If you prioritize customization and repairability with a focus on sustainability, consider the Framework Laptop; it allows you to upgrade parts easily, which could extend its lifespan. However, if you're looking for a device primarily for gaming or performance-demanding tasks and you're fine with less upgradability, the MSI GF65 Thin might be a better choice as it's designed for gaming, often with stronger graphics capabilities. The Framework will generally cost more, but its build quality and eco-friendly features might justify the expense for some users. In contrast, the MSI is a budget-friendly option with sacrifices in build and possibly battery life. 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 GF65 Thin
The MSI GF65 Thin has no clear advantages over the Framework Laptop 16 (2023).
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
6.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.5 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 GF65 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a powerful CPU and ample RAM that makes multitasking smooth, coupled with a high-quality screen, which is great for various tasks; however, its portability and battery life might be less accommodating for on-the-go use compared to lighter options. The MSI GF65 Thin, while more affordable and relatively portable, compromises on screen quality and battery life, making it less ideal for prolonged, high-performance general use.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
6.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI GF65 Thin is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers high CPU, ample RAM, and a quality screen suited for engineering and design, while its modular design allows for component upgrades that aid in such tasks. The MSI GF65 Thin provides a robust GPU that excels in graphic-intensive applications, but it trades off some portability and has higher operating noise, which can be a consideration for user comfort.
Content Creation
8.1/10
6.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
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 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
8.0/10
6.3/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.6/10
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 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
8.4/10
6.8/10
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
262.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI GF65 Thin for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers a higher resolution and brightness, which enhances the clarity and visibility of content, making it very suitable for everyday tasks and detailed engineering work, where color accuracy and sharpness are critical. However, its lower refresh rate isn't ideal for gaming and 3D applications, where a higher refresh rate can provide smoother motion and better responsiveness. In contrast, while the MSI GF65 Thin's screen may be adequate for daily activities and engineering due to decent resolution and acceptable color reproduction, its poorer overall screen quality and low refresh rate make it less optimal for gaming and 3D work.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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.
Build Quality
8.0/10
6.7/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very 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.
Cost
$1,699
$1,100
$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 GF65 Thin costs $1,100.
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI GF65 Thin are both only fair for gaming and AI.
For avid gamers and 3D applications users, the Framework Laptop 16 offers a high screen refresh rate and a capable GPU, ensuring smooth visuals, although its GPU might not handle the most demanding games at high settings like the MSI GF65 Thin, which has a stronger GPU suited for intensive gaming but with a compromise on the refresh rate that might affect the fluidity of motion during play. The Framework's balance between screen quality and processing power makes it versatile for various tasks, while the MSI prioritizes graphic performance, which is essential for high-end gaming and complex 3D work.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI GF65 Thin both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI GF65 Thin compare to other laptops
"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."
"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 16 (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.
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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