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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you want a laptop that's more affordable and focuses on being repairable and upgradeable, the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is your option. However, if you're seeking top-tier gaming or intensive task performance and don't mind the higher cost and less portability, the MSI Raider GE78 stands out. Keep in mind, the Raider will typically have shorter battery life due to its powerful components, while the Framework should last longer on a charge but won't match the Raider's performance capabilities. Choose based on your primary needs: everyday tasks and future upgradability, or high-end gaming and performance at a premium. 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)
- Good portability
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Best in class for gaming and AI
- Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.0
8.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 excels in screen quality and portability, making it suitable for general use with an added emphasis on carrying convenience and better battery life, while the MSI Raider GE78 offers high CPU and RAM capabilities which improve performance for more demanding tasks but at the cost of reduced portability and battery efficiency. Both laptops have good storage, keyboard, speaker quality, operating noise, and heat management but prioritize different aspects of the user experience based on the individual's needs.
Gaming and AI
6.8
9.5
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
165Hz
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 16 (2023) is only fair.
The MSI Raider GE78 typically comes with more powerful graphics and a higher screen refresh rate, making it superior for gaming and 3D applications, offering smoother and more detailed visuals. In contrast, the Framework Laptop 16, while capable, has lower-tier graphics and a more modest screen refresh rate, which translates to less graphical detail and smoothness in those same tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1
9.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its thoughtfully designed modularity, offers high-quality screen, CPU, and RAM options tailored for engineering tasks, though it may not have the same GPU prowess as more specialized laptops. Meanwhile, the MSI Raider GE78, with its top-notch GPU and superior processing power due to more advanced CPU and RAM, provides a more robust solution for demanding engineering and design applications, accepting a tradeoff in portability and potentially higher operating noise.
Content Creation
8.1
8.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
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
8.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
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
8.6
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for gaming and AI, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both laptops offer crisp visuals and vivid colors due to their high-resolution displays and superior panel technology, ensuring clear text and images alongside ample brightness. In engineering and design, the ability to accurately reproduce colors is vital, and these laptops excel with their wide color gamuts, providing precision in color-critical tasks. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates make these laptops less suitable, as they may not provide as fluid motion or as responsive an experience for fast-paced action.
Battery
9.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 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
Good
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
6.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
1.1in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the MSI Raider GE78 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$4,386
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has a price of $1,699 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The MSI Raider GE78 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Raider GE78 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | MSI Raider GE78 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $4,386 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 15'' x 11.7'' x 1.13'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 6.83 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 14.97" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 11.73" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i9-13980HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 85 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 384 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"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."
MSI Raider GE78
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | March 2023
"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 16 (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.
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