MSI GF63 Thin (2021)
| 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 GB (1x8) or 16 GB (2x8) or 32 GB (2x16) DDR4-3200 MHz |
| Memory slots | 2 user accessible |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible M.2 slot, 1 user accessible 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 RTX 3050 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Laptop 4 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | 2 x 2 W stereo speakers |
| Camera | Front: 720p HD Webcam |
| Touchpad | Plastic |
| 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 (supports 4K @ 30Hz) |
| 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 AC adapter |
| Battery | 3 cell Li-Polymer 51 Wh |
| Keyboard | Single zone red backlit |
| Chassis | Color: Black Materials: Brushed aluminum lid; Plastic palm rest, sides and bottom cover Cooling: Single fan, multiple 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 compared to higher-end models. It maxes out at 25 watts when the GPU is active but can reach up to 45 watts with the GPU idle.[2] The Intel Core i7-11800H offers better performance due to its higher core and thread count, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
Graphics
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) can be configured with the following discrete GPUs[1]:
- 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 GTX 1650 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 games.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3D Mark TimeSpy 2560 x 1440:
- RTX 3050: ~3500 pts
- RTX 3050 Ti: ~4000 pts
- GTX 1650: ~2800 pts
- 3D Mark Fire Strike 1920 x 1080:
- RTX 3050: ~9000 pts
- RTX 3050 Ti: ~10000 pts
- GTX 1650: ~7000 pts
Memory
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) supports up to 32 GB of DDR4-3200 MHz memory. It can be configured with:
- 8 GB (1x8) DDR4-3200 MHz
- 16 GB (2x8) DDR4-3200 MHz
- 32 GB (2x16) DDR4-3200 MHz
The single-channel memory configuration limits performance, but dual-channel upgrades show improved results. The laptop often comes with one stick of memory, resulting in slower single-channel speeds.[2]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~35000 MB/s (single-channel), ~70000 MB/s (dual-channel)[2]
Storage
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) can be configured with:
- 256 GB NVMe SSD
- 512 GB NVMe SSD
- 1 TB NVMe SSD
The SSD performs well for read speeds but has lower write speeds compared to higher-end models. The upgradeability score is decent, with options for a 2.5” SSD or hard drive, but the ease of access is hindered by the difficulty in opening the laptop.[2]
Benchmarks:
- CrystalDiskMark 8:
- SEQ1M Q8T1 (Sequential 1MB blocks): ~3000 MB/s (read), ~1500 MB/s (write)[2]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) features a single-zone red backlit keyboard with 99 keys. The keyboard has adjustable brightness levels, but the typing experience is not great due to minimal key travel and feedback, making it less suitable for long typing sessions.[2]
Touchpad
The touchpad is made of plastic and works fine but feels a little small at times, which may affect usability.[2]
Webcam
The laptop comes with a 720p HD webcam. The webcam quality is basic, and there is no Windows Hello face unlock feature. The camera and microphone performance is adequate for casual use but not suitable for professional settings.[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. The screen has poor color gamut and brightness, averaging below 250 nits, which is below the desired minimum of 300 nits for gaming. The average gray-to-gray screen response time is also low, contributing to a slower overall experience. The laptop does not have a MUX switch or advanced optimus, limiting the ability to bypass optimus entirely.[2]
Audio
The laptop comes with two 2W speakers located on the left and right sides. The speakers are average for a gaming laptop, providing minor bass and sufficient loudness, but clarity diminishes at higher volumes.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is equipped with an Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 module. Wi-Fi speed is on the lower side for Intel-based Wi-Fi but performs adequately compared to some competitors.[2]
Benchmarks:
- iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~500 Mb/s
- iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~800 Mb/s
Bluetooth
The laptop comes with a Bluetooth 5.1 module.[1]
USB
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is equipped with 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 most ports on the right side may interfere with right-handed mouse users.[2]
Display Outputs
The laptop has one HDMI port that supports 4K at 30Hz. The HDMI connection is tied to the integrated graphics, which restricts performance options.[2]
Case
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) features an all-black design with a brushed aluminum lid and interior. 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.[2]
Maintenance
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The bottom panel is held on by 12 Phillips-head screws. The panel is tightly fitted, making it difficult to open.[2]
Upgradeable components:[2]
- 51 WHr battery.
- One M.2 2280 PCIe4 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 multiple heat pipes. The cooling is adequate for lower-end hardware, but thermal throttling occurs under stress tests, particularly in silent mode. The fan noise is audible even in silent mode and becomes louder in performance modes.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Idle: ~30 dB(A)
- Load: ~50 dB(A)
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The laptop ships with a 120W AC adapter. Lower power limits allow for a smaller charger but result in reduced performance. The laptop can run on battery power, but performance drops significantly when unplugged.[2]
Battery Life
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) comes with a 3-cell 51 WHr Li-Polymer battery. Battery life is not impressive, lasting longer in the RTX 3050 configuration during gaming. Both configurations lasted the same amount of time during standard YouTube video playback tests.[2]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Browsing (150 nits): ~4 hours
- Load: ~1.5 hours
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 can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from MSI.
Preinstalled Software
The laptop comes with various preinstalled software, including MSI Dragon Center for system monitoring and control, and a 30-day trial of McAfee security software.[2]
Linux Support
Linux support has been tested with Ubuntu 22.04. Most components worked, including the keyboard, touchpad, speakers, Wi-Fi, ethernet, and camera. However, keyboard shortcuts for adjusting screen brightness did not function properly.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) comes with a 120W AC adapter and paperwork. There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[2]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The MSI GF63 Thin (2021) is considered a budget-friendly gaming laptop with decent performance for its price. It is suitable for entry-level gaming and general use but has several compromises, including build quality, screen performance, and memory configuration. The laptop is lightweight and portable, making it a good option for users on a budget.[2]
Problems Summary[2]
- Cheap build quality with significant flex in the interior and hinge.
- Single-channel memory configuration limits performance.
- Poor screen brightness and color gamut.
- No MUX switch or advanced optimus.
- Difficult to open for upgrades.
- Audible fan noise even in silent mode.
- Limited battery life.
- HDMI port tied to integrated graphics.
Links
i5-11400H, GTX 1650, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: JarrodsTech