Notebookcheck Logo

Review MSI S30-i3U465 Slim Notebook

Slim, sleek and chic, MSI want you to make their subnotebook your daily companion. Clad completely in white, it should even be appropriate for the fashion-conscious "cosmopolitan ladies". Our test exposes whether the device performs well and for whom it is suitable. We can reveal this much: the S30 is really swift.

For the original German review, see here.

MSI expands it S-series laptop product line with two slim models. The S20-i541 UltraSlider ultrabook, which is a two-in-one device (ultrabook and tablet PC), and the S30-i3U465 Slim. We introduced the former in another test report. This review is to test the subnotebook's everyday suitability. To compare the quality and performance, we used the AMD based Samsung 535U4C, the Intel based Asus VivoBook S300CA, the Acer Aspire S3-391 and, as a somewhat higher quality model, the AMD based Asus VivoBook U38DT.

Case

MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
Transparent display lid
Transparent display lid
Stickers on keyboard, touchpad and wrist rest
Stickers on keyboard, touchpad and wrist rest
Small, compact PSU
Small, compact PSU

The S30-i3U465 is not the slimmest of its kind at 22.8 millimeters. All the contenders are thinner. Acer's Aspire S3-391-53314G52add is the slimmest at only 17.5 millimeters. However, our test device does a better job in weight. It is in second place with 1400 grams, right after the 1360 grams of Acer's Aspire S3-391. Samsung's Series 5 535U4C weighs the most with 1840 grams. That is a difference of 31%.

The subnotebook's casing is made of glossy white plastic. The lid features a chic pattern of small, light gray circles. MSI's logo in the center is highlighted in silver. The lid yields under pressure and warps easily. The material is so thin that it shines through from the inside in the dark and the innards, so the screen and cables become visible.

Two hinges firmly connect the display lid to the lower part. It cannot be opened with one hand. However, the display wobbles when opened. This prevents working properly on even slightly shaky surfaces.

The wrist rest, display bezel and keyboard rim are comprised of matte white plastic. However, the keyboard inlay is made of high-gloss white plastic. The subnotebook's bottom is also white and features a hinted metal-like effect. A plastic silver border separates the top and bottom.

The S30-i3U465's bottom part generally makes a better build impression than the display lid. The wrist rest yields marginally on the right. This area is nevertheless stiff enough to carry the opened subnotebook in one hand. The area left of the touchpad is more pliable. The keyboard also gives away under pressure. This yielding is greatest toward the center.

A lot of stickers have been adhered to the wrist rest. A large silver sticker with specifications about the subnotebook's hardware and software almost covers the entire free surface. Perhaps it is to block the waste heat a bit, which is discharged to the front directly beneath that and thus prevent an unpleasant warming on the wrist rest.

The included power supply unit features an agreeable, compact size with a height of just 25 millimeters, a length of 88 millimeters and a width of 35 millimeters. Unfortunately, the two-pin grounded plug is unwieldy in comparison.

Connectivity

There are not particularly many interfaces although they are within the standard scope for a subnotebook. The back left sports the ports for VGA, Gigabit LAN and HDMI. The plugs have enough room. The front left also harbors the card reader for SDHC, SD, SDXC and MMC cards. Regrettably, it has been placed so low that the cards can only be inserted when the subnotebook is tilted a bit. The USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 port, microphone, headphone and power socket are cramped on the right. There is only enough room for small plugs should all the ports be needed. At least there is enough elbowroom for right-handed users when the included mouse is used. MSI's S30-i3U465 does not have an optical drive. Only Samsung's 535U4C can score with an optical drive, which is reflected in the weight of 1840 grams.

Front: No interfaces, status LEDs
Front: No interfaces, status LEDs
Left: VGA, GBit LAN, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader
Left: VGA, GBit LAN, HDMI, 4-in-1 card reader
Right: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, headphone, microphone and power socket
Right: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, headphone, microphone and power socket
Rear: No interfaces
Rear: No interfaces

Communication

In addition to Bluetooth 4.0, MSI's S30 also supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n by means of Intel's Centrino Wireless-N 135 and Gigabit LAN via Realtek's PCIe GBE Family Controller. The Wi-Fi modules' reception was excellent at a distance of three meters. It was still good in the upper story (10 m) and outdoors at 15 m and satisfactory at 40 m.

