MSI Essential Gaming PC Review: Intel Core i5-13400F, RTX 4060 – A Great Value Option?

MSI Essential Gaming PC Review: Intel Core i5-13400F, RTX 4060

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The MSI Essential Gaming PC is a budget-friendly option that aims to deliver solid gaming performance at an affordable price. This particular model boasts a 10-core Intel Core i5-13400F processor, paired with a capable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. It also packs 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB Gen 3 SSD, making it a well-rounded choice for gamers who want a reliable and responsive system without breaking the bank. In this review, we’ll dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the MSI Essential Gaming PC.

Key Features

The MSI Essential Gaming PC offers a solid set of features for its price point. Let’s take a closer look:

Component Specification
Processor Intel Core i5-13400F (10 Cores, 16 Threads)
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB
Memory 16GB DDR5 RAM (5200MHz)
Storage 1TB SSD Gen 3
Power Supply 650W 80 PLUS
Cooling 120mm Tower Cooler

Performance

I tested the MSI Essential Gaming PC with a variety of popular games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Overall, I was impressed by the performance it delivered. The NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card was able to handle these demanding games at 1080p resolution with high settings and smooth frame rates. The 10-core Intel Core i5-13400F processor was also up to the task, keeping the system running smoothly without any noticeable lag. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM provided ample headroom for multitasking and gaming, and the 1TB SSD Gen 3 storage delivered fast load times and overall system responsiveness.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the MSI Essential Gaming PC:

Pros:

  • Excellent price-to-performance ratio.
  • Capable RTX 4060 graphics card for smooth 1080p gaming.
  • Responsive 10-core Intel Core i5-13400F processor.
  • Ample 16GB DDR5 RAM for multitasking and gaming.
  • Fast 1TB SSD Gen 3 storage for quick load times.
  • Reliable and stable system.

Cons:

  • Limited upgradeability for the RAM (single-channel).
  • No included Windows license.
  • Basic tower cooler may require upgrades for higher-end overclocking.

Final Verdict

The MSI Essential Gaming PC is an excellent option for budget-minded gamers who want a well-balanced system that can handle modern games with ease. The performance is great, the features are solid, and the price is competitive. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as limited RAM upgradeability and the lack of an included Windows license, these are minor issues that can easily be addressed. Overall, I would highly recommend the MSI Essential Gaming PC to gamers looking for a reliable and affordable option.