The Best MSI Gaming Laptops in 2024

Unlocking the full potential of a gaming experience often hinges on the hardware in use, and nothing exemplifies this better than a top-tier MSI gaming laptop. In a realm where frame rates, high-resolution displays, and efficient cooling systems rule, the choices can be overwhelming. This guide, focused on the Best MSI Gaming Laptops in 2024, demystifies the options, offering a detailed list of laptops that excel in various categories. From hardcore to casual gamers, everyone will find a laptop that resonates with their needs.

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When selecting an MSI gaming laptop, consider these factors:

• Performance: Look for laptops equipped with robust processors and sufficient RAM to handle demanding games. A dedicated graphics card is also essential for smooth gameplay and high-quality visual experiences.
• Display Quality: A laptop’s screen should offer vivid colors and high resolution. Options like 144Hz or higher refresh rates and anti-glare technology can dramatically improve one’s gaming escapades.
• Battery Life: Although gaming laptops are not renowned for long-lasting batteries, some MSI models still manage to offer a decent runtime. A longer battery life ensures less disruption during those critical gaming moments.

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Game Rant’s Picks for the Best MSI Gaming Laptops

MSI Vector GP68HX

Best Overall MSI Gaming Laptop

MSI Vector GP68HX brings the best capabilities for both gaming and work. The high-end Core i9 CPU takes care of CPU-intensive programs and the RTX 4080 powers the pixels to push the frame rates higher. This Vector model comes with fantastic aesthetics, has a 144Hz refresh rate IPS display, and the latest connectivity features for easy future proofing.

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i9 13950HX

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Battery

90Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

16″, 1920×1200

RAM

16GB DDR5

Brand

MSI

Model

Vector GP68HX 13VH-098US

Keyboard

RGB

Display type

IPS

Connectivity

WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Comes with a powerful RTX 4080 GPU with 12 gigs of VRAM
• Great at productivity with a 24 core i9 CPU
• RGB keyboard with anti-ghosting and per-key RGB control

Cons

• Refresh rate maxes out at 144Hz which is slower than similarly priced models

MSI Vector GP68HX comes in several different editions, featuring different processors, GPUs, RAM, and storage. This one is the 098US model for enthusiasts who want something that offers a high value for their money. Compared to most high-end gaming laptops available for nearly $2000, it boasts a significantly better GPU to keep pushing the performance to the next level. Moreover, the 12GB VRAM on its RTX 4080 makes sure users aren’t crippled in modern titles.

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The Core i9 13950HX powers the gaming laptop through its powerful 24 cores and 32 threads. Being built using a hybrid architecture, the CPU provides 8 dedicated performance cores for primary applications/games and 16 efficient cores to take care of the background stuff. Aesthetically, the laptop looks pretty compelling with a high-quality IPS panel, featuring a Full HD resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. It’s kinda low when we see how some gaming laptops boast a 240Hz refresh rate, but at the same time, it’s almost impossible to find a laptop with RTX 4080 at this price tag.

MSI Thin GF63 15.6″ 144Hz Gaming Laptop

Best Budget MSI Gaming Laptop

The MSI Thin GF63 stands as an excellent entry-level choice for gamers, offering robust performance via its 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor and Windows 11 Home. This laptop isn’t just about speed; its 144Hz display ensures smooth, vibrant gameplay, making it a solid pick for those just diving into the gaming arena.

Colors

Black

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i7-12650H 10 Core Processor

GPU

GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop 6GB GDDR6

Storage

512GB PCI-E 4.0 NVMe SSD

Battery

3-cell, 51Whr Li-Polymer

Display (Size, Resolution)

FHD (1920 x 1080)

Pros

• 144Hz display provides smooth and vibrant visuals
• 12th Gen Intel Core i7 ensures powerful performance

Cons

• Entry-level may lack advanced gaming features
• Limited upgradability due to slim design

When discussing budget gaming laptops, the MSI Thin GF63 stands out. Its 12th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor ensures that the machine can handle not just gaming but also multitasking and even streaming. Moreover, its compatibility with Windows 11 Home adds a layer of user-friendly features, designed to meet everyday computing needs. For those interested in thermal management, the laptop features Cooler Boost 5, which utilizes two fans and six heat pipes to keep the system cool, ensuring optimal performance even during intense gaming sessions.

Equally important are the display and memory features. The 144Hz display rate makes gameplay smooth and eliminates the annoyance of screen tearing, which is a frequent pain point in lesser models. The laptop also includes SSD Gen 4×4 and DDR4-3200 memory, guaranteeing fast data transfer and responsiveness. The only real drawbacks are the lack of advanced gaming features found in more expensive models, and its limited upgradability due to its slim design. Nonetheless, the MSI Thin GF63 stands as an excellent stepping stone for those eager to plunge into the gaming universe, offering a mix of performance, display quality, and thermal management.