MSI touts the webcam installed in the display's bezel as an HD web camera featuring "smooth video broadcast" and specifies a resolution of 1280x800 pixels at 30 fps (frames per second). In contrast to many webcams, the resolution is really supposed to be in the area of the promised pixels. The test proved that the webcam installed in the test device actually provided the promised resolution. Thus, even small details can be captured in the picture or shown to a video-partner via the webcam. Unfortunately, the poor color reproduction narrows this good impression. The picture has a heavy bluish cast and pictures sometimes look overexposed.

Software

MSI preinstalls Windows 8 on its S30-i30U465. There is also a recovery version on the subnotebook. It can be used for resetting the device to state of delivery or repairing the system by pressing the F3 key while booting. Besides that, several apps are pre-installed, e.g. Skype or Music Make Jam from Magix.

Accessories

In addition to the usual accessories, such as a quick start guide and warranty specifications, the S30-i30U465 comes with a driver CD, user's manual and a collection of programs as well as an optical mouse that can be connected to the subnotebook via USB 2.0. The CD cannot be used without an optical drive and has to be copied first from another computer or external drive (not included) onto a USB stick or a memory card. An SD card containing this data would have made more sense.

Maintenance

It is not possible for "normal" users to upgrade the memory or replace the hard drive. According to MSI's manual, an authorized dealer or customer care advisor should be consulted. The fan cannot be accessed for cleaning purposes either.

Warranty

MSI includes a two year manufacturer's warranty with pick-up & return service on its laptops ex-factory. It can be upgraded to three years for 139 Euros (~$184) on MSI's webpage.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard in the S30 is a standard, chiclet-style unit with 103 keys and no number pad. The keys are slightly curved horizontally and have a matte surface. The drop is quite short. The keyboard can be described as pleasant due to its accurate pressure point and quiet click noise. We favorably noticed that no keys are extremely small. The arrow keys feature the same size as the letter keys with 14 x 14 millimeters. Only the function keys are somewhat narrower with 14 x 10 millimeters, but that does not have a negative effect.

Touchpad

The touchpad does not have dedicated mouse keys and MSI sells this as the latest innovation. This design is also known as Clickpad. The pad is lowered into the wrist rest and separated by a silver rim. Its surface is lightly roughened and allows the fingers to glide agreeably over it. The gained space created by the omitted mouse keys cannot compensate for their absence. Users who are accustomed to feeling the difference between the left and right mouse keys will have difficulties distinguishing this on the S30-i3U465. The touchpad accepts clicks over its entire surface. Right clicking needs quite a bit of effort. The pad acknowledges clicks with a loud feedback. Finger gestures were implemented accurately and even slight gestures were accepted. Left clicks can also be implemented by lightly tapping on the touchpad. It is difficult to use the right mouse key without moving the cursor. Fortunately, an additional mouse is included. Thus, it is possible to deal with tasks and play games that require two mouse keys. Acer's Aspire S3-391 also uses a Clickpad.

Chiclet-style keyboard
Chiclet-style keyboard
Touchpad without mouse keys
Touchpad without mouse keys

Display

MSI installs a 13.3-inch glare screen with a native resolution of 1366x768 pixels in its S30-i3U465. To be precise, it is the B133XW01V2 panel. MSI does not offer other screen models for our test device. The brightness can be set in eleven levels ranging from a maximum of 246 cd/m² to almost complete darkness. Its average brightness is 221 cd/m². The brightness is sufficient for indoor use. The illumination of only 78% lags approximately 10% behind the contenders and it could also have been more homogeneous.

243
cd/m²
246
cd/m²
237
cd/m²
217
cd/m²
222
cd/m²
217
cd/m²
205
cd/m²
192
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
B133XW01V2 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 246 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 221 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 78 %
Center on Battery: 136 cd/m²
Contrast: 444:1 (Black: 0.5 cd/m²)44.57% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
43.46% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim vs. sRGB
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim vs. sRGB

The picture makes a high-contrast and focused impression. With a black value of 0.5 cd/m² and contrast ratio of 444:1, MSI's S30-i3U465 clearly has the lead on the contenders from Samsung and Acer. Samsung's 535U4C only achieves a black value of 2.21 cd/m² and contrast of 151:1. The Aspire S3-391's rates are just as middling with a black value of 1.91 cd/m² and contrast of 551:1. The screen in Asus' VivoBook S300CA subnotebook is clearly in the lead and reaches an impressive black value of 0.35 cd/m² at a contrast of 611:1.

