -19%
-6% / -7%
2% / 4%
3% / 1%

* ... smaller is better

2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0)
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3491 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 3227 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 526 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 351.8 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2583 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 2480 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 45.7 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 134.4 MB/s

Dauerleistung Lesen: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics

MSI has a variety of Nvidia GPUs available for the Creator 15. They range from the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q all the way to the RTX 2080 Super Max-Q. Our test unit is equipped with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q. According to the 3DMark benchmarks, its performance is slightly below average for notebooks equipped with this graphics card.  

Find out what performance other GPUS have to offer in our GPU benchmark list.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, Intel Core i7-10875H
29174 Points +33%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
28900 Points +32%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
28678 Points +31%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (14723 - 27694, n=31)
22548 Points +3%
MSI Creator 15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
21888 Points
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i9-9880H
20837 Points -5%
Average of class Multimedia
  (3408 - 60250, n=86, last 2 years)
18365 Points -16%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
133326 Points +52%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, Intel Core i7-10875H
126287 Points +44%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
112791 Points +28%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (39014 - 134255, n=28)
94310 Points +7%
MSI Creator 15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
87836 Points
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i9-9880H
65859 Points -25%
Average of class Multimedia
  (14679 - 150699, n=60, last 2 years)
58023 Points -34%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, Intel Core i7-10875H
21896 Points +36%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
21121 Points +32%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
20831 Points +30%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (11563 - 21191, n=31)
17489 Points +9%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i9-9880H
16100 Points 0%
MSI Creator 15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
16042 Points
Average of class Multimedia
  (1835 - 46022, n=86, last 2 years)
13601 Points -15%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, Intel Core i7-10875H
8134 Points
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
7891 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Core i7-10875H
7829 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (5948 - 8065, n=28)
6745 Points
Average of class Multimedia
  (622 - 17620, n=86, last 2 years)
5146 Points
3DMark 11 Performance
20251 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
45260 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
15264 points
Help

Gaming Performance

Nvidia's GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q is very suitable for gaming. Even current games can be displayed at high graphics settings and 60 fps in FullHD resolution. In 4K or UHD resolution, the performance strongly depends on the individual game. For example, we were able to play Doom Eternal at 55 fps while Far Cry 5 only managed 33 fps.

Find out what performance to expect from our Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q with other titles in our GPU gaming list.

The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
80.8 fps +44%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
79.1 (64min) fps +41%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
76.3 (64min) fps +36%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
74 (70min - 78max) fps +32%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (56 - 83.8, n=31)
66.3 fps +18%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
56 fps
Average of class Multimedia
  (8 - 143.2, n=94, last 2 years)
50 fps -11%
Dota 2 Reborn - 1920x1080 high (2/3)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
140.9 (121.7min) fps +7%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
132 (114.5min) fps
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
123 (106.4min) fps -7%
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
127 (110.6min) fps -4%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (111.4 - 135, n=13)
126.5 fps -4%
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
122.9 (108.7min) fps -7%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
111 (95.8min) fps -16%
Average of class Multimedia
  (28 - 184.4, n=86, last 2 years)
108.6 fps -18%
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark
3840x2160 High Quality
Average of class Multimedia
  (12.8 - 81.9, n=16, last 2 years)
29.9 fps +11%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
27 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (23.3 - 27, n=2)
25.2 fps -7%
1920x1080 High Quality
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
83.7 fps +37%
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
79.7 fps +31%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
61 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (55.1 - 62.9, n=3)
59.7 fps -2%
Average of class Multimedia
  (6.53 - 141.8, n=85, last 2 years)
49.2 fps -19%
Far Cry 5
3840x2160 Ultra Preset AA:T
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (30 - 37, n=3)
33.3 fps +1%
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
33 fps
Average of class Multimedia
  (13 - 57, n=7, last 2 years)
31.1 fps -6%
2560x1440 Ultra Preset AA:T
MSI Creator 15
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
66 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (60 - 68, n=3)
64.7 fps -2%
Average of class Multimedia
  (18 - 117, n=35, last 2 years)
64.1 fps -3%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
98 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
  (67 - 101, n=7)
88.7 fps
Average of class Multimedia
  (17 - 145, n=53, last 2 years)
70.8 fps

Our continuous load test with The Witcher 3 showed that users can expect to have long gaming sessions without any limitations.

