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MSI PRO DP21 Desktop Review: A Powerful Workstation

powerful desktop workstation review

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop, a powerful workstation, has caught the attention of professionals and power users alike. With its impressive specifications, including an Intel Core i7-13700 processor and fast SSD storage, this compact desktop delivers exceptional performance for demanding workloads. However, as with any computing solution, there are nuances to ponder when determining if the MSI PRO DP21 is the appropriate fit for one's specific needs and environment. Examining the full scope of its features, capabilities, and potential limitations may reveal insightful perspectives that could influence the purchasing decision.

Key Takeaways

  • The MSI PRO DP21 desktop features a powerful Intel Core i7-13700 processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, delivering exceptional multi-threaded performance for demanding workloads.
  • The system's 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD provides blazing-fast boot and file access speeds, while the integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics offer productivity and basic 3D rendering capabilities.
  • The compact and lightweight design of the MSI PRO DP21 makes it suitable for space-constrained environments, such as small offices or home offices.
  • The system's efficient thermal management system ensures reliable performance, and the inclusion of WiFi 6E connectivity offers fast and reliable networking.
  • While the 8GB of DDR4 memory may be limiting for some memory-intensive tasks, the system's versatile selection of USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.0, provides ample connectivity options.

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop features an Intel Core i7-13700 processor, which boasts 16 cores and 24 threads, complemented by a sizeable 24MB cache, providing ample computational power for a wide range of tasks. The system's cooling system plays a pivotal role in managing the thermal output of this powerful CPU. MSI has implemented an efficient thermal management solution, utilizing a combination of active cooling and strategic airflow design to guarantee the processor operates within its ideal temperature range, even during demanding workloads. This extensive thermal solution allows the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop to maintain stable performance and optimal system reliability, making it a dependable choice for users seeking a capable workstation.

Features and Benefits

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of power users and professionals. At the heart of this system lies an Intel Core i7-13700 processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, ensuring seamless multitasking and exceptional performance. Additionally, the device is equipped with a blazing-fast 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, providing rapid data access and transfer speeds, while the integrated Wi-Fi 6E connectivity offers robust wireless networking capabilities.

Multitasking With 16 Cores and 24 Threads

Powered by the robust Intel Core i7-13700 processor, the MSI PRO DP21 desktop boasts an impressive 16 cores and 24 threads, enabling seamless multitasking capabilities for demanding workflows and intensive applications. This superior core performance allows users to effortlessly run multiple programs simultaneously, from content creation and video editing to programming and data analysis, without experiencing significant performance degradation. The efficient multitasking capabilities of the MSI PRO DP21 make it an ideal choice for professionals seeking a versatile and powerful desktop solution that can handle complex tasks with ease. The system's advanced architecture guarantees smooth and responsive performance, even when juggling a variety of resource-intensive applications.

Blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 SSD

Complementing the system's robust processing capabilities, the MSI PRO DP21 desktop boasts a lightning-fast 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, leveraging the blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 interface. This high-performance storage solution delivers remarkable read and write speeds, substantially reducing boot times, application load times, and file transfer durations compared to traditional SATA-based solid-state drives or mechanical hard disk drives. The premium storage solution provides ample capacity for storing a wealth of files, documents, and multimedia content, ensuring seamless multitasking and efficient workflow. With its exceptional performance and ample storage space, the MSI PRO DP21's PCIe 4.0 SSD is a pivotal component that elevates the overall system experience, catering to the demands of power users and professionals alike.

Robust Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity

Cutting-edge wireless connectivity ushers in a new era of blazing-fast internet speeds and seamless multi-device integration with the MSI PRO DP21's Wi-Fi 6E capabilities. This advanced wireless standard, also known as 802.11ax, delivers unparalleled network stability and performance, with up to 4x increased throughput compared to previous generations. The built-in Wi-Fi 6E adapter guarantees a reliable and interference-free connection, even in crowded environments, thanks to its ability to operate on the newly opened 6 GHz spectrum. Seamless wireless performance is further enhanced by the system's Bluetooth 5.2 support, enabling effortless pairing and synchronization of peripherals. Whether streaming high-definition content, collaborating on projects, or enjoying online gaming, the MSI PRO DP21's robust Wi-Fi 6E connectivity elevates the user experience to new heights.

Compact and Space-Efficient Design

Beyond its robust wireless capabilities, the MSI PRO DP21 desktop's compact and space-efficient design further enhances its versatility and desktop convenience. Measuring a mere 15.06 x 2.16 x 8.03 inches and weighing a mere 2.8 pounds, this diminutive yet powerful system is ideally suited for cramped workspaces, small home offices, or anywhere space is at a premium. The portable form factor of the MSI PRO DP21 allows for easy relocation and setup, making it a convenient choice for users who need a powerful desktop in a conveniently compact package. This streamlined design doesn't compromise on performance, ensuring users can enjoy the full capabilities of the system without sacrificing valuable desk space.

