MSI GF63 Thin review
The MSI MSI GF63 Thin ranks as the #633 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 68. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #609-ranked features among 688 laptops. Consider the MSI Alpha 15 or Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI GF63 Thin is a budget-friendly laptop that delivers on its promises, but with some caveats. It's lightweight and has a good typing experience, making it suitable for students and casual gamers. The RTX 3050 handles older games well, and the laptop remains cool during use. However, the battery life is abysmal, and relying on USB-C for an external display can be frustrating. While it's a decent option for those with extremely tight budgets, its limitations make it hard to wholeheartedly recommend. If you're looking for a budget laptop that can handle modern games, there might be better options available. Overall, it's a good value for its price but not necessarily worth the investment if you have other choices.
Build
The MSI GF63 Thin's build is its greatest asset. The laptop's compact design makes it an excellent choice for those who need portability without sacrificing performance. The aluminum alloy chassis exudes a premium feel, while the sleek design keeps it slim and lightweight. Although not particularly impressive in terms of build quality, the laptop's materials are sturdy enough to withstand daily use. Two storage slots and a 2.5-inch drive bay provide ample upgrade options, making this laptop a great value for its price. For an improved build, MSI GS66 Stealth is worth considering.
Display
The display on the MSI GF63 Thin is a letdown. While it's capable of reaching high refresh rates when processing power allows, it suffers from noticeable ghosting. The screen's presentation is also not impressive, with an obvious difference between maximum FPS and 60FPS. However, it does handle retro gaming well, emulating classic games without issue. For those seeking a budget-conscious option for playing older games, the MSI GF63 Thin might be a suitable choice. Nonetheless, its subpar display and very short battery life are notable drawbacks. You might want to check out MSI GS66 Stealth, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The MSI GF63 Thin delivers impressive performance, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. The RTX 3050 GPU handles demanding games at 60 FPS in low settings, while older titles run smoothly at high resolutions. The laptop's processing power also allows for competitive play and emulation of retro games. While the display has some ghosting issues, its 144Hz refresh rate makes it suitable for fast-paced gaming. Overall, the GF63 Thin's performance is a highlight, making it a great option for those seeking affordable gaming and desktop replacement capabilities. Take a look at MSI Sword 15 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The MSI GF63 Thin's battery life is its Achilles' heel. It's surprisingly thin and lightweight for its size, but the battery struggles to last more than 4-5 hours of general use. The charging time is a bit better, taking around an hour and a half to fully charge from empty. While it's not ideal for students or professionals on-the-go, this may not be a deal-breaker for casual users who don't need their laptop to last all day.
Connectivity
The MSI GF63 Thin's connectivity options are satisfactory but not exceptional. It features two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, and an RJ-45 Ethernet jack, making it suitable for everyday use. However, the lack of additional USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports may hinder productivity for those who rely on these connections. Overall, a decent setup that won't disappoint, but doesn't particularly stand out either. It’s worth checking out MSI Katana 15 HX, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The MSI GF63 Thin features a compact design with a weight of less than average 15.6-inch notebooks. It has two RAM slots for memory upgrades and a 2.5-inch drive bay for extra storage. The laptop also supports high refresh rates when processing power allows, but has noticeable ghosting on the display. Give MSI Delta 15 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI GF63 Thin has some drawbacks in support and maintenance. The battery life is extremely short, lasting only around an hour with normal use. This makes it difficult to binge-watch TV shows or use the laptop for extended periods. Furthermore, the single fan can be loud and distracting while gaming. Additionally, there's no option for upgrading the RAM beyond 16GB, which may limit future upgrades. Overall, the laptop's maintenance and support are subpar.
Pros
1. The typing experience is pretty good
2. It plays everything even brand new games at low details including Diablo I and Starfield
3. Casual gamers should be happy with this notebook as it handles competitive play well
4. Desktop replacement users may find it suitable for their needs due to the presence of two DIMM slots for memory upgrades
5. The battery life is good, despite being a con, it still weighs less than the average 15.6-inch notebook
6. It's cheap which makes it great for students
Cons
1. The battery life is terrible like I previously mentioned
2. There's quite a bit of ghosting in the display
3. Only one dedicated external display is supported, relying on USBC for another monitor can be a hassle
4. Desktop replacement users may find it lacking due to the limited number of ports
5. The display has unsightly misalignment of stickers which might not sit well with some users
6. It gets mildly warm while gaming and the single fan is not very effective
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