The MSI PRO DP21 14M is a compelling compact desktop PC designed for productivity and light multimedia tasks, offering a solid blend of performance for its size and price point.

It excels as a discreet workstation for home offices or small businesses, providing sufficient power for daily computing, web browsing, document creation, and video conferencing without occupying much desk space.

While it won’t be breaking any gaming benchmarks, its efficiency and integrated graphics are well-suited for professional environments where reliability and quiet operation are paramount.

For those seeking a minimalist, capable system that gets the job done without fuss, the DP21 14M presents a strong case.

Here’s a quick comparison of the MSI PRO DP21 14M against some other popular compact and mini PCs on the market:

Feature/Product	MSI PRO DP21 14M	Intel NUC Mini PC	HP Elite Mini 600 G9	Dell OptiPlex 3000 Micro	Lenovo ThinkCentre M70q Tiny	ASUS Mini PC PN53	Geekom MiniAir 11
Form Factor	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF	Ultra-compact SFF
Processor	Intel Core i3/i5/i7 11th Gen	Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9 Varies by model	Intel Core i3/i5/i7 12th Gen	Intel Core i3/i5/i7 12th Gen	Intel Core i3/i5/i7 12th Gen	AMD Ryzen 5/7 6000 Series	Intel Celeron N5095
RAM Max	64GB DDR4	64GB DDR4	64GB DDR4	64GB DDR4	64GB DDR4	64GB DDR5	16GB DDR4
Storage	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD + 2.5″ HDD/SSD	M.2 PCIe SSD
Graphics	Intel UHD/Iris Xe Graphics	Intel Iris Xe/UHD/Arc Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics	AMD Radeon Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics
Connectivity	HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6	Thunderbolt, HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6E	DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6E	DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6	DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6	HDMI, USB 4, USB 3.2, RJ45, Wi-Fi 6E	HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.2, USB 2.0, RJ45, Wi-Fi 5
Operating System	Windows 11 Home/Pro	Windows 11 Home/Pro, Linux	Windows 11 Home/Pro	Windows 11 Home/Pro	Windows 11 Home/Pro	Windows 11 Home/Pro, Linux	Windows 11 Pro
Target User	Home/Office Productivity	Enthusiasts, IT Pros, Home Theater	Business, Enterprise	Business, Education	Business, Enterprise	Home, Office, Multimedia	Basic Home/Office

Table of Contents

Unpacking the MSI PRO DP21 14M: Design and Form Factor

The MSI PRO DP21 14M immediately catches the eye with its remarkably compact design, making it an ideal choice for environments where space is a premium.

Think small home offices, co-working spaces, or even as a dedicated media center PC.

Its minimalist aesthetic allows it to blend seamlessly into various setups without being an intrusive presence.

The Compact Footprint and Why It Matters

Measuring approximately 2.2 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, the DP21 14M is roughly the size of a large paperback book.

This diminutive size is a significant advantage, particularly for users with limited desk real estate. Roku Ultra 2024 Review

You can easily tuck it behind a monitor using a VESA mount, slide it into a small shelf, or even place it vertically with an optional stand.

Desk Space Optimization: For a clean, uncluttered workspace, a small form factor SFF PC like the DP21 14M is a must. It frees up valuable desk area that would otherwise be occupied by a traditional tower.
Portability Relative: While not a laptop, its small size means it’s much easier to move between rooms or offices if needed, compared to a full-sized desktop.
Aesthetics: The sleek, black chassis with subtle MSI branding gives it a professional and modern look. It’s designed to be seen, but not to dominate.

Build Quality and Material Choices

MSI has opted for a sturdy plastic exterior that feels robust and well-assembled.

While not a premium aluminum unibody, the construction is solid enough to withstand typical office use.

The ventilation grilles are strategically placed to ensure adequate airflow, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance in such a compact chassis.

Durability: The plastic doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. It’s designed for everyday handling and should hold up well over time.
Thermal Design: The compact nature necessitates intelligent thermal management. MSI has implemented a design that allows air to flow efficiently through the components, dissipating heat effectively.
Maintenance Access: While compact, MSI has made it relatively straightforward to access internal components for upgrades, such as adding more RAM or a 2.5-inch storage drive. This is a big plus for users who might want to tweak their system down the line.

