Can we really compare Apple Mac Pro with the MSI Vortex?
One of the highlights for gamers at CES was MSI’s new Vortex gaming PC, a desktop system with a design that is very familiar to Apple users, as it reminds of the basic structure of the Apple Mac Pro.
Like the Mac Pro, the MSI Vortex features a cylindrical outer shell, whose innards are organized in a concentric triangular frame. The internal frame is designed for optimal airflow, with large heatsinks installed on each of the three sides of the frame, while the center is constantly under a cool air current provided by the main internal fan, a 360 degrees Silent Storm cooling system specifically built for gaming PCs, positioned atop the frame, right underneath the three main vents.
While the concept is very close to what Apple has done more than three years ago, the end result is most definitely a nod to gamers, as the design projects a gaming console feel to it.
While some have already advanced the hypothesis that the Vortex is MSI’s attempt to take a stab at Apple, the truth is, that aside from the concept behind the internal frame and heat dissipation system, the two desktop systems share very little in terms of specs, and purpose.
Furthermore, it’s worth taking into account the obvious fact that the two systems are several years apart from each other.
The specs on the Vortex are quite impressive, featuring a dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 SLI, a 4GHz Intel Core i7 Skylake processor, and support for up to 64GB DDR4.
For a gaming PC, the Vortex is relatively quiet, outputting 37dB at full capacity, and 22dB when idle. In simple terms, this system will be barely louder than a soft whisper.
The LGA 1151 that comes integrated with the Vortex is a socket that is compatible with both Skylake and Kaby Lake (7th gen Intel Core) processors, making it “future-proof”, for at least a couple of generations.
The Vortex will most likely be available in the second quarter of this year.