As is common for screens from this price range, the color space cannot be satisfied in comparison with the sRGB reference color spectrum. It clearly drifts into blue. The color accuracy is not sufficient for professional image editing. However, the color reproduction is adequate for normal users who deal with office applications, videos and games.

CalMan Grayscale
CalMan Grayscale
CalMan Color Saturation
CalMan Color Saturation
CalMan Color-Checker
CalMan Color-Checker

MSI's subnotebook is virtually unusable outdoors due to its low brightness of just 136 cd/m² in battery mode and its reflective screen. The content can only be recognized clearly in deep shade and as dark as possible background.

Outdoors in the shade of a tree
Outdoors in the shade of a tree
Outdoors: direct sun
Outdoors: direct sun
Viewing angles: MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
Viewing angles: MSI S30-i3U465 Slim

The viewing angles of our test device are very tight. The contrast deteriorates massively when the vertical or horizontal angle is altered and the picture looks unfocused and overexposed. The colors invert in larger horizontal changes. Looking at pictures or vacation videos with others is not really possible.

Performance

MSI only has the S30-i3U465 Slim available in the configuration present. It sports an Intel Core i3 processor from the third generation alongside the processor-integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. MSI advertises the S30 as a multimedia subnotebook for daily use on the go and at home.

System info: AS SSD Benchmark der SSD
System info: AS SSD Benchmark der HDD
System info: CPUZ Chaches
System info: CPUZ CPU
System info: CPUZ Graphics
System info: CPUZ Mainboard
System info: CPUZ Memory
System info: CPUZ SPD
System info: GPUZ Graphics Card
System info: GPUZ Sensors
System info: HWINFO
 
System information: MSI S30-i3U465 Slim

Processor

Stress test via Furmark and Prime95
Stress test via Furmark and Prime95

MSI installs an ultra-low voltage dual-core processor in our S30 test device. Intel's Core i3-3217U is used. As expected, the i3's performance is lower than that of the i5. Thus, the test results of Acer's Aspire S3-391-53314G52add are much better because it is powered by Intel's Core i5-3317U. However, in the Cinebench R11.5 test our test device achieved the same scores as the Asus VivoBook S300CA contender, which also sports a Core i3-3214U. Asus' VivoBook U38DT (AMD A8-4555M) and Samsung's Series 5 535U4C (AMD A6-4455M) lag behind our test device by 50%.

The temperature management works well for the installed CPU. The waste heat was successfully discharged so that throttling did not occur. The CPU's 1795 MHz also remained stable in the stress test during full load via Furmark and Prime95.

The CPU's performance was also available without significant losses in battery mode without the PSU.

Cinebench R11.5 - CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
1.78 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
1.78 Points 0%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
2.4 Points +35%
Samsung 535U4C
0.85 Points -52%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
0.78 Points -56%
Cinebench R10 - Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
3172 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
3079 Points -3%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
4333 Points +37%
Samsung 535U4C
2602 Points -18%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1593 Points -50%

Legend

 
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim Intel Core i3-3217U, Intel HD Graphics 4000, SanDisk U100 64 GB
 
Asus VivoBook S300CA Intel Core i3-3217U, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380
 
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add Intel Core i5-3317U, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E380 + 20 GB SSD Cache
 
Samsung 535U4C AMD A6-4455M, AMD Radeon HD 7550M, Hitachi Travelstar 5K750 HTS547550A9E384
 
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H AMD A8-4555M, AMD Radeon HD 8550M, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3172 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
6802 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
4430 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2522
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
5512
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4321
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
1.78 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
12.2 fps
Help

System Performance

Windows 8 runs swiftly on the MSI subjectively. Not even 8 seconds pass from turning on the laptop until the start screen appears. Waking up from standby is also swift with 2 seconds. Programs that are installed on the SSD load fast and process data very smoothly. The use of an SSD (solid state drive) as the primary hard drive for the operating system and frequently used applications fully shows its advantage. This is also reflected in the scores of our PCMark 7 and PCMark Vantage benchmarks. The competition is left standing. However, the drawback is that the user has to take care to install programs on the right partition. The 64 GB SSD is soon filled and then even simple driver updates could be a farce. The "custom" option has to be checked for every installation in order to set the right partition. However, when frequently used programs and their caching are stored on the SSD users will be more than pleased about the speed that MSI's S30-i3U465 exhibits.