Core Performance: What to Expect from the DP21 14M

Underneath its sleek exterior, the MSI PRO DP21 14M packs enough punch for most everyday computing tasks. Oura Ring 4 Review

It’s built around Intel’s 11th Gen processors, offering a good balance of power efficiency and performance, making it a reliable workhorse for home and office environments.

Processor Options and Their Real-World Impact

The DP21 14M typically comes equipped with various Intel 11th Gen processors, ranging from the Core i3 to the Core i7. Your choice here significantly impacts the system’s responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.

Intel Core i3 11th Gen: Ideal for basic tasks like web browsing, email, word processing, and light streaming. It’s perfectly capable for students or users with very modest demands.
Intel Core i5 11th Gen: This is often the sweet spot for general productivity. It handles multiple applications simultaneously with ease, making it suitable for professionals who juggle spreadsheets, presentations, video calls, and a dozen browser tabs.
Intel Core i7 11th Gen: If you’re involved in more demanding tasks like photo editing, moderate video editing, or running specialized business software that requires more processing power, the i7 variant offers a noticeable boost in performance and speed.

Processor	Cores/Threads	Base Clock	Boost Clock	Typical Use Case
Intel Core i3-1115G4	2 Cores / 4 Threads	3.0 GHz	4.1 GHz	Web browsing, Email, Word Processing, Basic Streaming
Intel Core i5-1135G7	4 Cores / 8 Threads	2.4 GHz	4.2 GHz	Multitasking, Office Suites, Video Conferencing, Light Content Creation
Intel Core i7-1165G7	4 Cores / 8 Threads	2.8 GHz	4.7 GHz	Moderate Photo/Video Editing, Data Analysis, More Intensive Applications

RAM and Storage Configurations

The DP21 14M offers good flexibility when it comes to memory and storage, crucial for system responsiveness and data accessibility.

Memory RAM: The system supports up to 64GB of DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM across two slots.
- 8GB RAM: Sufficient for basic computing and light multitasking.
- 16GB RAM: Recommended for most users. It allows for smoother operation when running multiple applications, heavier web browsing, and more demanding software.
- 32GB+ RAM: Beneficial for power users, virtual machine enthusiasts, or those working with large datasets and memory-intensive applications.
Storage: The DP21 14M typically comes with an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD for the primary drive, which offers incredibly fast boot times and application loading. Additionally, it provides a 2.5-inch bay for an extra HDD or SSD, allowing for expanded storage capacity.
- NVMe SSD: Essential for system responsiveness. Sizes vary from 256GB to 1TB or more.
- 2.5″ Bay: Perfect for storing large files, documents, or an extensive media library. You can add a cost-effective HDD for bulk storage or another SSD for faster access to specific projects.

Performance Expectation Notes:

Multitasking: With adequate RAM 16GB or more and an NVMe SSD, the DP21 14M handles a typical professional workload with ease. Swapping between applications is swift, and system freezes are rare.
Boot Times: Expect Windows to boot up in mere seconds thanks to the NVMe SSD.
Application Load Times: Programs like Microsoft Office, web browsers, and standard business software launch almost instantaneously.
Light Content Creation: For casual photo editing or very basic video cuts, the i5 or i7 models can manage, but don’t expect workstation-level performance. Complex rendering will be slow.

Graphics Capabilities: Integrated Intel Iris Xe

The MSI PRO DP21 14M relies on integrated graphics, specifically Intel UHD Graphics or the more capable Intel Iris Xe Graphics, depending on the processor configuration. Ring Battery Doorbell Review

It’s crucial to understand that this machine is not designed for serious gaming or professional-grade graphics work.

Understanding Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Intel Iris Xe Graphics is a significant step up from older Intel UHD Graphics, offering substantially improved performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming.

It’s available with Intel Core i5 and Core i7 11th Gen processors.

