MSI Stealth GS66 review
The MSI MSI Stealth GS66 ranks as the #331 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #71-ranked performance among 684 laptops. Consider the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 or LG gram Pro 16 2-in-1, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Stealth GS66 is an impressive gaming laptop, but is it worth the price? Starting at $1900 for an RTX 3060 configuration, it may seem pricey, but compared to Razer's Blade 15, which starts at $2500, the GS66 offers better value. The 3070 Ti version, starting at $2250, also outshines its competitor, making it a deal worth considering. While it may not be the most powerful laptop on the market, the GS66's performance is impressive, and its sleek design makes it a great option for those seeking a slim, stealthy gaming experience.
Build
The MSI Stealth GS66 boasts a sleek and slim design, perfect for those seeking a stealthy gaming laptop. The black aluminum chassis is sturdy and durable, exuding a premium feel. Weighing in at 4.3 pounds, it's lightweight enough to take on the go without sacrificing performance. The GS66 measures just 0.7 inches thick, making it an excellent choice for those who value portability. The minimalist design eschews flashy trimmings, instead focusing on clean lines and a smooth finish. Overall, the build quality is top-notch, with a solid feel that's hard to find in laptops of this caliber. Get your hands on MSI Prestige 15 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The MSI Stealth GS66 boasts an excellent display, with vibrant colors and crisp visuals. The 15.6-inch screen is perfect for gaming and general use, offering a great balance between size and portability. The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, making it easy to enjoy the content from various positions. Additionally, the anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience in bright environments. Overall, the display on the GS66 is top-notch, delivering an immersive visual experience that complements its impressive performance. Consider discovering the power of MSI Prestige 15, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The MSI Stealth GS66 delivers strong performance across various tasks. In content creation tests, the laptop excelled in Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, thanks to its high CPU power limit that sacrifices GPU power. However, this came at the expense of slightly lower gaming performance, where the RTX 3070 Ti struggled compared to higher wattage options. The Intel Core i7 processor provided adequate performance for most users, but enthusiasts may find it lacking in demanding tasks. Overall, the GS66 strikes a balance between power and portability, making it suitable for general use and creative work. You might prefer MSI Cyborg 15, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Stealth GS66's battery life is decent, lasting around 4-5 hours with moderate use. It's worth noting that the laptop doesn't get too hot during this time, which is a plus. When it comes to charging, the GS66 can quickly top up its battery from empty to full in about an hour and a half. The included power adapter feels solid and well-built. Overall, while not exceptional, the GS66's battery life and charging capabilities are sufficient for most users' needs, especially considering the laptop's sleek design and powerful specs.
Connectivity
The MSI Stealth GS66 boasts excellent connectivity options. It features an impressive array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an SD card reader. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Unfortunately, the Linux support had some issues with Wi-Fi not working out of the box on Ubuntu 22.04. A better alternative might be MSI Creator 15, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The MSI Stealth GS66 features a slim and stealthy design, paired with powerful performance from the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU. The laptop also boasts excellent thermal management, with customizable fan settings and advanced BIOS options for enthusiasts. A 1TB SSD provides fast storage. You may find MSI Thin 15 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Stealth GS66 is a reliable gaming laptop with robust support and maintenance features. The BIOS offers extensive customization options for power and thermal limits, catering to advanced users. However, the Linux experience was mixed, with Wi-Fi not working out of the box despite other peripherals functioning normally. Overall, maintenance and support are satisfactory but require some technical expertise.
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