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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The MSI Pulse GL66 offers high performance with a strong processor and dedicated graphics card, making it suitable for intensive tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, and engineering work. However, it's heavier and has shorter battery life, which might affect portability. On the other hand, the MSI Modern 14 is more budget-friendly and light, with better battery life, making it easy to carry around for everyday use and general computing tasks. It lacks a dedicated graphics card, which limits its capability for high-end gaming and specialized applications like machine learning. Consider the Pulse GL66 for performance-demanding tasks and the Modern 14 for general use and portability. 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 MSI Pulse GL66
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Modern 14
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.2
6.0
7.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The MSI Pulse GL66 is good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Modern 14 is only fair.
The MSI Pulse GL66 is better for gaming and 3D tasks due to its powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card and higher screen refresh rate of 144Hz, which provide smoother visuals and better handling of graphics-intensive applications. In comparison, the MSI Modern 14 has an integrated AMD Radeon Vega 7 GPU and a standard refresh rate of 60Hz, which are adequate for less demanding tasks but may not provide as fluid an experience in gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
7.5
6.6
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
7.1/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Pulse GL66 is good for engineering and design, while the MSI Modern 14 is only fair.
The MSI Pulse GL66 is better for engineering and design because it has a more powerful Intel i7 CPU and a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU, which offer higher performance in compute-intensive tasks than the MSI Modern 14's AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and integrated Vega 7 graphics. However, the MSI Modern 14 is lighter and more portable with a longer battery life, which could be advantageous for users who prioritize mobility and longer usage on the go over raw performance.
Screen Quality
6.8
6.4
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
245.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
The MSI Pulse GL66 has a better screen than the MSI Modern 14 for general use, and gaming and AI.
If screen quality is a priority, the MSI Pulse GL66 and MSI Modern 14 may not be the best choices for gaming and 3D applications as their display capabilities fall short in refresh rates, which is crucial for smooth visuals in fast-paced environments. However, for general use and engineering, these models offer acceptable screen resolution and brightness, ensuring clear and vivid content viewing, although professionals in engineering and design might find the color accuracy lacking for precision work due to less robust color gamuts. When comparing the two, neither stands out for high-demand use cases like gaming or professional design work, but they can serve well for everyday tasks and casual use.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The MSI Pulse GL66 has 4 hours of battery life. The MSI Modern 14 has 6 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
Very Good
15.6in
SIZE
14.0in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
3.0 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The MSI Modern 14 has very good portability, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,399
$525
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The MSI Pulse GL66 has a price of $1,399 and the MSI Modern 14 costs $525.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.3
7.2
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
245.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
311.0 nits
4.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.6/10
The MSI Pulse GL66 and MSI Modern 14 are both good for general use.
The MSI Pulse GL66, with a robust Intel i7 processor and dedicated Nvidia graphics, caters well to demanding tasks and gaming, but its heft and shorter battery life hinder portability compared to the lighter MSI Modern 14, which offers a balance of performance with its AMD Ryzen processor and integrated graphics, better battery life, and a highly portable design ideal for on-the-go use. Both laptops have quality IPS displays and ample RAM for smooth multitasking, but the Modern 14's superior screen brightness and slightly higher screen resolution offer sharper visuals and more vibrant colors for everyday tasks.
Content Creation
7.2
7.2
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Pulse GL66 and MSI Modern 14 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
7.0
7.1
7.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Modern 14 and MSI Pulse GL66 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.0
The MSI Pulse GL66 and MSI Modern 14 both have 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 MSI Pulse GL66 and the MSI Modern 14 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| MSI Pulse GL66 | MSI Modern 14 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,399 | $525 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2021 | October 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.94'' | 12.7'' x 8.7'' x 0.63'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 3.08 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.13" | 12.68" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.2" | 8.74" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-11800H | AMD Ryzen 5 7530U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 1 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 4 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 53 Wh | 39 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 245 nits | 311 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
MSI Pulse GL66
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | April 2022
"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."
MSI Modern 14
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Rtings
Alexander Tozzi, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | October 2023
"The MSI Modern 14 is okay for school use. It's very compact, so it's easy to carry around. It has a sharp display, a spacious keyboard, and a reasonably large touchpad. Its Intel 13th Gen CPU and integrated graphics can handle general productivity tasks like text processing and web browsing; however, don't expect to do anything intensive like 3D modeling or physics simulations. Unfortunately, the battery lasts less than five hours of light use, and the display doesn't get bright enough to combat glare."
Get a great deal on the MSI Pulse GL66 or the MSI Modern 14
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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