Review on MSI GS66 Stealth

Gaming Laptop MSI GS66 Stealth – The most important thing about MSI GS66 Stealth

Unstoppable power in a portable size. Utilitarian style and superior screen with a few significant flaws. So there is something to talk about.

Briefly: MSI GS66 Stealth with a modern 240Hz display, and an abundance of actual components. Advanced ergonomics, connectivity set perform well. However, it loses to competing companies. They feature a modern design, processor performance, and just a good battery.

Advantage:

• 240Hz refresh rate looks great
• Quality components
• Ergonomics
• Battery suitable for power consumption
• Connectivity

Disadvantages:

• Would like a newer CPU
• Other solutions are needed in the issue of heat removal architecture
• Music lovers will not enjoy the sound
• Not a strong demand at 240Hz

The inner and outer world of Portable Personal Computer

Reviewed laptop:

About visual difference of the MSI GS66 Stealth

GS66 features a modern matte dark finish with a laconic visual style. A practical device and suitable for any type of transportation. Also looks good at home. A coveted birthday present for a businessman or gamer.

This sample is slightly larger and inferior to competing companies. There are similarities in design and size with Razer Blade 15. Excellent portability and amazing performance at home for these two models.

ASUS Zephyrus G14 has a selling point – compactness associated with 14” display. Great for travel and business transactions in bed.

The subject of the review has distinctive ergonomics. Work or gaming is perfectly comfy with this keyboard form factor. Comparison with Zephyrus will open issues in visual forms and functionality. No complaints about the trackpad because it’s large and sensitive. Even a bodybuilder can use it without going beyond the dimensions.

Advanced display technology is an important feature. Lightning screen frequency gives privileges in eSports disciplines. There is color accuracy and high contrast. Settings that are pleasing to the visual perception. It is easier for the eyes to maintain concentration during battles.

Inside

G-Sync support is missing. This means that games will look less fluid where the best Nvidia graphics cards are installed. Because of this, 240Hz does not give a noticeable difference from 144Hz. Only professional gamers see and feel the real difference. Getting an advantage in frags and extra points.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Laptop gives the necessary power to support unique hertz. Offers dynamism, demonstrates the potential of established entertainment. Cybersports disciplines need the top technologies, but not their maximum capabilities. The more high-priced RTX 20XX gives even more FPS and quality effects – it’s obvious.

The heart of the portable system is Core i7-10750H. Ideal for high resource-intensive jobs. However, ASUS wins due to the fast processor from AMD. They are more productive in notebook computers. Simply better in many ways of technological progress.

No louder than competitive models. The laptop doesn’t cope well with temperature loads. It happens that CPU throttling can show itself when overheating. The battery slightly loses to ASUS in terms of charge retention.

Pro gamers must be overjoyed of such an acquisition. GS66 stands out because it has a thoughtful ergo, durable accumulator, and various ports. Developers are increasingly offering interesting places from which to play. An attic or tree is perfect. Just try to be careful and don’t fall out of there.

ASUS and some other brands stand out for their batteries and max performance. If playing only single-player, gamers can save money and do without a 240Hz. Certain requirements don’t need an expensive super brand. Skill develops during training and learning strategies.

Availability & Prices

GS66 with not the most expensive price tag of $1,145. The numbers really sets it apart from the rest in the proposed line.

Blade lacks a 2060 graphics card and upgraded display at 240Hz. Complete with 10th generation CPU and 144Hz screen, need to empty wallet for $1,369. Because the brand is made by gamers for people like them. Complemented by visual details that affect the price and are always noticeable among competitors.

More power requires additional resources. For high frequencies, must pay the amount of $1,659. In this case, 2070 and a 9th generation CPU will be installed. Demanded 10th generation, RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, and 300Hz display – $1,911.

Zephyrus G14 is a competing notebook computer with a compact diagonal. Onboard is an AMD processor, RTX 2060, and 14” at 120Hz. Its cost $1,499. Its cost $1,499. Almost identical to MSI, but with a different price. Different budgets impact the advertising company.

GS66 is presented in different trim levels. Option with RTX 2080 Super and 240Hz for $2,388. Mobile capabilities lag behind a full-fledged PC, but modern models make this difference less noticeable.

Style & Technology

The laptop has evolved from last year’s GS65. Gone thick golden elements. It was replaced by black metal with discreet logos. The new model looks amazing and very reliable—it inevitably resembles the Razer brand.

