The Framework Laptop 13 is less expensive and more portable with a higher-resolution 3:2 aspect ratio display that might be better for productivity tasks due to more vertical screen space, and it is suitable for general use with decent performance. It also allows for future upgrades thanks to available RAM and storage slots. On the other hand, the MSI Stealth GS66 is pricier with superior performance capabilities, especially for 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming due to its powerful GPU and CPU combination. However, it is heavier and has a lower battery life, making it less portable. If you require advanced graphical processing and don't mind the additional cost and weight, go for the MSI Stealth GS66; if you prioritize portability, upgradability, and saving money, the Framework Laptop 13 is the better choice. 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
Advantages of the MSI Stealth GS66
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.8/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth GS66 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has an Intel Iris Xe GPU and a screen refresh rate of 60Hz, providing decent but limited gaming and 3D performance compared to the MSI Stealth GS66, which boasts a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU and a significantly higher refresh rate of 360Hz for smoother and more immersive gameplay. Additionally, while both offer quality IPS screens, the MSI's emphasis on gaming is evident in its GPU choice and refresh rate, which are crucial for a better gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
8.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth GS66 is very good for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is good.
The MSI Stealth GS66 is better suited for engineering and design mainly because it has a higher-tier CPU and GPU, as well as double the RAM capacity compared to the Framework Laptop 13, which is crucial for demanding applications used in these fields. However, the Framework Laptop, with its more repairable design, lighter weight, smaller screen, and slightly longer battery life, offers better portability and ease of maintenance.
Screen Quality
7.4/10
8.1/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
280.0 nits
The MSI Stealth GS66 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 13 for gaming and AI, and software development.
For general use, a laptop with high resolution and brightness offers clear and vibrant display, and both the Framework Laptop 13 and MSI Stealth GS66 deliver on these fronts, ensuring comfortable viewing and crisp visuals for everyday tasks. When it comes to engineering and design work, professionals require accurate color representation which is provided by wide color gamuts like DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, and these laptops have good screens that cater to those needs, although they might not be the top of their class. However, for gaming and 3D applications, a high refresh rate is crucial for smooth visuals and responsiveness, and while both laptops are adequate, they are not optimized for these tasks due to lower refresh rates compared to specialized gaming laptops.
Battery
7.5 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth GS66 has 5.5 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
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Stealth GS66 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,000
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Stealth GS66 costs $1,000.
The MSI Stealth GS66 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers great portability and sufficient performance for general use with its lightweight design and competent Intel i5 processor plus integrated graphics, whereas the MSI Stealth GS66, with a more powerful Intel i7 processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics, is better suited for more demanding tasks but is less portable and has shorter battery life. Both laptops have quality screens and ample RAM for everyday activities, but the Framework prioritizes repairability and customization, while the MSI provides greater storage and excels in keyboard and speaker quality.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.7/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth GS66 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Stealth GS66 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 Stealth GS66 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.
Give feedback
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Stealth GS66 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 Stealth GS66 is powerful enough for QHD. The Core i7-12700H and the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti found in the 12UGS model that we tested run all modern games smoothly in the native QHD resolution. The 15-inch display is very fast with its 240 Hz refresh rate, and it also offers a great color space (almost 100% DCI-P3) on top of that, which should please gamers as well as content creators, although we would have still wished for a higher brightness. Case, input devices, and connectivity (Thunderbolt 4) are at a good level. However, among other things, the GS66 loses points due to the high temperature development in 3D mode and its poor webcam."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Stealth GS66
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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