Improved Performance: Iris Xe boasts more execution units EUs and faster clock speeds than previous generations of integrated graphics. This translates to smoother visuals and better handling of modern applications.
Multimedia Playback: It effortlessly handles 4K video playback, making the DP21 14M an excellent choice for a home theater PC or for streaming high-resolution content.
Productivity Applications: Accelerates tasks in productivity suites, including those that leverage GPU acceleration for features like complex animations in PowerPoint or certain functions in Excel.
Light Gaming: While not a gaming PC, Iris Xe can run older or less graphically demanding titles at playable frame rates at lower resolutions and settings. Think esports titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, or indie games. Don’t expect to play AAA titles from the last few years smoothly.

Use Cases for Integrated Graphics

The integrated graphics solution makes the DP21 14M suitable for specific user profiles and tasks:

Office Productivity: Ideal for all office applications, web conferencing Zoom, Teams, presentations, and general web browsing.
Education: Perfect for students needing a reliable machine for research, writing, and online learning platforms.
Home Media Center: Capable of streaming 4K content from platforms like Netflix, YouTube, or local media servers. It can also drive multiple monitors for an expanded workspace.
Light Content Creation: For casual photo editing e.g., cropping, basic color correction in applications like Adobe Photoshop Express or GIMP, Iris Xe provides adequate performance. For more intensive video editing or 3D rendering, a dedicated GPU is necessary.

Key takeaway: The graphics capabilities of the MSI PRO DP21 14M are perfectly aligned with its intended use as a productivity and multimedia machine. It provides a crisp visual experience for daily tasks and handles streaming content with ease, but it’s not a machine for graphics-intensive professional work or demanding gaming. Espn Plus Review

Connectivity and Ports: A Comprehensive Overview

A mini PC’s utility often hinges on its connectivity options, and the MSI PRO DP21 14M doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

It offers a well-rounded selection of ports, ensuring it can integrate seamlessly into most modern office or home setups.

Essential I/O Ports

The front and rear panels are thoughtfully laid out to provide access to frequently used and less frequently accessed ports.

Front Panel:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A x2: Convenient for quick access to flash drives, external hard drives, or peripherals.
USB 2.0 Type-A x2: Suitable for keyboards, mice, or other devices that don’t require high-speed data transfer.
Headphone Out: For connecting headphones or external speakers.
Mic In: For connecting an external microphone for video calls or recording.

Rear Panel: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7X Snapdragon Review

HDMI x1: The primary video output, supporting up to 4K resolution.
DisplayPort x1: Another high-resolution video output, allowing for a dual-monitor setup alongside HDMI.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A x2: More high-speed USB ports for peripherals.
USB 2.0 Type-A x2: Additional standard USB ports.
RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet: For a stable, high-speed wired internet connection.
DC Power Input: For connecting the external power adapter.

Key Connectivity Features:

Dual Display Support: With both HDMI and DisplayPort, the DP21 14M can easily drive two independent monitors, enhancing productivity for multitasking. This is a crucial feature for many professional users.
Ample USB Ports: A total of 6 USB ports 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 provide enough connectivity for a keyboard, mouse, printer, external storage, and other peripherals without needing a separate USB hub.
Wired and Wireless Networking: The inclusion of both Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 ensures flexible and fast network access, whether you prefer a wired connection for maximum stability or the convenience of wireless.

Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth

Modern PCs need robust wireless capabilities, and the DP21 14M includes the latest standards.

Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax: This is a significant upgrade over previous Wi-Fi standards.
- Faster Speeds: Delivers higher theoretical throughput, especially in congested network environments.
- Improved Efficiency: Better at handling multiple devices on a network simultaneously, reducing latency.
- Better Battery Life for connected devices: Though less relevant for a desktop, it benefits connected mobile devices.
- Reliability: Provides a more stable and consistent wireless connection.
Bluetooth 5.2: For connecting wireless peripherals.
- Wider Range: Connect devices from further away.
- Increased Speed: Faster data transfer for quick pairing.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Better for battery-powered Bluetooth devices.
- Simultaneous Connections: Allows for multiple active connections, such as a wireless keyboard, mouse, and headphones, without interference.

Practical Implications: The comprehensive port selection and modern wireless capabilities make the MSI PRO DP21 14M highly adaptable. It can seamlessly connect to most office peripherals, external displays, and network infrastructures, providing a hassle-free user experience from day one.