4.8
Windows 8 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
6.3
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4.8
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.2
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
7.4
PCMark Vantage Result
7565 points
PCMark 7 Score
3340 points
Help
PCMark 7
System Storage (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
3869 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
1465 Points -62%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
2082 Points -46%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1540 Points -60%
Computation (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
11000 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
12091 Points +10%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
11920 Points +8%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
3742 Points -66%
Creativity (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
6198 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
4649 Points -25%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
4705 Points -24%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
2916 Points -53%
Entertainment (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
2692 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
2237 Points -17%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
2373 Points -12%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1986 Points -26%
Productivity (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
2537 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
618 Points -76%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
1485 Points -41%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
952 Points -62%
Lightweight (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
3264 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
1084 Points -67%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
1901 Points -42%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1485 Points -55%
Score (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
3340 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
2173 Points -35%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
2656 Points -20%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1714 Points -49%

Storage Devices

CrystalDiskMark: U100 SSD 64 GB from SanDisk
CrystalDiskMark: U100 SSD 64 GB from SanDisk
CrystalDiskMark: WD5000LPVT 500 GB von Western Digital
CrystalDiskMark: WD5000LPVT 500 GB von Western Digital

A U100 SSD from SanDisk with a nominal capacity of 64 GB is installed in our test device. Fortunately, only 600 MB is reserved for one of the recovery partitions. The remaining 18 GB for the recovery partitions is on the second conventional hard drive. That is a 500 GB Western Digital WD5000LPVT from the WD Scorpio Blue series. Thus, the user effectively has over 550 real GB available for the operating system, programs and data.

Although the SanDisk offers a considerable speed advantage over conventional hard drives in terms of access time, it is exactly these access times that are not awe-inspiring in the category comparison. The U100 SSD 64 GB needs 0.4 milliseconds for read and over 0.6 milliseconds for write access. Good rates would be 0.1 milliseconds for read and at most 0.3 milliseconds for write access. The rates in random read and write of 4K blocks are even more astonishing. Almost 11 MB/s in read and only 3.7 MB/s are achieved in write. The write rates are thus at the lower end of the performance scale.

The WD5000LPVT spins at 5400 revolutions per minute and shows good read access times with 17.3 milliseconds as well as decent data rates with 87.3 MB/s. Interestingly, the competition does not use superior HDDs. Thus, our test device can score throughout in the field of storage devices.

Acer's Aspire S3-391 features a 20 GB SSD cache besides the HDD.

SanDisk U100 64 GB
Transfer Rate Minimum: 274.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 306.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 298.8 MB/s
Access Time: 0.435 ms
Burst Rate: 91.3 MB/s
CPU Usage: 3.2 %

Graphics Card

MSI relies on the processor-integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 for its S30-i3U465 Slim subnotebook. With a default clock of 350 MHz and a Turbo Boost of up to 950 MHz, this graphics card does not feature a dedicated memory and shares it with the processor.

The scores in the latest 3DMark benchmark did not disclose any surprises. Our test device is on a par with other HD Graphics 4000 configurations with 554 points in 3DMark 11. The core clock of 950 MHz is maintained as long as the graphics card's temperature does not exceed 70 °C in Turbo Boost. However, these high temperatures were only reached during extreme load in our stress tests or in the Cinebench benchmarks. The HD Graphics 4000's maximum possible core clock of 1050 (in the i3-3217U according to Intel) was never achieved and 950 MHz was never surpassed.

Contenders that also feature a processor-integrated graphics card like our test device achieve similar scores. These would be Asus' VivoBook S300CA and Acer's Aspire S3-391-53314G52add. Samsung's Series 5 535U4C can score considerably with its dual-card solution after a driver update to Catalyst version 12.8. It achieves 1159 points in 3DMark 11 because the integrated AMD Radeon HD 7500G and the dedicated AMD Radeon HD 7550M share tasks. The dual-card solution in Asus' VivoBook U38DT does the best job. 1242 points is achieved in 3DMark 11 with its dedicated Radeon HD 8550M. It is possible to select the integrated Radeon HD 7600G for more basic tasks. To what degree the advantage in 3DMark 11 affects the gaming performance can be read in our gaming benchmark further below.

