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{{Update|source=database}}
 
{{Update|source=variants}}
      {{Infobox computing device
{{Infobox computing device
| name = MSI Pulse GL66 (2021)
| name = Pulse GL66 (2021)
| title =  
| title =  
| aka =  
| aka =  
| logo =  
| logo =  
| image =  
| image =  
| image_size = 260px
| image_size =  
| caption =  
| caption =  
| developer =  
| developer =  
| manufacturer = [[MSI]]  
| manufacturer = [[MSI]]
| family = [[Pulse GL]]
| family =  
| type =
| type =  
| generation =  
| generation =  
| release date = {{Start date and age|2021|03|df=yes|br=y}}
| release date = {{Start date and age|2021|df=yes|br=y}}
| lifespan =  
| lifespan =  
| price =  [[United States dollar|USD]] 1 to 399
| price =  [[United States dollar|USD]] 1,499
| discontinued = Yes
| discontinued = No
| units sold =  
| units sold =  
| units shipped =  
| units shipped =  
| media =  
| media =  
| os = [[Windows 10 Home]]
| os = [[Windows 10 Home]]<br>[[Windows 11 Home]]<br>(MSI recommends [[Windows 11 Pro]] for business)
| power =  
| power =  
| soc =  
| soc =  
| cpu = Intel i7-11800H
| cpu = [[Intel Core i5-11400H]]<br>[[Intel Core i7-11800H]]<br>[[Intel Core i9-12900H]]
| memory = 16 GB
| memory = 8 GB (1x8) or 16 GB (2x8) DDR4-3200 MHz (supports up to 64 GB)
| memory slots = 2 user accessible slots
| memory slots = 2 user accessible
| storage = 512 GB
| storage = 512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD, 1 TB HDD
| storage slots = 3 user accessible slots
| storage slots = 2 user accessible
| memory card =  
| memory card =  
| camera = '''Front:''' 720p <br/>
| camera = '''Front:''' 720p HD Webcam
| display = '''[[Screen Size|Screen size]]''': 15.6 inch <br/>'''[[Panel Type|Panel type]]''': [[IPS]] <br/>'''[[Resolution]]''': 1920 x 1080 <br/>'''[[Pixel density|PPI]]''': 141.21 <br/>'''[[Aspect Ratio|Aspect ratio]]''': 16:9 <br/>'''[[Refresh Rate|Refresh rate]]''': 144 Hz <br/>'''[[Brightness|brightness]]''': 245 Nits <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|sRGB coverage]]''': 58 % <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|Adobe RGB coverage]]''': 40 % <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|P3 coverage]]''': 39 %
| display = '''[[Screen Size|Screen size]]''': 15.6 inch <br/>'''[[Panel Type|Panel type]]''': [[IPS]]-Level <br/>'''[[Coating]]''': Matte (anti-glare)<br>'''[[Resolution]]''': 1920 x 1080 <br/>'''[[Refresh Rate|Refresh rate]]''': 60 Hz, 144 Hz <br/>'''[[Color Gamut|NTSC]]''': 45% or 72%
| graphics = [[Nvidia RTX 3070]] GB [[Video Memory|VRAM]] [[Total GPU Power|85 Watts]]
| graphics = [[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop]] 4 GB [[Video Memory|GDDR6]] [[Total GPU Power|60 W]]<br>[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop]] 6 GB GDDR6 85 W<br>[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop]] 8 GB GDDR6 85 W
| sound =
| sound = 2 x 2 W stereo speakers
| input = '''Built in:''' No<br/>
| input =  
       