Noise Levels and Thermal Management

One of the most critical aspects of any compact PC, especially those designed for productivity environments, is its noise output and how effectively it manages heat.

The MSI PRO DP21 14M aims for quiet operation, a significant benefit for users in home offices or shared workspaces. Adobe Photoshop Elements Review

Fan Noise Under Load

The DP21 14M employs an active cooling solution, meaning it has a fan to dissipate heat.

In typical scenarios, the fan noise is minimal and often imperceptible.

Idle/Light Use: When performing basic tasks like web browsing, email, or word processing, the fan is barely audible, if at all. It operates quietly in the background, creating a peaceful working environment.
Moderate Load: When streaming 4K video, running multiple applications, or engaging in video conferencing, the fan might spin up slightly. However, it remains relatively quiet, producing a gentle hum rather than a distracting whine.
Heavy Load: During sustained heavy workloads, such as file compression, light video rendering, or system updates, the fan will become more noticeable. Even then, it’s generally not loud enough to be disruptive in an office setting. It’s designed to keep component temperatures in check without generating excessive noise.

Sound Profile dB:

Idle: ~20-25 dB whisper quiet
Typical Use: ~25-30 dB barely noticeable ambient sound
Under Load: ~35-40 dB audible but not disruptive

These figures are approximate and can vary based on ambient room noise and specific CPU load, but they give a good indication of the DP21 14M’s quiet nature.

Thermal Performance and Stability

Effective thermal management is crucial for the longevity and sustained performance of any computer, particularly in a compact form factor where heat can easily build up. MSI has implemented a thoughtful cooling design. Pinnaclecart Review

Efficient Airflow: The chassis design incorporates strategically placed vents to facilitate efficient airflow. Cool air is drawn in, passes over the heat-generating components CPU, chipset, and warm air is exhausted.
CPU Cooler: The CPU is equipped with a custom-designed heatsink and fan combination optimized for the compact space. This ensures the processor operates within safe temperature limits, preventing thermal throttling.
Component Placement: Internal components are arranged to minimize heat traps and allow for better dissipation.

Temperature Management:

CPU Temperatures: During normal operation, CPU temperatures typically hover around 40-55°C. Under sustained heavy load, they might rise to 70-85°C, which is well within safe operating limits for Intel processors.
No Throttling: The cooling system is robust enough to prevent thermal throttling under typical workloads, meaning the CPU can maintain its boost clock speeds for longer durations without significantly reducing performance.
Long-Term Reliability: Good thermal management contributes directly to the overall lifespan of the components. Keeping temperatures in check reduces stress on the CPU, RAM, and storage, leading to greater long-term reliability.

Verdict on Noise and Thermals: The MSI PRO DP21 14M strikes an excellent balance between cooling efficiency and low noise output. It’s engineered to be a quiet companion in your workspace, ensuring that its presence is felt in productivity, not in disruptive fan noise or heat.

Software and User Experience

The MSI PRO DP21 14M generally ships with Windows 11 Home or Pro, providing a familiar and modern operating environment.

Beyond the OS, MSI includes some proprietary software that can enhance the user experience, though minimal bloatware is always a plus for a clean system.

Operating System: Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a refreshed user interface, improved multitasking features, and enhanced security to the DP21 14M. Qnap Ts 216G Review

Modern UI: The redesigned Start menu, centered taskbar, and rounded corners give Windows 11 a sleek and contemporary look.
Snap Layouts and Groups: These features significantly improve multitasking by allowing users to easily arrange multiple windows on their screen into predefined layouts. This is particularly useful for productivity on larger or dual monitors.
Widgets: A personalized feed of news, weather, and other information, accessible from the taskbar.
Microsoft Teams Integration: Built directly into the taskbar for quick access to communication.
Security: Enhanced security features, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements, provide a more secure computing environment.
Performance Optimizations: Windows 11 is designed to be more efficient, potentially offering better responsiveness and resource management on modern hardware.

MSI’s Bundled Utilities

MSI typically includes a few software utilities designed to help users monitor and optimize their system.

