When choosing between the Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Pulse GL66, consider that the Framework is designed for easy upgrades and repairs, offering longevity and customization, though at a higher initial cost, potentially offset by future savings in upgrades. The MSI Pulse GL66 is tailored for gaming with dedicated graphics power but might not offer the same build quality or upgradability. If portability and future-proofing are priorities, the Framework is a strong choice, but if you're looking for immediate gaming performance and are okay with a bulkier build and lower upgrade potential, the MSI could be more cost-effective. 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
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.3/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for general use, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 stands out with its high-quality screen and top-tier CPU and RAM, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and enhanced portability and battery life for on-the-go use. While the MSI Pulse GL66, offering capable CPU and RAM as well, focuses more on delivering a solid general use experience but trades off some screen quality and portability due to its gaming-centric design.
Engineering and Design
8.1/10
7.5/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 is designed with a high-quality screen and expandable RAM, making it suitable for engineering tasks and design work where screen clarity and multitasking are key; its modularity allows for easy upgrades. The MSI Pulse GL66, with its powerful CPU and GPU, excels in running engineering software and handles graphically intensive tasks smoothly, but it is less portable and noisier under load than the Framework.
Content Creation
8.1/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for content creation, while the MSI Pulse GL66 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
8.0/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI Pulse GL66 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
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
245.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Pulse GL66 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 16 boasts a high-resolution, bright display that enhances visual clarity and detail, making it suitable for everyday tasks and professional design work where color accuracy is essential. However, its lower refresh rate can hamper the gaming and 3D experience, where smooth motion is key. Meanwhile, the MSI Pulse GL66 offers adequate resolution and brightness for common tasks and engineering software but falls short on color representation for design and smoothness for gaming due to modest refresh rates.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Pulse GL66 has 4 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
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has very good build quality, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,699
$1,399
$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 Pulse GL66 costs $1,399.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Pulse GL66 to be good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Pulse GL66 offers a more capable graphics card and higher screen refresh rate, which are essential for smoother gaming and effective 3D rendering. Whereas the Framework Laptop 16 prioritizes modular design and repairability, its graphics performance and screen refresh rate aren't as optimized for demanding gaming and 3D tasks as the MSI Pulse GL66.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Pulse GL66 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Pulse GL66 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 Pulse GL66 has a lot of potential for improvement. Although the RTX 3060 is only able to use 105 watts, we still liked the gaming performance, particularly since this also makes the Pulse comfortably efficient but not slow by any means. Neither the dark display with its lame response times, nor USB 2.0 or the lack of Thunderbolt will please real gamers. The use of a sticker factory seal, which is at least questionable, also won't inspire any enthusiasm. It is obvious that the laptop is really designed for price-conscious gamers."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Pulse GL66
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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