MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): One minute evaluate
The MSI Pulse GL66 (2022) is a candy wanting gaming laptop computer that has the facility to allow you to play the most recent video games, stream motion pictures, and get work completed.
Whether or not you need to check your persistence with Elden Ring or get freaky in CyberPunk 2077, the MSI Pulse GL66 will do the job handily. The mannequin we examined featured a Twelfth-generation Intel Core i7, however the newest GL66 fashions can characteristic the most recent Twelfth-generation Core i9 CPU for wonderful processing energy.
The laptop computer options NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3000-series GPUs, which make the most of NVIDIA’s 2nd technology RTX structure which options distinctive ray tracing functionality and NVIDIA’s DLSS decision upscaling tech to offer superfast body charges, although to a lesser extent than the higher-powered graphics playing cards in the most effective gaming PCs.
The Pulse GL66 has a most decision of 1920 x 1080p, and whereas this is not the sharpest decision out there, it is just about the gaming customary for the most effective low-cost gaming laptops to the upper midrange gaming laptops in the mean time.
The Pulse GL66 options Hello-Res Audio replica capabilities coupled with Nahimic’s “in-game 3D encompass sound” based on MSI. The Pulse GL66 does reproduce audio with glorious high quality if you’re listening together with your headset or linked to an exterior audio system. Headset audio output high quality is implausible however the laptop computer’s built-in speaker high quality is common at finest, although they’re positive for issues like video conferencing and the like.
General, the MSI Pulse GL66 (2022) is an efficient worth for a gaming laptop computer. It has sturdy processing capabilities and simply accepts peripherals like screens, gaming mice and audio audio system. It could actually get a bit noisy when gaming because the cooling followers kick in, and it’s considerably heavy to hold round when you’re on the go, however a slim type issue on a gaming laptop computer is a really premium characteristic these days, so that is an inevitable tradeoff for a worth merchandise. We want the battery was higher, however the Pulse GL66 continues to be a strong system, particularly for these on a tighter funds.
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): Worth and availability
- How a lot does it price? Beginning at $1,599 (about £1,360 / AU$2,300),
- When is it out? It’s out there now
- The place are you able to get it? Accessible within the US, UK, and Australia
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022) Key Specs
Right here is the MSI Pulse GL66 (2022) configuration despatched to TechRadar for evaluate:
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H
Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3070
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Display: 15.6-inch FHD 1920 x 1080p, 144 hz
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x RJ45 ethernet, 1 x 3.5mm audio
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Digicam: 720p HD
Weight: 4.96 lbs | 2.25kg
Dimension (W x D x H): 14.13 x 10.20 x 0.94 ins | 359 x 259 x 29mm
Battery: 53WHr
The MSI Pulse GL66 is an efficient gaming laptop computer for the cash and it carried out effectively on our efficiency benchmarks. Nonetheless, it does have some points price contemplating. At a beginning worth of $1,599, it’s a sensible choice for gaming however there could be some higher selections in the marketplace if in case you have the cash to spare.
However, for its present worth, you are taking a look at a fairly strong worth with the Pulse GL66, one thing that we’re completely happy to see MSI appropriate from the mannequin in our MSI Pulse GL66 evaluate from final yr.
You possibly can await the costs on the most effective 4K laptops to return down if you’re in search of the most effective cell workstations for creating content material, but when you’ll want to play the most recent video games now, the Pulse GL66 ought to positively be in your shortlist.
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): Design
- First rate variety of ports, aside from only one video port
- Single zone RGB lighting
The MSI Pulse GL66 gaming laptop computer sports activities a plastic/aluminum chassis designed by famend Belgian artist Maarten Verhoeven, and is usually pleasing to have a look at whereas housing the entire parts very effectively. There may be ample air flow operating via the vents on the left facet, again and underside of the laptop computer.
There’s a almost full measurement keyboard constructed into the Pulse GL66, and the keyboard has integrated single-zone RGB lighting into the keyboard, so that is nice in low-light environments. There shall be individuals who will grumble in regards to the “softness” of the keys however we’ve had no problem. There is no such thing as a tactile “bump” that some people would really like, however the keys are gentle, quiet, and work positive.
The display screen measures 15.6 inches with a most refresh price of 144Hz and the display screen’s skinny bezels permit for screen-to-body ratio.
At a weight of roughly 5 kilos, the Pulse GL66 is barely cumbersome to hold round but it surely’s not the heaviest laptop computer.
