If you prioritize performance and customization for heavy tasks like 3D modeling or machine learning, and are willing to invest more, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is a solid choice; its design allows for upgrades and repairs. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that's lighter and easier to carry around, the MSI GF63 Thin is suitable for general use and gaming, but it may not handle intensive engineering software as efficiently, and its build might not be as durable or flexible for future upgrades. 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 16 (2023)
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Good battery life
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI GF63 Thin
The MSI GF63 Thin has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
6.0/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.2 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.3/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) boasts a high-quality CPU and RAM, which along with its superior screen quality, makes multitasking and media consumption a pleasure; additionally, its design favors portability and battery life, essential for on-the-go use. In contrast, the MSI GF63 Thin, while more affordable, compromises on CPU and screen performance and offers a shorter battery life, yet still covers basic needs and supports gaming with decent heat management.
Gaming and AI
6.8/10
6.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI GF63 Thin are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its emphasis on modularity and repairability, offers a solid GPU and high screen refresh rate that enhance gaming and 3D experiences, but its focus on upgradability might not match the more fixed, gaming-optimized hardware of the MSI GF63 Thin. The MSI GF63 Thin, while more budget-friendly, delivers adequate performance through its dedicated GPU and competitive screen refresh rate, but might lag behind in terms of long-term upgradability and screen quality when compared to the Framework's offerings.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF63 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its high-end CPU, ample RAM, and quality GPU, delivers robust performance and a superior screen for demanding engineering tasks, while the MSI GF63 Thin, though lighter and thus more portable, offers modest performance due to its less powerful components, which may not handle intensive design work as smoothly. The Framework's advantage in processing power and display comes at the expense of portability and potentially higher operating noise, compared to the more travel-friendly but performance-constrained MSI.
Content Creation
8.1/10
6.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the MSI GF63 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
8.0/10
6.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI GF63 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
8.4/10
6.1/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
249.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI GF63 Thin for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers superior screen resolution and brightness, which enhance the viewing experience during everyday tasks, making it well-suited for general use and detail-oriented work like engineering and design, where its comprehensive color gamut captures a wide spectrum of colors. However, for gaming and 3D applications, its lower refresh rate limits the smoothness of motion which is essential for fast-paced scenes and high-speed rendering. In contrast, the MSI GF63 Thin’s screen has modest resolution and brightness, providing an adequate but less vivid display for general and engineering tasks, and similarly struggles in gaming and 3D due to a poor refresh rate.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.2 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI GF63 Thin has 4.3 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the MSI GF63 Thin has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$599
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the MSI GF63 Thin costs $599.
"The trend towards thinner and lighter laptops is made possible by fusing more and more components onto the mainboard. The main drawback to this approach is that it limits repairability as even a small fault may require replacing entire boards. Framework is one of the only manufacturers looking the other way in an attempt to improve end-user customization and servicing. There's no question that the Laptop 16 is more user-friendly to service than any alternative, but this lucrative feature comes at the cost of size and weight as individual components must be easily replaceable."
"If you leave aside the meagre port selection (no card reader, no DisplayPort, no Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 Gen2), the fan control that could be improved (idle mode!) and the relatively dark and slow display, the MSI GF63 Thin 9SC does not have any major weaknesses. The 15-inch gamer is compact, has a low weight and offers a good price-to-performance ratio, which should please gamers that are looking for both a portable and an affordable gaming notebook. Input devices, battery life, case quality and performance are all appropriate for this purchase price."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI GF63 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.
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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