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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a more portable option offering a 3:2 screen aspect ratio with a higher resolution, promoting productivity, especially for text-heavy tasks. It has a longer battery life and more modern ports like Thunderbolt 4 and USB4, which could be valuable for future-proofing. Its keyboard and build quality are also rated higher. Conversely, the MSI GF65 Thin includes a powerful Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card making it well-suited for gaming, 3D rendering, or machine learning tasks. Nonetheless, it has a shorter battery life, a heavier build, and a lower-quality display with a faster refresh rate for gaming, but with less vivid colors and sharpness compared to the Framework Laptop. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI GF65 Thin
- The MSI GF65 Thin has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 13 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
7.5
6.5
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for general use, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 is praised for general use due to its high-quality screen, lightweight and slim design for better portability, and sufficient battery life, while its processor and RAM handle everyday tasks smoothly. On the other hand, the MSI GF65 Thin, despite having a more powerful GPU for gaming and twice the storage, offers lower screen quality and battery life, and its larger size and heavier weight make it less portable, aspects which are typically less favored for general use.
Engineering and Design
7.3
6.7
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.5
6.8
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for content creation, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.6
6.3
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good for software development, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.4
6.8
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI GF65 Thin for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general usage, the Framework Laptop 13 offers a high-resolution display with vibrant colors and brightness that suits everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design, the same laptop provides wide color coverage that ensures accuracy for tasks requiring color fidelity, such as photo editing or CAD work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the MSI GF65 Thin, while having only a fair screen in terms of color and resolution, might not deliver the smooth motion clarity professionals and enthusiasts seek due to a lower refresh rate, which is crucial for fast-paced scenes.
Battery
7.5 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI GF65 Thin has 4.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI GF65 Thin has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
6.7
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality, while the MSI GF65 Thin has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.3
6.8
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.1/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI GF65 Thin and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has an Iris Xe integrated GPU which is less powerful for gaming and 3D applications compared to the MSI GF65 Thin's dedicated Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, which provides better performance for these tasks. Additionally, the MSI GF65 Thin boasts a higher screen refresh rate, offering smoother visuals beneficial for gaming, while the Framework Laptop's screen tops out at a standard refresh rate, which is less optimal for fast-paced games.
Cost
$1,079
$1,100
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI GF65 Thin costs $1,100.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI GF65 Thin compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | MSI GF65 Thin |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $1,100 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | January 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 14.1'' x 10'' x 0.85'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 4.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 9.99" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | Intel i5-10500H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 4.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 51 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 262 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
MSI GF65 Thin
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | March 2021
"The MSI GF65 Thin offers a GeForce RTX 3060 on a budget. The MSI GF65 is a relatively inexpensive RTX 3060 laptop and, perhaps not coincidentally, it also comes with a slower-than-average RTX 3060 GPU. Other laptops we've tested thus far with the same GPU are about 10 to 15 percent faster. CPU performance is also slightly slower than average unless if users decide to enable Cooler Boost mode. Colors, black-white response times, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPort are either average or completely omitted. Gamers who want to maximize performance-per-dollar without sacrificing RAM or SSD upgradeability will find the lightweight MSI GF65 attractive."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI GF65 Thin
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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