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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value portability and a lower price, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 could be a good choice, perfect for general use and daily tasks such as browsing, document editing, and streaming. However, if your needs include more intensive 3D work, machine learning, gaming, or engineering software, the MSI Cyborg 15, despite being less portable and at a higher price, will typically offer better performance, thanks to more powerful hardware. Additionally, battery life is an important consideration; if you require a laptop to last longer on a single charge, you should verify which option offers a longer battery lifespan. 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 3
- Good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Cyborg 15
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.1
7.2
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The MSI Cyborg 15 offers a more robust gaming and 3D experience due to its superior dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 graphics card and a higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, enhancing fluidity in fast-moving visuals. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, while offering integrated Intel i5-1235U Iris Xe graphics which are less powerful for demanding applications, only supports up to a 60Hz refresh rate, which is less ideal for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
6.8
7.5
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
6.5/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The MSI Cyborg 15 is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is only fair.
The MSI Cyborg 15 is better suited for engineering and design thanks to its more powerful Intel i7 processor, dedicated Nvidia RTX GPU, and a larger screen with a higher resolution, which is advantageous for visual tasks, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a less powerful Intel i5 processor and integrated graphics, but offers a higher portability due to its smaller size and lower weight. Additionally, the Cyborg's keyboard includes a number pad which can be very useful for engineering tasks; however, the Surface Laptop Go 3 boasts a higher-quality build and quieter operation which might benefit those who prioritize a more premium feel and less noise during use.
Screen Quality
6.8
6.8
12.4in
SIZE
15.6in
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
337.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
234.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a better screen than the MSI Cyborg 15 for general use, and engineering and design, while the MSI Cyborg 15 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a vibrant display with higher resolution and brightness levels which is ideal for day-to-day tasks and detailed engineering work, but its lower refresh rate doesn't suit the fast-paced visuals needed in gaming and 3D applications. In comparison, the MSI Cyborg 15, while having a decent resolution and sufficient brightness, may lack the vividness and wide color gamut that professionals require for precision in engineering and design. Both laptops fall short for gaming and 3D, not providing the smooth visuals that are enhanced by higher refresh rates typically found in specialized gaming laptops.
Portability
Excellent
Good
12.4in
SIZE
15.6in
2.4 lbs
WEIGHT
4.3 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the MSI Cyborg 15 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
6.7
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has good build quality, while the MSI Cyborg 15 has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$788
$1,100
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a price of $788 and the MSI Cyborg 15 costs $1,100.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.2
7.3
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
337.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
234.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
9.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.2/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is lighter and boasts a higher-resolution touchscreen with better color accuracy, making it more portable and pleasant for casual use, but its lower-tier CPU and lack of dedicated graphics hold it back for intensive tasks. On the other hand, the MSI Cyborg 15, with its powerful CPU and dedicated Nvidia graphics, excels in performance for more demanding applications, yet it's heavier and has a lower screen color quality, which may detract from the experience in tasks where color fidelity is paramount.
Content Creation
7.3
7.5
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
7.1
7.2
6.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1536 x 1024
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Cyborg 15 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for software development.
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
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Cyborg 15 has 7.5 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and the MSI Cyborg 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 | MSI Cyborg 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$788 | $1,100 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | 14.2'' x 9.9'' x 0.9'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.49 lbs | 4.37 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 10.95" | 14.15" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.12" | 9.86" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1235U | Intel i7-12650H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 12.4" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1536 x 1024 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 337 nits | 234 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9.3/10 | 7.3/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Joe Osborne | October 2023
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
MSI Cyborg 15
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sascha Mölck | April 2023
"The focus of the MSI Cyborg 15 lies on a compromise of performance, mobility, and power consumption. Due to the reduced performance settings, the CPU and GPU perform below their capabilities. Nonetheless, their computing power is still sufficient for FHD gaming at high to maximum settings even then. The power consumption, which is low for a gaming laptop, can be translated into a good battery life. Realistic values of 7 to 8 h are still possible, despite the relatively small battery capacity of 53.5 Wh. Unfortunately the USB-C port doesn't offer any support for Power Delivery, which would be a sensible feature in the case of the Cyborg."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 or the MSI Cyborg 15
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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