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MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS Laptop Review: Premiere for the RTX 2070 Super

Fast graphics card meets fast display. The MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS aims to appeal to passionate gamers who are looking for a particularly powerful 15-inch laptop. A GeForce RTX 2070 Super (without Max-Q design) and a 240 Hz panel are included in the package.
MSI GE66 Raider

Those interested in the GE66 are spoilt for choice between three different basic versions. While the Raider 10SF comes with a GeForce RTX 2070, the Raider 10SFS has the Super version of the RTX 2070 built in. The top end of the food chain is formed by the Raider 10SGS, which is fueled by an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q. Depending on the model, either a Full HD screen with 144, 240 or 300 Hz or a UHD screen with 60 Hz takes care of the image reproduction. The processor is a six- or eight-core chip from Intel's Comet Lake series. The selection is rounded off by a maximum of 64 GB DDR4 RAM and up to two M.2 SSDs.

For our test configuration, which includes a 240 Hz panel, a Core i9-10980HK, a GeForce RTX 2070 Super, 2x 8 GB DDR4-3,200 RAM and a 1 TB SSD, you'd have to pay almost 2,700 Euros (~$3,090) at the moment.

MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS (GE66 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i9-10980HK 8 x 2.4 - 5.3 GHz, Comet Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 1140 MHz, Memory: 1750 MHz, GDDR6, ForceWare 446.14, Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, 2x 8 GB SO-DIMM DDR4-3200, Dual Channel, all slots occupied, max. 64 GB
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, Sharp LQ156M1JW03 (SHP14C5), IPS level, Full HD, glossy: no, 240 Hz
Mainboard
Intel HM470
Storage
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00, 1024 GB 
, NVMe-SSD, Slots: 2x M.2 Type 2280 (1 empty)
Soundcard
Realtek ALC298 @ Intel Comet Point PCH - cAVS
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm jack, Card Reader: SD,SDHC,SDXC
Networking
Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000/2500MBit/s), Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i 160MHz Wireless Network Adapter (201NGW) (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 23 x 358 x 267 ( = 0.91 x 14.09 x 10.51 in)
Battery
99.99 Wh, 6578 mAh Lithium-Polymer, 4 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: Full HD (1080p)
Additional features
Speakers: 2.0 Dynaudio, Keyboard: SteelSeries RGB, Keyboard Light: yes, 280 watts PSU, Dragon Center, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.428 kg ( = 85.65 oz / 5.35 pounds), Power Supply: 882 g ( = 31.11 oz / 1.94 pounds)
Price
2680 EUR
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Competitors of the GE66 Raider include other 15-inch gaming laptops based on the Core i9 and RTX 2070 such as the Asus Strix G531GW, the Eurocom Nightsky RX15 and the in-house GE65 Raider. These notebooks appear in the tables as comparison devices.

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
84.6 %
07/2020
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
2.4 kg23 mm15.60"1920x1080
84.7 %
12/2019
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
2.3 kg26.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
86 %
06/2019
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
2.3 kg25 mm15.60"1920x1080
85.9 %
08/2019
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
i9-9980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
2.5 kg29.9 mm15.60"3840x2160

Case

Visually, the GE66 differs very much from its 15-inch stablemate, the GE65. The form and design language are more oriented towards the 17-inch GT76 Titan, which we tested extensively in 2019. The gray lid stands out nicely from the rest of the surfaces, which are designed in a much darker color tone.

The numerous edges/curves and design elements make the GE66 look more playful than many of its MSI colleagues, which is of course a matter of taste. The LED strip on the laptop's front is particularly striking and can be illuminated in different colors to match the keyboard (or can be deactivated if desired). The case's workmanship and stability hardly give cause for criticism - except maybe for the LED strip that does not perfectly disappear into the frame.

MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider

The 15 incher cuts a fine figure in terms of quality. Apart from the lid (A-cover), the base unit's upper side (C-cover) is also made of metal. The laptop's weight of about 2.4 kg is on par with its rivals. The overall height turns out to be a bit lower than in the competition. The GE66 only reaches 2.3 cm instead of 2.5 cm to 3.0 cm. The base area size is about average (35.8 x 26.7 cm). Following the current trend, MSI uses a slim bezel design.