MSI Katana 17 B13VGK

Best Mid-Range Gaming Laptop

MSI Katana 17 has the potential to max out games at 1440p resolution through its powerful CPU-GPU combo that includes the formidable Core i9 13900H CPU and RTX 4070 GPU with 8GB VRAM. A 17.3″ IPS-level display is available for users who like more immersion and an RGB keyboard for better looks. 

Operating System

Windows 11 Pro

CPU

Intel Core i9 13900H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070

Storage

1TB NVMe SSD

Battery

53.5Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

17.3″, 1920×1080

RAM

16GB DDR5

Brand

MSI

Model

Katana 17 B13VGK

Keyboard

RGB keyboard

Display type

IPS

Connectivity

WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Pros

• Powerful CPU-GPU combo for a fair price
• Big screen for immersive gameplay
• 144Hz refresh rate display for fluidity

Cons

• Battery life isn’t impressive
• 105W power limit kinda throttles GPU’s performance

There are plenty of gaming laptops in the mid-range category and the Katana 17 is the best candidate from MSI for various reasons that includes a 14-core CPU from the Raptor Lake family and the popular graphics card, RTX 4070. Although the CPU isn’t the fastest in the lineup, it is surely more than adequate for gamers and handles high-end GPUs pretty well, making sure no bottlenecking occurs from its side. A little disadvantage compared to high-end gaming laptops is its inferior battery life and the limitation it puts on the power consumption of the GPU. However, it is still capable of maxing out games at 1440p resolution and provides users with options to manage the battery backup.

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Games and media will look fabulous on its 17.3″ big screen that boasts an IPS-level panel and provides a refresh rate of 144Hz for great fluidity. There is also a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard that can be customized as per the requirements. The laptop offers this edition in a few variations where users can opt for more expensive editions but packed with higher RAM and storage capacity.

MSI Raider GE78 HX 14VIG-600US

Best High-End MSI Gaming Laptop

This MSI Raider GE78 HX model comes with killer connectivity options, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connectivity for future-proofing the laptop. The latest i9 14900HX powers the laptop with its improved boost clocks and an RTX 4090 empowers it to perform well in modern titles. The RGB keyboard, RGB LEDs at the front and a solid construction further enhances its aesthetics.

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i9 14900HX

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090

Storage

2TB NVMe SSD

Battery

99.9Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

17″, 2560×1600

RAM

64GB DDR5

Brand

MSI

Model

Raider GE78 HX 14VIG-600US

Display type

IPS

Connectivity

WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4

Pros

• 240Hz high refresh rate for competitive gaming
• Latest Raptor Lake Refresh CPU with improved clock speeds
• RTX 4090 to crush modern titles

Cons

• High power consumption
• Very expensive

The Raider GE78 HX is a killer laptop with the latest specifications to future-proof the machine for the next several years. At its core, lies the Core i9 14900HX processor that provides a 400MHz higher boost clock speed than its predecessor, resulting in a noticeable uplift in productivity. Paired with the RTX 4090, users can expect it to destroy the latest Triple-A titles even on the highest settings with ease. It’s one of the best possible choices at the moment for enthusiasts who don’t have any budget constraints and want the best possible gaming laptop money can buy.

Whether users look at its specifications or the appearance, it doesn’t fail to impress. With a huge 64GB of memory capacity and fast 2TB of NVMe storage, it goes pretty fast and has enough room to run multiple applications at the same time or open up several Chrome tabs. The display it boasts brings super high fluidity to the gameplay through its 240Hz IPS panel that has an excellent color gamut of 100% DCI-P3. However, being so fast comes at a cost of high battery usage. Even though it comes with nearly a 100Whr battery capacity, it won’t be able to run for several hours when purely on gaming load all the time.

MSI Katana 15

Best Value MSI Gaming Laptop

MSI Katana 15 offers excellent value for the money through its choice of components that make it cost under $1500 while bringing one of the most powerful GPUs for gaming combined with a power-efficient i7 CPU. Its high refresh display provides that buttery smoothness and the RGB keyboard adds to its aesthetics

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel® Core™ i7-13620H

GPU

GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6 Laptop GPU

Storage

1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD

Battery

3-cell 53.5Whr Li-Polymer

Display (Size, Resolution)

15.6″ FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS-Level 144Hz NTSC 45% Panel

Brand

MSI

Memory

DDR5 5200Mhz 16GB (8GB x 2)

Network

Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet

Pros

• Excellent value for under $1500
• RTX 4070 to max games on ultra settings
• Thin and lightweight construction

Cons

• Not the best battery life
• Poor color gamut
• Dull productivity

Users who are in need of high-gaming performance strictly can settle for the MSI Katana 15 which offers a powerful RTX 4070 GPU at an affordable price. The RTX 4070 is mostly available on mid-range and high-end gaming laptops but this is one of the few gaming laptops under $1500 that comes with the 4070, offering higher framerates per dollar. The laptop is able to bring it onboard by compromising on its CPU, which is the Core i7 13620H, aimed at power-efficient operation. While it’s not the best CPU out there, it is certainly enough for the gaming demands through its 10 cores/16 threads configuration.