| controllers =  
| controllers =  
| touchpad =  
| touchpad = Precision touchpad
| connectivity = [[WiFi]] 6 <br/>[[Bluetooth]] 5.1 <br/>'''[[USB Type-A|USB type-A]]''': 3 <br/>'''[[USB-C]]''': 1 <br/>'''[[USB-C]] (Non-thunderbolt)''': 1 <br/>'''[[Thunderbolt 3]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[Thunderbolt 4]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[HDMI]]''': 1 <br/>'''[[DisplayPort]]''': 0 <br/>'''[[USB4]]''': No <br/>'''[[Ethernet]]''': Yes <br/>'''[[USB-C]] charging''': No
| connectivity = Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201<br>[[Bluetooth]] 5.1<br>2 x [[USB]] 3.2 Gen 1 ([[Type-A]])<br>1 x [[USB]] 3.2 Gen 1 ([[Type-A]])<br>1 x [[USB]] 2.0 ([[Type-A]])<br>1 x [[USB]] 3.2 Gen 1 ([[Type-C]])<br>1 x [[HDMI]] 2.0b<br>1 x [[3.5mm headphone/microphone jack]]
| currentfw =  
| currentfw =  
| platform =  
| platform =  
| service =
| service =  
| dimensions = {{convert|14.1|in|mm}} x {{convert|10.2|in|mm}} x {{convert|0.94|in|mm}}
| dimensions = '''W''': {{convert|14.13|in|cm}} <br/>'''D''': {{convert|10.20|in|cm}} <br/>'''H''': {{convert|0.94|in|cm}}
| weight = {{convert|4.63|lbs|g}}
| battery = 4 cell Li-Polymer 53.5 Wh
| weight of power brick =  
| weight = {{convert|4.63|lbs|kg}}
| weight of power brick = 180W or 150W slim AC adapter
| number pad = Yes
| number pad = Yes
| backlit keyboard = Yes
| chassis = '''Color''': Gunmetal gray<br>'''Materials''': Aluminum lid, plastic body
| keyboard lighting color = RGB
| keyboard lighting color = Single-zone RGB backlit
| fingerprint reader = No
| fingerprint reader = No
| facial recognition = No
| facial recognition = No
| special features = None
| special features =  
| topgame =  
| topgame =  
| compatibility =  
| compatibility =  
Line 57: Line 56:
| related =  
| related =  
| website = [https://us.msi.com/Laptop/Pulse-GL66-11UX/Specification MSI]
| website = [https://us.msi.com/Laptop/Pulse-GL66-11UX/Specification MSI]
}}The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) is a laptop.
}}
 
{{ReviewNotice}}
{{CheckAI}}
The '''MSI Pulse GL66 (2021)''' is a mid-range gaming laptop designed for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It features Intel 11th and 12th generation processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.<ref name="specs">{{cite web |url=https://us.msi.com/Laptop/Pulse-GL66-11UX/Specification |title=Pulse GL66 (2021) Specifications |publisher=MSI}}</ref>
 
== Primary Hardware ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Central Processing Unit (CPU)|Processor]] ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) can be configured with the following processors<ref name="specs" />:
*[[Intel Core i5-11400H]] with 6 cores and 12 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.5 GHz.
*[[Intel Core i7-11800H]] with 8 cores and 16 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.6 GHz.
*[[Intel Core i9-12900H]] with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.0 GHz.
 
The Intel Core i7-11800H provides good gaming performance, but thermal throttling can affect its performance during intensive tasks. In benchmarks, the i7-11800H produced satisfactory results but lagged behind some competitors.<ref name="pcmag">{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/msi-gl66-pulse |title=MSI GL66 Pulse Review |publisher=PCMag}}</ref> The i9-12900H offers improved performance with its hybrid architecture, but the performance gains are not significant compared to the i7-12700H in competing laptops.<ref name="notebookcheck">{{cite web |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-Pulse-GL66-review-Is-the-i9-12900H-improving-the-RTX-3060-gaming-laptop-or-only-making-it-more-expensive.614668.0.html |title=MSI Pulse GL66 Review |publisher=NotebookCheck}}</ref>
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Cinebench R15:
** i7-11800H: 2,124 points (multi-core)<ref name="pcmag" />
** i9-12900H: 2,729 points (multi-core)<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*Geekbench 5:
** i7-11800H: 6,949 points (multi-core), 1,579 points (single-core)<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/msi-pulse-gl66 |title=MSI Pulse GL66 Review |publisher=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>
 
=== [[Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)|Graphics]] ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) can be configured with the following discrete GPUs<ref name="specs" />:
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop]] GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory, 1500 MHz boost clock, and 60 W TGP.
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop]] GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, 1485 MHz boost clock, and 85 W TGP.
*[[Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop]] GPU with 8 GB GDDR6 memory, 1365 MHz boost clock, and 85 W TGP.
 