Size comparison

359 mm / 14.1 inch 258 mm / 10.2 inch 29.9 mm / 1.177 inch 2.5 kg5.49 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 275 mm / 10.8 inch 25 mm / 0.984 inch 2.3 kg5.12 lbs357.7 mm / 14.1 inch 248 mm / 9.76 inch 26.9 mm / 1.059 inch 2.3 kg5 lbs358 mm / 14.1 inch 267 mm / 10.5 inch 23 mm / 0.906 inch 2.4 kg5.35 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Ports

If you overlook the missing Thunderbolt 3 port, the connectivity is on a good level. MSI uses three Type-A sockets and two Type-C sockets as USB ports. Of the latter, one supports DisplayPort and the other supports the modern 3.2 Gen 2x2 standard (up to 20 Gb/s). External displays can also be connected to the dedicated Mini DisplayPort or the HDMI 2.0 output (4K @60 Hz). Additionally you will find an RJ45 port, an audio jack and a card reader.

Since the most important interfaces are located on the back, both left- and right-handed users don't have to worry about movement restrictions when using a mouse.

Left side: Kensington lock, USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2, 3.5 mm jack
Left side: Kensington lock, USB-A 3.1 Gen 2, USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2, 3.5 mm jack
Right side: USB-A 3.0, card reader, USB-A 3.0
Right side: USB-A 3.0, card reader, USB-A 3.0
Rear: mini-DisplayPort, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, RJ45-LAN, HDMI 2.0, power connector
Rear: mini-DisplayPort, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, RJ45-LAN, HDMI 2.0, power connector

SD card reader

The built-in SD card reader delivers very high transfer speeds. In our test with our reference card about 200 MB/s is right on par with the Eurocom Nightsky RX15. The GE65 9SF is far behind at almost 30 MB/s (USB 2.0 speed only).

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
190 MB/s
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
187.9 MB/s -1%
Average of class Gaming
  (19 - 202, n=104, last 2 years)
98.2 MB/s -48%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
25.9 MB/s -86%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
207.3 MB/s +3%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
202 MB/s
Average of class Gaming
  (26 - 269, n=95, last 2 years)
122.3 MB/s -39%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
29.8 MB/s -85%

Communication

The WLAN speed is also very convincing, although you can't compare the values here to the competition (we recently updated our router). From a distance of one meter, the GE66 achieved an average of 1,150 Mb/s (sending) and 1,670 Mb/s (receiving). No wonder, the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i is a cutting-edge wireless module. The E3100G, another very fast Killer product, is responsible for cable connections.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i 160MHz Wireless Network Adapter (201NGW)
1150 MBit/s
Average of class Gaming
  (450 - 1412, n=14, last 2 years)
1006 MBit/s -13%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
720 MBit/s -37%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
675 MBit/s -41%
iperf3 receive AX12
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i 160MHz Wireless Network Adapter (201NGW)
1670 MBit/s
Average of class Gaming
  (423 - 1700, n=14, last 2 years)
1203 MBit/s -28%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
688 MBit/s -59%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
680 MBit/s -59%

Webcam

Even though the webcam produces somewhat sharper images than many competitors, the quality offered does not do justice to the laptop's price.

ColorChecker
14.9 ∆E
15.2 ∆E
15.1 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
12.6 ∆E
7.2 ∆E
15.4 ∆E
14.4 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
12.4 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
10 ∆E
8.1 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
22.5 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
10.4 ∆E
13.2 ∆E
12.2 ∆E
8.1 ∆E
5 ∆E
ColorChecker MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS: 11.99 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 22.54 ∆E

Accessories

To ensure that the high-end components receive sufficient power, MSI includes a powerful 280-Watt power supply unit in the test configuration, which weighs almost 0.9 kg and measures 18 x 8.5 x 3.5 cm.

Maintenance

Maintenance is quite complicated. To lever the bottom of the case out of its anchorage, not only 11 screws have to be loosened but also the plastic strip behind the lid has to be removed. This procedure turns out to be a bit fiddly and is unnecessary in our opinion. Various other gaming laptops (also from MSI itself) show how it can be done more easily.

Anyway, the wireless module, two SO-DIMM banks and two M.2 slots of type 2280 (1x free) wait inside the case. Not surprisingly, the cooling system consists of two fans and several heatpipes. The front area of the GE66 is taken over by the huge battery.

MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider
MSI GE66 Raider

Warranty

MSI grants a 24-month warranty with pick-up & return service on the 15-inch model.

