MSI’s MPG Trident AS AI 2nd is now on sale, bringing desktop-class power to a compact, living-room-friendly form factor. First teased in April, this small-form-factor gaming PC targets players who want next-gen performance without a bulky tower, pairing Intel’s latest Arrow Lake-based Core Ultra processors with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50-series graphics.
At just 10.36 liters (397 x 137 x 410 mm), the MPG Trident AS AI 2nd packs serious hardware. Buyers can choose between the Core Ultra 5 225 or the more powerful Core Ultra 7 265F, the latter featuring 20 CPU cores split into 8 Performance cores and 12 Efficient cores. Both chips are built on TSMC’s N3B process, designed to deliver efficiency and high clocks in demanding workloads and modern games.
Graphics options include the GeForce RTX 5060 or GeForce RTX 5070, fueled by a 500 W 80 Plus Bronze power supply. Cooling is handled by a streamlined air-cooling setup, and storage flexibility is strong: four drive options split evenly between 2.5-inch bays and M.2 2280 slots. Connectivity is robust too, with nearly a dozen ports for displays, peripherals, and networking.
MSI is rolling out four configurations across Australia, Taiwan, and the Eurozone, with other regions to be announced. Current SKUs and pricing are as follows:
– Core Ultra 5 225 / GeForce RTX 5060 / 16 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD – AUD 2,999 (about $1,960)
– Core Ultra 7 265F / GeForce RTX 5060 / 16 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD – AUD 3,499 (about $2,287)
– Core Ultra 7 265F / GeForce RTX 5070 / 32 GB RAM / 1 TB SSD – €1,999 (about $2,305) / TWD 74,900 (about $2,427)
– Core Ultra 7 265F / GeForce RTX 5070 / 32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD – AUD 4,999 (about $3,267)
Who is it for? The MPG Trident AS AI 2nd is a compelling choice for gamers and creators who want a clean, minimalist setup with desktop-grade CPU and GPU performance. Its compact build makes it ideal for small desks and entertainment centers, while the RTX 5070 option, expanded storage support, and plentiful I/O help future-proof the system.
Availability and pricing will vary by region, and MSI has yet to confirm a launch timeline for additional markets. If you’re after a space-saving PC that doesn’t compromise on frame rates, this compact powerhouse should be on your shortlist.