The RTX 3060 GPU in the Pulse GL66 performs well in various benchmarks, producing close to or just above triple-digit frame rates at 1080p resolution. However, it is outperformed by some competitors in specific gaming benchmarks.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="tomshardware" /> The RTX 3070 offers better performance but is limited by its 85 W TGP.<ref name="specs" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*3DMark Time Spy:
** RTX 3060: 8,222 points<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*3DMark Fire Strike:
** RTX 3060: 19,015 points<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
** RTX 3060: 68 fps<ref name="tomshardware" />
*Far Cry: New Dawn:
** RTX 3060: 83 fps<ref name="tomshardware" />
 
=== [[Random Access Memory (RAM)|Memory]] ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 supports up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz memory through two SO-DIMM slots.<ref name="specs" /> Pre-configured SKUs come with either 8 GB (1x8) or 16 GB (2x8) DDR4-3200 MHz memory. The memory configuration is adequate for gaming and multitasking, with the potential to upgrade up to 64 GB.<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*AIDA64 Memory Copy: 77,803 MB/s<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== [[Storage]] ===
The Pulse GL66 can be configured with a 512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD, and a 1 TB HDD. The SSD follows the PCI Express 3.0 standard, providing practical room for today's games, while the hard drive offers additional storage capacity for larger files.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="pcmag" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*CrystalDiskMark:
** Sequential Read: 3,127 MB/s<ref name="notebookcheck" />
** Sequential Write: 2,977 MB/s<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*PCMark 10: 6,623 points<ref name="pcmag" />
 
=== Co-processors ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 does not include any dedicated co-processors.<ref name="specs" />
 
== Input Devices ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Keyboard]] ===
The Pulse GL66 features a single-zone RGB keyboard with Anti-Ghost key (99 Key). The keyboard lacks dedicated Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys, which can be inconvenient for text editing. The soft keypresses deliver pleasing tactile feedback, but the overall experience is limited compared to competitors with more advanced lighting options.<ref name="pcmag" />
 
=== [[Touchpad]] ===
The Pulse GL66 comes with a precision touchpad. The touchpad is comfortable to use and responsive, allowing for smooth multi-touch actions. However, it requires unusually high pressure for physical clicks, which may prevent accidental presses while gaming but can be frustrating for general use.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== [[Webcam]] ===
The Pulse GL66 is equipped with a 720p HD webcam. The webcam delivers average video quality for a gaming laptop but lacks a privacy shutter, which is a common feature in many modern laptops.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
== Output Devices ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[Display]] ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 offers several display options<ref name="specs" />:
* 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 144Hz with 72% NTSC
* 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 144Hz with 45% NTSC
* 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 60Hz with 45% NTSC
 
The display has reasonable brightness and contrast, creating a satisfactory picture. The higher-end models offer better color coverage, making them more suitable for gaming. However, the display's brightness and color accuracy are below average compared to competitors.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*Brightness: 260 cd/m²<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*Contrast: 1908:1<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*Color Accuracy (ΔE): 4.96 (calibrated: 3.14)<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== [[Audio]] ===
The Pulse GL66 comes with two bottom-firing 2W speakers. The speakers produce accurate vocals and high notes but are on the quiet side and have tinny bass. The audio is on the mildly quiet side, requiring volume to be pumped up to around 62% for a comfortable listening experience.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
== Connectivity ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== [[WiFi]] ===
The Pulse GL66 is equipped with an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module, providing wireless connectivity with modern standards, ensuring good performance for online gaming and streaming.<ref name="specs" /><ref name="pcmag" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
*iperf3 transmit: 1,045 MBit/s<ref name="notebookcheck" />
*iperf3 receive: 1,445 MBit/s<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== [[Bluetooth]] ===
The Pulse GL66 comes with a Bluetooth 5.1 module.<ref name="specs" />
 
