In depth comparison and review of Alienware M17 and MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of Alienware M17 based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
high-quality display
advanced cooling system
customizable RGB lighting
sturdy build quality
heavy and bulky
short battery life
expensive price point
loud fans under load
Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processor
high refresh rate display
robust gaming performance
affordable price point
solid build quality
average battery life
limited port selection
heavier design
dim display brightness
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 41 cm x 29.2 cm x 2.176 cm | 35.9 cm x 25.9 cm x 2.49 cm |
Weight | 2.63 kg | 2.25 kg |
Colour | Epic silver | - |
DISPLAY | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 17.3" - IPS | 15.6" |
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Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 127 | - |
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 60 Hz | 144 Hz |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | - |
Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | - |
Colour Gamut | 72% | 45% NTSC |
Features | Anti-glare, Wide Viewing Angle, ±85° horizontal viewing angle, ±85° vertical viewing angle, Narrow Border Display, 35 ms response rate, 0.199 mm pixel pitch | IPS-level |
PROCESSOR | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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CPU | Intel Core i7 (8th Gen) 8750H / 2.2 GHz | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12650H / 2.3 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 4.1 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
Number of Cores | 6-core | 10-core |
Cache | 9 MB | L3 - 24 MB |
64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
Chipset | Mobile Intel HM370 | - |
Features | Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 | Intel Smart Cache |
MEMORY | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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RAM | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) |
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Max RAM Supported | 32 GB | - |
RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
Speed | 2666 MHz | - |
Rated Speed | 2666 MHz | - |
Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
Slots Qty | 2 | - |
Empty Slots | 1 | - |
STORAGE | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 PCIe - NVM Express (NVMe) | 1 TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
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Secondary Storage | 1 TB Hybrid Drive (8 GB flash) | - |
AUDIO & VIDEO | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / Intel UHD Graphics |
Video Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | - |
Gaming | - | Yes |
Camera | Yes - Full HD | Yes |
Resolution | 2 Megapixel | - |
Camera Features | Fixed focus, 74.9 degrees | - |
Image Sensor Type | CMOS | - |
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 | - |
Frame Rate | 30 frames per second | - |
Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, microphone |
Codec | Realtek ALC3281-CG | - |
Audio Features | Realtek High Definition Audio | Output: Nahimic 3D audio, Hi-Res Audio |
COMMUNICATIONS | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2, Bluetooth 5.0 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
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Wireless Controller | Killer Wireless-AC 1550 | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 |
Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | Ethernet |
Ethernet Controller | Killer E2400 | - |
Features | - | Dual stream (2x2) |
BATTERY | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Technology | 4-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 60 Wh | 53.5 Wh |
AC ADAPTER | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | - |
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Output | 19.5 V | - |
INPUT | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Type | Touchpad, alphanumeric keyboard | Keyboard, touchpad |
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Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (RGB) | Yes (RGB) |
Features | 4-zone illumination | Marked WASD, 1.7mm travel distance, 4-Zone RGB backlight |
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Interfaces | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode) USB 3.1 Gen 1 (PowerShare) 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 HDMI Mini DisplayPort Graphics Amplifier Port Headphone/microphone combo jack LAN |
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack HDMI (8K support) |
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SOFTWARE | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition | Windows 11 Home |
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Software Included | - | MSI APP Player, MSI Center |
MISCELLANEOUS | Alienware M17 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
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Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
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Security Slot Type | Noble Wedge security slot | - |
Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
Features | - | Cooler Boost 5 technology |
Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | - |
Min Operating Temperature | 0 °C | - |
Humidity Range Operating | 10 - 90% (non-condensing) | - |
Manufacturer Warranty | - | Limited warranty - 1 year |
Model Number | - | 033UK |