051015202530354045505560Tooltip
MSI Creator 15 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0): Ø58.7 (55-64)
low med. high ultraQHD4K
The Witcher 3 (2015) 56
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 153 136 132 123 94.8
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 61 27
Far Cry 5 (2018) 66 33
Doom Eternal (2020) 54.8

Emissions - From loud to silent

System Noise

Noise characteristics
Noise characteristics

The MSI Creator 15 can be used in various performance settings, each of which has an impact on system noise. The device remains silent in the quiet mode, which means that the notebook can be used in surroundings sensitive to noise. The high performance mode, on the other hand, causes the cooling fans to turn up significantly and reach an audible but uniform 49.1 dB(A). We did not notice any coil whine or similar noises coming from the test unit. 

Noise Level

Idle
30.4 / 30.4 / 30.7 dB(A)
Load
45.5 / 49.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 25.2 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2026.535.838.238.126.52536.538.346.743.836.53138.737.742.141.538.74030.933.435.435.330.95030.234.236.738.530.26330.72937.233.130.78021.3263027.621.310019.619.72421.419.612518.321.32720.818.31601419.724.615.51420013.822.824.414.313.825012.321.824.914.512.331511.924.727.617.111.940012.22728.715.212.250012.227.731.41612.263011.929.232.416.811.980011.628.731.717.211.6100012.130.734.223.212.1125011.932.83620.311.9160012.333.83716.712.3200012.636.240.318.512.6250012.736.139.719.112.7315013.234.238.617.713.2400013.436.339.518.613.4500013.933.737.71813.9630014.13336.617.314.1800014.531.134.815.114.51000014.728.933.215.114.71250014.826.330.71614.81600014.922.526.415.614.9SPL25.345.549.230.525.3N0.64.96.41.30.6median 13.2median 28.9median 32.4median 17.1median 13.2Delta1.75.551.61.7hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseMSI Creator 15

Temperature

Stress test
Stress test

Our measurements show that the MSI Creator 15 reaches surface temperatures of up to 49 °C under load. The device feels particularly warm towards the back, which makes using the device on your lap a little difficult.

The temperatures on the inside of the notebook increased to up to 93 °C during our one-hour stress test. The clock rates dropped below the base clock rate shortly, but then increased to an average of 3.7 GHz. Users do not have to expect any limitations coming from high temperatures even under continuous load.

Max. Load
 42.3 °C
108 F
38 °C
100 F
49 °C
120 F
 
 39.3 °C
103 F
45.1 °C
113 F
39.2 °C
103 F
 
 30.3 °C
87 F
29.3 °C
85 F
30.3 °C
87 F
 
Maximum: 49 °C = 120 F
Average: 38.1 °C = 101 F
46.6 °C
116 F
46.9 °C
116 F
40.2 °C
104 F
38.5 °C
101 F
40.6 °C
105 F
37.3 °C
99 F
33.3 °C
92 F
35 °C
95 F
32.2 °C
90 F
Maximum: 46.9 °C = 116 F
Average: 39 °C = 102 F
Power Supply (max.)  53.2 °C = 128 F | Room Temperature 24.5 °C = 76 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.1 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 46.9 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31 °C / 88 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(±) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 33.7 °C / 93 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 30.3 °C / 86.5 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-1.5 °C / -2.7 F).
Heat map while idling - top
Heat map while idling - top
Heat map while idling - bottom
Heat map while idling - bottom
Heat map under load - top
Heat map under load - top
Heat map under load - bottom
Heat map under load - bottom
Heat map (The Witcher 3) - top
Heat map (The Witcher 3) - top
Heat map (The Witcher 3) - bottom
Heat map (The Witcher 3) - bottom

Speaker

Speaker characteristics
Speaker characteristics

The speaker of the Creator 15 creates a sound spectrum that is focused on mids. This means that audio content lacks bass, but is still suitable for reproducing voice. More demanding users might want to connect external speakers or headphones.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2040.526.540.52537.836.537.83136.238.736.2402930.929502930.2296327.230.727.28022.321.322.310020.119.620.112524.718.324.716031.21431.220033.513.833.525042.812.342.831551.611.951.640062.112.262.150066.412.266.463073.711.973.780074.211.674.2100076.912.176.9125077.311.977.3160076.912.376.9200069.712.669.7250067.712.767.7315064.213.264.2400067.913.467.9500062.413.962.4630062.214.162.2800069.214.569.21000063.714.763.71250060.614.860.61600058.714.958.7SPL84.225.384.2N54.80.654.8median 63.7median 13.2median 63.7Delta9.21.79.235.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseMSI Creator 15Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
MSI Creator 15 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (77.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 29.7% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 8.9% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.4% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 82% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 11% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 68% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 25% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management - high power consumption

