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MSI Katana GF66 11UG review: A gaming laptop with wasted potential

Limited performance. Despite being equipped with top hardware, this is what the MSI Katana GF66 delivers. After several benchmarks in our test, the question presents itself whether MSI cut corners in the wrong places. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 and the Intel Core i7-11800H are unable to make use of their full performance potential.

The MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 is one of a whole series of new gaming laptops with Intel processors of the 11th generation and RTX 3000 series graphics cards that MSI has introduced only in May of 2021. The exterior of the simple, yet elegant laptop was designed by the illustrator Nagano Tsuyoshi, an artist who is also known in Japan for his Star Wars covers.

According to MSI, the Katana laptop was created with the same high craftsmanship that is also necessary for creating the famous Japanese swords. At least, the test configuration with an Intel Core i7-11800H, 16 GB of RAM, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, and 512 GB NVMe SSD promises a high performance. As the operating system, only FreeDOS is preinstalled. For our test, we installed Windows 10 Home on the system. The competitors for this test include the Asus TUF Dash F15, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16, the Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED, the Razer Blade 15, and the Schenker XMG Neo 15.

MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 (Katana GF66 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-11800H 8 x 2.3 - 4.6 GHz, 200 W PL2 / Short Burst, 200 W PL1 / Sustained, Tiger Lake-H, CPU thermal design 45W, unlocked in firmware
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 1290 MHz, Memory: 1500 MHz, 85 W TDP, GDDR6, 471.41, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR4-3200
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics B156HAN08.0, IPS, glossy: no, 144 Hz
Mainboard
Intel HM570
Storage
Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1, 512 GB 
, 510 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Tiger Lake PCH-H - cAVS (Audio, Voice, Speech)
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm audio port
Networking
Realtek RTL8168B/8111B (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 25 x 359 x 259 ( = 0.98 x 14.13 x 10.2 in)
Battery
90 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
FreeDos
Camera
Webcam: 0.9 MP
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2, Keyboard: island style, Keyboard Light: yes, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.253 kg ( = 79.47 oz / 4.97 pounds), Power Supply: 422 g ( = 14.89 oz / 0.93 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors in Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
79.2 %
09/2021
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
2.3 kg25 mm15.60"1920x1080
87.4 %
08/2021
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
R7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
2.6 kg26.85 mm16.00"2560x1600
85.6 %
08/2021
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
2.2 kg20 mm15.60"3840x2160
82.4 %
02/2021
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
i7-11370H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
2 kg20 mm15.60"1920x1080
88.9 %
07/2021
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
2 kg16.99 mm15.60"1920x1080
87 %
06/2021
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
2.2 kg26 mm15.60"2560x1440

Case - The case of the gaming laptop is simple but elegant

Among gaming laptops, the case of the MSI Katana GF66 stands out particularly with its inconspicuousness. The laptop is cased completely in black plastic. In terms of the design, MSI also uses only few accents. However, these few elements ensure a distinctive design. Brushed surfaces on the sides, the small angles above the display, the dragon logo on the lid, and the angled hinges give the gaming laptop an aggressive exterior when you look at it again.  

In terms of the workmanship, the MSI laptop shows only a single weakness. While all the gaps are tight and the case stability is quite high, the display hinges tend to wobble a bit too easily. The display, which can also be opened up to a 180° angle using a single hand, even drops lower when there are only some slight vibrations. 

In terms of their size and weight, the 15 to 16-inch gaming laptops are similar. At least 2 kg (~4.4 lb) plus the power supply are a lot of weight to lug around. 

Size Comparison

359.8 mm / 14.2 inch 243 mm / 9.57 inch 26 mm / 1.024 inch 2.2 kg4.84 lbs359 mm / 14.1 inch 259 mm / 10.2 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.3 kg4.97 lbs356 mm / 14 inch 264.4 mm / 10.4 inch 26.85 mm / 1.057 inch 2.6 kg5.68 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 2 kg4.51 lbs356 mm / 14 inch 250 mm / 9.84 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 2.2 kg4.92 lbs355 mm / 14 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 16.99 mm / 0.669 inch 2 kg4.47 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Equipment - Without Thunderbolt or DisplayPort, the connections are not up to date anymore

With only 3 USB Type-A ports and a single USB Type-C port, the connections of the Katana GF66 are quite limited, particularly since the USB-C connection does not offer any Thunderbolt or PowerDelivery functionality. This means that the HDMI connection on the right side is the only option to connect an external display. You also have to do without an SD card slot in the MSI gaming laptop.

In addition, the positioning of some of the connections are also unfortunate. Due to the angled power plug, it can happen that the warm air is blown right onto the cable, and all the USB connections are in the center of the case. 

3.5-mm audio port, USB-A 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), USB-C 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), HDMI 2.0 (4K UHD up to 60 Hz), RJ-45 (LAN)
3.5-mm audio port, USB-A 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), USB-C 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), HDMI 2.0 (4K UHD up to 60 Hz), RJ-45 (LAN)
power connection, USB-A 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), USB-A 2.0
power connection, USB-A 3.2 (5 Gbit/s), USB-A 2.0

Communication

In the MSI Katana GF66, an Intel AX201 adapter is handling WLAN ax and Bluetooth 5.2. In terms of the selection and position of the antenna, MSI did everything right, so that the transfer rates using the WLAN card are above average. 

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1517 (1451min - 1574max) MBit/s +8%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1409 (1308min - 1550max) MBit/s
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1239 (1161min - 1273max) MBit/s -12%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s -18%
Average of class Gaming
  (885 - 1412, n=7, last 2 years)
1147 MBit/s -19%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210
1076 (944min - 1117max) MBit/s -24%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
973 MBit/s -31%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
967 (471min - 1048max) MBit/s -31%
iperf3 receive AX12
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1743 (864min - 1763max) MBit/s +28%
Average of class Gaming
  (881 - 1700, n=7, last 2 years)
1391 MBit/s +2%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210
1386 (1274min - 1446max) MBit/s +2%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1358 (1242min - 1548max) MBit/s
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1330 MBit/s -2%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s -7%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1151 (577min - 1211max) MBit/s -15%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
928 (868min - 988max) MBit/s -32%
05010015020025030035040045050055060065070075080085090095010001050110011501200125013001350140014501500Tooltip
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1358 (1242-1548)
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1409 (1308-1550)

Webcam

The 720p webcam shows the bad image quality that is typical for current laptops. Blurry contrasts and a high color deviation also characterize this lens.