Input devices

Keyboard

The keyboard, which is tailored to gamers, offers a good and relatively well-defined typing feel that will satisfy most buyers. Worthy of discussion is - as so often with MSI - once again the layout. For one thing, the position of some keys deviates from the (German) standard (<>| & #'). On the other hand, there are some unfavorable combinations (F12 + Print, Del + Ins). The single-line Enter and the lack of a dedicated numeric keypad could also disturb frequent writers. In addition, the Fn key and the right Ctrl are very narrow and clumped together. So there is a lot of time required to get used to the GE66 keyboard. The stylish RGB-illumination, however, which can be adjusted individually (colors, modes etc.), is a plus.

SteelSeries keyboard...
SteelSeries keyboard...
...with RGB illumination
...with RGB illumination

Touchpad

With a width of 10.5 cm and a height of 6.5 cm, the touchpad is neatly dimensioned for a 15-inch device. The smooth finish ensures quick inputs, which are usually recognized cleanly and reliably. The same applies to the multi-touch support. Content can be comfortably zoomed and scrolled with a two-finger gesture. Since dedicated mouse buttons are missing, left and right clicks are triggered by pressing the bottom surface.

Display

As mentioned at the beginning, the test configuration boasts a 240 Hz display. In this case, MSI decided on the Sharp LQ156M1JW03 panel, which also does its work in the GE65 and has already attracted attention with a good performance there.

268
cd/m²
280
cd/m²
264
cd/m²
280
cd/m²
291
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
274
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
281
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Sharp LQ156M1JW03 (SHP14C5) tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 291 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 277.8 cd/m² Minimum: 15 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 291 cd/m²
Contrast: 1164:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.19 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.9 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
92% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
70% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
69.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
99% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.216
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Sharp LQ156M1JW03 (SHP14C5), IPS-Level, 1920x1080
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Sharp LQ156M1JW03, IPS, 1920x1080
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Sharp LQ156M1JW09 (SHP14D3), IPS, 1920x1080
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Samsung SDCA029, OLED, 3840x2160
Display
1%
-3%
30%
Display P3 Coverage
68
69.3
2%
66.2
-3%
99.9
47%
sRGB Coverage
99
98.9
0%
96.5
-3%
100
1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
69.8
70.7
1%
67.5
-3%
99.1
42%
Response Times
3%
-4%
20%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
16.4 ?(6.8, 7.6)
13.2 ?(7.2, 6)
20%
17.2 ?(9.2, 8)
-5%
2.4 ?(1.2, 1.2)
85%
Response Time Black / White *
10.4 ?(6, 4.4)
11.2 ?(6, 5.2)
-8%
11.2 ?(6.8, 4.4)
-8%
2.6 ?(1.3, 1.3)
75%
PWM Frequency
23580 ?(19)
23150 ?(19)
-2%
24040 ?(29)
2%
59.5 ?(100)
-100%
Screen
-19%
-14%
-107%
Brightness middle
291
277.4
-5%
266
-9%
414.9
43%
Brightness
278
264
-5%
252
-9%
404
45%
Brightness Distribution
91
90
-1%
88
-3%
88
-3%
Black Level *
0.25
0.24
4%
0.27
-8%
Contrast
1164
1156
-1%
985
-15%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.19
1.51
-27%
1.81
-52%
7.58
-537%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
3.04
4.93
-62%
3.23
-6%
14.85
-388%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.9
3.7
-95%
2.44
-28%
2.9
-53%
Gamma
2.216 99%
2.23 99%
2.42 91%
2.05 107%
CCT
7018 93%
7061 92%
7005 93%
6538 99%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
70
65.1
-7%
62
-11%
88.2
26%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
92
99.1
8%
97
5%
100
9%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.77
1.03
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-5% / -11%
-7% / -10%
-19% / -51%

* ... smaller is better

The GE66 inherits the strengths and weaknesses of the 15-inch screen. While the luminosity is only moderately impressive at around 280 cd/m², the contrast cracks the 1,000:1 mark due to the relatively low black value (0.25 cd/m²). The color accuracy also doesn't have to hide behind the competition. Thanks to the True Color software (the "sRGB" mode was tested), grayscales and colors are in the ideal range. Thus, subsequent calibration can be skipped.

CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Grayscales
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - Color saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscales (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)

When it comes to viewing angles, the GE66 is in line with typical IPS levels. In addition to the high frame rate, the response time is also impressive. According to our measurements, the 15-incher comes up to 10 ms black-to-white and 16 ms gray-to-gray.