MSI's subnotebook can use its full graphics power in battery mode without the PSU. It also keeps the Turbo Boost upright for a longer time because the high temperatures produced by the CPU are not reached as quickly.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
4291 points
3DMark 11 Performance
554 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
27566 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
2950 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
416 points
Help
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance Combined (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
519 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
456 Points -12%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
351 Points -32%
Samsung 535U4C
698 Points +34%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1058 Points +104%
1280x720 Performance GPU (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
485 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
493 Points +2%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
374 Points -23%
Samsung 535U4C
739 Points +52%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1307 Points +169%
1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
554 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
551 Points -1%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
421 Points -24%
Samsung 535U4C
780 Points +41%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
1242 Points +124%
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value)
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
4291 Points
Asus VivoBook S300CA
3356 Points -22%
Acer Aspire S3-391-53314G52add
2888 Points -33%
Samsung 535U4C
4804 Points +12%
Asus VivoBook U38DT-R3001H
4700 Points +10%

Gaming Performance

Downright gaming entertainment cannot be expected from an integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics card. Only games with a similar demand on the graphics card as FIFA 13 can be played in high resolutions. The Asus VivoBook U38DT and Samsung Series 5 535U4C can reproduce a few extra frames per second with the dedicated graphics card. Games like Counter Strike: GO or Anno 2070 can only be rendered in low graphics resolutions. Consequently, gamers will not experience real gaming fun.

low med. high ultra
Anno 2070 (2011) 35 17.65 11.8
Counter-Strike: GO (2012) 55.3 35.53 21.33
Fifa 13 (2012) 67.2 55.3 34.81

Emissions

System Noise

MSI's S30-i3U465 Slim can be called quiet in idle mode. Only a quiet clacking from the HDD is occasionally heard when it starts to spin. The fan is enabled right after the CPU and / or GPU is demanded. It reaches a noise level of 44 decibels in heavy load, for example, when playing some games or video editing.

Noise Level

Idle
31 / 31 / 32.5 dB(A)
HDD
31.2 dB(A)
Load
34.7 / 44 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

The S30 always remains cool in routine office use. It is even possible to use it on the lap as long as the fan is not spinning. However, hot air blows on the left thigh when the fan is enabled due to a higher performance demand. The fan reaches a maximum of 39.7 °C then, which is very unpleasant over a longer time. Regrettably, MSI opted for a waste air outlet toward the lower left front in its subnotebook. The fact that the wrist rest mostly has a pleasant temperature and does not exceed 33.4 °C does not compensate for that either. It is not possible to use the device on the thighs for a long time for demanding work or conversations, which load the CPU and / or GPU, e.g. watching videos on YouTube. That is actually not a good selling point for a subnotebook.

Max. Load
 24.9 °C
77 F
25.6 °C
78 F
25.1 °C
77 F
 
 24.3 °C
76 F
26 °C
79 F
25.5 °C
78 F
 
 33.4 °C
92 F
34.2 °C
94 F
27 °C
81 F
 
Maximum: 34.2 °C = 94 F
Average: 27.3 °C = 81 F
27.3 °C
81 F
28 °C
82 F
29.3 °C
85 F
27.1 °C
81 F
36.2 °C
97 F
34 °C
93 F
26.6 °C
80 F
37 °C
99 F
39.7 °C
103 F
Maximum: 39.7 °C = 103 F
Average: 31.7 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  46 °C = 115 F | Room Temperature 21.6 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.3 °C / 81 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 34.2 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.7 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.7 °C / 73 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (34.2 °C / 93.6 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-5.9 °C / -10.7 F).

Speakers

We have gotten used to the fact that the sound from subnotebook and laptop speakers do not awe with great depth. However, we were surprised that the speakers in MSI's S30 test device render such a flat sound. The sound from our test device is characterized by extreme trebles, flat mids and virtually no bass. In view of the unsatisfactory sound, the fairly low volume is no problem. Consequently, headphones or a stereo system should be used for a decent sound experience.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The power consumption is generally very exemplary. Only 0.1 watts is consumed in a deactivated state and 0.2 watts in standby. Samsung's Series 5 535U4C and Asus' VivoBook S300CA need 0.5 watts and 0.4 watts respectively, in standby. Our S30-i3U465 is also modest when idling and consumes a consistent maximum of 10.7 watts. A maximum of 27.1 watts is used during load. Consequently, the 39.9 watt power supply provided enough energy for all work scenarios.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.2 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 7 / 9.5 / 10.7 Watt
Load midlight 19.8 / 27.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
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.