ColorChecker
16.7 ∆E
13.3 ∆E
17.9 ∆E
15.2 ∆E
16.4 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
13.7 ∆E
23.1 ∆E
20.1 ∆E
14.2 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
8 ∆E
16 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
23.1 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
18.6 ∆E
17.3 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
11.2 ∆E
12.9 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
ColorChecker MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220: 14.01 ∆E min: 4.81 - max: 23.15 ∆E

Security

The current Intel processors like the one in our test unit support the necessary security features for Windows 11 such as TPM 2.0 and SecureBoot. MSI did not integrate any additional security features into the gaming laptop. 

Accessories

The box of the laptop only includes the 180-Watt power supply and a small collection of papers with some important information.

Maintenance

In principle, the MSI Katana GF66 can be opened fairly easily. There are 12 PH1 screws that fasten the bottom cover to the base unit. After removing them, you can then go around the gap around the cover with a plastic prying tool to get access to the insides. However, the provider of our testing unit loaner has asked that we don't break the manufacturer's seal. We therefore cannot offer you any views into the insides of our test unit. But peeking through the large fan vents, we can still take some guesses.  

The working memory and SSD, as well as the WLAN module can be replaced, and there is also a connection for an additional storage module in the device. The large fans should also be easy to clean. 

Warranty

MSI offers a 24-month manufacturer warranty for the GF66. Defective devices are picked up and repaired at a central location from which they are then also sent back to the customer. 

Input Devices - A full keyboard in red

Keyboard

The keyboard, which is illuminated in red, offers a full layout including a number block, although that turned out slightly smaller. The typing experience using the large keys feels comfortable. For a laptop keyboard, the keys offer a surprisingly high typing resistance with a clear pressure point. Even this keyboard can be pressed down with some strong pressure, however you have to use a considerable amount of force to be able to do this. A small blemish of the keyboard is the fact that the smooth surface will immediately show fingerprints. 

The red background illumination can be adjusted in three steps. The red light does not create any glare in the eyes, regardless of the adjustment level.

Unfortunately, we were unable to find a driver for the function keys that would enable all the keys during the time of our test. The three key combinations with the F5, F6, and F7 keys did not offer any function. 

Touchpad

With a size of 6.5 cm × 10.5 cm (~2.6 x 4.1 in), the touchpad turned out quite small. On the other hand, it is very responsive and does not show any weakness in the inputs. 

Display - 144 Hz does not ensure a good display

The matte 144-Hz display panel with a Full HD resolution shows quite good response times. And at 321 cd/m², the display is also fairly bright. However, larger halos can form in some image areas that are also clearly noticeable during some dark image sequences. In our test unit, the bright spots are concentrated on the right side of the display. 

In terms of the display technology used, MSI specifies "Wide View (IPS Level)."

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid
Screen bleeding
Screen bleeding
323
cd/m²
339
cd/m²
322
cd/m²
286
cd/m²
307
cd/m²
311
cd/m²
319
cd/m²
340
cd/m²
345
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B156HAN08.0 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 345 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 321.3 cd/m² Minimum: 14 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 307 cd/m²
Contrast: 1137:1 (Black: 0.27 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.67 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 2.41
ΔE Greyscale 4.5 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
66.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
91.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.4% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.276
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
AU Optronics B156HAN08.0, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
CSOT T3 MNG007DA1-1, IPS, 2560x1600, 16.00
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Samsung SDC4143, OLED, 3840x2160, 15.60
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
LQ156M1JW26 (SHP1532), IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
TL156VDXP02-0, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
BOE CQ NE156QHM-NY2, IPS, 2560x1440, 15.60
Display
9%
37%
4%
4%
6%
Display P3 Coverage
65.4
99.9
53%
66.9
2%
66.9
2%
68.6
5%
sRGB Coverage
91.3
99
8%
100
10%
98.1
7%
97.1
6%
98.6
8%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
66.7
73
9%
99.5
49%
67.9
2%
69
3%
69.3
4%
Response Times
17%
72%
-26%
27%
-62%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
7.4 ?(3.8, 3.6)
9.2 ?(3, 6.2)
-24%
2.8 ?(1.6, 1.2)
62%
12 ?(6.8, 5.2)
-62%
4.2 ?(2.6, 1.6)
43%
16 ?(8.4, 7.6)
-116%
Response Time Black / White *
11.2 ?(6, 5.2)
4.8
57%
2 ?(1, 1)
82%
10 ?(5.6, 4.4)
11%
10 ?(5.2, 4.8)
11%
12 ?(6, 6)
-7%
PWM Frequency
240 ?(83)
23580 ?(30)
Screen
28%
128%
17%
19%
4%
Brightness middle
307
551
79%
440
43%
286
-7%
353.4
15%
324
6%
Brightness
321
523
63%
446
39%
275
-14%
340
6%
307
-4%
Brightness Distribution
83
88
6%
92
11%
91
10%
92
11%
91
10%
Black Level *
0.27
0.54
-100%
0.04
85%
0.25
7%
0.31
-15%
0.27
-0%
Contrast
1137
1020
-10%
11000
867%
1144
1%
1140
0%
1200
6%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.67
1.8
61%
2.53
46%
2.43
48%
2.17
54%
3.36
28%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.53
2.53
66%
7.82
-4%
6.33
16%
5.69
24%
9.87
-31%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.41
1.66
31%
2.57
-7%
0.83
66%
1.05
56%
1.23
49%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.5
1.85
59%
1.2
73%
3.5
22%
3.4
24%
5.8
-29%
Gamma
2.276 97%
2.3 96%
2.206 100%
2.32 95%
2.2 100%
2.311 95%
CCT
6824 95%
6338 103%
6371 102%
7145 91%
6830 95%
7087 92%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
72.81
68
69
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
99.41
91
93
Total Average (Program / Settings)
18% / 23%
79% / 101%
-2% / 8%
17% / 17%
-17% / -5%

* ... smaller is better

The contrast ratio of the MSI laptop is fairly high, but some halos are noticeable in certain scenes. Only by reducing the display brightness by about 20%, these brighter areas won't be as noticeable in dark sequences anymore. Then the display is able to convince with a saturated black. While a 91.3% coverage of the sRGB color space isn't bad, considering that this is a gaming laptop, it could have been a bit more. You should also use a color profile under Windows. The average color deviation of the display could be reduced significantly by using our ICC file, which you can download from the link in the info box. Once it is calibrated, the display produces a fairly good image. 

CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: Grayscale
CalMAN: Saturation
CalMAN: Saturation
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: ColorChecker
CalMAN: Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN: Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN: Saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN: Saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN: ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN: ColorChecker (calibrated)
MSI Katana GF66 vs sRGB
MSI Katana GF66 vs sRGB
MSI Katana GF66 vs AdobeRGB
MSI Katana GF66 vs AdobeRGB

Outdoor Usage

The matte display of the Katana GF66 can be easily read outdoors. There are hardly any reflections on the surface. The bright display is only overwhelmed by direct sun light. 

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
11.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6 ms rise
↘ 5.2 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 25 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
7.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 3.8 ms rise
↘ 3.6 ms fall
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 15 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.8 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18034 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The color reproduction of the display is stable from all viewing angles, and the only noticeable differences are in the brightness. 

Performance - Intel comes within striking distance of AMD

MSI offers a large variety of configuration options for the Katana GF66. Our test unit is equipped with an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, an NVIDIA®GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, 16 GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and a 512-GB NVMe SSD. In addition, our laptop offers the option to expand the storage. The manufacturer's website also shows many other configurations with RTX 3050, 3060, and 3070 graphics cards, as well as i5 and i7 processors with 8 or 16 GB of working memory. The configuration options also include an available M.2 slot. In addition, the gaming laptop is available with or without Microsoft Windows 10.

CPU-Z: CPU
CPU-Z: Caches
CPU-Z: Mainboard
CPU-Z: Memory
CPU-Z: Memory Slot 1
CPU-Z: Memory Slot 2
CPU-Z: Intel UHD Graphics
CPU-Z: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
CPU-Z: Benchmark Balanced Mode
CPU-Z: Benchmark Performance Mode
HWiNFO: Intel Graphics
GPU-Z: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
GPU-Z: Intel UHD Graphics
GPU-Z: Advanced information

Processor

The Intel Core i7-11800H is a powerful SoC processor for power-hungry devices that is based on the Tiger Lake architecture. In the GF66, the processor briefly reaches a clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz. The TDP is unlocked, so that the Intel Core i7 is only limited by the current temperature. However, the available options to dissipate the heat limit the performance of the laptop in the long run, even if the fans are adjusted via the [FN]+[↑] key combination to run constantly at the highest speed. The fans won't run at their full speed by themselves. In the 30-minute Cinebench loop, the power consumption of the single runs was at about 74 watts. We can also see a considerable difference here, if we don't fix the fans at full speed, since the average points will then drop from 1900 to 1316. The 11th generation of Intel's laptop processors can come significantly closer to the performance of the current AMD laptop processors. In the Multicore mode of Cinebench R15, the Intel Core i7-11800H is able to beat the Ryzen 7 5800H of the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro at least in several runs. 

Cinebench R15 Multi Constant Load Test

01102203304405506607708809901100121013201430154016501760187019802090Tooltip
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 Intel Core i7-11800H; fan in full speed: Ø1900 (1799.78-2120.55)
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 Intel Core i7-11800H; Factory settings: Ø1316 (1300.31-1341.52)
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE) AMD Ryzen 7 5800H: Ø2089 (2082.79-2095.01)
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR Intel Core i7-11370H: Ø1042 (1014.95-1086.9)
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021) Intel Core i7-11800H: Ø1867 (1776.59-1876.96)
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake Intel Core i7-11800H: Ø2153 (2123.03-2172.97)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD Intel Core i7-11800H: Ø1746 (1719.69-1885.99)
Cinebench R23
Single Core
Average of class Gaming
  (527 - 2235, n=234, last 2 years)
1804 Points +19%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
1520 Points 0%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
1517 Points
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
1513 Points 0%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
1507 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (1386 - 1522, n=45)
1497 Points -1%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
1399 Points -8%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
1374 Points -9%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
1294 Points -15%
Multi Core
Average of class Gaming
  (2435 - 34613, n=236, last 2 years)
19189 Points +127%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
14088 Points +67%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
12817 Points +52%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
11938 Points +41%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
12197 (11396.1min - 12197.5max) Points +44%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (6508 - 14088, n=48)
11650 Points +38%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
11102 Points +31%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
8447 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
5786 Points -32%
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (169 - 855, n=234, last 2 years)
695 Points +19%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
583 Points
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
582 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
581 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (520 - 586, n=47)
576 Points -1%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
529 Points -9%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
502 Points -14%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
520 Points -11%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
519 Points -11%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (930 - 13769, n=234, last 2 years)
7288 Points +120%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
5408 Points +64%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
4982 Points +51%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
4611 Points +39%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
4706 Points +42%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (2498 - 5408, n=50)
4459 Points +35%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
4128 Points +25%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
3306 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
2199 Points -33%
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (79.2 - 318, n=238, last 2 years)
266 Points +16%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
231 Points +1%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
230 Points 0%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
229 Points 0%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
209 Points -9%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
229 Points
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
228 Points 0%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
227 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (201 - 231, n=46)
225 Points -2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
204 Points -11%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (400 - 5663, n=239, last 2 years)
3034 Points +43%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
2173 (2123.03min - 2172.97max) Points +2%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
2121 (1799.78min - 2120.55max) Points
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
1342 (1300.31min - 1341.52max) Points -37%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
2095 (2082.79min - 2095.01max) Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (1342 - 2173, n=50)
1894 Points -11%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
1886 (1719.69min - 1885.99max) Points -11%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
1877 (1776.59min - 1876.96max) Points -12%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
1086 (631.76min - 1047.34max) Points -49%
Blender - v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
467 Seconds * -37%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
342 Seconds *
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
313 Seconds * +8%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (217 - 454, n=46)
277 Seconds * +19%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
259 Seconds * +24%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
255 Seconds * +25%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
244 Seconds * +29%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
217 Seconds * +37%
Average of class Gaming
  (87 - 1259, n=232, last 2 years)
203 Seconds * +41%
7-Zip 18.03
7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Gaming
  (2685 - 7581, n=233, last 2 years)
6079 MIPS +9%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
5716 MIPS +3%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
5567 MIPS
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
5497 MIPS -1%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
5038 MIPS -10%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (5138 - 5732, n=46)
5492 MIPS -1%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
5480 MIPS -2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
5392 MIPS -3%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
5128 MIPS -8%
7z b 4
Average of class Gaming
  (11386 - 140932, n=233, last 2 years)
75714 MIPS +98%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
56758 MIPS +49%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
56682 MIPS +49%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
56187 MIPS +47%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
53597 MIPS +40%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (33718 - 56758, n=46)
48384 MIPS +27%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
44739 MIPS +17%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
38156 MIPS
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
26791 MIPS -30%
Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (158 - 2193, n=238, last 2 years)
1799 Points +14%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
1625 Points +3%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
1585 Points
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (1429 - 1625, n=40)
1561 Points -2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
1516 Points -4%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
1393 Points -12%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
1347 Points -15%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
1376 Points -13%
Multi-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (1946 - 22200, n=238, last 2 years)
13370 Points +98%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
9851 Points +46%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
8864 Points +31%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (4655 - 9851, n=40)
8551 Points +27%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
8244 Points +22%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
7993 Points +18%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
6758 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
4733 Points -30%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - 4k Preset
Average of class Gaming
  (3 - 37.6, n=236, last 2 years)
20.9 fps +90%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
17.4 fps +58%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
16.1 fps +46%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
14.7 fps +34%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
15 fps +36%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (7.38 - 17.4, n=46)
13.8 fps +25%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
11.9 fps +8%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
11 fps
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
8.16 fps -26%
LibreOffice - 20 Documents To PDF
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
99.9 s * -102%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
56.9 s * -15%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
56.5 s * -14%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
49.5 s *
Average of class Gaming
  (32.8 - 332, n=230, last 2 years)
49 s * +1%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
47.5 s * +4%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
46.8 s * +5%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (38.6 - 59.9, n=45)
46.5 s * +6%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
45.9 s * +7%
R Benchmark 2.5 - Overall mean
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Intel Core i7-11800H
0.587 sec * -7%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H
  (0.548 - 0.615, n=46)
0.566 sec * -3%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
Intel Core i7-11370H
0.562 sec * -3%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
0.559 sec * -2%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
0.524 sec * +4%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Intel Core i7-11800H
0.556 sec * -1%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
Intel Core i7-11800H
0.55 sec * -0%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Intel Core i7-11800H
0.548 sec *
Average of class Gaming
  (0.3609 - 4.47, n=233, last 2 years)
0.4711 sec * +14%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
198 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
228 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
2121 Points
Help