=== [[SD Card Reader]] ===
The Pulse GL66 does not include an SD card reader.<ref name="specs" />
 
=== [[USB]] ===
The Pulse GL66 is equipped with the following USB ports<ref name="specs" />:
* 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
* 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
* 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
* 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
 
The USB selection is limited, with no USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt support, which could enhance data transfer speeds and connectivity options.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== Display Outputs ===
The Pulse GL66 comes with an HDMI 2.0b video output, supporting 4K at 60Hz, allowing for external display connections for gaming or productivity.<ref name="specs" />
 
== Case ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Pulse GL66 features a mostly plastic build with a gunmetal gray aluminum lid. The design is attractive, but the plastic build is less acceptable at the $1,499 price point, especially when compared to competitors that offer more premium materials.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" /> The laptop has a bulky design with heavy sci-fi decoration, measuring 14.13 x 10.20 x 0.94 inches and weighing 4.63 pounds.<ref name="tomshardware" />
 
== Maintenance ==
{{CheckAI}}
The bottom panel is held on by 13 Phillips-head screws. One screw is hidden behind a sticker.<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Upgradeable components:'''<ref name="notebookcheck" />
* 53.5 WHr battery.
* Two M.2 SSD slots.
* One 2.5 inch HDD slot.
* Two DDR4-3200 SODIMMs.
 
== Cooling System ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Pulse GL66 is equipped with a cooling system that struggles to keep thermals in check. The fans are audible under load but quiet during regular tasks.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== Heat ===
The laptop gets warm under load, with the center of the keyboard reaching 52.1 degrees Celsius. The hottest point is the vent just above the keyboard, which read as 57.2 degrees Celsius.<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
* Maximum temperature: 50 °C<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== Noise ===
The fan noise is not especially loud during gaming sessions, easily drowned out by ambient noise. However, the laptop runs hot and loud, with audible airflow through the vents, making it less suitable for quiet environments.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
* Idle: 23 dB(A)<ref name="notebookcheck" />
* Load: 48.2 dB(A)<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
== Energy Management ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== Power Consumption ===
The Pulse GL66 ships with either a 180W or 150W slim AC adapter.<ref name="specs" /> The power consumption is low during idle and average loads but increases significantly under stress.<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
* Idle: 7 W<ref name="notebookcheck" />
* Load: 244 W<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
=== Battery Life ===
All Pulse GL66 SKUs come with a 53.5 WHr Li-Polymer battery. The battery life is brief, lasting around 3 hours and 32 minutes in testing, making it less ideal for portable gaming.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
'''Benchmarks''':
* WiFi Websurfing: 4h 33min<ref name="notebookcheck" />
* Video Playback: 3h 57min<ref name="notebookcheck" />
* Load (maximum brightness): 1h 56min<ref name="notebookcheck" />
 
== Biometrics ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Pulse GL66 does not support [[Windows Hello]] face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.<ref name="specs" />
 
== [[Software]] ==
{{CheckAI}}
All SKUs ship with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home, with MSI recommending Windows 11 Pro for business.<ref name="specs" />
 
=== Preinstalled Software ===
==== MSI Center ====
The MSI Center replaces Dragon Center for adjusting keyboard lighting, monitoring CPU/GPU usage, changing fan speed, and other system settings.<ref name="notebookcheck" />


== Reviews ==
==== Nahimic 3 ====
The Nahimic 3 software is included for audio adjustments.<ref name="specs" />


==== Other Preinstalled Software ====
The Pulse GL66 also comes with MSI App Player, an Android emulator.<ref name="notebookcheck" />


== Purchase Links ==
=== [[Linux|Linux Support]] ===
[https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GL66-Gaming-Laptop-i7-11800H/dp/B09127DDVT/ Amazon]
Linux support is not specified, but compatibility may vary.<ref name="notebookcheck" />


