MSI WS66 review
The MSI MSI WS66 ranks as the #381 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #158-ranked performance among 671 laptops. Consider the MSI Creator M14 or MSI Summit E13 AI Evo, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI WS66 workstation laptop is a solid choice for professionals. With its decent build quality, good screen options, and fair I/O, it's a reliable companion for content creation on the go. The battery life is also commendable. However, its performance is somewhat limited by slower DDR4-2666 memory despite Intel 10th gen capabilities. The internal components can run hot under heavy workloads, but you have some control over how hot things get. Overall, it's a decent option, but I'd still prefer the new Aero 15 due to the OLED panel option.
Build
The MSI WS66 workstation laptop boasts a decent build quality, with a sturdy chassis that feels premium. The screen in my unit was good, offering minimal bleed, decent brightness, and a respectable color gamut. I also appreciated the inclusion of a fingerprint scanner and a UHS-III SD card slot, adding to the laptop's overall utility. However, the single USB Type-A port may be limiting for some users, especially when juggling multiple peripherals. Overall, the WS66's build is solid, but not exceptional. It’s worth checking out MSI Alpha 15, delivering remarkable build.
Display
The display on the MSI WS66 is a highlight of this workstation laptop. The screen in my unit was good in terms of bleed, brightness, and color gamut. I'd recommend opting for the 4K panel for even better colors and crisp visuals. While it's not an OLED option, the IPS display still delivers vibrant images that are suitable for content creation on-the-go. Additionally, the higher refresh rate options allow for smoother performance in gaming scenarios. Overall, the display is a strong selling point for the WS66, making it a great choice for professionals and creatives who value good visuals. Give MSI Alpha 15 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Performance
The MSI WS66's performance is decent across various workloads. In CPU-bound tasks like Adobe Premiere Pro, it fares well, while in GPU-intensive applications like DaVinci Resolve, the Quadro RTX 3000 graphics card proves to be a significant advantage. The laptop also handled gaming tests relatively well, with smooth frame rates in titles like Battlefield 5 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Storage performance is excellent thanks to the 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD, making it suitable for professionals who require both power and speed. Get your hands on MSI Bravo 15 if you're looking for better performance.
Battery and Charging
The MSI WS66's battery life is good, lasting around X hours with moderate use. The charging time is also satisfactory, taking around 1-2 hours to fully charge the battery from empty. A single USB Type-A port may be a limitation for some users, but overall, the laptop's power management is efficient and reliable.
Connectivity
The MSI WS66 boasts decent connectivity options, with two Type-C ports, Thunderbolt, and 2.5 gigabit Ethernet. However, the single USB Type-A port is limiting, especially when needing to connect multiple devices. Overall, a solid I/O setup that could be improved with additional USB ports. You might prefer MSI Alpha 15, designed with an upgraded connectivity for a better experience.
Features
The MSI WS66 offers a premium workstation experience with features including a 4K panel option, Intel Core i9 processor, Quadro RTX 3000 graphics, up to 64GB DDR4 memory, and two M.2 slots for storage expansion. A fingerprint scanner and USB SD card slot add convenience, while decent build quality and good I/O options enhance overall usability. For a superior features, MSI Raider GE66 could be the right choice.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI WS66 workstation laptop offers decent support and maintenance features. The build quality is satisfactory, with no major issues reported during testing. The battery life is good, lasting up to several hours on a single charge. Internals are upgradeable, with two M.2 slots and two memory slots available for customization. However, the lack of an OLED panel option may be a drawback for some users. Overall, the WS66's support and maintenance features make it a viable option for professionals.
Pros
1. Honestly with the features on offer here I could see myself picking this to replace my current older personal laptop
2. The build quality is decent, the screen in my unit was good in terms of bleed, brightness and colour gamut
3. I'd use it for content creation on the go, no problems, but the 144Hz option does also let you to kick back with some games at the end of the day if that's your preference
4. The battery life was good, and internals were also fair with 2 M.2 slots, 2 memory slots and WiFi chip
5. You've got the option of Xeon processor and ECC memory too, should you require those
6. The I/O was pretty good, all USB 3.2 Gen2, no older Gen1 here, and while Thunderbolt, two Type-C ports and 2.5 gigabit ethernet is nice
7. The performance seemed pretty decent, and higher temps are a trade off with good performance in a thinner chassis
8. It's worth buying for content creation on the go
Cons
1. The build quality could be better
2. The screen may not be suitable for all users due to bleed, brightness and colour gamut issues
3. There are no USB Type-A ports (except one) which can be limiting in some situations
4. The front facing speakers were not great
5. MSI are using slightly slower DDR4-2666 memory despite the Intel 10th gen supporting 2933
6. Internals can run hot under heavy workloads
7. There's no option for OLED panel which is available on some other laptops
8. The single USB Type-A port may be limiting in certain situations
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