System Performance

The system performance is at a good level. The laptop offers sufficient available resources for office tasks, surfing, gaming, and image and video processing. However, with 6666 points in PCMark 10, the MSI laptop does not perform at the high level of other gaming laptops. One of the reasons for this could be traced back to the power supply. At only 180 watts, the power supply is sized extremely small. According to HWinfo, the CPU was using more than 74 watts of power in the test. Since the Nvidia chip also demands up to 100 watts of power, the supplied power is insufficient for the whole system, if all the components are supposed to perform at their highest levels. The working memory, display, SSD, WLAN, and other components also need power. In addition, the system performance of the laptop depends on the values adjusted in the UEFI and on the fan mode. We performed several attempts to optimize the system performance before running the following benchmarks. However, the fact that MSI does not offer any Windows software to do this (at least at the time of the test on their German home page), the process is quite cumbersome and requires several reboots and test runs. 

In mains operation, the laptop performs subjectively at a high level. All the applications start quickly and the laptop responds immediately to inputs. On the other hand, the MSI GF66 appears a little more sluggish in battery operation. The benchmark using PCMark 10 confirms this. A more than 2000-point difference to mains operation is in parts clearly noticeable.

PCMark 10 / Score
Average of class Gaming
  (5235 - 9852, n=202, last 2 years)
7572 Points +14%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, SSSTC CA6-8D1024
7356 Points +10%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
7190 Points +8%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
7062 Points +6%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (6126 - 7311, n=11)
6912 Points +4%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
6717 Points +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
6666 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H, SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
6088 Points -9%
PCMark 10 / Essentials
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, SSSTC CA6-8D1024
11064 Points +20%
Average of class Gaming
  (8300 - 12334, n=201, last 2 years)
10700 Points +16%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
10271 Points +11%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (9248 - 10832, n=11)
10104 Points +9%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
10028 Points +8%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
9548 Points +3%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H, SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
9378 Points +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
9248 Points
PCMark 10 / Productivity
Average of class Gaming
  (7244 - 11833, n=201, last 2 years)
9729 Points +6%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
9669 Points +5%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H, SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
9298 Points +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
9217 Points
Average Intel Core i7-11800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (8571 - 9669, n=11)
9051 Points -2%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, SSSTC CA6-8D1024
9015 Points -2%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
8983 Points -3%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
8866 Points -4%
PCMark 10 / Digital Content Creation
Average of class Gaming
  (6462 - 18475, n=201, last 2 years)
11406 Points +21%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
10932 Points +16%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, SSSTC CA6-8D1024
10831 Points +15%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
9858 Points +5%
Average Intel Core i7-11800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (7627 - 10851, n=11)
9833 Points +4%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
9715 Points +3%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
9431 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H, SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
7023 Points -26%
PCMark 10 Score
6666 points
Help

DPC Latencies

With DPC latencies of 952 µs, the MSI gaming laptop falls into the average of the test devices. This is another instance of Microsoft's kernel mode driver (WDF01000.sys) leading to problems. Depending on the upgrade, there could be some improvements here. The GF66 mastered the reproduction of our 4k 60-Hz YouTube test video with zero dropped frames. 

LatencyMon results
LatencyMon results
LatencyMon drivers
LatencyMon drivers
YouTube 4h60 test video reproduction
YouTube 4h60 test video reproduction
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, SSSTC CA6-8D1024
4392 μs * -361%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
1154 μs * -21%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H, SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
1122 μs * -18%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
953 μs *
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
823 μs * +14%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H, Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
533 μs * +44%

* ... smaller is better

Storage Solution

The 512-GB SSD from Kingston delivers acceptable values in the benchmarks with CrystalDiskMark and AS SSD. The preinstalled storage will hardly be sufficient for an extensive library of games. However, the storage of the GF66 can be expanded. 

MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
Samsung PM9A1 MZVL21T0HCLR
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
SK Hynix HFM001TD3JX013N
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
SSSTC CA6-8D1024
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
Samsung SSD 980 Pro 1TB MZ-V8P1T0BW
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
109%
348%
92%
338%
271%
Write 4K
138.2
89.9
-35%
231.4
67%
129.6
-6%
295.6
114%
162.7
18%
Read 4K
31.31
30.98
-1%
89.5
186%
44.71
43%
85.7
174%
79
152%
Write Seq
459.3
4208
816%
1929
320%
4149
803%
2865
524%
Read Seq
1283
4512
252%
2035
59%
4203
228%
3411
166%
Write 4K Q32T1
321
371.6
16%
648
102%
425.9
33%
715
123%
522
63%
Read 4K Q32T1
394.5
470.6
19%
691
75%
433.4
10%
709
80%
508
29%
Write Seq Q32T1
436
3065
603%
5111
1072%
1390
219%
4681
974%
4765
993%
Read Seq Q32T1
2222
3370
52%
7002
215%
3505
58%
6905
211%
7083
219%
AS SSD
173%
542%
220%
523%
437%
Seq Read
1978
2695
36%
5357
171%
2671
35%
5739
190%
4830
144%
Seq Write
308.3
2384
673%
3978
1190%
1501
387%
4201
1263%
2032
559%
4K Read
24.04
29.75
24%
50.6
110%
39.65
65%
53.8
124%
62.3
159%
4K Write
113.7
52
-54%
156.2
37%
69
-39%
179.2
58%
146.4
29%
4K-64 Read
256.5
1193
365%
2465
861%
1209
371%
2959
1054%
1305
409%
4K-64 Write
242.8
1107
356%
3360
1284%
1650
580%
1891
679%
3708
1427%
Access Time Read *
0.15
0.136
9%
0.08
47%
0.093
38%
0.027
82%
0.029
81%
Access Time Write *
0.353
0.36
-2%
0.027
92%
0.055
84%
0.154
56%
0.027
92%
Score Read
478
1493
212%
3052
538%
1516
217%
3587
650%
1850
287%
Score Write
387
1397
261%
3914
911%
1869
383%
2490
543%
4058
949%
Score Total
1033
3636
252%
8449
718%
4105
297%
7821
657%
6724
551%
Copy ISO MB/s
278.1
1007
262%
3027
988%
1709
515%
Copy Program MB/s
282.3
43.11
-85%
1177
317%
1250
343%
Copy Game MB/s
284.2
621
119%
2170
664%
1909
572%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
141% / 154%
445% / 460%
156% / 166%
431% / 456%
354% / 376%

* ... smaller is better

Kingston OM8PDP3512B-AI1
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 2222 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 436 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 394.5 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 321 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1283 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 459.3 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 31.31 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 138.2 MB/s

Constant Performance Reading: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics Card

The laptop edition of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 is one of the fastest graphics cards for laptops. The dedicated graphics card with 5120 shader units has 8 GB of GDDR6 working memory at its disposal. While the working memory could be fully used up by the current games, it is sufficient for the Full HD resolution of the MSI GF66. However, the results of the 3DMark benchmarks show that the graphics card is unable to develop its full potential. Other gaming laptops with the Nvidia chip achieve significantly higher points. 

For less demanding graphics tasks, the laptop can also use the integrated UHD graphics of the Intel i7, which allows it to significantly reduce the power consumption during idle operation.

Without being plugged in, the laptop does not receive sufficient power from the battery to run the Nvidia chip at full speed. The performance in games and the benchmarks drops significantly to about one-third of the performance of running it in mains operation. 

3DMark Time Spy mains operation
3DMark Time Spy mains operation
3DMark Time Spy battery operation
3DMark Time Spy battery operation
3DMark Port Royal
3DMark Port Royal
3DMark Night Raid
3DMark Night Raid
3DMark Wild Life unlimited
3DMark Wild Life unlimited
3DMark 11 mains operation
3DMark 11 mains operation
3DMark 11 battery operation
3DMark 11 battery operation
 
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
42087 Points +39%
Average of class Gaming
  (1029 - 72070, n=238, last 2 years)
39986 Points +32%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
36137 Points +19%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
35663 Points +18%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (12535 - 38275, n=54)
32331 Points +7%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
30601 Points +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
30339 Points
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
31341 Points
Average of class Gaming
  (781 - 53059, n=242, last 2 years)
29230 Points
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
27266 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (7178 - 29128, n=52)
24302 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
22864 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
20703 Points
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (224 - 22547, n=240, last 2 years)
11928 Points +40%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
11916 Points +40%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
10250 Points +20%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (2644 - 11019, n=53)
9300 Points +9%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
8523 Points 0%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
8513 Points
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
7888 Points -7%
2560x1440 Time Spy Score
Average of class Gaming
  (261 - 21695, n=240, last 2 years)
11823 Points +36%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
11735 Points +35%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
10574 Points +21%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
10365 Points +19%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (2952 - 10872, n=54)
9246 Points +6%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
8715 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
8565 Points -2%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
7358 Points -16%
3DMark 11 Performance
10127 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
100884 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
18594 points
3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score
10194 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
8715 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The MSI laptop delivered good results in all the games we tested. The frame rates at full display resolution were more than acceptable even in the highest quality settings.

However, when gaming in battery operation, you have to expect a significantly worse quality. In "The Witcher 3," the frame rates dropped by more than 50 FPS (FHD/Ultra), after we unplugged the laptop.

