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Updated March 22, 2024·
When deciding between the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Stealth GS66, consider that the MSI typically offers more power for gaming or intensive tasks but is pricier and may have shorter battery life. The Framework, while less expensive, is also more customizable and easier to repair, potentially saving future costs and waste. It's generally more suitable for everyday tasks and light-medium workloads. If highest performance isn't your priority and you value sustainability, the Framework could be a smarter financial and environmental choice; if you need top-tier gaming or professional capabilities, investing in the MSI could be worthwhile. 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 software development
- Very good for content creation
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Stealth GS66
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.8
7.8
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The MSI Stealth GS66 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is only fair.
The Framework Laptop 16, with its modular design geared towards easier upgrades and repair, offers a balanced GPU and screen refresh rate suitable for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, while the MSI Stealth GS66 boasts a more powerful GPU and higher screen refresh rate, enhancing fluidity and detail in graphics-intensive applications, albeit at a premium. The Framework's screen quality and CPU support general use well, whereas the MSI's higher-tier screen and CPU cater more to demanding gaming and 3D workloads.
Software Development
8.0
7.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) is very good for software development, while the MSI Stealth GS66 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
8.1
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
490.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
280.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 16 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth GS66 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the Framework Laptop 16 excels with a high-resolution display and brightness that make viewing text, images, and videos clear and vibrant. In engineering and design, its superior color accuracy provides a wide range of colors, crucial for detailed and precise work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, the lower refresh rate of the Framework Laptop 16 compared to gaming-specific laptops might lead to less fluid motion, making it less ideal for fast-paced, visually demanding games.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Framework Laptop 16 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth GS66 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.
Cost
$1,699
$1,000
$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 Stealth GS66 costs $1,000.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.0
7.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
490.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
280.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for general use, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is good.
The Framework Laptop 16 offers solid performance for everyday tasks with its capable CPU and ample RAM, as well as a high-quality screen and a focus on portability with a compromise on battery life. The MSI Stealth GS66 also provides a high-quality screen and sufficient power for general use, but leans towards users needing extra performance for tasks like gaming or content creation, which could result in increased operating noise and heat, while still maintaining a high degree of portability.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Stealth GS66 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) are both very good for engineering and design.
The MSI Stealth GS66, with its top-tier CPU, ample RAM, and advanced GPU, delivers robust performance and exceptional screen quality for demanding engineering and design tasks, but its high power can lead to increased operating noise and less portability. The Framework Laptop 16, while offering solid CPU performance, sufficient RAM, and a capable GPU, prioritizes modularity and repairability, which may slightly compromise its ultimate performance but benefits keyboard and speaker quality, as well as making it easier to carry around.
Content Creation
8.1
7.7
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Framework Laptop 16 (2023) to be very good for content creation, while the MSI Stealth GS66 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.
Portability
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Stealth GS66 and Framework Laptop 16 (2023) both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and MSI Stealth GS66 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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How the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) and the MSI Stealth GS66 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 16 (2023) | MSI Stealth GS66 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,699 | $1,000 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2023 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 10.6'' x 0.71'' | 14.2'' x 9.7'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.04" | 14.17" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.63" | 9.65" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 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" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 360Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 490 nits | 280 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
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 Stealth GS66
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | February 2022
"The MSI Stealth GS66 is powerful enough for QHD. The Core i7-12700H and the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti found in the 12UGS model that we tested run all modern games smoothly in the native QHD resolution. The 15-inch display is very fast with its 240 Hz refresh rate, and it also offers a great color space (almost 100% DCI-P3) on top of that, which should please gamers as well as content creators, although we would have still wished for a higher brightness. Case, input devices, and connectivity (Thunderbolt 4) are at a good level. However, among other things, the GS66 loses points due to the high temperature development in 3D mode and its poor webcam."
Get a great deal on the Framework Laptop 16 (2023) or the MSI Stealth GS66
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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