MSI has launched a new line of powerful desktop gaming computers under the Nightblade brand name. The line as of now includes just two models – Nightblade X2 and Nightblade MI2 but the number will likely grow in the future.
The new computers are surprisingly small for what they offer – the Nightblade X2 is housed in a chassis that has a volume of just 16 liters. The Nightblade MI2 is even smaller at just 10 liters. Despite these small dimensions, the two computers have enough internal space for a full-sized MSI graphics card – the MSI Nightblade MI2 comes with a GeForce GTX 970 video card with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory, while the Nightblade X2 features the powerful GeForce GTX 980 Ti. Needless to say the two new computers offer quick Intel Core i5 and Core i7 Skylake processors, support for up to 16 GB of dual-channeled DDR4 memory, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, optional Bluetooth, slim Super Multi DVD drives and various connectivity options. There are some slight differences between the two computers, though – the X2 is based on an Intel Z170-equipped motherboard, while the MI2 has an Intel B150 board inside. The storage configuration also differs – the Nightblade X2 has a single 3.5-inch HDD bay, two 2.5-inch HDD/SSD bays and two M.2 PCI-E SSD slots, while the Nightblade MI2 offers two 3.5-inch HDD bays, two 2.5-inch HDD/SSD bays and a single M.2 PCI-E SSD slot. Due to the more powerful hardware inside the X2 comes with an 80 Plus Gold-certified 600W PSU, while the Nightblade MI2 will have to make do with a 350W PSU that is 80 Plus Bronze-certified. The I/O options are also different – up front the Nightblade X2 has a single USB 3.0 Type C port and two USB 2.0 ports, while in the back there are one USB 3.1 Type C port, four USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports as well as HDMI, DisplayPort and gaming device ports. The MI2 has two ports to the side – one USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C and one USB 2.0 port and in the rear there are more – four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.
Both the MSI Nightblade X2 and MI2 run Windows 10 Home out of the box but there’s no information on how much these two computers cost.
Source: MSI