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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a significantly lower price and greater portability with a smaller, lighter frame and longer battery life, making it an easy choice for everyday tasks and travel. In contrast, the MSI Vector GP76 provides far superior performance for intensive engineering work, 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming at a higher price point, but it's bulkier and has a shorter battery life, making it less ideal for on-the-go use. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
- Excellent portability
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Vector GP76
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Good overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.0
8.0
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
401.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
9.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.8/10
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is good.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has a lower performance CPU and less RAM than the MSI Vector GP76, impacting multitasking and demanding tasks; however, it is lighter with a longer battery life, making it more portable. The MSI has a bigger screen with higher quality graphics suitable for intensive applications, but it is heavier with a shorter battery life, compromising portability for power.
Gaming and AI
6.0
8.4
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is fair for gaming and 3D because it uses an Intel Iris Xe GPU which is less powerful and has a lower screen refresh rate of 60Hz, compared to the MSI Vector GP76's very good gaming and 3D capabilities, owing to its high-end Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU and a much higher refresh rate of 360Hz.
Engineering and Design
6.5
8.7
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The MSI Vector GP76 offers a more powerful CPU, significantly more RAM, and a superior GPU than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which collectively make it better suited for demanding engineering and design tasks. However, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is lighter and more portable, offers a touchscreen, and has a higher portability score, making it a more convenient choice for on-the-go use despite its less powerful hardware.
Content Creation
7.1
8.0
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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
7.0
7.6
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Vector GP76 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for software development, though the MSI Vector GP76 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
6.9
7.9
12.4in
SIZE
17.3in
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
401.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
The MSI Vector GP76 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the MSI Vector GP76 both offer displays with adequate resolution and brightness, making text and images clear and easy to view, but the Surface may have the edge in portability due to its smaller size. In engineering and design tasks, color accuracy is crucial; both laptops are equipped with good color gamuts, ensuring that professionals can rely on the display for precise color work. However, when it comes to gaming and 3D applications, the MSI Vector GP76, typically having a higher refresh rate and better overall performance, would provide a smoother experience than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which is not designed with gaming as a priority.
Battery
8.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Vector GP76 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
Excellent
Poor
12.4in
SIZE
17.3in
2.4 lbs
WEIGHT
6.3 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has excellent portability, while the MSI Vector GP76 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$774
$1,760
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has a price of $774 and the MSI Vector GP76 costs $1,760.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Vector GP76 to have very good build quality, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the MSI Vector GP76 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 | MSI Vector GP76 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$774 | $1,760 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | 15.6'' x 11.2'' x 1.02'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.48 lbs | 6.39 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 10.95" | 15.63" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.12" | 11.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1135G7 | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 128 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 65 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 12.4" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1536 x 1024 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 360Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 401 nits | 264 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 5.9/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.4/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | August 2022
"The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
MSI Vector GP76
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marvin Gollor | May 2022
"The MSI Vector GP76 12UGS is a gaming laptop on speed. The advantages are clear: The Vector GP76 is a real gamer with its 360 Hz display and super-fast response times. In addition, the Core i7-12700H has double the power of the CPU in its predecessor and another highlight is the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti with a real power consumption of 150 watts. This places the device in the top range of our database. The Vector can also operate rather quietly, offers a full sound range, improved battery runtimes, a key-configurable RGB keyboard, a very stable chassis and good upgrade options. Moreover, the display produces a nice, rich and clear picture."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 or the MSI Vector GP76
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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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About the laptop team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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