MSI Creator Z17 (A12U) has the Wifi Standard (v6E) which provides nearly (theoretical 9.6 Gbps - 1200 MB/s, real world up to 5 Gbps - 625 MB/s) speed, which is 25% better than V6.
On the other hand, the latest WiFi v7 standard supports 40 GB/s and provides speeds up to 2.4 times faster than the previous v6 setup. Laptops with WiFi v7 appeared in the market as of the end of 2023.
The Bluetooth Standard of the MSI Creator Z17 A12U is v5.2, which is not the latest generation.As the version number increases within the Bluetooth V5.x series, sub-generations also progress. Although the range and speeds remain consistent, advancements in energy efficiency, reliability, and security features are introduced in subsequent sub-generations.
| Connectivity |
|---|
| WiFi Standard |
v6E (latest: v7) |
| Bluetooth |
v5.2 (latest: v5.4) |
| Fingerprint Sensor |
No |
| Optical Drive |
No |
Below, you'll find a Wi-Fi Versions Table, along with their release dates and speeds, to provide a brief overview of its development.
Wi-Fi Versions and Speeds
| Standard |
Speed |
Release
Date |
Network |
Frequency
Bands (GHz) |
| Wi-Fi 7 |
up to 40 Gbps
(5 GB/s) |
2023 |
802.11be |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6E |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2020 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5, 6 |
| Wi-Fi 6 |
up to 9.6 Gbps
(1.2 GB/s) |
2019 |
802.11ax |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 5 |
up to 6.93 Gbps
(866.25 MB/s) |
2014 |
802.11ac |
2.4, 5 |
| Wi-Fi 4 |
up to 600 Mbps
(75 MB/s) |
2009 |
802.11n |
2.4, 5 |
* Please note that the provided transfer rates are maximum theoretical values, and real-life performance may vary based on environmental factors.
Below, you'll find a comparison table detailing Bluetooth versions since 2010, including their features, speed, range, IoT support, and release years. This information can be helpful in understanding the evolution of Bluetooth technology and its capabilities over the years.
Bluetooth Versions and Features Since 2010
| Version |
Speed
(Mbps) |
Range
(Open Area) |
Year |
Features |
IoT
Support |
| v5.4 |
2 |
200 m |
2023 |
PAwR, advanced security |
Yes |
| v5.3 |
2 |
200 m |
2021 |
Connection and security enhancements |
Yes |
| v5.2 |
2 |
200 m |
2020 |
LE Audio, efficiency and communication quality |
Yes |
| v5.1 |
2 |
200 m |
2019 |
Precise device positioning |
Yes |
| v5.0 |
2 |
200 m |
2016 |
Extended range and speed |
Yes |
| v4.2 |
1 |
100 m |
2014 |
Internet connectivity, security improvements |
Yes |
| v4.1 |
1 |
100 m |
2013 |
Improved device connectivity |
Yes |
| v4.0 |
1 |
100 m |
2010 |
Low Energy mode |
Yes |
* Please note that in the Bluetooth 5.x series, there hasn't been a significant increase in range and data speed. However, each new version has brought significant technological improvements in areas such as security, energy efficiency, and IoT support.
MSI Creator Z17 (A12U) equipped with 1x USB 3.2 USB-A ports and 2x USB 4.0 Type-C ports.
USB-A ports of the 'MSI Creator Z17 A12U are the latest generation. The maximum speed of USB-A 3.2 (latest generation) port is 20 GB/s.
USB-TypeC ports of the MSI Creator Z17 A12U are not the latest generation. The latest generation USB4 2.0 provides 80 and 120 Gbit/s speeds.
MSI Creator Z17 A12U has the latest Thunderbolt generation. The minimum bandwidth for data transfer of Thunderbolt 4 is 32 GB/s, whereas Thunderbolt 3 has 16 GB/s. Additionally, Thunderbolt 4 allows connections to up to two 4K or one 8K monitors, whereas Thunderbolt 3 supports only one 4K monitor.
MSI Creator Z17 A12U has the latest generation HDMI connection.HDMI 2.1, the latest version since 2017, offers significant upgrades such as support for up to 10K at 120 Hz, Dynamic HDR, and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). Compared to HDMI 2.0's maximum 18.0 Gbit/s bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 provides increased bandwidth for more advanced features, surpassing its predecessor.
| Ports |
|---|
| USB-A |
1x USB 3.2 (latest) |
| USB Type-C |
2x USB 4.0 (latest: USB4 2.0) |
| Thunderbolt |
Thunderbolt 4 (latest) |
| HDMI |
1x HDMI 2.1 (latest) |
| Display Port |
No |
| VGA |
No |
| Audio Jack 3.5mm |
Yes |
| Ethernet RJ45 |
No |
| SD CardReader |
Yes |
| Proprietary Charging Port |
No |
Below, you'll find a table of USB ports, along with their release dates and speeds.
To mitigate the confusion caused by generation names, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) suggests using marketing names like USB 5Gbps, USB 10Gbps, and so forth, based on their respective transfer rates.
USB Type and Speeds
| USB Type |
Version |
Speed |
Date |
Other Features/Explanations |
| USB4 |
Gen 4 (2.0) |
80 Gbps |
2022 |
Also known as USB 80Gbps |
| USB4 |
Gen 3×2 |
40 Gbps |
2019 |
Also known as USB 40Gbps |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2x2 |
20 Gbps |
2019 |
Double the data transfer rates of Gen 2 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.1 |
| USB 3.2 |
3.2 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2017 |
Previously known as USB 3.0 |
| USB 3.1 |
3.1 Gen 2 |
10 Gbps |
2013 |
Faster data transfer rates |
| USB 3.0 |
3.1 Gen 1 |
5 Gbps |
2010 |
SuperSpeed USB, improved data transfer rates |
| USB 2.0 |
2.0 |
480 Mbps |
2000 |
High-speed data transfer |
| USB 1.0 |
1.0 |
1.5 Mbps |
1996 |
Original USB standard |
Below, you'll find a comparison table detailing different HDMI versions, including their bandwidth, color depth, maximum resolution, and release dates. This information can be helpful in understanding the capabilities of each HDMI version and choosing the most suitable one for your needs.
HDMI Comparison Table
| HDMI Version |
Maximum Resolution |
Bandwidth
(Gbps) |
Color Depth
(bits) |
Release
Date |
| HDMI 2.1-2.1b |
7680 x 4320 (8K) @ 60p
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 120p |
48.0 |
48 |
2017 |
| HDMI 2.0-2.0b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 60p |
18.0 |
48 |
2013 |
| HDMI 1.4-1.4b |
3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 30p |
10.2 |
48 |
2009 |
| HDMI 1.3-1.3a |
2560 x 1440 @ 60p |
10.2 |
48 |
2006 |
| HDMI 1.0-1.2a |
1920 x 1200 @ 60p |
4.95 |
24 |
2002 |
* Please note that the provided resolution values represent the maximum supported resolution, and actual display quality may depend on other factors such as source content and connected devices.
MSI Creator Z17 A12U