== Accessories & Warranty ==
{{CheckAI}}
The Pulse GL66 comes with a 180W or 150W slim AC adapter and paperwork.<ref name="specs" /> There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.<ref name="pcmag" />
== Reviews Summary ==
{{CheckAI}}
=== Overall Sentiment ===
The MSI Pulse GL66 is considered a decent entry-level gaming laptop with good performance and upgradeability. However, it has several drawbacks, including a mostly plastic build, brief battery life, and thermal throttling issues. The laptop is suitable for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option with the potential for future upgrades.<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="tomshardware" /><ref name="notebookcheck" />
=== Problems Summary<ref name="pcmag" /><ref name="tomshardware" /><ref name="notebookcheck" /> ===
* Mostly plastic build.
* Runs hot and loud.
* Brief battery life.
* Limited USB connectivity.
* Display with weak brightness and low color space coverage.
* High price point compared to competitors.
=== Links ===
i7-11800H, RTX3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: [https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/msi-gl66-pulse PCMag]
i7-11800H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: [https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/msi-pulse-gl66 Tom's Hardware]
i9-12900H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: [https://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-Pulse-GL66-review-Is-the-i9-12900H-improving-the-RTX-3060-gaming-laptop-or-only-making-it-more-expensive.614668.0.html NotebookCheck]
== Community Reception ==
=== Overall Sentiment ===
=== Problems Summary ===
== References ==
[[Category:Laptops]]
[[Category:Laptops]]
[[Category:MSI Laptops]]
[[Category:MSI Laptops]]
 
[[Category:Gaming Laptops]]
[[Category:Pulse GL]]
 
[[Category:2021 Laptops]]
[[Category:2021 Laptops]]
 
<references />
           
     

Latest revision as of 09:10, 5 August 2024

MSI Pulse GL66 (2021)
ManufacturerMSI
Release date2021;
5 years ago (2021)
Introductory priceUSD 1,499
DiscontinuedNo
Operating systemWindows 10 Home
Windows 11 Home
(MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business)
CPUIntel Core i5-11400H
Intel Core i7-11800H
Intel Core i9-12900H
Memory8 GB (1x8) or 16 GB (2x8) DDR4-3200 MHz (supports up to 64 GB)
Memory slots2 user accessible
Storage512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD, 1 TB HDD
Storage slots2 user accessible
DisplayScreen size: 15.6 inch
Panel type: IPS-Level
Coating: Matte (anti-glare)
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Refresh rate: 60 Hz, 144 Hz
NTSC: 45% or 72%
GraphicsNvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 60 W
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 85 W
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 85 W
Sound2 x 2 W stereo speakers
CameraFront: 720p HD Webcam
TouchpadPrecision touchpad
ConnectivityIntel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
Bluetooth 5.1
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A)
1 x USB 2.0 (Type-A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C)
1 x HDMI 2.0b
1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
DimensionsW: 14.13 inches (35.9 cm)
D: 10.20 inches (25.9 cm)
H: 0.94 inches (2.4 cm)
Mass4.63 pounds (2.10 kg)
Power brick180W or 150W slim AC adapter
Battery4 cell Li-Polymer 53.5 Wh
KeyboardSingle-zone RGB backlit
ChassisColor: Gunmetal gray
Materials: Aluminum lid, plastic body
Number padYes
Fingerprint readerNo
Facial recognitionNo
WebsiteMSI

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) is a mid-range gaming laptop designed for gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability. It features Intel 11th and 12th generation processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.[1]

Primary Hardware

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Processor

The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:

  • Intel Core i5-11400H with 6 cores and 12 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.5 GHz.
  • Intel Core i7-11800H with 8 cores and 16 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.6 GHz.
  • Intel Core i9-12900H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.0 GHz.

