•  Date Published: 02 Sep 2024
    • Intel Core i7-11800H
    • AMD Radeon RX 5500M (4GB GDDR6)
    • 16.0", WQXGA (2560 x 1600), 165 Hz, IPS
    • 1000GB SSD
    • 16GB RAM
    • 2.30 kg (5.1 lbs)
    6.6
    TOTAL SCORE
    5.3 Portability Average
    8.5 Display Excellent
    6.5 For Work Good
    5.8 For Gaming Average

    Review

    MSI Creator Z16 in-depth review

    From making high-end gaming laptops to somewhat affordable office solutions, MSI is now well established in the portable computing industry. A couple of years ago, a market emerged seemingly out of nowhere - the content creator one. And last year, MSI converted its GS66 device into the MSI Creator 15. We can't say it was a total hit among its target audience, but it was good enough to deserve our "Editor's choice" award.Today, however, we mark a step in a completely different direction, regarding the design. Gone is the industrially-inspired gaming look, the sharp corners, and the boxy design. Instead, MSI has chosen a MacBook Pro 16 approach. First of all, there is a 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Something that MSI insists it took from the Golden Ratio, but we all know w[...]

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    Pros

    • Aluminum design and great build quality
    • Large arrow keys, RGB backlight, and responsive touchpad
    • 2x SODIMM + 2x M.2 PCIe x4
    • No PWM (MNG007DA1-1 (CSO1600))
    • Full sRGB, and DCI-P3 coverage + 92% Adobe RGB coverage (MNG007DA1-1 (CSO1600))
    • 120Hz refresh rate with fast pixel response times (MNG007DA1-1 (CSO1600))
    • 2x Thunderbolt 4 + MicroSD card slot
    • IR face recognition + fingerprint reader

    Cons

    • Underperforming CPU
    • Uneven color uniformity
    • Relatively difficult to upgrade

    Disassembly, maintenance and upgrade options

    Although the Creator Z16 is a truly impressive device, it is a pain in the ...plastic pry tool... to open.Check out all MSI Creator Z16 (A11Ux) prices and configurations in our Specs System or read more in our In-Depth review.1. Remove the bottom plate To get inside of this notebook, you need to undo 6 Phillips-head screws, two of which are located beneath the back rubber feet. After you're done, pry the bottom panel with a plastic tool, and remove it from the chassis.2. Battery Unfortunately, your job does not end here. Since the motherboard is facing the wrong way aroun[...]

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