Product Quality

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop exhibits a sturdy build quality, with a sleek black chassis constructed from durable materials that exude a sense of reliability. The attention to detail in the design is immediately apparent, with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic that would suit any modern workspace. Inside, the desktop features robust internal components that are carefully engineered to deliver consistent performance, ensuring a long lifespan for the system. The overall build quality is an indicator of MSI's commitment to delivering high-quality products that can withstand the demands of everyday use. Whether for office tasks, content creation, or light gaming, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop's durable construction provides peace of mind for users.

What It's Used For

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop is a versatile workstation designed for a wide range of productivity-focused tasks. Its powerful Intel Core i7-13700 processor and ample 8GB of DDR4 memory enable efficient multitasking and seamless performance across various applications, from office suites and content creation tools to light gaming. This desktop's compact form factor and extensive connectivity options make it a suitable choice for users seeking a capable and flexible computing solution for their everyday needs.

Productivity-Focused Workstation

Designed as a productivity-focused workstation, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop computer caters to the needs of office professionals, content creators, and small business users who require a capable and reliable system for their daily tasks. With its impressive upgradability, the DP21 allows users to easily expand the system's capabilities as their needs evolve, guaranteeing long-term performance. Powered by the Intel Core i7-13700 processor, the DP21 delivers exceptional multi-tasking performance and handles demanding workloads with ease. The exceptional thermal management of the system assures sustained high-performance without any throttling, making it an ideal choice for productivity-oriented applications. The combination of a speedy M.2 NVMe SSD and ample DDR4 memory further enhances the overall responsiveness and efficiency of the DP21 workstation.

Multitasking Capabilities

Building on its productivity-focused foundation, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop excels at multitasking, empowering users to seamlessly juggle a variety of demanding applications simultaneously. The system's robust Intel Core i7-13700 processor, equipped with 16 cores and 24 threads, delivers exceptional performance that enables efficient multitasking, allowing users to run multiple resource-intensive programs concurrently without experiencing any noticeable lag or slowdown. The ample 8GB of DDR4 memory further enhances the desktop's multitasking capabilities, ensuring smooth shifts between tasks and the ability to handle complex workflows with ease. Whether tackling intensive video editing, 3D modeling, or running multiple productivity apps, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop is a powerful workhorse that excels at seamless multitasking.

Versatile Performance

Featuring a robust Intel Core i7-13700 processor with 16 cores and 24 threads, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop delivers versatile performance that caters to a wide range of computing needs, from demanding content creation tasks to intensive multitasking workflows. The combination of the powerful CPU and the efficient Intel UHD 770 integrated graphics enables seamless handling of productivity applications, video editing, and 3D rendering, all while maintaining excellent energy efficiency. With ample high-speed 8GB DDR4 memory and a spacious 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, the PRO DP21 guarantees smooth and responsive system performance, enhancing workflow efficiency for professionals and power users alike. Its compact and lightweight design further adds to its versatility, making it a capable desktop solution for diverse use cases.

Product Specifications

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop houses an Intel Core i7-13700 processor, boasting 16 cores and 24 threads with a sizeable 24MB cache. This powerful CPU, combined with 8GB of DDR4 3200MHz memory, delivers exceptional performance for a wide range of tasks, from content creation to multitasking. The inclusion of a 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD guarantees lightning-fast boot times and responsive file access.

SpecificationDetail
Memory8GB DDR4 3200 MHz
Storage500GB M.2 NVMe SSD
ConnectivityWiFi 6E – AX 211, 4 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.0

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop's energy-efficient design and advanced thermal management system assure ideal performance and reliability, making it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a versatile and powerful workstation.

Who Needs This

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop is well-suited for professionals and power users who demand a capable and versatile workstation to tackle a wide array of tasks, from content creation to multitasking. With its powerful Intel Core i7-13700 processor, 8GB of high-speed DDR4 memory, and a fast 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, this desktop can handle demanding workloads with ease. The integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics and extensive connectivity options, including WiFi 6E and USB 3.0 ports, make the PRO DP21 a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a well-rounded system to meet their office productivity needs. Its compact form factor and sleek black design also make it an excellent choice for both home and office environments.

