MSI Cyborg 15 A12VF-272: Entry-to-Mid-Range Gaming with Futuristic Flair
The MSI CYBORG 15 A12VF-272 series aims to offer a compelling gaming experience in a relatively thin and light chassis, distinguishing itself with unique translucent design elements. This configuration is well-suited for playing popular esports titles at high frame rates and modern AAA games at respectable settings.
Processor: The MSI CYBORG 15 A12VF-272 laptop is powered by the Intel® Core™ i7-12650H Processor. This 12th Generation Intel CPU (Alder Lake architecture) features a hybrid design with 10 cores (6 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores) and 16 threads. With a base clock of 1.70 GHz and a max turbo frequency of up to 4.70 GHz, it provides strong multi-core performance for gaming, streaming, and demanding applications.
Discrete Graphics: For gaming and graphics-intensive workloads, the MSI Cyborg 15 A12VF-272 is equipped with an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM. This GPU leverages NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, supporting features like Ray Tracing and DLSS 3 for enhanced visual fidelity and performance in compatible games. It typically operates with a Maximum Graphics Power (TGP) of up to 45W (with Dynamic Boost). While this TGP is on the lower side for an RTX 4060, it helps maintain the laptop’s slim profile and thermal efficiency, allowing it to deliver solid performance in most games, especially at 1080p resolution.
Display: The MSI CYBORG 15 A12VF-272 laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS-Level display with a 144Hz refresh rate. This combination is ideal for gaming, providing smooth visuals and responsiveness for fast-paced action. The IPS-Level panel ensures decent viewing angles. However, it’s noted to have a 45% NTSC color gamut, which means color accuracy is not its strongest suit, making it less ideal for professional color-critical work but perfectly adequate for gaming and general use.
Memory and Storage: The MSI CYBORG 15 A12VF-272 comes with 16GB of DDR5 RAM (2x 8GB configuration), running at 4000MHz (though some sources list 4800MHz). The laptop has two SO-DIMM slots and supports a maximum of 64GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for future upgrades. For storage, it includes a fast 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD, offering ample space for games and applications, along with quick boot and load times. There is typically only one M.2 SSD slot, so any storage upgrade would involve replacing the existing drive.
Design and Portability:
- Translucent Design: A unique aspect of the Cyborg 15 is its “translucent black” design, featuring transparent parts on the chassis and keyboard that offer a glimpse of the internal components, giving it a distinctive cyberpunk-inspired look. Geometric lines and stylized texts are also incorporated into the bottom plate.
- Thin & Light: With a weight of approximately 1.98 kg (4.37 lbs) and a thickness of around 21.95 mm (0.86 inches), the Cyborg 15 is relatively portable for a gaming laptop, making it suitable for on-the-go gaming. The lid incorporates aluminum for a more premium feel.
- Keyboard: It features a single backlit keyboard with blue backlighting and highlighted translucent WASD keys, along with sci-fi accent space, arrow keys, and power button, enhancing its gaming aesthetic.
Cooling: MSI utilizes a “Cooler Boost” technology with a shared-pipe design between the CPU and GPU, aiming to balance heat dissipation efficiently. However, reviews sometimes note that the cooling solution, which often consists of a single fan and shared heat pipes, is designed for the lower TGP of the GPU, and while it keeps temperatures reasonable, it can be audible under load.
Connectivity and Other Features:
- Ports: The MSI CYBORG 15 A12VF-272 laptop offers essential connectivity, including 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (with DisplayPort 1.4 support), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1 (supporting 4K@60Hz), 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, and 1x Audio Combo Jack. There is no Thunderbolt support.
- Wireless: Equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11ax 2×2) and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast and reliable wireless connections.
- Webcam and Audio: Features an HD (720p at 30fps) webcam and a 2x 2W speaker system with Hi-Resolution Audio ready and Nahimic audio enhancement, providing a decent audio experience.
- Battery: It comes with a 3-cell, 53.5Whr Li-Polymer battery and a 120W AC adapter. Battery life is typically modest for gaming laptops, especially with a lower capacity battery.
- Operating System: Ships with Windows 11 Home.
The MSI Cyborg 15 A12VF-272 is a solid option for gamers looking for an affordable and stylish gaming laptop that can handle modern titles at 1080p, while appreciating its unique design elements and decent portability. Users should be mindful of the RTX 4060’s TGP, which is optimized for the laptop’s form factor.
Key Specifications:
- Model Number: A12VF-272 (often seen as A12VF-272US for US market)
- Product Line: MSI Cyborg 15 A12V Series
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-12650H Processor (10 Cores: 6 Performance + 4 Efficient, 16 Threads, up to 4.70 GHz Max Turbo Frequency, 24MB Intel Smart Cache)
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM (Up to 1470MHz Boost Clock, 45W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost)
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS-Level, 144Hz Refresh Rate, 45% NTSC Color Gamut
- Memory (RAM): 16GB DDR5 (2x 8GB) at 4000MHz or 4800MHz (Max 64GB, 2 SO-DIMM slots)
- Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD (1x M.2 SSD slot)
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Keyboard: Single Backlit Keyboard (Blue) with Anti-Ghost Key, Highlighted WASD keys
- Webcam: HD (720p @ 30fps)
- Audio: 2x 2W Speakers, Hi-Resolution Audio ready, Nahimic Audio
- Ports:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (supports DisplayPort 1.4)
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
- 1x HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz)
- 1x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
- Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11ax 2×2), Bluetooth® 5.2
- Battery: 3-Cell, 53.5Whr Li-Polymer
- Power Adapter: 120W AC Adapter
- Dimensions (WxDxH): 359.36 x 250.34 x 21.95~22.9 mm (14.15″ x 9.86″ x 0.9″)
- Weight: 1.98 kg (4.37 lbs)
- Color: Translucent Black
- Features: Translucent chassis elements, Cooler Boost thermal design, MSI Center
