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The MSI Modern 15 has dual-channel RAM while the Modern 14 is stuck in single-channel mode

The MSI Modern 15 has dual-channel RAM while the Modern 14 is stuck in single-channel
The MSI Modern 15 has dual-channel RAM while the Modern 14 is stuck in single-channel
The Modern 15 is more than just an enlarged version of the Modern 14. Though they may share similar chassis styles and materials, their motherboards are completely different for some notable changes in port options, expansion options, and overall performance between them.

We recently reviewed the 14-inch MSI Modern 14 and found it to be an overall good performer especially given the very light weight and portable form factor. Nonetheless, it still carried plenty of drawbacks including single-channel RAM, one storage bay only, and difficult serviceability. Thus, when we had checked out the 15.6-inch Modern 15 a few weeks later, we had expected mostly the same advantages and disadvantages.

To our surprise, the Modern 15 is quite different from the Modern 14. RAM, for example, can be doubled to 64 GB of removable dual-channel RAM in contrast to the Modern 14 while there are now two M.2 2280 slots instead of just one. Furthermore, serviceability is significantly easier as shown by the comparison shots below and the Modern 15 doesn't suffer from a "nosecam" webcam, either. The QoL differences between the two models objectively favor the Modern 15.

Still, the Modern 14 has a few advantages worth nothing aside from being smaller and lighter. It's got a Kensington Lock, full-size SD reader, and one more USB Type-C port than the Modern 15. The omission of a Kensington Lock and full-size SD reader in particular is strange on the Modern 15 since it is the larger unit.

See our full reviews on the MSI Modern 14 and Modern 15 to learn more about these mid-range systems designed for content creators and office environments.

Buy Modern 14 now on Amazon
Buy Modern 15 now on Amazon

MSI Modern 14MSI Modern 15
Display14-inch 1080p IPS matte15.6-inch 1080p IPS matte
Webcam positioningBottom of screenTop of screen
RAMUp to 32 GB DDR4-2666, Single-channel only, 1x SODIMMUp to 64 GB DDR4-2666, Dual-Channel, 2x SODIMM
Storage1x M.2 PCIe2x M.2 PCIe
ServiceabilityDifficult to upgrade storage and RAMEasy access to storage
and RAM
Ports2x USB Type-A
2x USB Type-C
HDMI 1.4
3.5 mm combo audio
Full-size SD Reader
Kensington Lock
3x USB Type-A
USB Type-C
HDMI 1.4
3.5 mm combo audio
MicroSD reader
Dimensions16 x 322 x 222 mm15.9 x 356.8 x 233.7 mm
Weight1.2 kg1.6 kg
Price900+ USD1100+ USD
MSI Modern 14
MSI Modern 14
MSI Modern 15. Note that most of the components are more easily accessible
MSI Modern 15. Note that most of the components are more easily accessible

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2020 02 > The MSI Modern 15 has dual-channel RAM while the Modern 14 is stuck in single-channel mode
Allen Ngo, 2020-02- 7 (Update: 2020-02- 7)