If you are looking for a laptop with greatest graphics performance especially for gaming, 3D rendering, or machine learning tasks, the MSI GP66 Leopard may suit you. However, it is bulkier and heavier, not as portable as the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) which is lighter and thus easier to carry around, but with less powerful graphics capabilities. The Framework Laptop also offers better repairability and upgradability, while the MSI may have a slight edge in battery life but with a tradeoff in increased weight. Both are similarly priced, but with the MSI typically being a bit more expensive, and both providing midrange budget options. 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)
Very good portability
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI GP66 Leopard
Good for gaming and AI
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI GP66 Leopard is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI GP66 Leopard is equipped with a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU and has a higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for smooth gaming and 3D rendering experiences, making it better suited for these activities compared to the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI GP66 Leopard and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design, though the MSI GP66 Leopard is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a higher-resolution screen and is more portable, suitable for design work and longer use on the go, with its lighter build and smaller size, but it has less powerful processing capabilities than the MSI GP66 Leopard. In contrast, the MSI GP66 Leopard boasts a much more potent CPU and GPU combo for heavier engineering tasks that require high performance, accompanied by a larger screen for better multitasking, but its bulkier size and shorter battery life make it less convenient for frequent travel.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
7.5/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI GP66 Leopard for engineering and design, and software development, while the MSI GP66 Leopard has a better screen for gaming and AI.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 13 and MSI GP66 Leopard offer screens that provide clear images and vibrant colors, with resolutions that make text and visuals crisp and brightness levels suitable for various lighting conditions. In engineering and design, their displays cover a broad range of colors, ensuring accuracy for detailed work, but for gaming and 3D applications, where high refresh rates are crucial for smooth motion, both laptops fall short, delivering less fluid experiences compared to models with faster screens.
Battery
7.5 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI GP66 Leopard has 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
Fair
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI GP66 Leopard has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,400
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI GP66 Leopard costs $1,400.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for content creation.
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
7.6/10
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for software development.
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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI GP66 Leopard to have very good build quality, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI GP66 Leopard compare to other laptops
"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."
"The MSI GP66 Leopard is a good budget high-performance gamer. The MSI also does a lot right outside of the pure performance despite it's low price. For example, the adaptive cooling system really surprised us positively, even in Extreme Performance Mode. And the display is not a budget panel either, but at least outshines the competition in terms of brightness. Of course, you also have to accept a few compromises in this price category. These include the Leopard's poor battery runtimes and the less than optimal build quality, which is also noticeable in the more complicated maintenance."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI GP66 Leopard
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.
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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