MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop model: A3DDK-012CA

Ranked #1 among Laptops priced $1075 - $1825.

Quick Description

This laptop aims to deliver satisfying gaming performance at a reasonable price, and it's worth a look if you need a gaming PC that can be set anywhere. You will need to keep an eye out for available power outlets, especially when gaming, but it's nice to have the portability.

This laptop stood out to me on 20 occasions while compiling the weekly Tech Worth Buying Newsletter. It was most recently selected on 2020-09-11, selling for $1300.

This is a good laptop for...

Other Considerations

Here are a few things about this laptop which could come as a surprise. For each point, you will find how to fix it (if it's an issue) and how much to budget for it. Not every point below will be a concern, but hopefully, we can keep your surprises to a minimum.

Frequently Discounted. This device gets discounted on a regular basis (38.92% of the time to be exact).

No Optical Drive. If you still use CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Ray disks on a regular basis, you will need an external drive to read them with this laptop.$30+

Assuming you are starting over fresh, you can expect to spend $20 on accessories, for a total cost of $1220.

Available at 2 locations, from $1197

Based on 334 days of observation, the MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop usually costs ~$1300 in Canada. The lowest price on record for this laptop is $1148.00. If you were waiting for this laptop to drop in price, this could be the day you were waiting for.

Scroll down to find charts comparing the MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop to similar devices, to see how well it runs your favorite apps and to find where it can be bought from.

Pricing

History

Here's how this device has been priced up to now:

Here are a few Canadian retailers who currently sell this product:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Visions Electronics or Canada Computers at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Specs

Here's how the MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop ranks compared to similar devices. The more stars there are, the better (except for the price row).

Laptops

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Price	3/5
Durability	2.5/5
Power	3.5/5
General-purpose power	3/5
Graphical power	4/5
Memory	4.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	0/5
Ease of Maintenance	2.5/5

Large Laptops

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Price	2.5/5
Durability	2.5/5
Power	3/5
General-purpose power	2/5
Graphical power	3.5/5
Memory	4.5/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	0/5
Ease of Maintenance	2.5/5

All Smart Devices

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	5/5
Price	3/5
Durability	2/5
Power	3.5/5
General-purpose power	2.5/5
Graphical power	3.5/5
Memory	4.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	2/5
Autonomy	0/5
Ease of Maintenance	2/5

The Meaty details

The Specs

Operating System: Windows

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5500M

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 15.6"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080(141.21ppi)

Dimensions: 35.76 × 24.79 × 2.74 cm

Weight: 2.300 kg

The features

Backlit
Paired Memory
RGB Lighting
Fixed storage: Solid State (very fast)
Webcam / Front-Facing Camera / Selfie Cam
DisplayPort (mini)
IPS Display (incl. PLS, AHVA, etc.)
3.5mm Stereo jack
Built-in Microphone
Built-in Speakers
Optical S/PDIF output
Bluetooth 5
Wi-Fi a
Wi-Fi ac
Wi-Fi b
Wi-Fi g
Wi-Fi n
Built-in Media Card Reader
HDMI
Multiple Monitor Support
USB 3.2
USB Type-A
USB Type-C
Ethernet 10
Ethernet 100
Ethernet 1000 (Gigabit)
Built-In Keyboard
Built-in Number Pad

Repair / Upgrade Options

	Score	Ease of Maintenance
Battery Replacement	6/10	A technician can help you with that
Memory Upgrade	6/10	A technician can help you with that
Data Storage	6/10	A technician can help you with that
Graphics Upgrade	0/10	Can't be repaired or updated

Want more details concerning repairs and upgrades options for this products?

Official Support Page for this Product

What it's capable of

Here are the tasks this computer can handle and how easily it'll breeze through it. A 5-star rating means it should handle the task at a professional level, a 1-star rating means it can do it, but it likely won't be a pleasant experience.

Activities it will handle

Web & Communication

The basics	5/5
Design Websites	5/5

Audio & Visual medias

The basics	5/5
Music Production	5/5
Drawing and Illustrations	5/5
Photo Editing	5/5
Video Editing	5/5

Texts & Numbers

The basics 5/5

Video Games

Casual and Mobile Games	5/5
Enthusiast Games	5/5
Triple-A Video Games	2/5

3D and CAD

The basics 4/5

The basics	4/5

Programs, Apps and Games it will handle

Activity ratings are good but sometimes, you want to be absolutely sure your next purchase will be able to run a specific piece of software.

