MSI seeks to redefine everyday computing with the refreshed Modern 14 and Modern 15 featuring Intel Tiger Lake and NVIDIA MX450 graphics

Unlike the Prestige series, The the MSI Modern lineup focuses on everyday computing. A few months ago, MSI offered a Modern 14 variant based on the AMD Ryzen 4000 series and now, we are seeing upgrades to the Modern 14 and Modern 15 based on Intel Tiger Lake and NVIDIA MX450 graphics.

The new Modern 14/15 offer all-round improvements including True Color 3.0 displays, up to 10 hours of battery life, Wi-Fi 6 Gig+, Hi-Res Audio, Thunderbolt 4, and MIL-STD-810G certification. At just 0.67 inches thick and at a starting weight of 1.3 kg, the new Modern series isn't very different from the previous generation in terms of overall dimensions. The Modern 14 and Modern 15 allow you to pick between the Core i5-1135G7 and the Core i7-1165G7 CPUs and both configurations also optionally offer the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 GPU. The Core i7-1165G7's Iris Xe with 96 EUs does come close to the MX450's performance in a few synthetic tests, though it will be interesting to see how much of an advantage it offers for light gaming.

The Modern 14 continues to offer the single-channel RAM configuration up to 32 GB DDR4-3200 with the Modern 15 offering a dual-slot configuration up to 64 GB. Both the 14-inch and 15.6-inch Modern notebooks feature IPS-level panels with 100% sRGB True Color options.

Another upgrade from the previous generation is the availability of a Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort 1.4a and USB4) port instead of just USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C. A 3-cell 52 Wh battery powers both the variants, and it comes with support for fast-charging, which can be done with either the 95 W or 65 W chargers via USB-C.