MSI Center: This is a centralized hub for system monitoring, performance optimization, and various utilities.
- System Monitor: Provides real-time data on CPU usage, RAM usage, storage activity, and fan speeds.
- User Scenario: Allows users to switch between different performance profiles e.g., Silent, Balanced, Performance to adjust fan speeds and power consumption based on their needs.
- Live Update: Keeps system drivers and MSI software up to date.
- Features/Tools: Can include options for display calibration, network optimization, and more.
Driver & Utility Installation: While some manufacturers pre-install every piece of software imaginable, MSI generally keeps it relatively clean. The necessary drivers are pre-installed, and optional utilities can be accessed via MSI Center or downloaded from their support page.

Bloatware Assessment:

Fortunately, MSI is generally good about not overloading their PRO series desktops with excessive bloatware.

You’ll primarily find essential drivers, Windows itself, and the MSI Center utility.

This contributes to a cleaner, faster out-of-the-box experience, as you won’t spend time uninstalling unwanted programs. Disney Plus Review

A clean system means fewer background processes consuming resources, leading to better performance and responsiveness.

Overall User Experience:

The combination of Windows 11 and MSI’s thoughtful software suite or lack thereof, in the case of bloatware provides a smooth and productive user experience on the DP21 14M.

It boots quickly, applications launch rapidly, and the system generally feels responsive, making it a reliable daily driver for its target audience.

Upgradeability and Longevity

Despite its compact size, the MSI PRO DP21 14M offers a respectable degree of upgradeability, which is a significant advantage for extending its useful lifespan. Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo Review

The ability to easily upgrade key components means you can keep the system relevant for longer without needing a complete replacement.

RAM and Storage Expansion

These are the most common and impactful upgrades for mini PCs, and the DP21 14M handles them well.

RAM:
- Two SO-DIMM Slots: The system typically comes with two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots. This means you can add more RAM or replace existing sticks to increase total memory.
- Max Capacity: Supports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM 2x32GB modules, which is more than enough for virtually any non-workstation task.
- Benefit: Upgrading RAM is often the most noticeable performance boost for multitasking, especially if you start with only 8GB. It allows you to run more applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
Storage:
- M.2 NVMe SSD Slot: The primary boot drive is typically an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD. You can easily upgrade this to a larger capacity drive if needed. The M.2 slot offers incredibly fast read/write speeds, crucial for system responsiveness.
- 2.5-inch Drive Bay: This is a big plus for a mini PC. It allows you to add a traditional 2.5-inch SATA SSD or HDD for expanded storage. This is ideal for archiving large files, media libraries, or backups without relying on external drives.
- Benefit: Upgrading storage, especially to an NVMe SSD, provides rapid boot times and application loading. Adding a secondary 2.5-inch drive significantly increases total storage capacity.

Component	Default Configuration Example	Upgrade Potential	Impact on Performance/Utility
RAM	8GB DDR4	Up to 64GB DDR4 2x32GB	Significant boost in multitasking, handling large datasets, virtual machines.
Primary Storage	256GB/512GB NVMe SSD	Up to 2TB+ NVMe SSD	Faster boot, app load, general system responsiveness. More space for programs and files.
Secondary Storage	Empty 2.5″ bay	2.5″ SATA SSD up to 4TB+ / HDD up to 8TB+	Massive increase in storage capacity for media, documents, backups, or less-frequently accessed programs.

Ease of Access for Upgrades

MSI has designed the chassis to be relatively user-friendly when it comes to accessing internal components.

Simple Panel Removal: Accessing the RAM and storage slots typically involves removing a few screws on the bottom panel.
Tool-Less Features Minor: While not entirely tool-less, the design minimizes complexity, making it easy for a user with basic tools to perform upgrades.
Clear Layout: Once inside, the layout is generally clear, and components are identifiable, aiding in the upgrade process.

Considerations for Longevity:

Non-Upgradable CPU/GPU: Like most mini PCs, the CPU and integrated GPU are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. This is a common trade-off for the compact form factor.
Future-Proofing Limited: While RAM and storage upgrades extend life, eventually the CPU’s capabilities will become the bottleneck for new software or more demanding tasks. However, for its target use productivity, an 11th Gen Intel processor will remain relevant for many years.
Port Selection: The modern port selection USB 3.2, Wi-Fi 6, HDMI, DisplayPort ensures compatibility with future peripherals and display technologies for a good while.

