MSI FX420X-i5545+ Review: Bang for the Buck

I am hardly what tech sites would call a “power user.” I don’t actually render videos or edit images, but I do have a habit of multitasking (read: I overwork computers to the bone) and working long hours. After my Acer AO751h (Acer Vergel) up and died on me and my desktop Old Faithful before that, I’ve finally decided to get a new notebook. I needed a desktop replacement that could still pass being called a mobile computer.  A preliminary online search boiled down to two contenders: the MSI CX480X and the Samsung NP300E4C-A01.

Once we stepped in SM North’s Cyberzone (which is by the way, one of my motherships), the game changed pretty quickly. We found two other contenders, the MSI FX420X and the Lenovo G480. The FX420X won both Remi and I over. Why?

MSI FX420X

The Specs Sheet

For its price, the FX420X-i5545+ specs were eye-catching. It has a second generation Intel Core i5 (2450 which packs a 2.5gHz punch with 3.1 Turboboost), 4gb of DDR3 RAM (16gb max), 500gb HDD, ATi Radeon HD6470M (with 1GB of dedicated video memory), THX sound, 2 USB 2.0 and 2 more USB 3.0 slots.

Design

The other MSI available, the CX480X had pretty much the same specs at the FX420X except for the GeForce video card on the former. It was cheaper by about a thousand pesos, but it was only available in white. The FX420X, on the other hand, had an “anti-fingerprint” textured pattern on the palm rest and lid. According to the manual, it’s also there to prevent scratches and general wear. Personally, I like the finish. It’s not brushed aluminum, but it does not look cheap and plasticky.

Performance

Officially, I’ve only had the notebook for a day and so far I’m impressed. It’s actually advertised as a gaming platform (I do plan to try out Skyrim on this rig) but I think it’ll do for an all-around notebook. I’ve yet to put it through the paces so I’ll maybe do another review once I’ve made it make it jump through flaming hoops.

At the moment, I’m feeling very good about this purchase and am actually tempted to call this rig “Bogart” or “Bruno.” Among the options I had, it offered the biggest bang for the buck. In case you’re wondering why I didn’t get the Lenovo, even though it had a spanking new third gen i3, it was because it’s still i3. No Turboboost. Plus, as a personal rule of thumb, chipmakers win over computer makers.