MSI MSI PRO DP21 Mini Desktop Computer | 13th Gen Review
The MSI PRO DP21 is a solid, space-saving PC for basic work, but its price tag is hard to justify. We break down who should buy it and who can find a better deal.
The 30-Second Version
A capable but overpriced mini PC for basic office work. Only buy it if the tiny size is your top priority. Otherwise, you can get more for your money.
Overview
The MSI PRO DP21 is a solid little workhorse that knows exactly what it is: a compact, no-fuss office PC. Forget about gaming or heavy creative work. This thing is built for spreadsheets, emails, and video calls, and it does that job very well. The one thing you need to know is that it's a purpose-built machine for basic productivity, and if that's your lane, it's a surprisingly good option.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from a modern Core i3 with 16GB of RAM. It's snappy for daily tasks. What surprised us, looking at our database, is how middling the RAM score is at the 37th percentile. That means while 16GB is plenty for most people, there are a lot of competitors packing more memory for similar money. The CPU lands in the 56th percentile, which is fine, but it's not blowing anyone's doors off. It's competent, not exceptional.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tiny footprint that fits anywhere. 74th
- Comes with Windows 11 Pro, which is a nice bonus for business features.
- Good port selection, including USB-C and dual 4K display support.
- Out of the box ready with a keyboard and mouse.
Cons
- Integrated graphics only. Don't even think about gaming. 27th
- The RAM configuration, while adequate, isn't competitive on a spec-for-dollar basis. 32th
- It's a bit pricey for an i3 system when you look at the broader market.
- Some users report needing adapters for certain monitors, which is an annoying extra cost.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | 4.5 GHz core_i3 |
| Cores | 4 |
| Frequency | 4.5 GHz |
Graphics
| GPU | UHD Graphics |
| Type | integrated |
| VRAM Type | Shared |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Storage Type | SSD |
Build
| Form Factor | Mini |
| Weight | 3.6 kg / 8.0 lbs |
Connectivity
| HDMI | HDMI |
System
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
Value & Pricing
At $549, the value proposition is shaky. You're paying a premium for the mini form factor and the Windows 11 Pro license. If you absolutely need a tiny PC, it's a fair price. If you have even a little extra space, you can get more power for less money in a traditional small form factor tower.
vs Competition
This isn't competing with those gaming desktops listed. Its real rivals are other mini PCs like the Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny or HP ProDesk Mini. Compared to those, the MSI often has a slight edge in included storage (1TB is generous) but might lose on brand reputation for business reliability. Against a basic Dell Inspiron desktop, you'd get more upgradeability and likely a better price, but you'd sacrifice the ultra-compact size.
| Spec | MSI MSI PRO DP21 Mini Desktop Computer | 13th Gen | HP OMEN HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, Intel Core Ultra 7 | MSI MSI - EdgeXpert Mini Desktop - Arm 20 core - 128GB | Dell Dell Tower Plus Desktop Computer | Lenovo Lenovo Legion T7 34IAS10 90Y6003JUS Gaming Desktop | Apple Mac Studio Apple - Mac Studio - M3 Ultra - 1TB SSD - Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4.5 GHz core_i3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | ARM | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K | Apple M3 Ultra |
| RAM (GB) | 16 | 32 | 128 | 32 | 64 | 96 |
| Storage (GB) | 1024 | 2048 | 4096 | 1024 | 2048 | 1000 |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | Apple M3 Ultra 60-core |
| Form Factor | Mini | Desktop | Mini | Tower | Tower | - |
| Psu W | - | 850 | 240 | 750 | - | - |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | NVIDIA DGX OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | macOS |
Common Questions
Q: Can I play games on this?
No. It has integrated Intel graphics. It'll struggle with anything more demanding than Solitaire or very old titles. This is not a gaming PC.
Q: Is it easy to upgrade the RAM or storage?
It's possible, but mini PCs are notoriously tight inside. Upgrading usually means removing the entire bottom panel and working with small, proprietary components. It's not as simple as a standard desktop.
Q: Does it come with everything I need to start?
Yes, it includes a wired keyboard and mouse and has Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. You just need a monitor (and possibly an adapter) and you're good to go.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a budget all-rounder for light gaming, photo editing, or just max value, this isn't it. Go get a standard desktop with a dedicated graphics card, or even a gaming laptop on sale. You'll get way more versatility for a similar price.
Verdict
We can recommend the MSI PRO DP21, but with a big caveat. It's a great fit for someone with severe space constraints who needs a reliable, pre-configured office PC and doesn't want to fuss with building anything. For everyone else—students, home users, small businesses with a bit of desk space—you should look at more standard desktops where your dollar goes further.