Buying Guide
The Best MSI Gaming Desktops
Four MSI gaming desktops, from RTX 4060 to RTX 5080, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
MSI builds its desktops from its own boards and graphics cards. These four run from an Aegis ZS with an RTX 4060 up to a Vision ZS that pairs a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with an RTX 5070.
Our comparison uses what each seller states, not hands-on testing. Listings without a named CPU, a GPU with its VRAM, a RAM figure or an SSD size were dropped, as were renewed units and outlier prices.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 7 7700, RTX 4060 8GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 7 7700, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Core i5-14400F Build
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)A Core i5-14400F processor.
Best for: Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB)16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080.
Best for: High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gaming-Focused CPU
MSI Vision ZS (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 12GB)A Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache.
Best for: High-refresh play where the CPU matters.
Check price for MSI Vision ZS (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 7 7700, RTX 4060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Core i5-14400F processor. | Buyers who prefer this CPU platform. | Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080. | High texture settings at 1440p and above. | Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache. | High-refresh play where the CPU matters. | Check price for MSI Vision ZS (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 7 7700, RTX 4060 8GB)
Inside the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 are a Ryzen 7 7700 and an RTX 4060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 16GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
Why we like it
It also comes with an AM5 platform with Wi-Fi 6E. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On memory it trails the group at 16GB, while the MSI Codex R2 offers 32GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the MSI Codex R2 at 1TB. An RTX 4060 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Vision ZS uses an RTX 5070 graphics card. A ryzen 7 7700 processor is unique to it among these picks, while the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses a ryzen 9 9900X processor.
It shares a DDR5 memory type with the MSI Codex R2 and Vision ZS; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 goes with a DDR5-6000 memory type. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI Codex R2 was closest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 4060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 7700
- Memory
- 16GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 4060 graphics card
- AM5 platform with Wi-Fi 6E
- Ryzen 7 7700 processor, the only one here
- The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- 16GB of RAM is enough for games but tight alongside streaming or editing
- VRAM trails the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 (16GB)
The catch
VRAM is its weakest area, and the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 covers it better at 16GB.
Core i5-14400F Build2 of 4
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)
MSI Codex R2 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who prefer this CPU platform.
Skip if
- Skip it if SSD capacity matters most to you; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 offers 2TB.
Why we like it
It also comes with air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the Vision ZS on VRAM (12GB).
It matches the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 and the Vision ZS on memory (32GB). It matches the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 on SSD capacity (1TB). Like the Vision ZS, it has an RTX 5070 graphics card, while the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 uses an RTX 4060 graphics card.
It is the only pick here with a core i5-14400F processor; the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 has a ryzen 7 7700 processor instead. Like the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and Vision ZS, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses a DDR5-6000 memory type. Its price falls between the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and the Aegis ZS RTX 5080, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core i5-14400F
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- Air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- SSD capacity trails the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 (2TB)
- Costs more than the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 at the time of writing
The catch
If SSD capacity is your priority, the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 (2TB) is the stronger choice.
Most VRAM3 of 4
MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB)
Inside the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 are a Ryzen 9 9900X and an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5-6000 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Aegis ZS RTX 4060, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 360mm liquid cooler and Wi-Fi 7. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Its 16GB VRAM is the most here; the MSI Codex R2 comes next at 12GB.
It matches the MSI Codex R2 and the Vision ZS on memory (32GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5080 graphics card; the Vision ZS has an RTX 5070 graphics card instead. It is the only pick here with a ryzen 9 9900X processor; the MSI Codex R2 has a core i5-14400F processor instead.
No other pick in this guide offers a DDR5-6000 memory type; compare the Vision ZS, which has a DDR5 memory type. It also offers a keyboard and mouse in the box. Its price falls between the MSI Codex R2 and the Vision ZS, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5080
- VRAM
- 16GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 9 9900X
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-6000
- SSD
- 2TB
Pros
- A RTX 5080 graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Cons
- Costs more than the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 at the time of writing
Gaming-Focused CPU4 of 4
MSI Vision ZS (Ryzen 7 9800X3D, RTX 5070 12GB)
Vision ZS pairs a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for
- High-refresh play where the CPU matters.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 360mm AIO in a glass-panel Vision case. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the MSI Codex R2 at 12GB.
On memory it ties with the MSI Codex R2 and the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 at 32GB. It shares an RTX 5070 graphics card with the MSI Codex R2; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 goes with an RTX 5080 graphics card. You get a ryzen 7 9800X3D processor here, which sets it apart from the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and its a ryzen 7 7700 processor.