The Witcher 3
1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average of class Gaming
  (17.5 - 449, n=171, last 2 years)
217 fps +78%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
198 (174min - 226max) fps +62%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
197.3 (176min - 233max) fps +62%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
173 fps +42%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (122.1 - 207, n=34)
168 fps +38%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
132 fps +8%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
126 (6.31min, 37.3P0.1, 79P1 - 291max) fps +3%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
122.1 (44.1min, 61P0.1, 101.2P1 - 279.5max) fps
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Average of class Gaming
  (8.61 - 216, n=235, last 2 years)
115.4 fps +43%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
108 (88min) fps +33%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
102.8 (96min - 107max) fps +27%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (34.9 - 109, n=52)
91.8 fps +13%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
91.6 (76min) fps +13%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
86.5 fps +7%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
80.9 (70min) fps
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
76.7 fps -5%
GTA V
1920x1080 High/On (Advanced Graphics Off) AA:2xMSAA + FX AF:8x
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
175 (4.22min, 125P1 - 371max) fps +7%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
172 (4.4min, 125P1 - 386max) fps +5%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
164 (3.97min, 111P1 - 299max) fps
Average of class Gaming
  (15.3 - 187.1, n=185, last 2 years)
163.6 fps 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
159 (3.9min, 90.9P1 - 269max) fps -3%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
155 (5.89min, 100P1 - 291max) fps -5%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (58.2 - 181.4, n=38)
153.2 fps -7%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
111 (42.3min, 66.7P1 - 167max) fps -32%
1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
110 (4.87min, 76.9P1 - 213max) fps +18%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
109 (6.01min, 76.9P1 - 225max) fps +17%
Average of class Gaming
  (6.38 - 167.7, n=224, last 2 years)
106.5 fps +14%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
95.4 (6.67min, 71.4P1 - 183max) fps +2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
94 (19min, 66.7P1 - 198max) fps +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
93.5 (9.58min, 62.5P1 - 166max) fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (21.7 - 125.8, n=50)
91 fps -3%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
72.6 (23.9min, 50P1 - 139max) fps -22%
Dota 2 Reborn
1920x1080 high (2/3)
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
154 (134.3min) fps +16%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
151 (132.2min) fps +14%
Average of class Gaming
  (29.9 - 244, n=244, last 2 years)
151 fps +14%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
135.8 (116.9min) fps +2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
135 (117.9min) fps +2%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
133 (116.8min) fps
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
131 (115.4min) fps -2%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (30.9 - 178, n=59)
128.8 fps -3%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
121 (107.1min) fps -9%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
107 (92min) fps -20%
3840x2160 ultra (3/3) best looking
Average of class Gaming
  (14.2 - 205, n=82, last 2 years)
136.7 fps +25%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
114 (96.1min) fps +5%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
109 (94.7min) fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (79.3 - 127.7, n=12)
108.6 fps 0%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
107.1 (93min) fps -2%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
107 (93min) fps -2%
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark
1920x1080 High Quality
Average of class Gaming
  (9.13 - 194.9, n=234, last 2 years)
110 fps +45%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
105 fps +39%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
102 fps +35%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
97.1 fps +28%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
88.9 fps +17%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (27.9 - 107, n=49)
86.4 fps +14%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
75.7 fps
2560x1440 High Quality
Average of class Gaming
  (19.8 - 162.9, n=166, last 2 years)
95.8 fps +70%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
80.6 fps +43%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
78.2 fps +39%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (19.8 - 79.9, n=25)
67.3 fps +20%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
66.5 fps +18%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
56.2 fps
X-Plane 11.11
1920x1080 high (fps_test=3)
Average of class Gaming
  (12.4 - 166.2, n=250, last 2 years)
100.9 fps +27%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
97.3 fps +22%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
84 fps +5%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
84 fps +5%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
82.8 fps +4%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (12.4 - 118.8, n=61)
81.1 fps +2%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
79.7 fps
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
79.7 fps 0%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
69.9 fps -12%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
69.1 fps -13%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
63.3 fps -21%
3840x2160 high (fps_test=3)
Average of class Gaming
  (12 - 145.5, n=78, last 2 years)
95.6 fps +19%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
80.2 fps
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
80.2 fps 0%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (49.6 - 98.7, n=13)
69.7 fps -13%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
66 fps -18%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
57.8 fps -28%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
57.8 fps -28%
Far Cry 5
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T
Average of class Gaming
  (16 - 232, n=118, last 2 years)
134.4 fps +19%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
127 (94min - 165max) fps +12%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (93 - 137, n=26)
114.2 fps +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
113 (87min - 134max) fps
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
112 (84min - 156max) fps -1%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
111 fps -2%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T
Average of class Gaming
  (14 - 218, n=128, last 2 years)
125.8 fps +18%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
120 (95min - 154max) fps +12%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (89 - 140, n=36)
108.6 fps +1%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
107 (77min - 139max) fps 0%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
107 (82min - 127max) fps
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
103 fps -4%
Far Cry New Dawn - 1920x1080 High Preset
Average of class Gaming
  (89 - 145, n=5, last 2 years)
114.2 fps +11%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
103 (78min - 145max) fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (80 - 112, n=6)
102.5 fps 0%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
96 (74min - 139max) fps -7%
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
80 (62min) fps -22%
Strange Brigade
1920x1080 high AA:high AF:8
Average of class Gaming
  (17.5 - 465, n=193, last 2 years)
230 fps +41%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
221 (85.5min, 166P1 - 371max) fps +36%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
219 (143min, 164P1 - 355max) fps +34%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
204 (80.9min, 153P1 - 469max) fps +25%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (39.6 - 225, n=35)
182 fps +12%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
173 (121min, 124P1 - 267max) fps +6%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
163 (49.1min, 121P1 - 390max) fps
1920x1080 ultra AA:ultra AF:16
Average of class Gaming
  (14.6 - 421, n=232, last 2 years)
204 fps +43%
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
197 (83.8min, 141P1 - 294max) fps +38%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
192 (92.1min, 144P1 - 332max) fps +34%
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
179 (70.9min, 138P1 - 458max) fps +25%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (36.2 - 194, n=46)
159 fps +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
152 (107min, 110P1 - 256max) fps +6%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
143 (88.3min, 108P1 - 260max) fps
F1 2021
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:16x
Average of class Gaming
  (20.7 - 470, n=48, last 2 years)
222 fps +38%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
218 (171min, 114P1 - 254max) fps +35%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (66.1 - 256, n=16)
181 fps +12%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
161 (141min, 101P1 - 178max) fps
1920x1080 Ultra High Preset + Raytracing AA:T AF:16x
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
119 (98min, 80P1 - 131max) fps +30%
Average of class Gaming
  (13.5 - 271, n=69, last 2 years)
118.2 fps +30%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (33.1 - 123.1, n=23)
99.5 fps +9%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
91.2 (80min, 73P1 - 101max) fps
2560x1440 Ultra High Preset + Raytracing AA:T AF:16x
Average of class Gaming
  (30 - 204, n=44, last 2 years)
100.8 fps +50%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
89.8 (77min, 68P1 - 98max) fps +34%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (67.1 - 90.2, n=11)
82.7 fps +23%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
67.1 (59min, 58P1 - 74max) fps
3840x2160 Ultra High Preset + Raytracing AA:T AF:16x
Average of class Gaming
  (47.6 - 115.1, n=22, last 2 years)
71.6 fps +93%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (37.1 - 51.1, n=3)
46 fps +24%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
37.1 (32min, 28P1 - 42max) fps
F1 2020
1920x1080 High Preset AA:T AF:16x
Average of class Gaming
  (20 - 344, n=7, last 2 years)
214 fps +35%
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
207 (151min - 236max) fps +31%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (118 - 238, n=7)
183.9 fps +16%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
159 (145min - 170max) fps +1%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
158 (141min - 172max) fps
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
118 (106min) fps -25%
1920x1080 Ultra High Preset AA:T AF:16x
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, R7 5800H
173 (139min - 208max) fps +38%
Average of class Gaming
  (12.4 - 305, n=7, last 2 years)
170.5 fps +36%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  (97 - 173, n=7)
141.3 fps +13%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
132 (110min - 153max) fps +6%
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11800H
125 (103min - 146max) fps
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, i7-11370H
97 (88min) fps -22%