The Pulse GL66 comes with the MSI Middle utility which lets you program the keyboard’s RGB lighting, in addition to flip RGB lighting off. For those who’re into RGB lighting, you’ll be capable to select your keyboard colour in addition to select totally different results. Whereas RGB lighting appears nice, it’s a important drain on the battery life, and the battery life for the Pulse 66 is just not nice (extra on this later), so having management over this operate is vital.
The Pulse GL66 comes with three USB-A (2-USB 3.0 / 1-USB 2.0) ports, one USB-C port, an HDMI port, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. Which means you gained’t should succumb to the torture of discovering dongles everytime you exit, however on the draw back, the USB-C port would not help energy switch or video. The lone video port is the HDMI , however it could possibly nonetheless energy a 4K show at 60 fps.
The Pulse 66 comes with the MSI Middle and MSI APP Participant purposes preinstalled, however in any other case has pretty minimal bloatware. The laptop computer has a slim 150W energy provide to spherical out the bundle. General, your customary choices are all included.
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): Efficiency
- Stable gaming/audio efficiency
- Just one video port
- Some fan noise/warmth issues
Benchmarks
Right here is how the MSI Pulse GL66 (2022) carried out in our suite of benchmark exams:
Cinebench R23 Multi-core: 14,883
3DMark Hearth Strike: 22,257; Night time Raid: 25,573
GeekBench 5: 1,758 (single-core); 10,927 (multi-core)
Battery Life (TechRadar film check): 3:26
Whole Battle: Warhammer III: 203 fps (1080p, Low); 75 fps (1080p, Extremely)
Cyberpunk 2077: 115 fps (1080p, Low); 66 fps (1080p, Extremely)
Grime 5: 141 fps (1080p, Low); 70 fps (1080p, Extremely)
The MSI Pulse GL66 Gaming Laptop computer is an efficient laptop computer for gaming. There are a couple of points that look like puzzling. The display screen’s 1080p decision works positive and the HDMI port shows 4K@60fps, however it could have been good to see MSI improve the USB-C port to an precise Thunderbolt port or at the very least allow video help on the USB-C port.
The mannequin that we examined had a single USB-C port that didn’t help video. Contemplating that customers typically make the most of a video port to show the desktop on an even bigger display screen, the shortage of a second video port positively stands out. It could not have been too troublesome to include a Thunderbolt port given the dimensions of the laptop computer.
The Hello-Res Audio performs admirably when you’re gaming on a gaming headset or utilizing audio system. The Nahimic program gives flexibility together with “3D Audio” in your audio choices. The distinction can actually be felt if you end up gaming.
The pc performs positive in most circumstances. The GPU powers the most effective PC video games at excessive body charges, and its benchmark scores are strong. The bloatware is minimal and the pc operation is generally quiet, at the very least once you’re not gaming. If you end up, you’ll hear the followers downright roaring and the pc can run scorching, nevertheless, the noise and warmth are principally inside expectations of even the most effective gaming laptops.
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): Battery life
- [Is the battery life better or worse than rivals in its class?]
- [How fast does the laptop charge to full from a dead battery?]
The MSI Pulse 66 has a variety of actually cool options however the battery life is mediocre. Along with the hefty, power-hungry {hardware}, the Cooler Increase 5 mechanisms in addition to the RGB lighting drain the battery fairly shortly.
You’ll be capable to prolong battery life by turning off RGB lighting within the MSI Middle utility, however with RGB lighting turned on, we had a battery benchmark check period of three hours and 26 minutes on a full battery cost.
Must you purchase an MSI Pulse GL66 (2022)?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally think about
MSI Pulse GL66 (2022): Report card
| Worth | The MSI Pulse GL66 is a good worth for the specs, however there could be higher choices on the market, particularly when you’re prepared to pay a bit bit extra. | 3.5 / 5 |
| Design | Smooth design and RGB lighting give it implausible aesthetic enchantment. | 4 / 5 |
| Efficiency | Processing energy permits the most recent video games with ray tracing and Hello-Res audio. Display decision could possibly be higher however graphics look nice. | 4 / 5 |
| Battery Life | Battery life is decidely common for a gaming laptop computer. | 3 / 5 |
| Whole | Whereas not with out compromises, the Pulse GL66 (2022) is a superb worth when you’re seeking to sport on a tighter funds. | 3.7 / 5 |
- First reviewed September 2022
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