Connection

Well-thought-out connectivity system works with multiple wired formats and wireless. Thunderbolt 3 uses one of two Type-C. Don’t forget about three USB 3.2. One hole for the headphone adapter and another one for the HDMI connector. MSI’s gaming laptop supports Wi-Fi 6. Has no problem with fast Ethernet.

Razer and ASUS have the same USB and Wi-Fi 6 access. The first is limited to not the fastest Gigabit Ethernet. In the second case, need an adapter to maintain a wired connection. For the sake of some technologies, others had to be sacrificed.

There are not many positive words about the dimensions of the GS66 Stealth. Those who know the current trends are well aware of the more compact offerings. Weighs 2.1 kg with a thickness of 19.8 mm. Razer is an identical size. ASUS is a quarter lighter – has practical dimensions. Fewer difficulties when parameters are convenient to use.

Controls

SteelSeries switches make the keyboard one of the most outstanding. The 1.5 mm keystroke depth helps keep typing speeds at a good level. Each press gives tactility and confirms the action. Thoughtful design allows to quickly adapt to any game.

The keyboard keys are sturdier than ASUS keys, and they’re comfier than Razer’s. They’re slightly wider than the competition, and they’re also equipped with RGB backlighting. The coloring has been telling about the purpose of the devices for many years. It also hints at the price tag.

However, there are disadvantages. Competitors and the reviewed model decided to abandon the number pad. There are no shortcuts in the F-row. The function keys and the right row are small. ASUS has dedicated keys for multimedia control.

Meanwhile, MSI draws on a luxurious touchpad. It has thoughtful dimensions, precision, and great responsive touch. High intuitive and easy-to-use buttons. Of course, most mice are more practical for professionals. Wired ones offer the best response to the action, but wireless representatives are also good now.

Display

GS66 features a 240Hz (1080p) panel. Victory or defeat is fully felt with such screen technologies. The main advantage is precisely the high refresh rate – no doubt about it. Smoothness shows perfectly in the multitude of sophisticated projects.

Don’t forget that only experienced gamers know the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz. This advantage is negated in most singleplayer, where dynamics are not so important. The monitor also doesn’t offer Nvidia G-Sync, which isn’t particularly significant in eSports. It will not be superfluous, but it does not always give any advantages.

No complaints about screen class. The 324 cd/m2 brightness, 1246:1 contrast ratio are amazing. IPS-level allows realizing vivid visual effects. Coverage rates reach up to 95.4% for the sRGB. In Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 drop below 69%. A full standard, which is offered in a number of modern models.

The panel is just as good as the Razer display at these specs. MSI transmits color reproduction with a particularly high level of accuracy. ASUS is weaker in brightness parameters.

Sound

Loudspeakers fail miserably. Their sound is metallic and suffers from a lack of bass. This is strange because Dynaudio audio system is used with exclusive Duo Wave speakers. Sagging frequencies should be an advantage. Given the location in the frontal zone of the base.

Both competitors offer something similar. So a headset will fix everything. The best option is the latest Sony, like the WF line.

Efficiency

Quality components make MSI priceless. Modern processor architecture with decent parameters. Not the most top-end, but the RAM works fine. The graphics keep up with the progress of beautiful environments and details.

Benchmarks of the Gaming Laptop MSI GS66 Stealth

Indicators obtained during the loads:

• 3DMark. Sky Diver: 34400 / Time Spy: 5820 (5724) / Fire Strike: 13622;
• Cinebench 20: CPU: 2780 pts;
• Cinebench 15: CPU: 1235 pts / Graphics: 129.06 FPS;
• Geekbench 5: 1180 (Single-core) / 5960 (Multi-core);
• Geekbench 4: 5240 (Single-core) / 22515 (Multi-core);
• PCMark 10 (Home): 5132;
• PCMark 8 (Home): 4372;
• PCMark (Battery): 4 hrs 21 min;
• Battery life (video test): 7 hrs 5 min;
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (Ultra, 1080p): 30 / 51;
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (Low, 1080p): 30 / 77;
• Far Cry 5 (Ultra, 1080p): 80 / 94;
• Far Cry 5 (Low, 1080p): 103 / 117;
• Total War: Three Kingdoms (Ultra, 1080p): 42 / 46;
• Total War: Three Kingdoms (Low, 1080p): 112 / 139;
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Ultra, 1080p): 57 / 75;
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Low, 1080p): 86 / 115;

Details

A 512 GB SSD is responsible for the memory. It offers read-write speeds of 3349 MB/s and 1960 MB/s. The removable panel frees up space for two additional NVMe SSDs. A convenient solution, since players need a lot of space for entertainment.