It shares a DDR5 memory type with the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and MSI Codex R2; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 goes with a DDR5-6000 memory type. Only the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 2TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- An Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache
- 32GB of RAM
Cons
- Costs more than the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 at the time of writing
How We Chose These MSI Gaming Desktops
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 4 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 to the Vision ZS, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Who each pick suits
- The Aegis ZS RTX 4060 for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing; the MSI Codex R2 for a Core i5-14400F processor; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 for 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 ($1000 to $1500) to the Vision ZS (over $1500).
What to Look for in an MSI Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Here VRAM runs from 8GB on the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 to 16GB on the Aegis ZS RTX 5080, a 100% spread. For less, the MSI Codex R2 is the runner-up at 12GB.
Memory
The MSI Codex R2 tops memory at 32GB and the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 sits lowest at 16GB; 3 picks share the top figure. The MSI Codex R2 is the pick for memory.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting How much SSD capacity you need
The Aegis ZS RTX 5080 tops SSD capacity at 2TB and the MSI Codex R2 sits lowest at 1TB; 2 picks share the top figure. If SSD capacity is your first filter, the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 sets the ceiling at 2TB.
Processor
The Aegis ZS RTX 4060 lists ryzen 7 7700; the MSI Codex R2 lists Core i5-14400F; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 lists Ryzen 9 9900X; the Vision ZS lists Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Settling processor first narrows 4 picks to 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk Memory type
The Aegis ZS RTX 4060, the MSI Codex R2 and the Vision ZS list DDR5; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 lists DDR5-6000. Settling memory type first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
How to Choose an MSI Gaming Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Aegis ZS RTX 4060 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| Buyers who prefer this CPU platform | MSI Codex R2 | A Core i5-14400F processor |
| High texture settings at 1440p and above | Aegis ZS RTX 5080 | 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080 |
| High-refresh play where the CPU matters | Vision ZS | A Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Aegis ZS RTX 5080 leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the MSI Codex R2 at 12GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegis ZS RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | Ryzen 7 7700 | 16GB |
| MSI Codex R2 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 32GB |
| Aegis ZS RTX 5080 | RTX 5080 | 16GB | Ryzen 9 9900X | 32GB |
| Vision ZS | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Aegis ZS RTX 4060, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Vision ZS at over $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | Aegis ZS RTX 4060 |
| Over $1500 | MSI Codex R2, Aegis ZS RTX 5080, Vision ZS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 ahead of the MSI Codex R2 on VRAM?
The Aegis ZS RTX 5080 tops VRAM at 16GB; the MSI Codex R2 follows at 12GB, 33% apart. The spread runs down to the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 at 8GB.
Is the Vision ZS worth paying more than the Aegis ZS RTX 4060?
On paper it adds VRAM (12GB against 8GB), memory (32GB against 16GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB). The Aegis ZS RTX 4060 sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier and the Vision ZS in the over $1500 tier when we checked, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VRAM and memory decide your purchase.
What makes the Vision ZS the Gaming-Focused CPU?
It earns the label for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache. The Aegis ZS RTX 4060, the cheapest pick, sat in the $1000 to $1500 tier against over $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits high-refresh play where the CPU matters.
Do the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and the MSI Codex R2 differ on graphics card?
The Aegis ZS RTX 4060 uses RTX 4060; the MSI Codex R2 and the Vision ZS use RTX 5070; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses RTX 5080.
What should I check before buying the Vision ZS?
Check the Vision ZS's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The Vision ZS's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks fourth of 4, as our Gaming-Focused CPU pick, and third of 4 on VRAM (12GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Aegis ZS RTX 4060 and the MSI Codex R2 apart?
The Aegis ZS RTX 4060: an AM5 platform with Wi-Fi 6E. The MSI Codex R2: air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E. The Aegis ZS RTX 5080: a 360mm liquid cooler and Wi-Fi 7.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Aegis ZS RTX 4060, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the MSI Codex R2 for a Core i5-14400F processor, the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 for 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080 and the Vision ZS for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D with 3D V-Cache if those matter more to you.
MSI listings leave out PSU wattage; ask before planning a GPU upgrade.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $2,000
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Cheapest Gaming Desktops Worth Buying
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Gaming Desktops
- ExplainerWhat a Prebuilt PC Product Page Leaves Out: PSU, Motherboard and RAM Layout
- ExplainerHow to Choose an All-in-One PC Without Overpaying
- Check compatibility: graphics cardsHow Much VRAM Do You Need?
- Similar guideThe Best MSI Gaming Desktop PCs
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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