The Gigabyte G5 is less expensive and offers solid performance with its newer processor and higher-end graphics card, making it suitable for gaming and intensive tasks. However, it has less RAM and might not feel as snappy in multitasking compared to the MSI Pulse GL66, which has more memory and an older but still capable processor and graphics card. The Pulse GL66 tends to be more expensive, but it might offer a smoother experience for engineering applications where the extra RAM can be vital. Both laptops have similar battery life and screen characteristics, but the choice comes down to whether you prioritize better gaming and graphics performance (Gigabyte G5) or better multitasking and engineering use due to more RAM (MSI Pulse GL66). 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 Gigabyte G5
The Gigabyte G5 has no clear advantages over the MSI Pulse GL66.
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
Good for software development
Very good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.8/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
248.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
The MSI Pulse GL66 has a better screen than the Gigabyte G5 for content creation.
For general use, where clear visuals and comfort for extended viewing are essential, both the Gigabyte G5 and MSI Pulse GL66 provide adequate resolution and brightness with a panel type that suits everyday tasks but might not impress with exceptional clarity or color. In engineering and design, accurate color representation is crucial, and both laptops offer fair coverage of professional color gamuts, which is serviceable for most tasks but may fall short for high-end professional work. While gaming or working with 3D applications, the lower refresh rates on these laptops mean less fluid motion and responsiveness, which is not ideal for fast-paced gaming or smooth 3D rendering.
Cost
$849
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Gigabyte G5 has a price of $849 and the MSI Pulse GL66 costs $1,399.
The MSI Pulse GL66 and Gigabyte G5 are both good for general use.
The MSI Pulse GL66 is rated higher for general use primarily due to its superior main processor and double the RAM compared to the Gigabyte G5, which would translate to better multitasking and overall performance; while both have similar screen size and quality, the Pulse GL66 manages to edge out slightly better battery life despite its higher performance specs. However, the Gigabyte G5, being lighter and thinner, offers marginally better portability, which might make it a better option for those who prioritize carrying their laptop around over performance gains.
Gaming and AI
7.3/10
7.2/10
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Gigabyte G5 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for gaming and AI.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
7.6/10
7.5/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Gigabyte G5 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.2/10
7.2/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Pulse GL66 and Gigabyte G5 are both good for content creation.
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
6.8/10
7.0/10
8.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Pulse GL66 to be good for software development, while the Gigabyte G5 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.
Battery
3.5 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Gigabyte G5 has 3.5 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.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Gigabyte G5 and MSI Pulse GL66 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
7.4/10
The MSI Pulse GL66 and Gigabyte G5 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte G5 and the MSI Pulse GL66 compare to other laptops
"The Gigabyte G5 KE is a midrange gaming laptop that checks most boxes. Gigabyte makes good use of the Core i5-12500H and RTX 3060 Laptop GPU combo, and we find no untoward issues with overall performance. The dual-fan quad-heatpipe cooling arrangement does well to ensure that the underlying hardware doesn't throttle under load. That being said, the display is below par when compared to 2023 standards, especially when competing devices."
"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 Gigabyte G5 or the MSI Pulse GL66
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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