MSI Katana GF66 12U review -mismatched gaming laptop specs

The MSI Katana GF66 12U is a conventional gaming laptop computer by way of and thru. That’s to not say it doesn’t pack a punch, because it wields a panel that’ll please aggressive PC gamers and esports fans alike. But, it feels as if MSI has taken a muddled strategy with its funds mannequin specs, leading to a worth that may sway you to look elsewhere.

Armed with a 240Hz show, the MSI Katana GF66 12U gaming laptop computer isn’t any run-of-the-mill machine. Whereas its display decision and graphics card of alternative caters to 1080p gaming, its excessive refresh fee capabilities are a boon when enjoying the most effective FPS video games.

It takes greater than a speedy display to achieve the most effective gaming laptop computer ring, as there are cheaper contenders that wield a excessive refresh fee. The MSI Katana GF66 12U has the potential to return out swinging towards some Gigabyte, Acer, and Asus alternate options, however its aesthetic, alternative of specs, and worth level may preserve it from the limelight.

MSI Katana GF66 specs

Please word: this SKU is at the moment out of inventory, however MSI tells us it’ll be again quickly. Here’s a related mannequin you should buy as we speak.

MSI Katana GF66 12U design

Take a second to think about a gaming laptop computer in your thoughts’s eye. Acquired one thing? Nicely, it in all probability appears to be like nearly just like the MSI Katana GF66. At 15.6 inches, this explicit moveable gaming PC options the identical understated housing as earlier fashions, with high-quality plastics that contribute to its inflexible chassis.

For those who’re in search of a strong laptop computer that’ll survive day-to-day knocks, the Katana GF66 ought to maintain up simply superb. Weighing in at 2.25kg, it’s fairly burly, however it really weighs greater than the Asus TUF Sprint F15 – an especially sturdy laptop computer that I exploit as a day by day driver. It’s arduous to decipher why MSI’s machine is heftier, however it’s visually chonkier and something however elegant.

The Katana GF66 makes use of a reasonably typical display bezel, however MSI hasn’t gone out of its approach to slim something down. In truth, not like some laptops on the market ( you, Asus TUF Sprint F15), this mannequin features a 720p webcam. Efficiency-wise, the moveable rig’s electrical eye is dependable and clear, making it greater than as much as the duty of labor conferences.

Aesthetically, Katana GF66 sits someplace between understated and bland. Don’t get me mistaken; I’d take MSI’s matte black end over a loud and proud racing stripes rig any day of the week. Nonetheless, there’s one thing overwhelmingly primary in regards to the laptop computer’s exterior, with a glance I’d usually affiliate with cheaper choices. Put it this manner, for those who typed ‘gaming laptop computer’ into that Dall-e Mini AI generator, you’d in all probability find yourself with one thing related.

That’s to not say the laptop computer is totally devoid of color, because it harbours menacingly pink accents round its keycaps. For those who’re not a fan of pink, you’re fats out of luck, because the laptop computer’s chiclet gaming keyboard boasts single-colour LED backlighting that screams ‘darkish facet of the pressure’.

Talking of keyboards, the Katana GF66’s clicky-clacky answer features a comically small numpad, which occupies a two-inch area on the right-hand facet. Fortunately, the remainder of the laptop computer’s keyboard format doesn’t really feel cramped, however every thing is barely off-centre in comparison with alternate options. That shouldn’t matter a lot to the typical person, however I’ve already deleted this sentence 4 instances to right typos, so take from that what you’ll.

MSI Katana GF66 12U options

Arguably, the star of the present is the Katana GF66’s 240Hz show, as choices at this worth level sometimes embody a 144Hz panel. For those who’re hellbent on enjoying video games on a excessive refresh display, this laptop computer will enable you obtain that purpose, however its inclusion comes with compromise, particularly relating to bang for buck.

Below the hood, the MSI Katana GF66 is supplied with an Nvidia RTX 3060 – a laptop computer GPU that pairs nicely with 1080p gaming. My principal difficulty with this particular SKU is which you can seize an RTX 3070 laptop computer for across the similar worth, and with RTX 4000 graphics playing cards on the horizon, they’ll doubtless get cheaper.

Certain, these fashions usually embody a 144Hz display, however to benefit from the Katana GF66’s panel, you’d must go to greath lengths to spice up fps to get wherever close to the 240Hz on show right here. That’s to not say it’s not doable, however it’ll be tougher to realize with future releases, and also you may must bump your settings down in newer video games (we’ll get to that in a bit). That is all par for the course for those who play aggressive shooters, but when that’s not your bag, then you definitely may wish to spend your cash on an RTX 3070 rig as an alternative.

