If you prioritize performance for tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming and you're willing to pay a premium, the MSI Raider GE78, with its robust graphics and high-end processor, is suitable, although heavier and less portable. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is a more budget-friendly option that offers reasonable performance for general use, enhanced by its light weight and moderate battery life, making it well-suited for day-to-day tasks and travel. The Framework also promotes sustainability with modular components, while the MSI delivers a top-tier gaming experience. 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
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
Very good for general use
Excellent for engineering and design
Best in class for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.5/10
8.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for general use, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers a commendable balance for general use with its respectable processing power, lightweight design for better portability, and longer battery life; it's also praised for its repairability and customization.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
9.5/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is best in class for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Raider GE78 is better suited for gaming and 3D applications because it is equipped with an Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU and offers a screen refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, both of which are very important for a smooth and visually rich gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
9.4/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
7.5/10
8.8/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for content creation, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
8.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for software development, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
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
7.4/10
8.6/10
13.5in
SIZE
17.3in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, a laptop like the Framework Laptop 13, with its decent resolution and brightness, provides clear and vibrant visuals, though the MSI Raider GE78's higher resolution enhances detail and legibility, making it slightly superior for tasks like browsing or document editing. In the realm of engineering and design, the color reproduction covering professional color gamuts on the MSI Raider GE78 is critical for accuracy in visual work, giving it an advantage over the Framework Laptop. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the Framework's lower refresh rate compared to gaming-optimized laptops would result in less fluid motion, putting it at a disadvantage, and the MSI Raider GE78, while better than the Framework Laptop, still falls short compared to laptops designed specifically for gaming and 3D with higher refresh rates.
Battery
7.5 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Raider GE78 has 6 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
Poor
13.5in
SIZE
17.3in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
6.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.1in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Raider GE78 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8/10
8.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 has 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.
Cost
$1,079
$4,386
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
"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."
"Performance-wise, the GE78 offers a significant boost over the GE77 for just slightly higher power consumption. You'll have to get the RTX 4080 or 4090 configurations to see the performance advantages, however, as the RTX 4070 is closer in performance to the older RTX 3080 Ti. In terms of design, some users might prefer the 16:9 minimalistic look of the older GE77 over the 16:10 retro-inspired GE78 and vice versa. We wouldn't call one better than the other in terms of aesthetics, but we'll give the edge to the GE78 for its stronger hinges and larger keys and clickpad."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Raider GE78
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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