MSI GE66 Raider vs sRGB (92%)
MSI GE66 Raider vs sRGB (92%)
Pixel grid
Pixel grid
MSI GE66 Raider vs AdobeRGB (70%)
MSI GE66 Raider vs AdobeRGB (70%)

That the screen flickers up to a brightness of 19% shouldn't be a problem even for sensitive people (see info window below). However, buyers have to live without G-Sync image enhancement. For a longer battery life, the GE66 offers Optimus technology.

Backlight
Backlight
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

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
10.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6 ms rise
↘ 4.4 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. » 22 % 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
16.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 6.8 ms rise
↘ 7.6 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 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 25 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 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 detected 23580 Hz ≤ 19 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 23580 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 19 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 23580 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Testing conditions

Tuning fans will be pleased with the extensive Dragon Center, which MSI preinstalls on its gaming laptops. Especially the tab "User Scenario" is worth mentioning, which contains several profiles. Our tests were conducted in "User" mode with "High" performance level and automatic fan speed. The determined results (performance, emissions, etc.) could deviate considerably in other modes.

Dragon Center
Dragon Center
Dragon Center
Dragon Center
Dragon Center
Dragon Center

Performance

Despite its compact dimensions, we would describe the GE66 Raider as a genuine high-end laptop that can definitely be used as a desktop replacement. Just like the eight-core processor, neither the 16 GB RAM nor the NVMe SSD should reach their performance limits quickly. The GeForce RTX 2070 Super is also an extremely good option for gamers.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWiNFO
AS SSD Benchmark
CrystalDiskMark

Processor

The more expensive variants of the GE66 are equipped with Intel's currently strongest laptop CPU, the Core i9-10980HK. The octa-core model from the Comet Lake generation offers 16 MB L3 cache, an open multiplier and becomes dangerous for the (in terms of price far more attractive) AMD eight-core Ryzen 7 4800H, which is built in the 7 nm process instead of the 14 nm process. Per SMT both chips can process up to 16 threads in parallel.

Single-core rendering
Single-core rendering
Multi-core rendering
Multi-core rendering
GPU load
GPU load

Intel lists 2.4 GHz as the base clock for the Core i9-10980HK. However, up to 5.3 GHz is possible under load thanks to the Turbo Boost function. What the GE66 gets out of the existing clock rate range, we have tested with Cinebench R15. While the single core test is performed at 4.2 to 5.0 GHz, the Comet Lake chip manages between 3.8 and 4.2 GHz under load on all cores.

095190285380475570665760855950104511401235133014251520161517101805Tooltip
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS Intel Core i9-10980HK, Intel Core i9-10980HK: Ø1610 (1581.15-1708.45)
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US Intel Core i9-9880H, Intel Core i9-9880H: Ø1496 (1486.55-1622.78)
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW Intel Core i9-9880H, Intel Core i9-9880H: Ø1267 (1239.62-1311.65)
Eurocom Nightsky RX15 Intel Core i9-9980HK, Intel Core i9-9980HK: Ø1490 (1469.51-1815.95)

Although the performance drops a bit in the course of the Cinebench loop - a common behavior for laptops - the GE66 overtakes the competing devices with Core i9-9980HK or Core i9-9880H processors in the long run. Overall, the turbo performance of the i9-10980HK is neither particularly good nor particularly bad.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (79.2 - 318, n=247, last 2 years)
265 Points +29%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
206 Points
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
202 Points -2%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
198 Points -4%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Intel Core i9-9880H
183 Points -11%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (400 - 5663, n=248, last 2 years)
2986 Points +75%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
1821 Points +7%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
1708 (1581.15min - 1708.45max) Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
1623 Points -5%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Intel Core i9-9880H
1401 Points -18%
Blender - v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
527 Seconds * -90%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
278 Seconds *
Average of class Gaming
  (87 - 1259, n=241, last 2 years)
208 Seconds * +25%
7-Zip 18.03
7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Gaming
  (2685 - 7581, n=242, last 2 years)
6034 MIPS +10%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
5463 MIPS
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
5367 MIPS -2%
7z b 4
Average of class Gaming
  (11386 - 140932, n=241, last 2 years)
74398 MIPS +58%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
46976 MIPS
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
43805 MIPS -7%
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (169 - 855, n=243, last 2 years)
690 Points +45%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
479 Points +1%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
476 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
474 Points 0%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (930 - 13769, n=243, last 2 years)
7152 Points +86%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
3843 Points
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
3795 Points -1%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
3505 Points -9%
Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (158 - 2193, n=246, last 2 years)
1786 Points +32%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
1352 Points
Multi-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (1946 - 22200, n=246, last 2 years)
13156 Points +62%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
8104 Points
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - 4k Preset
Average of class Gaming
  (3 - 37.6, n=245, last 2 years)
20.5 fps +58%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
13 fps
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Intel Core i9-9980HK
12.35 fps -5%
LibreOffice - 20 Documents To PDF
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
53.4 s *
Average of class Gaming
  (32.8 - 332, n=239, last 2 years)
49.6 s * +7%
R Benchmark 2.5 - Overall mean
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
0.564 sec *
Average of class Gaming
  (0.3609 - 4.47, n=242, last 2 years)
0.4753 sec * +16%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1708 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
134 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
206 Points
Help