Accompanying the Katana GF66’s GPU is an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a Gen 4 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD. When it comes to ports, the laptop computer’s kitted out with three USB 3.2 ports, a USB 2.0 port, USB-C, and an HDMI 2.0 port.

The variety of ports included is pretty typical, however I’ve just a few gripes with MSI’s configuration. First off, HDMI 2.0’s limitations imply that if you wish to hook up the Katana GF66 to the most effective gaming monitor round, it’ll be capped at 4K 60Hz. The laptop computer’s USB-C port additionally lacks each Thunderbolt and energy supply capabilities, additional dashing my plans to combine it with my gaming desk setup.

Naturally, a gaming laptop computer’s measure of advantage must be based mostly on its gaming PC efficiency, and the MSI Katana GF66 is a succesful 1080p machine. You’ll must wind your settings down to profit from its 240Hz display, however you must have the ability to obtain over 60fps in lots of fashionable video games with out touching a dial.

The RTX 3060 isn’t a foul laptop computer GPU, and it’s greater than able to offering a contemporary gaming PC expertise. For those who’re not a body fee fuss pot, you can even make the most of its ray tracing skills and nonetheless obtain 1080p 60fps in video games like Guardians of the Galaxy.

That stated, the RTX 3060 is an entry-level card, and utilizing it to achieve 240fps isn’t any straightforward feat. Regardless of my finest efforts, I couldn’t get Halo Infinite to run previous 170fps, even with decision scaling cranked to the ground. Naturally, GPU can pump out extra frames in older shooters like CS:GO, however you’d maybe count on as a lot with a 2022 mannequin.

Most of my Katana GF66 considerations lie with its panel and GPU pairing. A conveyable RTX 3060 rig sometimes sells for round $1,200, and it’s fully attainable to get one for beneath $1,000 on sale. MSI’s SKU, nevertheless, is available in at £1,399 (round $1,650 USD with VAT) within the UK – a price ticket you’d count on to see slapped on an RTX 3070 mannequin.

When you think about the truth that the RTX 3060 isn’t essentially in a position to hit 240fps in most video games, even with toned-down settings, it locations a query mark above the high-spec display’s inclusion. So as to add insult to harm, the show is visually mediocre, missing each vibrancy and definition. Quick-paced video games like Neon White really feel silky clean at 240Hz, however the platformer’s vivid visuals failed to show as much as the panel celebration.

In fact, the Katana GF66’s Intel Alder Lake CPU additionally contributes to its worth level, because the twelfth gen chip contributes to gaming efficiency and retains issues snappy throughout basic use. Although, the processor’s skills solely excuse its worth to an extent, as AMD Ryzen chips aren’t far behind the i7-12700H by way of gaming efficiency.

The annoying cherry on high of MSI’s questionable alternative of specs is the choice to forgo a MUX swap. Together with the motherboard graphics tech would have helped the RTX 3060 churn out extra frames and edge nearer to the 240Hz pannel’s most well-liked fps.

Gaming laptop computer efficiency typically comes at the price of peace and quiet, however the Katana GF66’s cooling answer isn’t offensively loud. You possibly can toggle fan pace settings utilizing MSI Centre, and the software program comes with a bunch of profiles to go well with quite a lot of use eventualities.

Please word: this SKU is at the moment out of inventory, however MSI tells us it’ll be again quickly. Here’s a related mannequin you should buy as we speak.

The laptop computer’s ‘smart-auto’ fan profile ought to, in principle, robotically scale issues by monitoring GPU and CPU mode. Whereas the mode seems to operate as supposed, fan noise seems to take a seat at a particular degree throughout gaming, which I’m really okay with.

If any and all fan noise offers you the ick, you in all probability received’t be blissful till you’re blocking it out with a gaming headset. I really want the Katana GF66’s persistent hum, because the sudden stop-and-start strategy utilized by the likes of the Asus TUF F Sprint 15 is typically distracting.

Battery life is a little bit of a sore spot for the Katana GF66, because it’ll solely have your again for a fraction of your day. Throughout testing, I’d have to achieve for its weighty energy brick after three hours of basic use, that means I couldn’t enterprise too removed from an influence outlet. The very fact the laptop computer’s USB-C lacks charging capabilities provides salt to the wound, because it additionally means you’ll be able to’t use an influence financial institution in a pitch.

In the end, the MSI Katana GF66’s greatest downside is its price ticket, and it’s a kicker when you think about what you’ll be able to really purchase for round £1,400. For those who’re a stickler for quick refresh charges, this laptop computer’s panel might test just a few packing containers, however sadly, the remainder of this explicit SKU appears like an costly mismatch. Utilizing a brilliant speedy panel like peacock feathers isn’t sufficient to masks that truth, and until you’re prepared to stay to older video games and cut back your settings, the 240Hz machine will wrestle to take flight.