Target Audience and Value Proposition

The MSI PRO DP21 14M isn’t for everyone, but for its specific target audience, it offers an exceptional value proposition. Asus Tuf Gaming X870 Plus Wifi Review

Understanding who this PC is designed for helps highlight its strengths and where it truly shines.

Who is the MSI PRO DP21 14M For?

This mini PC is primarily designed for users who prioritize space-saving, quiet operation, and reliable performance for everyday tasks, rather than raw power for demanding applications like gaming or professional content creation.

Home Office Users: Individuals working from home who need a dedicated, unobtrusive, and reliable computer for their daily workflow. It excels at handling office suites, video conferencing, email, and web browsing.
Small Business & Enterprise: Perfect for deployment in offices where desk space is limited or where a clean, minimalist aesthetic is desired. It can serve as a workstation for administrative tasks, customer service, sales, or basic data entry. Its compact size also makes it easy to integrate into kiosks or digital signage solutions.
Students: A great machine for academic tasks, research, online learning platforms, and general productivity without taking up much dorm room or desk space.
Everyday Home Users: For families or individuals who primarily use a computer for web browsing, streaming media, online shopping, managing photos, and light personal tasks.
Media Center PC HTPC: Its small size, quiet operation, and 4K video playback capabilities make it an excellent candidate for a home theater PC, connected to a TV or projector for streaming and local media playback.

Typical Use Cases:

Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Web browsing with multiple tabs
Video conferencing Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet
Email management
Streaming video Netflix, YouTube, Hulu
Light photo viewing and editing
Remote work/remote desktop access
Educational software and online courses

Value Against Competitors

When evaluating the value of the MSI PRO DP21 14M, it’s essential to compare it against similar mini PCs from brands like Intel NUC, Dell OptiPlex Micro, HP Elite Mini, and Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny.

Price Point: The DP21 14M typically offers a competitive price point, especially considering its solid build quality, modern connectivity Wi-Fi 6, and Intel 11th Gen processor options. It often provides a better performance-per-dollar ratio than some higher-end business-focused mini PCs or offers more features than entry-level budget models.
Features vs. Cost: It strikes a good balance, including essential features like dual-display support, multiple USB ports, and fast storage NVMe SSD, without adding unnecessary components that drive up the cost for its target user.
Upgradeability: Its relatively easy RAM and 2.5-inch storage upgradeability add significant long-term value, allowing users to extend the system’s life and adapt it to future needs without a full replacement. Many competitors offer similar upgrade paths, but MSI makes it straightforward.
Brand Reputation: MSI has a strong reputation for producing reliable computer components and systems. While primarily known for gaming, their “PRO” series targets stability and productivity.

Value Proposition Summary: Incogni Review

The MSI PRO DP21 14M delivers a compelling package for users who need a compact, quiet, and reliable desktop for everyday productivity and multimedia consumption.

It’s not about bleeding-edge performance but about delivering a smooth, efficient, and unobtrusive computing experience at a sensible price point, backed by good upgrade potential.

If your primary need is a solid, space-saving workhorse, the DP21 14M offers excellent value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

The MSI PRO DP21 14M is a compact mini PC designed for everyday productivity, office tasks, and light multimedia consumption, offering a space-saving form factor and efficient performance.

What processors does the MSI PRO DP21 14M use?

It typically uses Intel 11th Generation Core processors, ranging from Core i3 for basic tasks to Core i7 for more demanding workloads. Hisense 110Ux Championship Edition Uled Tv Review

Can I upgrade the RAM in the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Yes, the MSI PRO DP21 14M has two SO-DIMM slots and supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for easy upgrades.

What type of storage does the MSI PRO DP21 14M support?

It supports an M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD for the primary drive and also includes a 2.5-inch bay for an additional SATA SSD or HDD for expanded storage.

Does the MSI PRO DP21 14M support dual monitors?

Yes, it comes with both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, allowing you to connect and run two independent monitors simultaneously.

Is the MSI PRO DP21 14M suitable for gaming?

No, it is not designed for serious gaming.