The Katana 15 is able to bring forth an RGB keyboard, 16GB DDR5 memory, and a fast 1TB NVMe SSD, making it the best value gaming laptop from the company. Not only that, but it is also one of the lightest and thinnest gaming laptops, weighing just 4.96 lbs. As for the screen, it boasts a standard 15.6″ screen size with an IPS panel with 144Hz refresh rate. However, the color gamut is poor and Game Rant doesn’t recommend it for color grading and users should only consider it if they are buying it purely for gaming purposes.

MSI GF63 Thin 11UC

Best Entry-Level MSI Gaming Laptop

MSI GF63 11UC is a wonderful portable machine for a low price with RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. Despite featuring a Rocket Lake CPU, it is capable of playing games with satisfactory framerates and demands a low power input for operation.

Operating System

Windows 11

CPU

Intel Core i5-11400H

GPU

GeForce RTX 3050

Storage

1TB

Battery

51Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

14″, 1920 x 1080

Brand

MSI

RAM

16 GB

Model

GF63 Thin 11UC-1276US

Keyboard

Red LED keyboard

Display type

IPS

Pros

• Very affordable
• 144Hz refresh rate IPS display
• Power efficient and lightweight

Cons

• Not suitable for intensive gaming
• Older generation CPU
• Poor color gamut

The GF63 Thin 11UC by default requires several times less power compared to the high-end offerings by MSI, helping users cut on electricity bills. Powered by the Core i5 11400H from the 11th gen Rocket Lake family, it is capable of performing decently in CPU-oriented tasks through its 6 cores/12 threads configuration. Even though there is no hybrid architecture, it isn’t that behind the Alder Lake family and goes well for the consumers in cutting on the cost even more.

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The processor goes with a power-efficient RTX 3050 GPU, which has a max TDP of only 45W, and hence, users can expect a great battery life. Other specs include 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, and satisfactory connectivity options such as WiFi 6, Bluetooth, and the latest USB Type and Type C ports. Concerning its display, it boasts a 15.6″ IPS panel with a good refresh rate of 144Hz for smooth gameplay. However, just like the Katana 15, it provides a poor color gamut of 45% NTSC, which makes it unsuitable for color grading.

MSI Pulse GL76 12UGK

Best High-Refresh Rate MSI Gaming Laptop

MSI Pulse GL76 laptop provides an unparalleled high-refresh-rate display that provides incredibly smooth movements in gameplay. Even though the hardware configuration is from the last-gen, its price tag is very reasonable for its performance and features. Users looking to maximize their potential in competitive gaming should get the Pulse GL76 to gain an advantage over their opponents.

Operating System

Windows 11 Home

CPU

Intel Core i7 12700H

GPU

Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 Laptop

RAM

16GB DDR4

Storage

1TB SSD

Battery

53Wh

Display (Size, Resolution)

17.3″, 1920x1080p

Brand

MSI

Model

Pulse GL76 12UGK-258

Pros

• Incredibly fluid display
• Potent hardware for maxing out games
• RGB-backlit keyboard

Cons

• Poor battery life
• Poor portability due to big screen and considerable weight

If sticking to the previous-generation hardware is not a huge deal, then the Pulse GL76 will be a fantastic option for competitive gamers who value every small movement on the screen. Despite its CPU and GPU being from the previous gen, it’s roughly at the same performance level as its successors. The RTX 3070 isn’t too far from the 4070 in gaming performance and boasts 8GB of VRAM to let users bump up the textures, shadows, foliage, and other graphics settings.

The CPU is the Core i7 12700H from the Alder Lake family, which boasts a hybrid architecture to combine six performance and eight efficient cores to result in a total of 14 cores and 20 threads. With a max turbo boost clock of up to 4.7GHz, this CPU is insanely good at intensive operations and maximizes the potential of GPUs. Nonetheless, what separates the Pulse GL76 from others is its outstanding IPS display that runs at 360Hz refresh rate with 3ms of response time. It’s recommended for professional gamers who want a great gaming laptop under $1500.

That said, with such a fluid display and potent hardware, the battery life is going to deplete pretty fast. Unfortunately, the laptop brings just 53Wh of battery life, which won’t last more than 2 hours in intense gaming sessions. Therefore, users must consider this before making up their minds and whether they should give up the high refresh rate display for a better battery life-oriented MSI laptop from this list.

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FAQ

Q: Are MSI laptops good for gaming?

Absolutely, MSI laptops are known for their high-performance hardware tailored for gaming. With powerful CPUs, GPUs, and ample RAM, these laptops deliver an outstanding gaming experience.

Q: Is it worth buying a gaming laptop in 2023?

Certainly, the advancements in gaming laptop technology have made them more potent and cost-effective than ever. The 2023 models offer impressive specs, portable designs, and come ready for current and upcoming gaming titles.

Q: What MSI laptop is best for gaming?

Selecting the “best” MSI gaming laptop depends on specific needs and preferences, such as processing power, graphics, and budget. However, models in the MSI GE Raider or GS Stealth series often stand out for their blend of performance and portability.