The Intel Core i7-11800H provides good gaming performance, but thermal throttling can affect its performance during intensive tasks. In benchmarks, the i7-11800H produced satisfactory results but lagged behind some competitors.[2] The i9-12900H offers improved performance with its hybrid architecture, but the performance gains are not significant compared to the i7-12700H in competing laptops.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • Cinebench R15:
    • i7-11800H: 2,124 points (multi-core)[2]
    • i9-12900H: 2,729 points (multi-core)[3]
  • Geekbench 5:
    • i7-11800H: 6,949 points (multi-core), 1,579 points (single-core)[4]

Graphics

The MSI Pulse GL66 (2021) can be configured with the following discrete GPUs[1]:

The RTX 3060 GPU in the Pulse GL66 performs well in various benchmarks, producing close to or just above triple-digit frame rates at 1080p resolution. However, it is outperformed by some competitors in specific gaming benchmarks.[2][4] The RTX 3070 offers better performance but is limited by its 85 W TGP.[1]

Benchmarks:

  • 3DMark Time Spy:
    • RTX 3060: 8,222 points[3]
  • 3DMark Fire Strike:
    • RTX 3060: 19,015 points[3]
  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider:
    • RTX 3060: 68 fps[4]
  • Far Cry: New Dawn:
    • RTX 3060: 83 fps[4]

Memory

The MSI Pulse GL66 supports up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz memory through two SO-DIMM slots.[1] Pre-configured SKUs come with either 8 GB (1x8) or 16 GB (2x8) DDR4-3200 MHz memory. The memory configuration is adequate for gaming and multitasking, with the potential to upgrade up to 64 GB.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • AIDA64 Memory Copy: 77,803 MB/s[3]

Storage

The Pulse GL66 can be configured with a 512 GB or 1 TB NVMe SSD, and a 1 TB HDD. The SSD follows the PCI Express 3.0 standard, providing practical room for today's games, while the hard drive offers additional storage capacity for larger files.[1][2]

Benchmarks:

  • CrystalDiskMark:
    • Sequential Read: 3,127 MB/s[3]
    • Sequential Write: 2,977 MB/s[3]
  • PCMark 10: 6,623 points[2]

Co-processors

The MSI Pulse GL66 does not include any dedicated co-processors.[1]

Input Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Keyboard

The Pulse GL66 features a single-zone RGB keyboard with Anti-Ghost key (99 Key). The keyboard lacks dedicated Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down keys, which can be inconvenient for text editing. The soft keypresses deliver pleasing tactile feedback, but the overall experience is limited compared to competitors with more advanced lighting options.[2]

Touchpad

The Pulse GL66 comes with a precision touchpad. The touchpad is comfortable to use and responsive, allowing for smooth multi-touch actions. However, it requires unusually high pressure for physical clicks, which may prevent accidental presses while gaming but can be frustrating for general use.[2][3]

Webcam

The Pulse GL66 is equipped with a 720p HD webcam. The webcam delivers average video quality for a gaming laptop but lacks a privacy shutter, which is a common feature in many modern laptops.[2][3]

Output Devices

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

Display

The MSI Pulse GL66 offers several display options[1]:

  • 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 144Hz with 72% NTSC
  • 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 144Hz with 45% NTSC
  • 15.6" FHD, IPS-Level, 60Hz with 45% NTSC

The display has reasonable brightness and contrast, creating a satisfactory picture. The higher-end models offer better color coverage, making them more suitable for gaming. However, the display's brightness and color accuracy are below average compared to competitors.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Brightness: 260 cd/m²[3]
  • Contrast: 1908:1[3]
  • Color Accuracy (ΔE): 4.96 (calibrated: 3.14)[3]

Audio

The Pulse GL66 comes with two bottom-firing 2W speakers. The speakers produce accurate vocals and high notes but are on the quiet side and have tinny bass. The audio is on the mildly quiet side, requiring volume to be pumped up to around 62% for a comfortable listening experience.[2][3]

Connectivity

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

WiFi

The Pulse GL66 is equipped with an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module, providing wireless connectivity with modern standards, ensuring good performance for online gaming and streaming.[1][2]

Benchmarks:

  • iperf3 transmit: 1,045 MBit/s[3]
  • iperf3 receive: 1,445 MBit/s[3]

Bluetooth

The Pulse GL66 comes with a Bluetooth 5.1 module.[1]