It uses integrated Intel UHD or Iris Xe Graphics, which are suitable for light gaming and multimedia but not graphically intensive titles. Hp Laserjet M209D Review

What kind of graphics does the MSI PRO DP21 14M have?

It features integrated Intel UHD Graphics or the more powerful Intel Iris Xe Graphics, depending on the specific CPU configuration.

How quiet is the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

It is generally very quiet, especially under light to moderate loads.

The fan noise is minimal and non-disruptive, making it ideal for quiet office environments.

What are the dimensions of the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Its dimensions are approximately 2.2 inches thick, 8 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, making it extremely compact.

Does the MSI PRO DP21 14M come with Wi-Fi?

Yes, it includes Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Soundcloud Review

Does the MSI PRO DP21 14M have Bluetooth?

Yes, it comes with Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting wireless peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headphones.

What operating system does the MSI PRO DP21 14M come with?

It typically comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.

Can I mount the MSI PRO DP21 14M behind a monitor?

Yes, many configurations of the MSI PRO DP21 14M are VESA mount compatible, allowing it to be securely mounted behind a monitor for a clean setup.

How many USB ports does the MSI PRO DP21 14M have?

It usually features a total of six USB ports: two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and two USB 2.0 Type-A on the front, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and two USB 2.0 Type-A on the rear.

Is the MSI PRO DP21 14M good for video editing?

For professional or intensive video editing, it is not ideal as it lacks a dedicated graphics card.

For light, casual video editing of short clips, it might suffice with an i5 or i7 processor.

Is the MSI PRO DP21 14M good for office work?

Yes, it is excellent for office work, handling tasks like document creation, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and video conferencing with ease.

What is the power consumption of the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Being a mini PC, it has relatively low power consumption, making it energy-efficient for continuous operation in an office or home environment. Specific wattage depends on the configuration.

Does the MSI PRO DP21 14M have an optical drive?

No, like most modern compact PCs, the MSI PRO DP21 14M does not include an optical drive CD/DVD player.

Can I connect wired internet to the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Yes, it includes an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port for a stable wired internet connection.

What is the advantage of a mini PC like the DP21 14M over a laptop?

A mini PC offers more desktop-like performance and connectivity in a stationary setup, often at a lower cost than a similarly spec’d laptop, with easier upgradeability for RAM and storage.

What is the advantage of a mini PC like the DP21 14M over a traditional desktop tower?

Its primary advantage is its significantly smaller footprint, saving valuable desk space, and often quieter operation, while still providing sufficient power for common tasks.

Is the MSI PRO DP21 14M suitable for 4K streaming?

Yes, with its Intel Iris Xe graphics on i5/i7 models and appropriate connectivity, it is fully capable of streaming 4K video content smoothly.

What is the boot time of the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Thanks to its NVMe SSD, the boot time is very fast, typically taking only a few seconds to load the operating system.

Can I use the MSI PRO DP21 14M as a server?

While technically possible for very light server tasks e.g., home media server, it’s primarily designed as a personal workstation and not optimized for continuous, heavy server loads.

Does the MSI PRO DP21 14M come with speakers?

No, it does not have built-in speakers.

You will need to connect external speakers or headphones.

How durable is the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

It features a robust plastic construction that feels solid and durable enough for typical office and home use, designed to withstand daily handling.

Are there any specific drivers I need to install for the DP21 14M?

MSI typically pre-installs all necessary drivers.

You can use the included MSI Center utility or MSI’s website for driver updates.

Can I install Linux on the MSI PRO DP21 14M?

Yes, while it comes with Windows, the hardware is generally compatible with various Linux distributions, offering flexibility for users who prefer open-source operating systems.

What warranty does the MSI PRO DP21 14M come with?

Warranty terms can vary by region and retailer, but MSI typically offers a standard limited warranty, usually 1-3 years for desktop PCs. Check with your specific vendor.

Is the MSI PRO DP21 14M good for developers or programmers?

For web development, scripting, or light coding, it can be perfectly adequate, especially with 16GB or more RAM.

For compiling large projects or running complex virtual machines, a more powerful system might be preferred, but it’s certainly capable for many development tasks.undefined

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