In the constant load test with "The Witcher 3," the frame rate drops fairly significantly in the first few minutes, before it levels out at around 70 FPS.

The Witcher 3 FPS Chart

0102030405060708090100110Tooltip
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU: Ø69.9 (64-81)
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE) R7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU: Ø86.5 (82-96)
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU: Ø107.9 (104-111)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU: Ø90.1 (87-93)
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR i7-11370H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU: Ø75.4 (72-78)
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021) i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU: Ø92.9 (88-101)
low med. high ultraQHD4K
GTA V (2015) 184 177 164 93.5
The Witcher 3 (2015) 381.1 263.4 122.1 80.9
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 164 140 131 122 109
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 161 105 75.7 56.2
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 115 98.9 79.7 80.2
Far Cry 5 (2018) 158 122 113 107
Strange Brigade (2018) 405 199 163 143
Far Cry New Dawn (2019) 133 108 103 91
F1 2020 (2020) 266 178 158 125
Cyberpunk 2077 1.0 (2020) 112.1 75.4 62 53.7
F1 2021 (2021) 276 179 161 91.2 67.1 37.1

Emissions - The MSI laptop gets loud and hot

Noise Emissions

In "normal" fan mode, the fans do not get extremely loud, but they will also never rev up to full speed on their own. This means that the laptop will overheat fairly quickly in some situations. On the other hand, if you use the key combination to set the fans to run at full speed, the loud noise of the gaming laptop can become quite annoying in the long run. So good headphones are a must for long gaming sessions. 

Noise Level

Idle
34 / 35 / 36 dB(A)
Load
48 / 49 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 25 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2039.749.839.838.845.1253744.241.235.940.8314548.149.742.847.9403334.63430.134.25028.326.940.840.730.36337.434.335.227.336.9802724.4251827.410025.620.420.417.226.212527.121.919.615.927.516027.324.22417.627.120029.522.520.819.728.725028.920.720.21527.731531.621.42113.930.740031.120.819.412.131.550031.422.320.712.629.763033.323.823.212.532.580032.422.522.511.832.9100036.526.825.912.236.1125039.127.627.512.338.5160041.628.227.61240.3200038.923.322.812.139.1250040.523.122.812.339.9315036.219.419.212.936400032.916.716.113.133.1500033.216.115.313.132.663003014.713.913.629.2800026.414.313.413.3251000021.713.813.11321.11250018.313.61312.9181600016.412.812.11215.5SPL48.835.334.825.148.2N5.921.90.65.7median 31.4median 21.4median 20.4median 12.9median 30.7Delta4.63.83.91.73.830.122.223.324.127.228.62829.230.331.231.832.134.83638.137.236.637.138.940.238.538.740.140.739.336.8332823.219.650.47.4median 36.64.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseMSI Katana GF66 11UG-220Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)

Temperature

In the stress test, the surface of the laptop became quite warm. When gaming, the temperature of the keyboard can become uncomfortable in the long run. However, the surface temperature also drops quickly if you take a break, and the surface already feels cool again after 10 minutes. The palm rests and the ClickPad of the laptop will never get hot under any circumstances. 

The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
Stress test
Stress test
Stress test
Stress test
Stress test
Stress test

Without revving up the fans to full speed, the CPU and GPU overheat fairly quickly in the stress test and are then throttled. There is some thermal throttling at times. We created the heat maps of the laptop during the first stress test. At that point, the performance plan in the UEFI was set to the balanced mode. In the second stress test, we used the performance mode in the UEFI. Overall, we determined that the graphics and processor temperatures were hardly impacted by this.  

After the second stress test, we ran the laptop for another 20 minutes with the fans running at maximum speed. During this time, the average temperatures of the CPU and GPU dropped by about 5 °C (9 °F) each.

Max. Load
 52 °C
126 F
56 °C
133 F
50 °C
122 F
 
 50 °C
122 F
54 °C
129 F
47 °C
117 F
 
 40 °C
104 F
34 °C
93 F
36 °C
97 F
 
Maximum: 56 °C = 133 F
Average: 46.6 °C = 116 F
48 °C
118 F
45 °C
113 F
49 °C
120 F
43 °C
109 F
45 °C
113 F
40 °C
104 F
31 °C
88 F
30 °C
86 F
27 °C
81 F
Maximum: 49 °C = 120 F
Average: 39.8 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  49 °C = 120 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-900
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 46.6 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 56 °C / 133 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.9 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(-) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 45.8 °C / 114 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(-) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 40 °C / 104 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-11.1 °C / -20 F).

Speakers

The speakers of the MSI GF66 sound quite tinny and are not particularly loud. If the fans run at full speed, the volume of the speakers is hardly sufficient. Fortunately, you can also connect external speakers via the audio port or Bluetooth. 