System Performance

The system performance fully meets the expectations. Especially because of the very fast solid state drive, the operating system (Windows 10) responds very quickly.

PCMark 10 - Score
Average of class Gaming
  (4477 - 9852, n=208, last 2 years)
7531 Points +24%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
6452 Points +7%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9980HK, Samsung SSD 970 Pro 512GB
6283 Points +4%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
6053 Points
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H, Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
5826 Points -4%

DPC Latencies

MSI could improve a bit on the subject of latencies. According to LatencyMon the values are suboptimal. Our 4K YouTube video, however, ran perfectly.

Latencies
Latencies
Latencies
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
935 μs *

* ... smaller is better

Mass storage

SSDs based on PCIe or NVMe are now almost a must for gaming laptops. The 1 TB drive from WDC built into the GE66 can hold its own very well against the Samsung and Intel competition in CrystalDiskMark. No matter if reading or writing, large or small files: The PC SN730 leads the pack.

MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
Samsung SSD 970 Pro 512GB
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-9%
-18%
-3%
Write 4K
158.2
125.7
-21%
135
-15%
153
-3%
Read 4K
50.7
45.04
-11%
54.9
8%
60.5
19%
Write Seq
1790
2361
32%
1649
-8%
1938
8%
Read Seq
2469
1987
-20%
1449
-41%
1932
-22%
Write 4K Q32T1
503
407.1
-19%
508
1%
482.5
-4%
Read 4K Q32T1
579
537
-7%
559
-3%
594
3%
Write Seq Q32T1
3102
2398
-23%
1759
-43%
2324
-25%
Read Seq Q32T1
3413
3309
-3%
1826
-46%
3539
4%
WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3413 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 3102 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 579 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 503 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2469 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1790 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 50.7 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 158.2 MB/s

Continuous load read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

While most of the "Super"-laptops tested so far rely on a power-saving Max-Q chip, the GE66 10SFS comes with a full-fledged GeForce RTX 2070 Super. Compared to the old standard model, Nvidia has, among other things, increased the amount of shader units. So instead of 2,304 there are now 2,560 CUDA cores, which promises a certain performance plus. The GDDR6 video memory is once again 8 GB in size and connected via a 256-bit interface.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
43041 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
70601 points
3DMark 11 Performance
24989 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
50695 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
19884 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
8419 points
Help

On the benchmark course, the GE66 is positioned at the top of the field thanks to its somewhat faster GPU. Depending on the benchmark and device, the lead of the Super variant is between 4 and 30%.

3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (781 - 53059, n=250, last 2 years)
28955 Points +27%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
22836 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
20997 Points -8%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
20434 Points -11%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
18169 Points -20%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (224 - 22547, n=248, last 2 years)
11781 Points +41%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
8328 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
8028 Points -4%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
7754 Points -7%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
7006 Points -16%
2560x1440 Port Royal Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (280 - 14457, n=163, last 2 years)
7581 Points +52%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
5003 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
4346 Points -13%
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
4265 Points -15%
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Gaming
  (1029 - 72070, n=246, last 2 years)
39499 Points +30%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
30309 Points
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
26582 Points -12%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
25845 Points -15%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
23335 Points -23%

As you can see from the graph below, 3D performance remains fairly constant over time. During the 60-minute test with The Witcher 3, there were no performance drops or the like. The RTX 2070 Super's core clock rate leveled off at about 1,560 MHz on average (base clock: 1,140 MHz).

