Are you a PC gamer on a budget looking for an affordable laptop that can still run most games? If so, the MSI Thin GF63 gaming laptop is definitely worth considering. I‘ve been researching gaming laptops for years, and for around $800, the GF63 offers one of the best balances of price, performance, and portability you‘ll find.
First, let‘s talk about the specs. The GF63 comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-11400H processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card. While these aren‘t the newest or most powerful components, they provide very solid gaming performance for the price. You‘ll be able to run most modern games at 1080p resolution and medium to high graphics settings. For esports titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, and CS:GO, you can expect frame rates well above 60fps. More demanding AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Elden Ring will be playable at lower settings.
One of the best things about the GF63 is how thin and light it is for a gaming laptop. Weighing just over 4 pounds and measuring less than an inch thick, this is a very portable 15-inch laptop. You can easily bring it to class, the office, a friend‘s house, or on a trip. Most other gaming laptops in this price range are significantly bulkier and heavier.
Another advantage of the GF63 is the ability to configure it with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. My recommendation would be to get at least 16GB of memory, as 8GB can feel limiting in some newer games. Unlike many thin and light laptops, the RAM and SSD are user-replaceable. So you can save some money upfront by getting a lower spec model and upgrading it yourself later on.
The 1080p IPS display on the GF63 looks sharp and has good color accuracy. However, it‘s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. This is fine for single-player games where visual fidelity is more important than fast response times. But for competitive multiplayer, you may want a high refresh screen for that extra edge.
Battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, with most users reporting around 4-6 hours of mixed use. Don‘t expect to do long gaming sessions on battery alone though. As with any gaming laptop, you‘ll want to keep it plugged in while playing demanding games.
Build quality is good for a budget gaming laptop, with a sturdy chassis and minimal flex. The keyboard has single-zone RGB backlighting and is comfortable to type on. However, the speakers are mediocre, so I‘d recommend using a gaming headset for immersive audio.
How does the MSI GF63 compare to other options in this price range? It‘s one of the most affordable laptops you‘ll find with a dedicated graphics card. The closest competitor is the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, which has very similar specs but at a slightly higher price. The Acer Nitro 5 is a bit more expensive but comes with a stronger RTX 3050 GPU. If you can stretch your budget, the ASUS TUF Dash 15 offers even better performance for around $1100.
Overall, if you‘re looking for a solid entry-level gaming laptop, the MSI Thin GF63 is absolutely worth buying. It provides a very respectable level of gaming performance in a surprisingly portable form factor. Just be aware of its limitations – a 60Hz screen, entry-level GPU, and average battery life. But for the price, it‘s hard to complain. Whether you‘re a student, casual gamer, or simply want to play PC games without breaking the bank, you‘ll be well served by the GF63. Feel free to ask me any other questions you might have!
