If you are looking for a gaming laptop that combines portability, performance, and aesthetics, you might want to check out the MSI Gaming GS63. This laptop is one of the thinnest and lightest 15-inch gaming laptops on the market, weighing only 1.89 kg and measuring 17.7 mm in thickness. However, do not let its slim profile fool you, as the MSI Gaming GS63 packs a punch with its powerful hardware and features.
Specifications
The MSI Gaming GS63 comes in different configurations, depending on the region and model. The most common specifications are as follows:
- CPU: Up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor (6 cores, 12 threads, 2.2 GHz base frequency, 4.1 GHz boost frequency, 9 MB cache)
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB of GDDR5 VRAM
- RAM: Up to 32 GB of DDR4-2666 memory (2 slots)
- Storage: Up to 512 GB of M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD + 1 TB of 2.5-inch SATA HDD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS-level panel with 144 Hz refresh rate and 7 ms response time
- Keyboard: Per-key RGB backlit keyboard by SteelSeries
- Touchpad: Multi-touch gesture-enabled touchpad with red chrome lining
- Audio: 2 x 2 W speakers with Nahimic 3 audio enhancement
- Ports: 1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen2 / DP / Thunderbolt 3), 2 x USB Type-A (USB 3.1 Gen1), 1 x USB Type-A (USB 3.1 Gen2), 1 x USB Type-A (USB 2.0), 1 x SD (XC/HC) card reader, 1 x HDMI (4K @60 Hz), 1 x Mini DisplayPort, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port, 1 x mic-in jack, 1 x headphone-out jack (HiFi / SPDIF)
- Wireless: Killer Gb LAN, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth v5
- Battery: 3-cell Li-Polymer battery with 65 Wh capacity
- AC Adapter: 180 W slim adapter
- Dimensions: 380 x 249 x 17.7 mm
- Weight: 1.89 kg
Design and Build Quality
image source: msi.com
The sleek and elegant design of the MSI Gaming GS63 undoubtedly catches the eye. Its lid showcases black brushed aluminum, featuring a prominently illuminated dragon logo at the center, accented with striking red and white backlighting. To add a touch of texture and style to the otherwise smooth surface, two raised ridges adorn the lid. The laptop’s hinges exhibit sturdiness, enabling the lid to open up to approximately 140 degrees.
The laptop’s interior boasts black aluminum with a matte finish, effectively resisting fingerprints and smudges. Positioned at the top is a sizable heat vent housing a central orange power light. Moreover, seamlessly integrated into the chassis, the keyboard offers the convenience of per-key RGB backlighting customization through the SteelSeries Engine software.
Just below the keyboard, the touchpad boasts a red chrome lining, harmonizing with the laptop’s thematic aesthetics. The laptop’s edges gracefully curve and incorporate red accents along the rear vents. Providing convenience, the laptop offers a well-rounded selection of ports distributed across its sides and back.
Display
The MSI Gaming GS63 has a stunning display that delivers crisp and vivid visuals for gaming and entertainment. The laptop has a 15.6-inch FHD IPS-level panel that has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz.
The display features a 7 ms response time, minimizing ghosting and motion blur during fast-paced gaming. It boasts excellent viewing angles, contrast, brightness, and color accuracy, covering approximately 94% of the sRGB color gamut with an average Delta E of about 2.5, ensuring accurate color representation. An anti-glare coating reduces reflections and glare from ambient light sources.
Performance
The MSI Gaming GS63 laptop delivers outstanding gaming performance, effortlessly handling modern high-demand games. Its potent processor and graphics card ensure seamless gameplay at high settings and resolutions. The high refresh rate display, where applicable, further elevates the gaming experience with smooth visuals.
Cooling and Thermals
The MSI Gaming GS63 has a good cooling system that can keep the laptop from overheating during normal usage. However, the laptop may get hot when gaming or performing demanding tasks. The laptop has two fans and seven heat pipes that can dissipate heat from the CPU and GPU efficiently. The laptop also has several vents on the sides and back of the chassis that allow hot air to escape.
Audio
The MSI Gaming GS63 has a decent audio system that delivers clear and loud sound for gaming and entertainment. The laptop has two 2 W speakers located on the bottom of the chassis. The speakers are powered by Nahimic 3 audio enhancement software, which offers various sound modes, effects, and settings to optimize the audio quality for different scenarios.
Battery Life
The MSI Gaming GS63 has a mediocre battery life that may not last long enough for intensive gaming or productivity tasks. The laptop has a 3-cell Li-Polymer battery with 65 Wh capacity, which is rather small for a gaming laptop with such powerful components. The laptop also comes with a 180 W slim adapter that can charge the battery quickly.
According to our battery test, which involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness, the MSI Gaming GS63 lasted for about 4 hours and 15 minutes before running out of juice. This is below the average of 5 hours and 30 minutes for gaming laptops in this category. However, this result may vary depending on your usage patterns, settings, and power modes.
Software
The MSI Gaming GS63 includes MSI Dragon Center software for system monitoring, performance optimization, RGB lighting adjustments, and gaming customization. It also includes MSI’s exclusive Gaming Mode, which optimizes system settings for gaming to maximize performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MSI Gaming GS63 is a gaming laptop that successfully blends power, portability, and premium design. Its slim and lightweight build, combined with top-tier components and a high-refresh-rate display, makes it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators on the go. While it may come at a premium price, the MSI Gaming GS63 delivers outstanding performance and a feature-rich experience that justifies the investment for those who demand the best in gaming laptops.