051015202530354045505560657075808590Tooltip
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-1T00: Ø84.5 (79-90)

Gaming Performance

The GE66 Raider is fast enough to run all the latest games in the native Full HD resolution (1920x1080) with maximum detail. Even extremely demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 are displayed with more than 40 FPS. 

The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Average of class Gaming
  (8.61 - 216, n=245, last 2 years)
114 fps +34%
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
85.1 (71min) fps
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9980HK
80.6 fps -5%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
78.4 fps -8%
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
67 (55min) fps -21%

With 2560x1440 pixels, the RTX 2070 Super would usually have no problems. It only gets tight in the 4K range, i.e. when using 3840x2160 pixels. In general, the performance leap from the RTX 2070 is measurable in games but is not always noticeable.

low med. high ultraQHD4K
GTA V (2015) 182 177 163 94
The Witcher 3 (2015) 268 161 85.1 57.6
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 155 141 133 126
Fortnite (2018) 164 156 129 93.4 47.9
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 121 91.1 37.7
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) 146 119 82.5 59.7 31.1
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 117 103 87
Monster Hunter World (2018) 130 120 98.9 63.9 32.1
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 123 118 108 73 37
Assassin´s Creed Odyssey (2018) 104 90 63 56 36
Hitman 2 (2018) 98.8 89.7 82.5 78.8 46.4
Battlefield V (2018) 166 152 141 110 62.7
Darksiders III (2018) 166 141 127 88.3 44
Just Cause 4 (2018) 162 119 105 75 41.2
Apex Legends (2019) 144 144 144 121 66.6
Far Cry New Dawn (2019) 111 104 94 89 50
Metro Exodus (2019) 112 82.7 65.5 54.4 31.9
Dirt Rally 2.0 (2019) 211 178 97.7 72.4
The Division 2 (2019) 150 124 87 61 32
Anno 1800 (2019) 116 90.4 51 44 23.9
Rage 2 (2019) 143 121 119 74.2 36.7
F1 2019 (2019) 203 178 170 116 73
Control (2019) 107 80.8 52.6 25.6
Borderlands 3 (2019) 127 92.1 70.6 49.8 26.8
FIFA 20 (2019) 280 267 264 262 211
Ghost Recon Breakpoint (2019) 115 101 75 55 32
GRID 2019 (2019) 160 119 80.7 70.2 47.2
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2019 (2019) 141 134 107 75.3 41.6
Need for Speed Heat (2019) 105 97 92.4 81.7 48.1
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order (2019) 119 114 108 84 42.5
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2019) 110 73.1 47.6 38.1 24.8
Escape from Tarkov (2020) 121 121 121 81 41.4
Hunt Showdown (2020) 136 113 74 34.1
Doom Eternal (2020) 198 176 170 118 61.6
Gears Tactics (2020) 215 144 103 64.5 33.3

Emissions

Noise emissions

The GE66 has to take criticism for its high noise level. Although the system works silently in places, every now and then the fans start up heavily (over 40 dB) while idling. 53 to 55 dB under load is also a statement and almost forces you to use headphones. However, in MSI's defense, the Asus Strix G531GW and the Eurocom Nightsky RX15 become similarly loud in 3D mode.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.236.236.935.638.72539.240.240.138.942.83131.732.630.729.438.74033.433.132.432.735.55032.938.936.23640.56332.237.630.731.637.3803028.126.626.833.710028.824.126.623.730.112526.525.225.323.628.41602926.627.426.331.22002925.925.122.930.425027.72523.120.929.631533.725.621.920.734.140034.728.229.820.736.450033.527.227.418.836.363034.428.321.818.237.380034.927.921.317.137.9100040.232.42516.841.5125041.132.923.617.642.1160043.935.624.41744.8200044.634.825.117.146.3250045.435.123.117.246.4315042.23320.217.343.6400040.827.420.817.142.7500040.327.219.717.342630034.924.418.417.136.5800030.721.217.817.233.61000029.619.317.917.232.41250028.718.717.817.230.61600021.517.917.71723.1SPL53.143.73529.854.5N84.12.21.39median 34.4median 27.2median 23.1median 17.3median 36.4Delta6.22.93.11.95.9hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseMSI GE66 Raider 10SFS

Noise Level

Idle
30 / 35 / 44 dB(A)
Load
53 / 55 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30 dB(A)
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
i9-9980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Average of class Gaming
 
