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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you prioritize customizability and repairability at a lower cost, the Framework Laptop may be your choice as it allows for easy upgrades and repairs. However, if your work involves demanding tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, or engineering software, the MSI Stealth is better suited for these purposes with its higher performance hardware, albeit at a higher price and potentially shorter battery life. The MSI is also less portable due to its size and weight compared to the lighter Framework, which is more convenient for frequent travel. 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 overall build quality
- Good portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Stealth 17
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.0
8.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.4/10
The MSI Stealth 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for general use, though the MSI Stealth 17 is somewhat better.
The Framework Laptop 16 is known for its exceptional modularity, allowing for easy upgrades of storage and RAM, and it offers a high-quality screen and good portability, but with compromises in battery life due to its powerful CPU. In contrast, the MSI Stealth 17 provides top-tier performance with a strong CPU and ample RAM, excellent screen quality for immersive visuals, and effective heat management, but it may feel less portable and have a shorter battery life, making it less ideal for on-the-go use.
Gaming and AI
6.8
9.1
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Stealth 17 is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, with a capable GPU and solid screen refresh rate, provides an adequate gaming experience, but falls short compared to the MSI Stealth 17, which boasts a superior GPU for high-end gaming and a faster screen refresh rate, enhancing visuals and gameplay smoothness. While both have quality CPUs and screens, the MSI's top-tier components truly shine for demanding gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.1
9.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.5/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
The MSI Stealth 17 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good.
The MSI Stealth 17 offers higher CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities, making it superior for demanding engineering and design tasks that require robust processing and graphics rendering, along with a high-quality screen to match; however, this power comes at the expense of being bulkier and noisier. The Framework Laptop 16, while sufficient for engineering and design, trades off some performance for better portability and quieter operation, with a commendable screen and build quality that emphasizes repairability and upgradeability.
Content Creation
8.1
8.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.5/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Stealth 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for content creation, though the MSI Stealth 17 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
9.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The MSI Stealth 17 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for software development, though the MSI Stealth 17 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 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Stealth 17 has a better screen than the Framework Laptop 16 for gaming and AI, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both the Framework Laptop 16 and the MSI Stealth 17 offer high resolutions and bright, clear displays, which contribute to an enjoyable viewing experience for tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing. When it comes to engineering and design, these laptops feature displays with wide color gamuts, ensuring accurate color representation which is crucial for tasks that require precise color work, such as photo editing and CAD. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on both laptops may result in less fluid motion and responsiveness, which can be a disadvantage for fast-paced games and complex 3D modeling.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth 17 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
Good
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
6.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) has good portability, while the MSI Stealth 17 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,699
$3,899
$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 Stealth 17 costs $3,899.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
7.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to have very good build quality, while the MSI Stealth 17 has 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 Stealth 17 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | MSI Stealth 17 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $3,899 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 15.7'' x 11.2'' x 0.79'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 6.17 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 15.65" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 11.16" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i9-13900H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 64 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 | 5.5 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 1440 | |
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 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
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 | 8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | Yes | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 16 (2023)
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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 Stealth 17
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Mario Petzold | April 2023
"The MSI Stealth 17 Studio is a laptop with a quiet RTX 4080 for almost every occasion. The MSI Stealth 17 Studio is equally capable of high-level media processing and playing current games. It remains pleasantly quiet, even if a few percentage points of power have had to be sacrificed in the process. But, it is not quite perfect: To some extent, the Stealth 17 is well thought out. It packs tons of graphics power and high-end components in a slim case. The laptop's cooling system can be set such that, noise-wise, it doesn't even reach low volume. However, small flaws cloud otherwise exceptionally positive impressions."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Stealth 17
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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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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