Buying Guide
The Best MSI Gaming Desktop PCs
Three MSI gaming desktop PCs, from RTX 5090 to RTX 5070, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read3 products evaluated
MSI's high-end desktops include the Infinite ZS with an RTX 5090 and the Aegis ZS with an RTX 5080. We ordered these three by graphics memory.
We compared the parts each listing names: CPU, graphics card and VRAM, memory, storage and, where stated, the power supply and warranty. We did not test these systems, and we skipped listings that leave a core part vague.
Quick Picks
Which of the 3 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Most VRAM
MSI Infinite ZS (Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090 32GB)32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090.
Best for: High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Check price for MSI Infinite ZS (Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RTX 5080 Build
MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB)An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM.
Best for: 1440p gaming.
Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090. | High texture settings at 1440p and above. | Check price for MSI Infinite ZS (Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM. | 1440p gaming. | Check price for MSI Aegis ZS (Ryzen 9 9900X, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most VRAM1 of 3
MSI Infinite ZS (Ryzen 9 9950X3D, RTX 5090 32GB)
Inside the Infinite ZS are a Ryzen 9 9950X3D and an RTX 5090 with 32GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MSI Codex R2, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a PCIe Gen5 SSD and a 360mm AIO. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Nothing else here matches its 32GB VRAM; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 comes closest at 16GB.
It matches the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 on SSD capacity (2TB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5090 graphics card; compare the Aegis ZS RTX 5080, which has an RTX 5080 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 9 9950X3D processor; compare the Aegis ZS RTX 5080, which has a ryzen 9 9900X processor.
Like the MSI Codex R2, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses a DDR5-6000 memory type. It was the highest-priced of the 3 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 and the rest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5090
- VRAM
- 32GB
- Processor
- Ryzen 9 9950X3D
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 2TB
Pros
- A RTX 5090 graphics card
- 32GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- An Ryzen 9 9950X3D with 3D V-Cache
- 32GB of RAM
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI Codex R2 at the time of writing
RTX 5080 Build2 of 3
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
- 1440p gaming.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MSI Codex R2 was cheaper at our last price check.
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 ranks second of 3 here, behind the Infinite ZS (32GB) and ahead of the MSI Codex R2 (12GB).
It matches the Infinite ZS on SSD capacity (2TB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5080 graphics card; compare the Infinite ZS, which has an RTX 5090 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 9 9900X processor; compare the Infinite ZS, which has a ryzen 9 9950X3D processor.
It is the only pick here with a DDR5-6000 memory type; the Infinite ZS has a DDR5 memory type instead. You also get a keyboard and mouse in the box. On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper MSI Codex R2 and the pricier Infinite ZS, at the time of writing.
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 MSI Codex R2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 3
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
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Skip it if VRAM matters most to you; the Infinite ZS offers 32GB.
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. Its 12GB VRAM is the least in this group; the Infinite ZS leads at 32GB.
Its 1TB SSD capacity is the smallest in this group; the Infinite ZS leads at 2TB. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5070 graphics card; compare the Infinite ZS, which has an RTX 5090 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a core i5-14400F processor; compare the Infinite ZS, which has a ryzen 9 9950X3D processor.
Like the Infinite ZS, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses a DDR5-6000 memory type. It undercut the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
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
- VRAM trails the Infinite ZS (32GB)
- SSD capacity trails the Infinite ZS (2TB)
The catch
The trade-off is VRAM; for more, the Infinite ZS offers 32GB.
How We Chose These MSI Gaming Desktop PCs
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared three 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 3 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 3, from the Infinite ZS to the MSI Codex R2, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Who each pick suits
- The Infinite ZS for 32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 for an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM; the MSI Codex R2 for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
- Price range
- From the MSI Codex R2 to the Infinite ZS, all sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an MSI Gaming Desktop PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Across these 3 picks VRAM spans 12GB (the MSI Codex R2) to 32GB (the Infinite ZS). For less, the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 is the runner-up at 16GB.
SSD capacity
Here SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the MSI Codex R2 to 2TB on the Infinite ZS, a 100% spread. The Aegis ZS RTX 5080 comes second at 2TB, in the same price tier as the Infinite ZS.
A desktop PC and monitor on a desk lit with red and blue lighting Processor
The Infinite ZS lists Ryzen 9 9950X3D; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 lists Ryzen 9 9900X; the MSI Codex R2 lists Core i5-14400F.
Memory type
The Infinite ZS and the MSI Codex R2 list DDR5; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 lists DDR5-6000.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk Setup checks
Check the Infinite ZS's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
How to Choose an MSI Gaming Desktop PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| High texture settings at 1440p and above | Infinite ZS | 32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090 |
| 1440p gaming | Aegis ZS RTX 5080 | An RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM |
| Keeping the budget tight | MSI Codex R2 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Infinite ZS leads on VRAM at 32GB, ahead of the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 at 16GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite ZS | RTX 5090 | 32GB | Ryzen 9 9950X3D | 32GB |
| Aegis ZS RTX 5080 | RTX 5080 | 16GB | Ryzen 9 9900X | 32GB |
| MSI Codex R2 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most VRAM: the Infinite ZS or the Aegis ZS RTX 5080?
Between the top two, it is 32GB on the Infinite ZS against 16GB on the Aegis ZS RTX 5080, a 100% difference. The MSI Codex R2 is at the other end of this group with 12GB.
Is the Infinite ZS worth paying more than the MSI Codex R2?
What it brings is VRAM (32GB against 12GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB). Both sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked, so the gains in VRAM and SSD capacity cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Infinite ZS the Most VRAM?
It earns the label for 32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090. The Aegis ZS RTX 5080 is next on VRAM at 16GB, so this pick's 32GB is 100% further out. It makes sense for high texture settings at 1440p and above.
Do the Infinite ZS and the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 differ on graphics card?
The Infinite ZS uses RTX 5090; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 uses RTX 5080; the MSI Codex R2 uses RTX 5070.
What should I check before buying the MSI Codex R2?
Check the MSI Codex R2's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The MSI Codex R2's PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before planning a GPU upgrade. In this guide it ranks third of 3, as our Lowest Price Here pick, and third of 3 on VRAM (12GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Infinite ZS and the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 apart?
The Infinite ZS: a PCIe Gen5 SSD and a 360mm AIO. The Aegis ZS RTX 5080: a 360mm liquid cooler and Wi-Fi 7. The MSI Codex R2: air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Infinite ZS, chosen for 32GB of VRAM on the RTX 5090. Look at the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 for an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM and the MSI Codex R2 for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
The Infinite ZS is for 4K at the highest settings; the Aegis ZS RTX 5080 covers 4K for much less.
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 to Choose a Graphics Card for 1080p Gaming
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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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