A 1 star rating means the program'll be usable (according to the developer's own definition; some are more demanding than others); 3 stars mean recommended specs are met with this device; 5 stars will means you will have plenty of overhead to handle uncommon uses of that program like mods, plug-ins and more.

Web & Communication (3 / 3)

4/5 Facebook Messenger:
5/5 Netflix:
5/5 Spotify:

More Web & Communication Software

Texts & Numbers (9 / 9)

More Texts & Numbers Software

Drawing and Illustrations (11 / 12)

5/5 Adobe Illustrator CC 2018:
5/5 Affinity Designer:
5/5 ArtRage 6:
5/5 Aseprite:
5/5 Clip Studio Paint:
3/5 Corel Painter 2021:
5/5 FireAlpaca:
5/5 Inkscape:
5/5 Krita:
5/5 Microsoft Visio 2019:
4.5/5 PaintTool SAI:
N/AProcreate for iPad:

More Drawing and Illustrations Software

Audio & Visual medias (3 / 3)

More Audio & Visual medias Software

3D and CAD (9 / 9)

5/5 AutoCAD 2020:
3.5/5 Autodesk 3ds Max 2019:
3.5/5 Autodesk Maya:
3/5 Blender 2.8:
5/5 KeyShot:
5/5 MagicaVoxel:
5/5 SketchUp:
4/5 Substance Painter 2018:
4.5/5 ZBrush 2020:

More 3D and CAD Software

Music Production (8 / 11)

5/5 Ableton Live 10:
5/5 Adobe Audition CC:
5/5 Audacity:
5/5 Cubase 10:
5/5 FL Studio 20:
N/AGarageBand:
N/AGarageBand for iOS:
5/5 LMMS:
N/ALogic Pro X:
5/5 Reaper:
5/5 StudioOne 5:

More Music Production Software

Photo Editing (7 / 7)

5/5 Affinity Photo:
5/5 GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP):
5/5 Paint.net:
5/5 PaintShop Pro 2021:
5/5 Photopea:
5/5 Photoshop CC 2018:
5/5 RawTherapee:

More Photo Editing Software

Video Editing (10 / 12)

In the same price range

For roughly the same price, you could get one of these. Anything in there sounds like a better deal?

#1, Laptops ($925 - $1075)

Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy 4/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck equivalent
Versatility for the Price equivalent
Power -11.31% inferior
Storage equivalent
Portability 33.04% better
Autonomy 74.02% better

by Large Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7

Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Memory: 12.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 15.6"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 35.61 x 23.45 x 1.79 cm
Weight: 1.714 kg

detailed info
US$822.65 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-18 03:18:56, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#5, Laptops ($925 - $1075)

Asus Vivobook Flip 2-in-1 Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 2/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck -19.13% inferior
Versatility for the Price -60% inferior
Power -26.09% inferior
Storage equivalent
Portability 37.39% better
Autonomy 36.36% better

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1/5
Power 2/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 1/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10210U

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 14"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 32.77 x 22.61 x 1.78 cm
Weight: 1.490 kg

detailed info
US$822.65 from Microsoft (New)
as of 2021-01-18 03:36:58, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Microsoft site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#3, Laptops ($1075 - $1825)

Asus ROG Strix G 15" Gaming PC from US$1020;
~$1369 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy 1/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck equivalent
Versatility for the Price equivalent
Power equivalent
Storage equivalent
Portability equivalent
Autonomy 18.18% better

by Large Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy 1.5/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-9750H

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 15.6"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 36.04 x 27.51 x 2.59 cm
Weight: 2.395 kg

detailed info
US$1017.75 from Microsoft (New)
as of 2021-01-17 03:42:45, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Microsoft site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#6, Laptops ($1075 - $1825)

HP ENVY x360 13-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop from US$870;
~$1120 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 4.5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck -12.17% inferior
Versatility for the Price -30.43% inferior
Power equivalent
Storage equivalent
Portability 45.22% better
Autonomy 80.52% better

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 4/5
Autonomy 5/5

Specs

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U

Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 6 Graphics

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 13.3"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 30.65 x 19.46 x 1.64 cm
Weight: 1.320 kg

detailed info
US$861.83 from Staples (New)
as of 2021-01-18 05:15:13, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#7, Laptops ($1075 - $1825)