SD Card Reader

The Pulse GL66 does not include an SD card reader.[1]

USB

The Pulse GL66 is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:

  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C

The USB selection is limited, with no USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt support, which could enhance data transfer speeds and connectivity options.[2][3]

Display Outputs

The Pulse GL66 comes with an HDMI 2.0b video output, supporting 4K at 60Hz, allowing for external display connections for gaming or productivity.[1]

Case

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The Pulse GL66 features a mostly plastic build with a gunmetal gray aluminum lid. The design is attractive, but the plastic build is less acceptable at the $1,499 price point, especially when compared to competitors that offer more premium materials.[2][3] The laptop has a bulky design with heavy sci-fi decoration, measuring 14.13 x 10.20 x 0.94 inches and weighing 4.63 pounds.[4]

Maintenance

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The bottom panel is held on by 13 Phillips-head screws. One screw is hidden behind a sticker.[3]

Upgradeable components:[3]

  • 53.5 WHr battery.
  • Two M.2 SSD slots.
  • One 2.5 inch HDD slot.
  • Two DDR4-3200 SODIMMs.

Cooling System

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The Pulse GL66 is equipped with a cooling system that struggles to keep thermals in check. The fans are audible under load but quiet during regular tasks.[2][3]

Heat

The laptop gets warm under load, with the center of the keyboard reaching 52.1 degrees Celsius. The hottest point is the vent just above the keyboard, which read as 57.2 degrees Celsius.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • Maximum temperature: 50 °C[3]

Noise

The fan noise is not especially loud during gaming sessions, easily drowned out by ambient noise. However, the laptop runs hot and loud, with audible airflow through the vents, making it less suitable for quiet environments.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Idle: 23 dB(A)[3]
  • Load: 48.2 dB(A)[3]

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Pulse GL66 ships with either a 180W or 150W slim AC adapter.[1] The power consumption is low during idle and average loads but increases significantly under stress.[3]

Benchmarks:

Battery Life

All Pulse GL66 SKUs come with a 53.5 WHr Li-Polymer battery. The battery life is brief, lasting around 3 hours and 32 minutes in testing, making it less ideal for portable gaming.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • WiFi Websurfing: 4h 33min[3]
  • Video Playback: 3h 57min[3]
  • Load (maximum brightness): 1h 56min[3]

Biometrics

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The Pulse GL66 does not support Windows Hello face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.[1]

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home, with MSI recommending Windows 11 Pro for business.[1]

Preinstalled Software

MSI Center

The MSI Center replaces Dragon Center for adjusting keyboard lighting, monitoring CPU/GPU usage, changing fan speed, and other system settings.[3]

Nahimic 3

The Nahimic 3 software is included for audio adjustments.[1]

Other Preinstalled Software

The Pulse GL66 also comes with MSI App Player, an Android emulator.[3]

Linux Support

Linux support is not specified, but compatibility may vary.[3]

Accessories & Warranty

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The Pulse GL66 comes with a 180W or 150W slim AC adapter and paperwork.[1] There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[2]

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MSI Pulse GL66 is considered a decent entry-level gaming laptop with good performance and upgradeability. However, it has several drawbacks, including a mostly plastic build, brief battery life, and thermal throttling issues. The laptop is suitable for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option with the potential for future upgrades.[2][4][3]

Problems Summary[2][4][3]

  • Mostly plastic build.
  • Runs hot and loud.
  • Brief battery life.
  • Limited USB connectivity.
  • Display with weak brightness and low color space coverage.
  • High price point compared to competitors.

Links

i7-11800H, RTX3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: PCMag

i7-11800H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: Tom's Hardware

i9-12900H, RTX 3060, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: NotebookCheck

Community Reception

Overall Sentiment

Problems Summary

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 "Pulse GL66 (2021) Specifications". MSI.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 "MSI GL66 Pulse Review". PCMag.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 3.31 3.32 3.33 3.34 3.35 3.36 3.37 3.38 "MSI Pulse GL66 Review". NotebookCheck.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 "MSI Pulse GL66 Review". Tom's Hardware.
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