MSI GF63 Thin (2021)
 | This article needs to be Verified. |
| This article needs to be Verified. |
| Manufacturer | MSI |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Introductory price | USD 500 to 1000 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home (Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-11400H Intel Core i7-11800H |
| Memory | 8 (1x8), 16 (2x8), or 32 (2x16) GB DDR4-3200 MHz SODIMM |
| Memory slots | 2 user accessible |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible, 1 x 2.5" drive bay |
| Display | Screen size: 15.6 inch Panel type: IPS-Level Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 144 Hz Brightness: ~250 Nits NTSC: 45 % |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | 2 x 2 W stereo speakers |
| Camera | Front: 720p HD Webcam |
| Touchpad | Plastic, 4.1 inches (10 cm) x 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) |
| Connectivity | Intel AX201 WiFi 6 Bluetooth 5.1 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-C) 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack |
| Dimensions | W: 14.13 inches (35.9 cm) D: 9.99 inches (25.4 cm) H: 0.85 inches (2.2 cm) |
| Mass | 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg) |
| Power brick | 120W slim 3-pin proprietary AC adapter (US) |
| Battery | 3 cell Li-Polymer 51 WHr |
| Keyboard | Single zone red backlit, black (US) Standard full size layout |
| Chassis | Color: Black Materials: Brushed aluminum lid; Polycarbonate palm rest, sides and bottom cover Cooling: Single fan, few heat pipes |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | No |
| Website | MSI |
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.
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is a budget-friendly gaming laptop designed for entry-level gaming and general use. It features Intel 11th Gen H-series processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs, offering a balance between performance and affordability.[1]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The MSI GF63 Thin (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.
The Intel Core i5-11400H performs adequately for gaming but is limited by power constraints, maxing out at 25 watts when the GPU is active and reaching up to 45 watts with the GPU idle. This configuration shows potential for better performance in single-threaded tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
- i5-11400H: ~1400 pts (single-core), ~8000 pts (multi-core)[2]
Graphics
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) offers several GPU options[1]:
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050 Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
The RTX 3050 configuration is 26% faster than the GTX 1650 on average across a larger selection of games. The RTX 3050 also supports DLSS, providing additional performance boosts in supported titles.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3D Mark TimeSpy 2560 x 1440:
- RTX 3050: ~4000 pts
- GTX 1650: ~3200 pts
Memory
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) supports up to 32 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz memory in a dual-channel configuration[1]. Pre-configured SKUs come with either 8 GB (1 x 8) or 16 GB (2 x 8) DDR4-3200 MHz memory.
Single-channel memory configuration limits performance, particularly in gaming and multitasking scenarios. Upgrading to dual-channel memory shows improved results, particularly in benchmarks and gaming performance.[2]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~35000 MB/s (single-channel), ~50000 MB/s (dual-channel)
Storage
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) can be configured with 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSDs[1]. The laptop includes one M.2 slot and a 2.5" drive bay for additional storage.
The SSD performs well for read speeds but has lower write speeds compared to more expensive options. The storage is adequate for a budget gaming laptop, but users may want to consider upgrading or adding a 2.5” SSD for additional space.[2]
Benchmarks:
- CrystalDiskMark 8:
- SEQ1M Q8T1 (Sequential 1MB blocks): ~3000 MB/s (read), ~1500 MB/s (write)
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) features a standard keyboard layout with single-zone red backlighting. The keyboard has 99 keys with anti-ghosting technology.[1]
The typing experience is not ideal for long sessions due to poor key feedback. The keys hardly press down, making it feel less responsive, which could be a drawback for users who type frequently.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad is made of plastic and measures 4.1 inches (10 cm) x 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).[1]
The touchpad works fine but feels small at times, which may hinder usability for some users.[2]
Webcam
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) comes with a 720p HD webcam.[1]
The webcam lacks Windows Hello face unlock, and while it captures video, the quality is typical for budget laptops, making it less suitable for high-quality video calls.[2]
Microphone
The laptop includes an integrated microphone.[1]
The microphone quality is average, suitable for casual use but not ideal for professional applications.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) features a 15.6-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS-level display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 45% NTSC color gamut.[1]
The screen has poor color gamut and brightness, averaging below 250 nits, which is below the desired minimum for good visibility. The average gray-to-gray screen response time is also low, contributing to a less-than-ideal gaming experience.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Color Gamut: ~45% NTSC
