Review of the MSI Thin 15 15.6” 144Hz FHD Gaming Laptop
The MSI Thin 15 B13VE-2678US has captured the attention of gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike with its impressive specifications and sleek design. Featuring an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, this laptop promises a powerful performance suitable for a range of tasks from gaming to graphic design. In this review, we will delve into the hardware, performance, and overall user experience, providing a detailed evaluation of this laptop.
Specifications Overview
Hardware Configuration
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H (10-core, up to 4.6 GHz)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6 GB dedicated RAM)
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (upgradable to 64GB)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920 x 1080) with 144Hz refresh rate
- Weight: 7.39 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.13 x 0.09 x 9.99 inches
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth, 4 USB 3.0 ports, USB-C
Key Features
- Fast Refresh Rate: The 144Hz display provides a smooth visual experience, ideal for gaming and high-frame-rate content.
- MSI Intelligent Technology: Enhanced performance with automatic tuning for better efficiency.
- Upgradability: Easy access to RAM and SSD for upgrades.
Performance Analysis
Gaming and Graphics
The MSI Thin 15 shines in gaming scenarios, capable of handling demanding titles with ease. Users have reported excellent performance in games such as Call of Duty and Fortnite, with many experiencing smooth gameplay at high settings. The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card allows for ray tracing and enhanced visuals, making it a great option for gamers.
Productivity Tasks
For professionals using software like SolidWorks, TinkerCAD, and other graphic design tools, the Intel Core i7 processor delivers robust performance. The laptop handles 3D rendering and CAD work efficiently, making it a suitable choice for engineering and design tasks. However, some users have noted that the 512GB SSD might feel limiting in 2023, suggesting the use of external storage solutions.
Temperature and Noise Management
While the laptop performs well, it can generate heat during intensive use. Many users recommend using a cooling pad to mitigate this issue. The laptop’s fans are relatively quiet, but they can ramp up under heavy load, which could be a concern for those seeking a quieter operation.
Build Quality and Design
Aesthetics
The MSI Thin 15 features a simplistic yet elegant black design that appeals to a broad audience. Its lightweight structure makes it portable, although the build quality has received mixed reviews. Some users feel that the laptop feels a bit fragile, particularly around the power button and touchpad.
User Experience
The keyboard is functional and comfortable for typing, though the lack of customizable RGB lighting may disappoint some users. The touchpad, while adequate, lacks the responsiveness found in higher-end models. The screen size of 15.6 inches is standard, but some users may prefer a larger display for graphic-intensive tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Decent Battery Life: Users report a satisfactory battery life, especially for a gaming laptop.
- Easy Upgradability: Access to RAM and SSD upgrades is straightforward.
- Good Graphics Performance: The RTX 4050 handles games and applications well.
- Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry, making it suitable for on-the-go use.
- Affordable Gaming Laptop: Competitive pricing for the performance offered.
Cons:
- Build Quality Concerns: Some components feel fragile, raising durability concerns.
- Limited Storage: 512GB SSD might not suffice for all users.
- Heat Generation: Can get hot under heavy loads, necessitating cooling solutions.
- Touchpad Responsiveness: Could be improved for better user experience.
Overall Rating: 4.3/5.0
Ratings Breakdown
- Performance: 4.6/5.0
- Design & Build Quality: 3.9/5.0
- Battery Life: 4.4/5.0
- Value for Money: 4.6/5.0
- User Experience: 4.2/5.0
Conclusion
The MSI Thin 15 B13VE-2678US is a compelling option for those seeking a capable gaming laptop that also excels in productivity tasks. With powerful hardware and a reasonable price point, it stands out as one of the best laptops under $1000 in December 2023. While it has some drawbacks in build quality and storage capacity, the overall performance and upgradability make it a worthwhile investment for gamers and professionals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the MSI Thin 15 suitable for heavy gaming?
Yes, the MSI Thin 15 can handle demanding games smoothly, particularly with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM and SSD?
Yes, the RAM can be upgraded up to 64GB, and the SSD can be replaced or expanded easily.
3. How is the battery life on this laptop?
The battery life is decent, typically lasting around 3 to 4 hours with moderate use.
4. Does the laptop get hot during use?
Yes, users have reported that the laptop can get hot during intensive tasks, so using a cooling pad is recommended.
5. What is the weight of the MSI Thin 15?
The laptop weighs approximately 7.39 pounds, making it relatively portable for a gaming laptop.
AnAs –
Not as described.
Angel –
Honestly, this laptop is stunning and incredibly fast. I’ve had it for a while now, and it meets all my needs perfectly. If you’re considering buying it and need any information, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @3.jwa.
Grace –
A fantastic product at an unbeatable price! We received it on time and in perfect condition. Thank you, Amazon!
Millie S. –
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, this laptop is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a solid entry-level option for gaming, emulation, or CPU-based 3D graphics modeling and rendering.
Gar –
Excellent computer for both work and gaming; it stays cool with a quality cooler.
Luis Alfredo Coello Castillo –
My wife gifted me this for Christmas, and I played a part in selecting it since I needed something that could handle graphic design software for CNC work. So far, it’s been great—I’ve noticed no lag at all. I also tested a few games, and they all ran smoothly. The only downside is that I wish the screen was larger, as I’m accustomed to a 17″ display and my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with the computer.
Ali –
I’ve been using it for several months now, and it’s fantastic. Just make sure to update it the first time you use it. I thought there was an issue with the fan, but after the update, it worked perfectly!
Anthony Pitre –
This laptop is excellent and handles every game I try with ease. I’ve played several sessions of the latest Call of Duty, and it performed exceptionally well. It can run a bit warm, so I suggest using a cooling pad. If you’re searching for an affordable gaming laptop and are unsure about this one, I strongly recommend giving it a try.
Adam T. Miller –
After researching this laptop and comparing it to my old one, I found that the processor was 300% better and the graphics card was 200% better. It performed well on the first day, but when I tried playing Fortnite with the “recommended” settings, it lagged significantly and the frame rates dropped. On my Dell laptop, I could run Netflix while gaming without any issues, but on this MSI laptop, switching to Netflix after playing would result in constant buffering and lag. Overall, the performance isn’t impressive. Perhaps I received a defective unit? To make matters worse, I encountered the black loading screen of death during an update restart, and the only solution was to open the laptop, which would void the warranty.
Michael James DeGrand –
This product is incredibly convenient and performs excellently. The only drawback is that I wish I could customize the keyboard LED colors. Aside from that, it runs smoothly for games like Fortnite and Minecraft.
Wanda Fernandez –
I absolutely love this laptop! It feels like I can accomplish anything with it. It’s incredibly powerful. Like others have mentioned, it can get hot quickly, but that seems to depend on the brightness of the display. I haven’t experienced it too much. The battery life is around 3 to 4 hours with the brightness lowered. Overall, this computer is fantastic and definitely worth the price!
Anthony Pitre –
Summary: As of December 2023, this is the best laptop for computing power under $1,000. It effortlessly handles CAD tasks and light gaming, although the build quality leaves something to be desired.
Pros:
Cons:
The main drawback is the build quality.
MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop: 12th Gen Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Type-C, Cooler Boost 5, Win11 Home: Black 12VE-066US
Eduardo Navarro Rodríguez –
The device is truly excellent! After using it for about a month, I can confidently say it handles heavy engineering and design software like 3D Max, Corona, and V-Ray exceptionally well. I highly recommend it!