RTX 2060 performs well in benchmarks. In-game tests showed 48 FPS or higher on Ultra. Two projects out of three showed over 100 FPS on the lowest settings. Games without excessive graphic bells and whistles are preferred in eSports disciplines. That’s why people can play at 200 FPS on this notebook computer. In this case, the potential of high Hz is fully disclosed.

ASUS also introduced RTX 2060, so there wasn’t much of a difference between the two. MSI was a bit faster in funs. The processor gave the Zephyrus G14 a clear lead in 3DMark. Expected result for these components.
A noticeable performance boost compared to earlier chips is provided by the 10th generation CPU. Opportunities will be enough to improve productivity – for Microsoft 365, editing images and videos.

Intel is inferior to AMD with its portable series. Testing in Geekbench 5 was conducted in single-/multi-core modes. Core i7-10750H in it scored 1180 and 5960. However, Ryzen 9 4900HS in Zephyrus have 1202 / 7815. A similar difference in other versions of benchmarks.

Hot air

MSI has unstable thermal data. Cooler buzz is noted during gaming sessions, which is easily suppressed by the headset. It is also worth noting that the noise is not louder than that of competitors. More concerned about the release of hot air: on the right side. It can and will annoy users who feel the temperature on their hands.

A GPU doesn’t raise ambiguous questions. The real trouble is the heat that is in the case. CPU frequency exceeds 90 degrees, because of this, the performance drops to the base of 2.6 GHz. The system doesn’t cope with serious checks. Desktop computers would already have a water cooling system.

Application for control

Mandatory to download MSI Dragon Center from their official website. App designed to control overclocking and temperature conditions. Special profiles are available for switching in a few clicks. Similar opportunities cover devices that are connected to the system. Software manipulations give a noticeable boost.

The backlight is customized to needs. So, it’s time to share the best moments from the games. This is another streaming tool that has small features that can live without.

The program’s biggest problem is its limited compatibility with certain products. APEX Legends, League of Legends, Fortnite – this is what the main sheet looks like. Popular titles do not exclude international competitions of professionals. None of this is needed for casual players.

Long battery life

MSI received a battery with a capacity of 99.9 watts. This is the limit allowed for transportation in aircraft.

Another feature is the 4-Cell format. Energy is distributed in sections, which allows for increasing the duration of work. Charging works the same way. The first section will fill up the fastest and last the longest. It takes a total of two hours.

Testing showed the following results:

Better results than Razer. An extra hour when watching a movie from ASUS.

GS66 Stealth is capable of a fairly long gaming session. After that, will last another half day in the office. However, for maximum performance, have to connect it to power. Settings for these options are available in Windows and special freeware.

MSI GS66 Stealth: Sum Up

Recommended if

1. Suitable for those who are passionate about eSports. Incredible dynamics in entertainment offer a 240Hz. RTX 2060 helps to maintain the required frame rate. Only high-level esportsmen will benefit from a high-speed screen. MSI makes available a superior experience and feel.

2. Requires a well-rounded system. Intel processor is not able to compete with AMD, but it can’t be called slow. There is no reason to find fault with other components. Combine them with great ergonomics and a great screen. A technique capable of coping with most games and tasks.

3. Want a laptop with a great set of connections and an attractive design. This design is envious. It also went beyond the competition by offering a variety of different connection ports. Supports the best wireless technologies.

Don’t Buy If

1. Fan of singles. People can save money and get by with 144Hz for singles. Need to look towards models without screens with a high HZ. Will be possible to buy a laptop with a better screen or a graphics card. So, game novelties look better.

2. Want to constantly keep at the limit. Competing ASUS got the latest AMD with more cores. It’s much better for demanding tasks, so don’t buy the MSI. If the end goal is performance, not gaming.

3. Want something powered for as long as possible. GS66 can go a long time without an outlet, but the Zephyrus has better results. The latest is louder in any mode. However, it wins due to the parameters of size and weight.

Verdict: Overall score of 8.5

MSI GS66 Stealth impresses with a high-quality 240Hz display. Advanced parts, user-friendly systems, and wide connectivity will be useful to many users. However, there are models of other brands. They offer better runtimes, powerful processors, and more fascinating designs.

Video-review on MSI GS66 Stealth

Enough reasons to decide to buy or not.

Gaming Laptop MSI GS66 Stealth

Gaming Laptop MSI GS66 Stealth with a modern 240Hz display, and an abundance of actual components. Advanced ergonomics, connectivity set perform well. GS66 with not the most expensive price tag of $1,272

Product SKU: GS66

Product Brand: MSI

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 1272

Price Valid Until: 2023-04-30

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
8.5