- Brightness: ~250 nits
- Gray-to-Gray Response Time: ~25 ms
Audio
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) comes with two 2W stereo speakers.[1]
The speakers have average sound quality for a gaming laptop, with minor bass and less clarity at higher volumes. The speakers are loud enough for casual use but lack depth and clarity, especially at higher volumes.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is equipped with an Intel AX201 WiFi 6 module.[1]
Wi-Fi speed is on the lower side for Intel-based Wi-Fi but performs adequately compared to some competitors. It is not the fastest available but is sufficient for general use.[2]
Benchmarks:
- iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~500 Mb/s
- iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~800 Mb/s
Bluetooth
The laptop includes a Bluetooth 5.1 module.[1]
USB
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) includes the following USB ports[1]:
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
The placement of ports can interfere with right-handed mouse users, which may be inconvenient.[2]
Display Outputs
The laptop includes one HDMI port that supports 4K at 30Hz.[1]
The HDMI port connects to the integrated graphics, meaning it cannot bypass optimus, which may limit performance in certain scenarios.[2]
Case
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) features an all-black design with a brushed aluminum lid and interior.[1] The laptop is lightweight for a 15-inch design, weighing 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg) without the charger and 5.1 pounds (2.3 kg) with the 120-watt charger included.[2]
The build quality feels cheap with significant flex in the interior and hinge. The lid has some flex, and the hinge can be wobbly, raising concerns about long-term durability. The laptop is back-heavy, making it difficult to open with one hand.[2]
Maintenance
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The bottom panel is held on by 12 Phillips-head screws, with one hidden under a factory seal sticker.[2]
Upgradeable components:[2]
- 51 WHr battery.
- One M.2 2280 PCIe3 x4 SSD slot.
- One 2.5" drive bay.
- Two DDR4-3200 SODIMMs.
Cooling System
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is equipped with a single fan and a few heat pipes.[1]
Heat
Internal temperatures are manageable, with the laptop remaining cool to the touch during idle. Under stress tests, the GPU thermal throttles at Nvidia’s defined 87-degree Celsius limit, but this is acceptable for a budget laptop.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Maximum GPU temperature: ~87 °C
- Maximum CPU temperature: ~90 °C
Noise
The laptop is always audible, louder in performance modes. The fan noise is noticeable during gaming and other intensive tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Idle: ~30 db(A)
- Load: ~50 db(A)
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) ships with a 120W AC adapter.[1]
Lower power limits allow for a smaller charger but result in reduced performance. The laptop can run on battery power, but performance decreases significantly when unplugged.[2]
Battery Life
The laptop comes with a 51 WHr Li-Polymer battery.[1]
Battery life is not impressive, lasting longer during video playback than gaming. Both configurations lasted the same amount of time in standard YouTube playback tests, but the gaming configuration with the RTX 3050 lasted 14 minutes longer.[2]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Browsing (150 nits): ~300 minutes
- Load: ~90 minutes
Biometrics
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) does not support Windows Hello face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.
Software
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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from MSI.
Preinstalled Software
MSI Center
The MSI Center software allows users to switch between silent, balanced, and extreme performance modes.[2]
Other Preinstalled Software
The laptop also comes with other preinstalled software, including a 30-day McAfee security trial.[2]
Linux Support
Basic functionality with Ubuntu 22.04 live CD, with keyboard, touchpad, speakers, Wi-Fi, ethernet, and camera working, but screen brightness adjustment may not function properly.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) comes with a 120W AC adapter and paperwork.[1]
There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty, including one year of global coverage.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is considered a budget-friendly gaming laptop with adequate performance for its price. It is suitable for entry-level gaming and general use but has several compromises in build quality, screen performance, and memory configuration. The primary downsides are the poor battery life, low-quality build, and limited upgradeability.[2]
Problems Summary[2]
- Poor build quality with significant flex in the interior and hinge.
- Single-channel memory configuration limits performance.
- Low-quality display with poor color gamut and brightness.
- Average sound quality with minor bass and less clarity at higher volumes.
- Limited upgradeability with only one M.2 slot and a 2.5" drive bay.
- Always audible fan noise, louder in performance modes.
- Poor battery life.
- Back-heavy design, making it difficult to open with one hand.
Links
i5-11400H, GTX 1650, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: JarrodsTech
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 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 1.18 1.19 1.20 "GF63 Thin (2021) Specifications". MSI.
- ↑ 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 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 "MSI GF63 Thin (2021) Review". JarrodsTech.