Sarah Tew/CNET
MSI is aware of find out how to construct high-performance gaming laptops, even for entry-level players, with the GF65 Thin as proof. It’s not too totally different than what different PC makers provide at its $999 worth besides for 2 issues: a 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics chip and a 15.6-inch 1080p show with a 120Hz refresh fee. That’s extra graphics headroom than you’d usually discover and a speedy show to match.
LikeHigher-end RTX graphics for its priceHandy system administration appLight weight for a gaming laptop computer
Don’t LikeShort battery lifeSingle-channel 8GB RAM dings efficiency
To preserve the value low, although, MSI used a single, 8GB stick of reminiscence, so the out-of-the-box efficiency is not nearly as good because it might be. However, you may add one other 8GB RAM by yourself down the highway. The GF65 Thin is available in a number of configurations, too, together with one with 16GB of dual-channel RAM and a Core i7 for $300 extra, which continues to be a great deal (particularly in case you get it with a $100 rebate). Also, whereas this configuration continues to be accessible, there’s a newer model with a 144Hz show for $1,149. MSI GF65 Thin 9SEXR
Price as reviewed
$999
Display measurement/decision
15.6-inch 1,920 x 1,080 show (120Hz)
CPU
2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H
Memory
8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2667MHz (single channel)
Graphics
6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Storage
512GB SSD
Networking
802.11ac wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Operating system
Windows 10 Home (64-bit) 2004
The touchpad on my GF65 Thin was a bit of jiggly however labored simply fantastic.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Basic black and redWith its black brushed-metal lid and keyboard deck, plastic physique and red-backlit keyboard, the GF65 Thin seems a bit dated in comparison with its competitors. I do like that it is extra discreet about being a gaming laptop computer, although. The physique feels sturdy and the plastic retains it mild — the laptop computer solely weighs 4.1 kilos (1.8 kg). The energy provide is even moderately compact for a gaming laptop computer. The energy enter is in the midst of the left facet together with an HDMI output (4K at 30Hz) so that they’re out of your approach (assuming you are right-handed); all of its different ports are on the fitting facet.
The keyboard is large and cozy for typing and gaming and the font alternative is straightforward to learn, which, imagine me, generally is a problem with some gaming laptops. MSI did not make the WASD keys stand out from the opposite apart from a bit of bump on the backside of the W key like these on the F and J keys for locating the house row for typing. Also, I admire that MSI did not attempt to jam in a quantity pad, although I want it had put some area across the arrow keys. All the USB ports are on the fitting facet.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Ready for the raysBuying an entry-level gaming laptop computer for $1,000 or much less usually means you are getting a discrete graphics chip that is good for taking part in present demanding video games at decreased high quality settings. Performance may be good proper now but it surely would not depart you loads of headroom for extra graphics-intensive video games sooner or later. The higher-end Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 chip within the GF65 Thin ought to preserve your body charges up for a while, although. Or at the least longer than a GTX 1650, 1650 Ti or 1660 Ti, that are extra typical of a laptop computer at this worth. The RTX 2060 can be higher for PC-driven VR video games and it helps video games with ray tracing. Ray tracing reproduces how mild behaves in the true world enhancing shadows and reflections to present video games a extra photorealistic look and immersive really feel. Again, at $1,000, this efficiency in a laptop computer is hard to search out.
Sarah Tew/CNET
That additional efficiency would not do battery life any favors: The GF65 Thin lasted slightly below 5 hours on our streaming video check. Without some energy administration and a dimmed show, you will not final too lengthy away from an outlet. That’s the norm for a gaming laptop computer, although. MSI’s Dragon Center app enables you to preserve tabs on system efficiency in addition to change to totally different efficiency profiles that may be useful if you’ll want to preserve energy for work or push its efficiency for gaming. Thanks to a broad vary of configuration choices and truthful pricing, the MSI GF65 Thin is price testing. Even if this configuration is not precisely what you need, there may be probably one which meets your efficiency and funds wants. However, if you’ll go above $1,200, there are higher offers and nicer designs available. Geekbench 5 (multicore)
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Cinebench R20 CPU (multicore)
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Video playback battery drain check (streaming minutes)
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Far Cry 5 gaming check
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency (FPS)
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (fps)
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Note:
Longer bars point out higher efficiency (FPS)
System configurations
MSI GF65 Thin 9SEXR
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 6GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060; 512GB SSD
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.1GHz Intel Core i7-10710U; 32GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q Design; 1TB SSD
Acer Aspire 7
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 2.6GHz Intel Core I7-9750H; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 3072MB N512GB SSD; Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050; 512GB SSD
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-dk0045cl
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 2.6GHz Intel Core i7-9750H; 16GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 6GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 Ti with Max-Q Design; 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-51-56YW
Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-9300H; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2,667MHz; 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650; 512GB SSD