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MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop vs Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

Buy the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i if you want the stronger all-round machine: a 20-core Intel CPU, 32 GB of RAM installed, and a 2 TB SSD, backed by a 4.7 out of 5 owner rating. Buy the MSI Codex Z2 if the graphics card is what matters most, since its GeForce RTX 5070 with 12 GB is the clear gaming advantage. The MSI's own listing is inconsistent on memory and GPU, so confirm the exact configuration before you commit.

  • Choose the MSI Codex Z2 if you care most about frame rates and want the RTX 5070's 12 GB of graphics memory for modern games at high settings.
  • Choose the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i if you want more CPU cores, more installed memory, and more storage in one box, plus a Microsoft 365 Personal kit.

Prices

  • MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop: $899.00 at MSI (checked today)
  • Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: $2,634.65 at Beach Audio (checked today)
  • Difference: the MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop is $1,735.65 cheaper than the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i today
MSI
MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop

MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop

$899.00at MSIChecked 13 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit MSI

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • RTX 5070 with 12 GB is the stronger gaming GPU of the two
  • Four case fans and an air cooler for airflow
  • Wi-Fi 6E and RGB lighting with software control
  • DDR5 memory platform
Cons
  • Listings disagree on RAM (16 GB vs 32 GB) and storage (1 TB vs 2 TB)
  • Description names an RTX 5060Ti, contradicting the RTX 5070 spec
  • 8-core CPU trails the Lenovo on core count
  • Memory capped at 32 GB
Lenovo
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Desktop Computer with Microsoft 365 Personal Kit

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Desktop Computer with Microsoft 365 Personal Kit

4.7(19 ratings)
$2,634.65at Beach AudioChecked 13 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Beach Audio
Pros
  • 20-core Intel CPU handles heavy multitasking and content work
  • 32 GB RAM and 2 TB storage stated consistently
  • 4.7 out of 5 from 19 ratings
  • Microsoft 365 Personal kit included
Cons
  • GPU model and graphics memory not disclosed
  • No stated Wi-Fi standard or cooling layout
  • Fewer published details on ports and lighting

What separates them

MSI Codex Z2 Gaming DesktopLenovo Legion Tower 5i
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 8700F, 8 cores at 4.2 GHzIntel CPU, 20 cores at 5.2 GHz
Graphics cardGeForce RTX 5070 with 12 GBNVIDIA GPU, model and memory not stated
Installed RAMListed as both 16 GB and 32 GB DDR5, max 32 GB32 GB
StorageListed as both 1 TB and 2 TB SSD2 TB total, 1 TB SSD
CoolingAir cooler plus four case fans, three front and one rearNot specified
LightingBuilt-in RGB with MSI LED button and MSI Center controlNot specified
WirelessWi-Fi 6E built inNot specified
Bundled softwareWindows 11 HomeWindows plus Microsoft 365 Personal kit

Price history

$2,749.00$899.00
Nov 3Nov 10
  • MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop: lowest $899.00 on Nov 10 at MSI.
  • Lenovo Legion Tower 5i: lowest $2,199.99 on Nov 10 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop

  • MSINew

    In stock

    $899.00Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit MSI
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $899.99Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • AntonlineNew

    In stock

    $976.37Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Antonline
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $983.02Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Newegg

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 7 stores and price history →

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

  • Beach AudioNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,634.65Checked 13 h ago
    Visit Beach Audio
  • SHI InternationalNew

    Availability unknown

    $3,028.00Checked 13 h ago
    Visit SHI International

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • CompSourceCheck price at CompSource
All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMSI Codex Z2 Gaming DesktopLenovo Legion Tower 5i
SSD Size2 TB1 TB
ColorBlackBlack
Hard DriveSSDSSD
Operating SystemWindowsWindows
Graphics ProcessorNVIDIA GPUNVIDIA GPU
Hard Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Processor Speed4.2 GHz5.2 GHz
Installed Memory16 GB RAM32 GB RAM
Drive Capacity1 TB Storage2 TB Storage
StyleGamingTower
GPUGeForce RTX 5070—
ConnectionsUSB-A, HDMI—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMSI Codex Z2 Gaming DesktopLenovo Legion Tower 5i
TouchscreenNo—
Optical DriveNo—
Windows VersionWindows 11 Home—
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 7—
Wi-FiYes—
Graphics Memory12 GB—
Graphics Card AMDRadeon RX Vega 7—
Graphics Card NvidiaGeForce RTX 5070—
Memory Support (max) (GB)32—
Memory Type

What reviewers say

MSI Codex Z2 Gaming Desktop

Owner feedback on the Codex Z2 line is generally positive on gaming performance and setup, with the RTX 5070 and large SSD drawing the most praise. Complaints center on fan noise under load and limited upgrade headroom.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the RTX 5070 and Ryzen 7 combo runs modern games smoothly at 1440p.
  • NoiseCriticisedSeveral owners find the fans audible during long gaming sessions.
  • StoragePraisedThe 2 TB SSD is called out as generous for a prebuilt.
  • UpgradabilityMixedBuyers note the 32 GB memory ceiling and tight case space limit future upgrades.

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

  • 4.7 / 519 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 19 ratings, buyers are largely satisfied with the Legion Tower 5i.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedBuyers describe the tower as fast and responsive for gaming and daily tasks.
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners speak well of the case and overall construction.
  • SetupPraisedReviewers say it works out of the box with little setup.

Questions and answers

Which is better for gaming?
The MSI Codex Z2, on paper. Its RTX 5070 with 12 GB is a named, current-generation card, while Lenovo does not state which NVIDIA GPU the Legion Tower 5i uses. If you mostly play games, the MSI is the safer pick.
Which is better for video editing and multitasking?
The Lenovo. Its 20-core Intel CPU and 32 GB of RAM give it far more headroom for rendering, streaming and many open apps. The MSI's 8-core Ryzen is fine for gaming but weaker for heavy CPU work.
Which has more storage?
The Lenovo states 2 TB of storage with a 1 TB SSD. The MSI's listing says both 1 TB and 2 TB, so confirm the drive size with the seller before buying.
Is the Lenovo worth stepping up to over the MSI?
Yes if you want CPU power, memory and storage in one package and do not need a top-tier GPU. No if gaming frame rates are your priority, since the MSI's RTX 5070 is the better graphics card.
Which lasts longer?
Neither brand publishes a lifespan figure. The Lenovo's higher core count and 32 GB of RAM will stay useful for demanding work longer, while the MSI's stronger GPU ages better for games.
Does either include a monitor?
No. Both are tower-only desktops, so you need to supply your own monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Ask our shopping agent

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best desktop computers with 32GB RAM
DDR5
—
Processor Cores8—
TypeTower—
Release Year2024—
Cooling TypeActive Cooling—
Processor Model8700F—
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)—
Sound CardYes—
RAM32 GB—
Supported OSWindows 11 Pro (for business), Windows 11 Home—
OS VersionWindows 11 Home—
GamingYes—
Typical UsersBusiness users, Gamers—
Internal Storage TypeM.2 NVMe Gen4—
Number Of CPU Cores8 (Processor cores)—
CPU Clock Speed5 GHz (Processor boost frequency)—
RAM TypeDDR5—
CPU CacheL2 & L3 (Processor cache type)—
Motherboard ChipsetAMD B650—
Value
Criticised
Some buyers feel prebuilt pricing is high compared with building a PC yourself.