Dell Inspiron 17 3000 Laptop from US$980;
~$1300 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy 2/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck -13.04% inferior
Versatility for the Price -21.74% inferior
Power equivalent
Storage equivalent
Portability equivalent
Autonomy 33.76% better

by Large Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 0.5/5
Autonomy 2.5/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-1065G7

Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics

Memory: 16.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Screen Size: 17.3"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 41.54 x 27.92 x 2.50 cm
Weight: 2.790 kg

detailed info
US$979.35 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-18 03:19:33, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#12, Laptops ($1075 - $1825)

Samsung Galaxy Book S from US$910;
~$1170 with accessories
Device Ratings

by Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 2/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4.5/5

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck -53.04% inferior
Versatility for the Price -33.91% inferior
Power -40% inferior
Storage -23.48% inferior
Portability 49.57% better
Autonomy 77.92% better

by Portable Laptops standards

Bang for the Buck 0.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 2/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy 4/5

Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-L16G7

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Screen Size: 13.3"

Screen Resolution: 1920×1080

Dimensions: 30.53 x 20.32 x 1.17 cm
Weight: 0.989 kg
detailed info from US$900.99
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop model: A3DDK-012CA

Quick Description

This is a good laptop for...

Other Considerations

Available at 2 locations, from $1197

Pricing

History

Specs

The Meaty details

The Specs

The features

Repair / Upgrade Options

What it's capable of

Activities it will handle

Web & Communication

Audio & Visual medias

Texts & Numbers

Video Games

3D and CAD

Programs, Apps and Games it will handle

In the same price range

Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories

Device Ratings

Asus Vivobook Flip 2-in-1 Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories

Device Ratings

Asus ROG Strix G 15" Gaming PC from US$1020;
~$1369 with accessories

Device Ratings

HP ENVY x360 13-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop from US$870;
~$1120 with accessories

Device Ratings

Dell Inspiron 17 3000 Laptop from US$980;
~$1300 with accessories

Device Ratings

Samsung Galaxy Book S from US$910;
~$1170 with accessories

Device Ratings

Bang for the Buck	equivalent
Versatility for the Price	equivalent
Power	-11.31% inferior
Storage	equivalent
Portability	33.04% better
Autonomy	74.02% better

Bang for the Buck	-19.13% inferior
Versatility for the Price	-60% inferior
Power	-26.09% inferior
Storage	equivalent
Portability	37.39% better
Autonomy	36.36% better

Bang for the Buck	-12.17% inferior
Versatility for the Price	-30.43% inferior
Power	equivalent
Storage	equivalent
Portability	45.22% better
Autonomy	80.52% better

Bang for the Buck	-13.04% inferior
Versatility for the Price	-21.74% inferior
Power	equivalent
Storage	equivalent
Portability	equivalent
Autonomy	33.76% better

Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	2/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	4.5/5

Bang for the Buck	-53.04% inferior
Versatility for the Price	-33.91% inferior
Power	-40% inferior
Storage	-23.48% inferior
Portability	49.57% better
Autonomy	77.92% better

MSI Alpha 15 Gaming Laptop model: A3DDK-012CA

Quick Description

This is a good laptop for...

Other Considerations

Available at 2 locations, from $1197

Pricing

History

Specs

The Meaty details

The Specs

The features

Repair / Upgrade Options

What it's capable of

Activities it will handle

Web & Communication

Audio & Visual medias

Texts & Numbers

Video Games

3D and CAD

Programs, Apps and Games it will handle

In the same price range

Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$830;~$1070 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

Asus Vivobook Flip 2-in-1 Laptop from US$830;~$1070 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

Asus ROG Strix G 15" Gaming PC from US$1020;~$1369 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

HP ENVY x360 13-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop from US$870;~$1120 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 17 3000 Laptop from US$980;~$1300 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

Samsung Galaxy Book S from US$910;~$1170 with accessories

Device Ratings

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 5502 15-inch Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories

Asus Vivobook Flip 2-in-1 Laptop from US$830;
~$1070 with accessories

Asus ROG Strix G 15" Gaming PC from US$1020;
~$1369 with accessories

HP ENVY x360 13-inch Touchscreen 2-in-1 Laptop from US$870;
~$1120 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 17 3000 Laptop from US$980;
~$1300 with accessories

Samsung Galaxy Book S from US$910;
~$1170 with accessories