Noise
7%
1%
8%
18%
off / environment *
30
28.8
4%
29
3%
28.2
6%
24.1 ?(19.5 - 29.9, n=194, last 2 years)
20%
Idle Minimum *
30
33
-10%
30
-0%
28.2
6%
25.6 ?(21.9 - 41.6, n=195, last 2 years)
15%
Idle Average *
35
33
6%
37
-6%
28.2
19%
27.4 ?(21.9 - 42.1, n=195, last 2 years)
22%
Idle Maximum *
44
33.1
25%
39
11%
31.7
28%
30.7 ?(21.9 - 47, n=195, last 2 years)
30%
Load Average *
53
38
28%
54
-2%
53.7
-1%
43.2 ?(25.2 - 62.9, n=195, last 2 years)
18%
Witcher 3 ultra *
53
52.9
-0%
54
-2%
53.7
-1%
Load Maximum *
55
57.8
-5%
54
2%
53.7
2%
53.2 ?(42.1 - 68.2, n=195, last 2 years)
3%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The word "unspectacular" fits the temperature development of the GE66. Both in the stress test with Furmark and Prime95 and in The Witcher 3 test, the CPU and GPU made themselves comfortable at around 70 to 80 °C (with short deviations to the top). The case doesn't get excessively hot either, although a maximum of 52 °C on the case bottom tends to advise against gaming sessions on the lap. The wrist-rest area stays quite cool in any situation (less than 35 °C).

The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3
Stress test
Stress test
Full load top
Full load top
Full load bottom
Full load bottom
Max. Load
 47 °C
117 F
48 °C
118 F
49 °C
120 F
 
 45 °C
113 F
47 °C
117 F
46 °C
115 F
 
 32 °C
90 F
32 °C
90 F
33 °C
91 F
 
Maximum: 49 °C = 120 F
Average: 42.1 °C = 108 F
52 °C
126 F
51 °C
124 F
52 °C
126 F
48 °C
118 F
51 °C
124 F
43 °C
109 F
32 °C
90 F
31 °C
88 F
33 °C
91 F
Maximum: 52 °C = 126 F
Average: 43.7 °C = 111 F
Power Supply (max.)  49 °C = 120 F | Room Temperature 23 °C = 73 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-900
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 42.1 °C / 108 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 49 °C / 120 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 52 °C / 126 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.1 °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 41.1 °C / 106 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34 °C / 93.2 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-5.1 °C / -9.2 F).
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
i9-9980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Average of class Gaming
 
Heat
-3%
-0%
-4%
2%
Maximum Upper Side *
49
45
8%
51
-4%
40.2
18%
46.3 ?(28.2 - 61, n=194, last 2 years)
6%
Maximum Bottom *
52
53
-2%
49
6%
53
-2%
49.7 ?(30 - 66.3, n=194, last 2 years)
4%
Idle Upper Side *
30
31.2
-4%
30
-0%
34.2
-14%
31.5 ?(21.2 - 43, n=194, last 2 years)
-5%
Idle Bottom *
34
39
-15%
35
-3%
39.6
-16%
32.7 ?(22.6 - 45, n=194, last 2 years)
4%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

The sound quality is somewhat disappointing considering the laptop's price. Even cheap external solutions should provide a better sound. Our audio analysis sees room for improvement in almost every segment (lows, mids, highs). Especially at higher volumes, the speakers, which are placed behind the side surfaces, tend to fray and produce a tinny sound image.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2035.6342538.9373129.431.84032.732.2503634.86331.634.88026.827.210023.726.912523.627.616026.329.820022.932.125020.938.131520.743.740020.751.450018.860.163018.268.180017.170.2100016.872.7125017.674.116001772.6200017.175250017.273.8315017.368.7400017.171.7500017.370.3630017.175.6800017.265.41000017.261.41250017.264.5160001762.5SPL29.884N1.356.9median 17.3median 65.4Delta1.912.639.745.439.739.841.339.840.537.140.542.333.642.342.333.442.344.533.544.544.334.644.348.332.748.354.132.654.159.532.359.559.830.959.862.83062.871.431.471.474.729.674.773.12973.180.52980.580.928.680.983.228.283.283.328.583.381.829.481.883.728.383.778.627.978.680.52880.580.827.980.88127.68177.327.577.38127.78177.727.577.779.927.479.974.927.874.99340.593103.63.9103.6median 79.9median 28.5median 79.951.25hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseMSI GE66 Raider 10SFSMSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (84 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 32.4% lower than median
(+) | bass is linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.3% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (8.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (26.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 92% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 7% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 79% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 17% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (93 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.5% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.4% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (15.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 33% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 61% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 19% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 77% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power management