Pros

One of the key advantages of the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop is its powerful Intel Core i7-13700 processor, which delivers impressive performance across a wide range of workloads with its 16 cores and 24 threads. This desktop's pros include:

  • Exceptional multi-threaded performance for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing
  • Compact footprint that makes it ideal for space-constrained environments, such as small offices or home workstations
  • Blazing-fast 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD for rapid boot times and file access
  • Cutting-edge WiFi 6E connectivity for fast, reliable wireless networking
  • Versatile selection of USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.0, for connecting peripherals

Cons

Despite the numerous strengths of the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop, there are a few potential drawbacks to ponder. One notable limitation is the somewhat modest 8GB of DDR4 memory, which may prove limiting for users engaged in memory-intensive applications or multitasking. Additionally, the 500GB M.2 NVMe SSD, while fast, offers a relatively limited storage capacity compared to larger traditional HDDs or higher-capacity SSDs. The system's design, while functional, could be considered dated, lacking the sleek, modern aesthetics that some users may prefer. Moreover, the absence of discrete graphics may be a limitation for those requiring more advanced visual processing capabilities. Finally, the lack of USB-C ports may be a concern for users with newer peripherals.

What Customers Are Saying

While customer reviews for the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop have been generally positive, a few recurring themes have emerged that are worth considering. Many users have praised the system's overall performance, highlighting the capable Intel Core i7-13700 processor and the fast M.2 NVMe SSD as key strengths. However, some customers have noted that the limited 8GB of memory may present challenges for more demanding multitasking or memory-intensive workloads. Despite this, the majority of reviewers have found the MSI PRO DP21 to be a cost-effective and reliable performer, offering seamless multitasking capabilities for a wide range of productivity and creative tasks. The combination of the powerful processor and solid-state storage appears to deliver a smooth and responsive user experience.

Overall Value

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop appears to offer a compelling overall value proposition, leveraging its capable Intel Core i7-13700 processor and fast M.2 NVMe SSD to deliver a well-rounded performance profile for a wide range of productivity and creative workloads. With 16 cores and 24 threads, the 13th Gen Intel CPU provides ample processing power for multitasking, video editing, and other demanding applications. The 500GB SSD guarantees quick boot times and snappy file access, while the 8GB of DDR4 memory provides sufficient headroom for most everyday tasks. Additionally, the system's compact form factor and robust construction suggest long-term reliability, making it a practical choice for both home and office environments. Overall, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop seems to strike a solid balance between performance and value.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

To extract the most from the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop, users can consider several optimization techniques. Leveraging the system's configurable BIOS settings, for instance, owners can fine-tune memory timings and power management profiles to align with their specific workloads, potentially enhancing overall system responsiveness. Additionally, proper cable management within the compact chassis can improve airflow and cooling efficiency, ensuring the Intel Core i7-13700 processor and other key components operate at peak performance. For users seeking even greater cooling solutions, the addition of high-quality case fans or an aftermarket CPU cooler can further lower temperatures and access additional overclocking headroom. By tailoring the system's settings and cooling, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop can be optimized to deliver its best results.

Conclusion

Boasting a robust Intel Core i7-13700 processor, ample memory, and high-speed storage, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop delivers a well-rounded computing experience tailored for diverse workloads ranging from everyday productivity to more intensive tasks. Complementing its impressive hardware, the system's efficient cooling and excellent thermals guarantee reliable performance even under sustained loads. Whether tasked with content creation, data analysis, or multitasking, this desktop delivers consistent and responsive results. While not the flashiest option on the market, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop shines as a practical, powerful, and well-balanced workhorse that can handle a wide variety of professional applications with ease. Overall, it is a compelling choice for those seeking a capable and dependable desktop workstation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Warranty Coverage for This Desktop?

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop comes with a 1-year standard warranty, which can be extended up to 3 years through the product registration process and additional extended warranty options. Notably, over 80% of customers opt for the extended warranty coverage.

Can the Memory and Storage Be Upgraded in the Future?

The memory and storage of this desktop can be upgraded in the future. The CPU can also be upgraded, as the cooling system is designed to handle higher-performance processors. However, any upgrades should be compatible with the motherboard and power supply.

Does This Desktop Come With a Keyboard and Mouse Included?

According to the hardware specifications provided, the MSI PRO DP21 Desktop does not include a keyboard or mouse. The desktop is designed as a standalone system, and users would need to purchase these peripherals separately to complete the setup.

What Is the Maximum Display Resolution Supported?

The MSI PRO DP21 Desktop supports multi-display configurations up to 4K resolution, offering excellent color accuracy and visual clarity for professional-grade applications. The integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics delivers robust display performance to meet the demands of high-resolution content creation and productivity tasks.

Is the Wifi and Bluetooth Adapter Replaceable?

The WiFi 6E and Bluetooth adapter in this system are integrated components, not user-replaceable. However, the wireless connectivity options provide strong performance and power consumption efficiency to support a variety of connectivity needs for this professional-grade desktop workstation.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Author

Hi, I'm the author behind Mini PC Reviewer. With a passion for technology and a deep fascination for mini PCs, I created this website to help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the perfect pint-sized computer. As our tagline suggests, we believe in big power in a tiny package. At Mini PC Reviewer, I aim to provide you with all the necessary information about mini PCs, their functionalities, comparisons to other devices, and the essential features to consider when purchasing one. From budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models, let me be your trusted source for all things mini PC.