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2038.837.12535.937.53142.846.54030.134.65040.741.76327.341.4801831.510017.229.312515.935.116017.637.720019.738.62501547.931513.952.240012.154.750012.659.463012.562.980011.870.7100012.273.9125012.368.916001264.8200012.161.3250012.361.4315012.961.7400013.162.3500013.161.9630013.661.6800013.363.5100001359.91250012.959.6160001259.3SPL25.178N0.639.4median 12.9median 61.3Delta1.75.935.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.432.935.232.926.922.326.921.620.121.629.725.229.733.233.733.23733.7372822.42820.224.620.218.639.718.617.750.617.722.25822.216.758.516.713.263.513.214.165.414.111.270.611.210.873.710.810.866.810.810.660.610.611.36011.31156.31110.65510.611.259.211.211.464.611.411.565.311.511.752.911.711.85411.811.751.211.711.752.611.711.456.311.41151.31124.176.124.10.636.90.6median 11.5median 58median 11.525.92hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseMSI Katana GF66 11UG-220Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHzLenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (78 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 0.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (2.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 54% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 38% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 33% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 60% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE) audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (76.1 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 10.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 6.7% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | reduced highs - on average 5.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 44% of all tested devices in this class were better, 12% similar, 43% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 27% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 64% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Management - The powerful 90 Wh battery lasts for 9 hours at most

Power Consumption

The power consumption of the MSI GF66 gaming laptop is significantly below average, and the laptop is clearly more efficient here than most of its competitors.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 1.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 8 / 12 / 22 Watt
Load midlight 98 / 162 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
R7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
i7-11370H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU
Average of class Gaming
 
Power Consumption
-14%
-64%
6%
-61%
-34%
-44%
Idle Minimum *
8
10.45
-31%
23
-188%
9
-13%
19.5
-144%
15
-88%
13.8 ?(2 - 64, n=184, last 2 years)
-73%
Idle Average *
12
14.92
-24%
26
-117%
11
8%
23.3
-94%
17
-42%
19.1 ?(8 - 67, n=184, last 2 years)
-59%
Idle Maximum *
22
16.02
27%
34
-55%
16
27%
40.1
-82%
22
-0%
26.7 ?(9 - 101.1, n=184, last 2 years)
-21%
Load Average *
98
119.65
-22%
99
-1%
107
-9%
98.9
-1%
101
-3%
111.1 ?(32.1 - 202, n=184, last 2 years)
-13%
Witcher 3 ultra *
152
174.9
-15%
163
-7%
121
20%
174
-14%
195
-28%
Load Maximum *
162
187.26
-16%
190
-17%
162
-0%
214
-32%
230
-42%
250 ?(64.5 - 418, n=183, last 2 years)
-54%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption The Witcher 3

0102030405060708090100110120130140150Tooltip
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220: Ø152.5 (149-159)

Battery Life

With more than 5 hours while surfing and more than 9 hours of idle operation, the battery in the MSI laptop delivers fairly decent runtimes. Under full load, the 70 minutes of battery life are also decent, if you consider the high system performance. Overall, the current gaming laptops have gained some endurance. With these values, the GF66 laptop would still have achieved quite a good result last year, but currently this only places it in the middle of the field. 

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
9h 07min
WiFi Websurfing
5h 17min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 10min
MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, 90 Wh
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16ACH6H (82JQ001PGE)
R7 5800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, 80 Wh
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XD
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, 99 Wh
Asus TUF Dash F15 FX516PR
i7-11370H, GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU, 76 Wh
Razer Blade 15 Advanced (Mid 2021)
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, 80 Wh
SCHENKER XMG Neo 15 Tiger Lake
i7-11800H, GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, 93 Wh
Average of class Gaming
 
Battery Runtime
-2%
60%
74%
11%
69%
12%
Reader / Idle
547
548
0%
957
75%
540 ?(57 - 1290, n=87, last 2 years)
-1%
WiFi v1.3
317
420
32%
508
60%
544
72%
353
11%
338
7%
364 ?(57 - 745, n=187, last 2 years)
15%
Load
70
44
-37%
161
130%
85.5 ?(36 - 173, n=149, last 2 years)
22%
Witcher 3 ultra
131
81.6 ?(47 - 155, n=22, last 2 years)
H.264
352
391 ?(56 - 747, n=94, last 2 years)

Pros

+ robust case
+ discrete design
+ 144-Hz panel
+ upgrade options

Cons

- borderline small power supply
- wasted performance potential (keyword: TGP)
- few connection (no Thunderbolt, for example)
- high emissions under load

Verdict - Room for improvement

MSI GF66 11UG-220 provided by NBB.com (notebooksbilliger.de)
MSI GF66 11UG-220 provided by NBB.com (notebooksbilliger.de)

The MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 is a solid device for gaming. However, you will look in vain for any special performance or equipment characteristics in this laptop. On the other hand, it does not have to hide with its performance either. At least in the mobile PC area, the performance of the current Intel processors approaches that of the powerful AMD processors. With the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, you will at least get a decent gaming experience. 

Unfortunately, the MSI Katana GF66 does not develop its full potential.

The available software for the gaming laptop (at least on the German MSI homepage at the time of the test) leaves room for improvement. We would at least wish for a tool to control the performance without having to reboot the laptop. The drivers of the keyboard could also use some improvement. 

Particularly in the performance of the Nvidia chip, we can also think of some improvement by using a larger power supply. The performance of the graphics card is clearly hampered by the meager TGP of 85 watts.

However, we also come to the overall conclusion that the gaming laptop runs cleanly. Those who don't look at each frame in terms of the frame rates will be able to have some fun playing current games with the laptop without any problems.

Even though the price level of the laptop is still in the entry-level segment, the purchase price of currently about 1600 Euros (~$1891) is quite high for a laptop without Windows.

Price and Availability

The MSI Katana GF66 11UG-600 with an Intel Core i7 and Nvidia RTX 3050 is currently available from Amazon for $1699 in the US. 

MSI Katana GF66 11UG-220 - 09/13/2021 v7
Marc Herter

Chassis
71 / 98 → 73%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
78%
Connectivity
48 / 80 → 60%
Weight
61 / 10-66 → 92%
Battery
65 / 95 → 68%
Display
85%
Games Performance
92%
Application Performance
91%
Temperature
79 / 95 → 83%
Noise
64 / 90 → 71%
Audio
71%
Camera
35 / 85 → 41%
Average
70%
79%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > MSI Katana GF66 11UG review: A gaming laptop with wasted potential
Marc Herter, 2021-09-14 (Update: 2021-09-17)