Tested and Tried: Review of the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop

Photo Courtesy: Amazon

Key Points

• After extensive research, the MSI GF65 is definitely one of our most recommended gaming laptops.

• Laptops, especially gaming laptops, are pricy, but MSI offers a great computer in an affordable package.

• The MSI GF65 comes with a great GPU, CPU, and a good refresh rate to help you play any game you want.

Gaming computers offer distinct benefits, but anyone who wants to game on the move needs a gaming laptop. As an experienced gamer and tech enthusiast with years of expertise in gaming laptops and hardware, I understand the struggles you might be facing as you search for the perfect gaming laptop. Finding a device that strikes the right balance between performance, design, portability, and price is challenging, especially when there are so many options on the market.

Through testing various alternatives and considering the unique requirements of gamers and creative professionals alike, I provide valuable insights on the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop to help you make an informed decision about your next gaming and productivity tool.

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• High-performance Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card for outstanding gaming experiences

• 15.6" Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, resulting in smooth and immersive gameplay

• Sleek design and thin bezel display for an attractive, modern aesthetic

• Expandability options for RAM and storage, allowing for customization to meet evolving needs

• Competitive price-to-performance ratio, making it a cost-effective choice in the gaming laptop market

If you're going to play any powerful games stronger than those on the Nintendo Switch, you need to consider purchasing a gaming laptop.

If you do enjoy Nintendo games, you might have caught the latest direct. They released a new direct on June 21, 2023, focusing on a showcase of some of their up-and-coming games, including Dragon Quest, Super Mario RPG, and Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

The MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop is an ideal choice for both casual and competitive gamers, as well as graphic designers and video editors who require high-performance hardware. Those working remotely with demanding computing needs also appreciate the power this laptop provides. While it has its fair share of pros, such as excellent gaming performance, an attractive design, and ample expandability options, it's important to consider its cons as well, which include average battery life and moderate fan noise during heavy loads.

Taking all factors into account, I highly recommend the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop for anyone in need of a powerful gaming and productivity tool. Its combination of top-notch performance, sleek design, and reasonable price make it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market.

Gaming Laptop Buying Guide

When shopping for a gaming laptop, it's essential to strike the right balance between performance and price. Prioritize the GPU and CPU, ensuring they meet your gaming requirements, and consider options that allow for future upgrades. An immersive gaming experience is also crucial, so look for a laptop with a high-quality display, high refresh rate, and excellent color accuracy.

Other important factors include build quality and portability. You'll want a laptop that's both sturdy and easy to transport, whether for gaming sessions at a friend's place or working on projects while traveling. Consider expandability and customization options for added flexibility to adapt the laptop to your evolving needs. Don't overlook battery life and efficient heat management, which are essential for extended periods of use and maintaining your laptop's performance over time.

According to Andrew E. Freedman from Tom's Hardware, the key points for a gaming laptop are as follows:

"Get a good GPU: Most games are GPU-dependent, and you can’t upgrade these in laptops. A good GPU will ensure your laptop plays games at high settings for a few years.

"Consider upgrading later: Many, though not all, gaming laptops let you upgrade your RAM and storage.

"Pick resolution or speed: The fastest displays, going up to 480 Hz, only come at 1920 x 1080 resolution (or, on a 16:10 screen, 1920 x 1200) right now, so a 4K screen will be slower."

Why Choose a New Gaming Laptop

If you're in search of a gaming laptop, chances are you've experienced the limitations and frustrations imposed by less capable alternatives. Perhaps you've tried playing games on your current laptop, only to encounter compromised performance, inadequate graphics capabilities, or consistent slowdowns and crashes during intensive gaming sessions.

Moreover, you may find that current laptops offering good gaming performance tend to be bulky and difficult to transport, or have poor battery life and inefficient heat management systems that affect the user experience. All these issues ultimately push you to seek a laptop that's powerful enough to handle your preferred games and software while maintaining a balance between portability, battery life, and thermal efficiency.

Personal Experience With the MSI GF65

During my time using the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop, I am impressed by its ease of setup and overall performance. It handles various game genres without breaking a sweat, and even demanding software used for graphic design and video editing runs smoothly. The laptop's sleek design, thin bezel display, and powerful hardware combined to create a truly enjoyable user experience. For me, the customizable storage and expandable RAM options are a bonus, allowing for tailored improvements as needed.

However, there are a few areas in which the MSI GF65 shows room for improvement. While the battery life is adequate for shorter gaming sessions, it falls short in terms of longer and more demanding sessions or workloads outside of gaming. During heavy load, the laptop's fan noise is noticeable, which may be a drawback for those who prefer quiet operation.

Despite these minor issues, I find the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop to be a compelling choice due to its high performance and excellent gaming capabilities, as well as its modern design and reasonable price. These features make it well worth considering as your next gaming and productivity hub, especially for those who prioritize gaming performance and require a powerful machine without breaking the bank.

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Overall Considerations for the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop

One of the primary benefits of the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop lies in its high-performance Intel Core i7 processor, coupled with the powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. These components work in unison to deliver exceptional gaming experiences, allowing you to enjoy graphically intensive titles without compromise. Add to that the 15.6" Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and you have a laptop capable of providing both impressive visuals and a smooth, immersive gaming experience.

In terms of design and portability, the laptop's sleek build and thin bezel display make it an attractive choice for those who value aesthetics alongside performance. The expandability options for RAM and storage offer a significant advantage, as they allow you to increase your laptop's capabilities as your gaming and productivity needs evolve.

Furthermore, the impressive price-to-performance ratio of the MSI GF65 sets it apart from its competitors in the gaming laptop market, making it a more accessible choice for many potential buyers.

I highly recommend the MSI GF65 Gaming Laptop to anyone seeking a powerful, high-performance laptop for gaming, design, and productivity tasks. Its combination of top-tier components, expandability options, sleek design, and competitive price make it an excellent value for the investment. While it does have a few minor drawbacks, such as average battery life and audible fan noise under heavy load, the overall experience and benefits far outweigh these concerns.

Don’t MS(I) Getting a Great Gaming Laptop

The MSI GF65 offers a great balance of power and affordability. Compared to other gaming laptops, the price is fairly affordable while still giving you the power you need to play even the most intense games.

When getting a laptop, you may need more than just the laptop itself. Additional accessories like a separate gaming keyboard, push gaming over the top.

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