Power consumption

The graphics switching ensures low power consumption while idling. With 6 to 25 watts, the GE66 is more efficient than the competition, which in part exceeds 30 watts. Under load, the RTX-2070 laptops are closer together. Here the MSI needs between 108 and 280 watts. Thus, the power supply unit is sufficient.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 6 / 14 / 25 Watt
Load midlight 108 / 280 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 GE66 Raider 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
i9-9980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
Average of class Gaming
 
Power Consumption
-26%
-95%
-34%
-32%
Idle Minimum *
6
15
-150%
29
-383%
12.6
-110%
13.7 ?(2 - 64, n=191, last 2 years)
-128%
Idle Average *
14
18.5
-32%
32
-129%
21.4
-53%
18.9 ?(6.5 - 67, n=191, last 2 years)
-35%
Idle Maximum *
25
20.2
19%
37
-48%
34.4
-38%
26.5 ?(9 - 101.1, n=191, last 2 years)
-6%
Load Average *
108
110.9
-3%
157
-45%
123.2
-14%
111.7 ?(32.1 - 202, n=191, last 2 years)
-3%
Witcher 3 ultra *
195
187.3
4%
173
11%
192.4
1%
Load Maximum *
280
260
7%
217
22%
246.6
12%
249 ?(64.5 - 418, n=190, last 2 years)
11%

* ... smaller is better

Battery life

One of the biggest highlights of the laptop is the gigantic battery. With 99.9 Wh, the opponents can't even begin to compete (51 to 66 Wh). Despite the Optimus technology and the ample battery capacity, the GE66 is not an ultra long runner, though. More than 7.5 hours can hardly be squeezed out of the device. The system lasted about 6 hours without a power supply in our WLAN test with medium brightness. The 3D performance drops by a good 40% in battery mode (tested with The Witcher 3) - a typical value.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
7h 34min
WiFi Websurfing
6h 04min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 46min
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, 99.99 Wh
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 51 Wh
Asus Strix Scar III G531GW
i9-9880H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 66 Wh
Eurocom Nightsky RX15
i9-9980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 62 Wh
Average of class Gaming
 
Battery Runtime
-42%
-34%
-43%
1%
Reader / Idle
454
371
-18%
328
-28%
548 ?(57 - 1290, n=90, last 2 years)
21%
WiFi v1.3
364
216
-41%
177
-51%
206
-43%
366 ?(57 - 745, n=191, last 2 years)
1%
Load
106
35
-67%
81
-24%
86 ?(36 - 173, n=155, last 2 years)
-19%

Pros

+ sturdy and compact housing
+ large variety of connections
+ very good performance
+ 240 Hz display
+ strong battery

Cons

- keyboard layout that takes getting used to
- extremely loud in 3D mode
- massive power supply
- moderate sound

Verdict

MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS, test device provided by MSI Germany.
MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS, test device provided by MSI Germany.

With the GE66 Raider 10SFS, MSI offers a compact and very high-performance 15-inch gamer that not only appeals to lighting fans (LED strips on the front) but also supporters of fast displays.

The 240 Hz screen could be a bit brighter, but it otherwise convinces in almost all categories. You also don't have to worry about 3D power. The Super version of the GeForce RTX 2070 brings high levels of performance. Further selling points are the 99 Wh battery, the ample connectivity (whereby there is unfortunately no Thunderbolt 3 port), and the excellent chassis.

It's not quite enough for a "Very Good" as an overall mark due to the steep noise development, the modest webcam, and the poor speakers.

MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS - 07/05/2020 v7
Florian Glaser

Chassis
81 / 98 → 83%
Keyboard
81%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
68 / 80 → 85%
Weight
60 / 10-66 → 90%
Battery
69 / 95 → 73%
Display
88%
Games Performance
95%
Application Performance
93%
Temperature
83 / 95 → 87%
Noise
55 / 90 → 61%
Audio
70%
Camera
45 / 85 → 52%
Average
76%
85%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > MSI GE66 Raider 10SFS Laptop Review: Premiere for the RTX 2070 Super
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