MSI GE66 Raider review
The MSI MSI GE66 Raider ranks as the #425 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #159-ranked performance among 672 laptops. Consider the MSI Katana 15 or MSI Cyborg 15 AI, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI GE66 Raider is a solid gaming laptop with impressive performance thanks to its RTX 3080 GPU. While it's not perfect, the clean design and extensive I/O options are definite pluses. The keyboard is good for everyday use, but might not be ideal for gamers due to short key travel. With a 5.2-pound weight and 99Wh battery, it's manageable to carry around. However, the CPU can get hot, and the webcam is only 720p. Overall, this laptop offers great performance at a price that's worth considering.
Build
The MSI GE66 Raider boasts a sleek design with clean lines and a titanium blue color scheme that gives off a gamer vibe. Weighing in at 5.2 pounds, it's light enough for gaming but not as lightweight as an ultrabook. The back features an abundance of I/O, including power, HDMI, RJ45, USB Type-C, mini DisplayPort, and two additional USB ports on the sides. This is a well-designed laptop that feels premium in hand. Give MSI WS66 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled build.
Display
The display on the MSI GE66 Raider is a 1080p IPS panel with a refresh rate of 300Hz. While it offers good color accuracy and screen brightness, I find the high refresh rate to be overkill for most games. Most titles will not achieve 300 frames per second unless played at very low settings or in older titles like CS:GO. The lack of a 144Hz option is also a drawback. However, the display itself is well-suited for content creation and general use. Get your hands on MSI Raider GE66 if you're looking for better display.
Performance
The MSI GE66 Raider delivers impressive performance with its RTX 3080 GPU and Intel Core i7-10870H processor. In gaming scenarios, the laptop shows significant performance jumps compared to lower-end models. The RTX 3080 provides smooth frame rates in demanding games, making it suitable for content creation. However, thermal throttling occurs during intense usage, causing temperatures to rise. Fan noise is also a concern at high loads. Despite these issues, the MSI GE66 Raider's powerful hardware makes it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market. Consider discovering the power of MSI WS66, featuring the latest advancements in performance.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the MSI GE66 Raider is disappointing, barely lasting two hours of use before needing to be charged. The laptop packs a 99 watt-hour battery, which should provide better endurance. The power consumption is also relatively high at 115 watts plus 15 watts of boost. This may contribute to the reduced battery life. Overall, users may need to charge the laptop frequently, especially during extended gaming sessions or multitasking activities.
Connectivity
The MSI GE66 Raider boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. On the back, you'll find a power connector, HDMI, RJ45, USB Type-C, and Mini DisplayPort. The left-hand side features a USB port, Type-C audio jack, while the right-hand side has two additional USB ports and an SD card slot. While there's no Thunderbolt 4, two USB Type-C ports make up for it. For a superior connectivity, MSI WS66 could be the right choice.
Features
The MSI GE66 Raider boasts a sleek design with chiseled edges, titanium blue finish, and weighs 5.2 pounds. It features an RTX 3080 GPU, ample I/O options, including two USB-C ports and an SD card slot. The laptop has a 360Hz display, per-key RGB keyboard, and Wi-Fi 6e connectivity. A better alternative might be MSI Alpha 15, featuring a next-level features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI GE66 Raider's performance is impressive with an Rtx 3080, but thermal throttling issues arise during intense gaming sessions. Despite this, the laptop remains cool to the touch, and MSI's control center allows users to adjust settings for better thermals. This indicates a lack of comprehensive cooling solution.
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