The MSI Vortex G65 (SLI-002) (starts at $2,199.99; $3,999.99 as tested) is a gaming desktop that packs plenty of power in a small-form-factor (SFF) build. It can easily handle any game at 1080p on maximum settings, and is capable of 4K and virtual reality gaming. You get support for multiple monitors, USB-C ports, fast wired and wireless Internet by Killer, and other extras. Most of the components are upgradeable, but you'll be limited as far as the graphics cards, even though the dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 980s are good right now. Though larger, the Maingear X-Cube Z170 remains our Editors' Choice given its lower cost, faster performance, and more standard components.

Design and Features

The singular physical design of the Vortex is more or less its raison d'être, and on that front, it's very appealing. The cylindrical plastic chassis is dark silver, with three black strips running vertically along the sides. There are black exhaust vents on top, and a thin strip of lighting runs up the front, over the top, and down the back. There's a gap between the bottom of the chassis and its metal base, which is where cool air gets pulled in by one large fan. The air is pulled up the body, cooling the interior as it passes over the components, before being pushed out the top vents as hot exhaust. (This is the same cooling concept use in most systems, just taking place in a more compact, vertically oriented space.) The resulting interior rotating column of air, as MSI refers to it, gives the Vortex its name.

The design is perhaps the ultimate space saver in this category, leaving one of the smallest footprints of any comparable SFF desktop: The system measures just 10.55 by 7.61 by 7.01 inches (HWD). The Falcon Northwest Tiki (2015) is skinny, but taller and deeper at 14 by 4 by 13.75 inches. The Maingear X-Cube is larger all around, measuring 13.3 by 16.3 by 18.3 inches, while the Origin Chronos (X99) is a much more compact rectangle at 7.5 by 8.75 by 14 inches. These more traditional shapes might squeeze into a tight spot better than the Vortex does, but its design is particularly useful if your desk space lacks depth. It's pretty remarkable to be able to hold a gaming desktop in one hand, and at 9.52 pounds, it doesn't weigh much more than some larger gaming laptops.

The advanced design is part of the reason for the Vortex's premium price, but unlike more standard gaming desktops, this is not something you can build yourself. The good news is that, like a custom build, this system is upgradeable. By removing some rear screws and popping off a panel, you can swap out the storage, memory, and CPU. There are two Vortex models available with very similar specs, the main difference being the use of GTX 980 or 960 graphics cards. In both, the system comes with two 128GB PCIe SSDs in a RAID Level 0 array as the primary drive (C:), for a total of 256GB, and a 1TB data hard drive. There is a catch, however, in regards to the graphics cards: The Vortex can only fit smaller Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) cards, which are much less common than full-size desktop versions. You won't be able to fit in a standard 980 Ti or Titan X when you want to upgrade, and there aren't many MXM cards out there, so your future upgrade options will be restricted. The system also only includes a 450-watt power supply, which further limits its upgradeability.