MSI Pulse 15 review
The MSI MSI Pulse 15 ranks as the #282 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 76. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #64-ranked performance among 661 laptops. Consider the Microsoft Surface Pro 10 or Lenovo ThinkBook 16p Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Pulse 15 is a budget-friendly gaming notebook that delivers impressive performance without breaking the bank. With an RTX 460 GPU, 8GB RAM, and Intel Core i7 processor, it handles demanding games and tasks with ease. While it skips some high-end features to keep costs low, its 1080p 360Hz display is a highlight. The build quality is decent, but the small touchpad is a drawback. Battery life is average, lasting around 6-8 hours on light use. Overall, if you're looking for a portable gaming option without the highest resolution or budget to splurge, the Pulse 15 is worth considering.
Build
The MSI Pulse 15's build is its most striking feature. The aluminum lid exudes a premium look, while the rest of the notebook is made of black plastic. The weight is reasonable at 2.3kg and thickness is 27mm. While not groundbreaking, the design is simple and functional. The keyboard features four-zone backlighting and a number pad, but the tiny touchpad is a letdown. Overall, the Pulse 15's build feels like a budget-friendly compromise, prioritizing portability over luxurious materials. Consider discovering the power of MSI Stealth 15, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The MSI Pulse 15's 1080p 360Hz display is a highlight, offering great visuals despite the lower resolution. The panel's high PPI ensures everything looks sharp, and the 300-nit brightness is sufficient for most environments. Color accuracy is also good, with 99% DCI-P3 coverage and 100% sRGB coverage. While it may not be the best display I've seen, it gets the job done. The only issue is a lack of brightness in very bright conditions. Overall, the display is a great addition to this budget-friendly gaming notebook. You might prefer MSI Modern 15, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The MSI Pulse 15 delivers impressive performance despite its budget-friendly price tag. Powered by an Intel Core i7-13700H processor and RTX 460 GPU, this notebook handles gaming with ease. In tests, the CPU ran at around 100% utilization with a max clock speed of 3.7GHz single core and 2.3GHz multicore, while the GPU hit 72°C under intense loads. The cooling system effectively kept temperatures in check, even during prolonged usage. Performance benchmarks were also impressive, with the notebook delivering consistent results across various titles. While it may not set new records, the MSI Pulse 15's performance is more than adequate for casual gaming and everyday use. For a superior performance, MSI Stealth 14 AI Studio could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Pulse 15's battery life is decent but not remarkable, lasting around 6-8 hours on low brightness and 4 hours on max brightness while web browsing. Watching videos at 50% brightness yields 7-8 hours of battery life. The notebook includes a 90 Wh cell, which is adequate for casual use. However, the lack of an upgradable SSD slot and limited RAM upgrade options may hinder future-proofing. Overall, the Pulse 15's battery performance is sufficient for a gaming notebook but not exceptional.
Connectivity
The MSI Pulse 15's connectivity is standard, with two USB-A ports (one 3.2, one 2.0), an HDMI 2.1 port, and a USB-C 3.2 port. A combo audio jack and gigabit Ethernet are also present. While sufficient for gaming, the notebook could benefit from additional USB ports or a Thunderbolt 4 Port. You may find MSI Vector GP66 HX a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The MSI Pulse 15 is an entry-level notebook that delivers decent gaming performance without breaking the bank. It features a 1080p 360Hz display, Intel Core i7-13700H processor, and RTX 460 GPU with 8GB RAM. The notebook has a simple design, aluminum finish, and USB-A and C ports, as well as an HDMI 2.1 port. A touchpad is included, but it's on the smaller side. If you’re after a better features, MSI Vector GP66 HX could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Pulse 15 is a solid entry-level gaming notebook that delivers Artic 4060 gaming without breaking the bank. It's supported by an RTX 460 GPU with 8 GB of RAM and an Intel 13 gen core R7 13700 H processor, making it a great option for those on a budget. However, some features are missing, such as upgradable SSD slots and Thunderbolt 4 ports, which may be a concern for some users.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features