Power Consumption

MSI Creator 15 - AC adapter
MSI Creator 15 - AC adapter

The MSI Creator 15 has the highest power consumption in our comparison field - both when idling and under load. The maximum consumption is 209 Watt according to our measurements while the average under load is 109 Watt. The included 230-Watt AC adapter is definitely large enough to ensure sufficient power supply at all times.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.8 / 1.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 18.7 / 24.9 / 27 Watt
Load midlight 109 / 209 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
MSI Creator 15
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 2x WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00 (RAID 0), IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 2x Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ (RAID 0), IPS, 3840x2160, 15.60
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H), OLED, 3840x2160, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB512HBJQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Power Consumption
22%
-8%
-4%
9%
9%
46%
Idle Minimum *
18.7
9.4
50%
18
4%
14.3
24%
7
63%
15.4 ?(5 - 46, n=26)
18%
7.28 ?(2.2 - 34.6, n=93, last 2 years)
61%
Idle Average *
24.9
17.4
30%
21
16%
22.3
10%
13
48%
20 ?(10.1 - 59, n=26)
20%
11.8 ?(4.6 - 43, n=93, last 2 years)
53%
Idle Maximum *
27
19.6
27%
38
-41%
36.9
-37%
25
7%
26.7 ?(12.6 - 65.5, n=26)
1%
14.6 ?(5.6 - 44.9, n=93, last 2 years)
46%
Load Average *
109
103
6%
113
-4%
118.4
-9%
148
-36%
105.2 ?(83.4 - 181, n=26)
3%
77.3 ?(14.3 - 147, n=92, last 2 years)
29%
Witcher 3 ultra *
147
149
-1%
153.7
-5%
175
-19%
Load Maximum *
209
216
-3%
256
-22%
220.8
-6%
232
-11%
201 ?(120 - 249, n=26)
4%
119.3 ?(44 - 247, n=92, last 2 years)
43%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The battery lasts around four hours in our realistic Wi-fi test. This is not as long as what our comparison devices can offer.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 34min
WiFi Websurfing
3h 55min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 47min
MSI Creator 15
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 99.99 Wh
MSI P65 Creator 9SF-657
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 82 Wh
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, 94.2 Wh
Razer Blade 15 RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, 80 Wh
Asus Zephyrus S15 GX502L
i7-10875H, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, 76 Wh
Average of class Multimedia
 
Battery Runtime
41%
66%
62%
17%
123%
Reader / Idle
274
577
111%
518
89%
520
90%
933 ?(506 - 1571, n=25, last 2 years)
241%
WiFi v1.3
235
357
52%
364
55%
380
62%
181
-23%
560 ?(262 - 1204, n=92, last 2 years)
138%
Load
107
65
-39%
166
55%
90
-16%
96.9 ?(39 - 215, n=73, last 2 years)
-9%

Pros

+ bright display
+ very good color space coverage
+ Thunderbolt 3 port
+ robust and compact case

Cons

- short battery runtime
- Comet Lake CPU offers virtually no advantage
- comparably high power consumption

Verdict - Model maintenance

Review: MSI Creator 15. Test unit provided by cyberport
Review: MSI Creator 15. Test unit provided by cyberport

The compact design and high-resolution display are the two highlights of the MSI Creator 15. Combined with the input devices this makes it a very productivity-friendly device that can also be carried around with you. The port selection contains all basic ports and can be expanded limitlessly thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 connector. The various performance modes and changeable color spaces enable further applications as well. 

The MSI Creator 15 offers a very good UHD panel but only average performance.

The hardware is good and ensures a smooth system performance. Compared to the competition, but also to the manufacturer's own MSI P65 Creator 9SF, for example, the test results are in the upper mid-range. The battery life could be better, which is most probably caused by the UHD panel, which has a high power consumption. Users who are looking for an excellent display in a compact 15-inch notebook might still find that the MSI Creator 15 is the right choice for them. 

MSI Creator 15 - 10/18/2020 v7
Mike Wobker

Chassis
88 / 98 → 90%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
62 / 80 → 77%
Weight
65 / 20-72 → 86%
Battery
57 / 95 → 60%
Display
91%
Games Performance
92 / 90 → 100%
Application Performance
93 / 90 → 100%
Temperature
88%
Noise
74 / 95 → 77%
Audio
66%
Camera
33 / 85 → 38%
Average
75%
85%
Multimedia - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > MSI Creator 15 Laptop Review: A bright 4K display for Content Creators
Mike Wobker, 2020-10-15 (Update: 2020-10-15)