Battery Runtime

According to MSI's website, the S30 has a maximum runtime of 10 hours. It wholeheartedly acclaims that the battery runtime will last for a whole day on the road. However, it looks different in real life. The battery lasted for just 5 hours in our Battery Eater's Reader's test with minimum screen brightness and disabled Wi-Fi. The battery still lasted for 3 hours and 13 minutes in an everyday scenario where the subnotebook only had little work, such as internet browsing via our Wi-Fi test. This is far from enough for a whole day away from the desk. The battery is too weak for a long movie. It did not last for more than 1 hour and 33 minutes. We cannot explain how this difference to the 10 hours of runtime specified by MSI and the 5 hours that we achieved evolve. The screen brightness can be reduced one level, which we did, but then it is de facto dark and nothing can be recognized.

The 32 watt hour battery is too small to really last a whole day. The 2 hours and 25 minutes needed for recharging is not exactly short either.

Samsung's Series 5 535U4C and Asus' VivoBook S300CA achieve a runtime of 4 hours and 30 minutes in the Wi-Fi test. The other contenders last for not quite 4 hours.

Battery Eater: Reader's test
Battery Eater: Reader's test
Battery Eater: Wi-Fi test
Battery Eater: Wi-Fi test
Battery Eater: Recharging time
Battery Eater: Recharging time
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
5h 05min
WiFi Surfing
3h 13min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 33min

Verdict

MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
MSI S30-i3U465 Slim

MSI's S30-i3U465 Slim could be quite enticing as a swift laptop. It looks chic, clad completely in white and it is not too heavy with a weight of 1400 grams. Unfortunately, exceptionally high-quality materials were not used so that the display lid even lets light shine through the panel. Another drawback is that the fan outlet blows out the waste heat from the lower left front at almost 40 °C. This restricts the time for working with the subnotebook on the lap.

We particularly deem that the basically high mobility of the compact 13-incher is primarily limited by the short battery runtime and the screen's low brightness in battery mode. Buyers who are willing to spend a few hundred Euros more will find a top-notch built laptop in Asus' VivoBook U38DT. However, compromises have to be made with the CPU and hard drive.

Courtesy of ...
Read all 1 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
In Review: MSI S30-i3U465 Slim. Courtesy of:
In Review: MSI S30-i3U465 Slim. Courtesy of:

Specifications

MSI S30-i3U465 Slim
Processor
Intel Core i3-3217U 2 x 1.8 GHz, Ivy Bridge
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4000, Core: 1050 MHz, igdumd64 9.17.10.2867 / Win8 64
Memory
4 GB 
, 1xDDR3 SDRAM PC3 12800 single-channel
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, B133XW01V2, TN LED, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM76 (Panther Point)
Storage
SanDisk U100 64 GB, 64 GB 
, mSATA SSD + Western Digital WD5000LPVT 500 GB
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, Audio Connections: 1x line-in, 1x line-out, Card Reader: SDHC, SD, SDXC and MMC
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Wireless-N 135 (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22.8 x 324 x 227 ( = 0.9 x 12.76 x 8.94 in)
Battery
32 Wh Lithium-Ion, 4 cell Li-Io, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 10 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1280x720
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: 103, Keyboard Light: no, optical mouse, Microsoft Office Trial, MSI Battery Calibration, MSI BurnRecovery, 24 Months Warranty, 500 GB HDD Western Digital WD5000LPVT
Weight
1.4 kg ( = 49.38 oz / 3.09 pounds), Power Supply: 283 g ( = 9.98 oz / 0.62 pounds)
Price
550 Euro

 

It comes in a black cardboard box.
It comes in a black cardboard box.
Besides the usual accessories...
Besides the usual accessories...
such as posters and...
such as posters and...
a driver CD and a manual...
a driver CD and a manual...
surprisingly, we found...
surprisingly, we found...
an optical mouse...
an optical mouse...
featuring two buttons and a scroll wheel...
featuring two buttons and a scroll wheel...
and MSI's logo.
and MSI's logo.
We opened it...
We opened it...
and pressed the power button.
and pressed the power button.
The power button is illuminated.
The power button is illuminated.
The special keys feature blue lettering.
The special keys feature blue lettering.
Many stickers inform...
Many stickers inform...
about the configuration.
about the configuration.
A 3-in-1 card reader is installed.
A 3-in-1 card reader is installed.
The HD webcam shoots high-resolution pictures...
The HD webcam shoots high-resolution pictures...
with a bluish cast.
with a bluish cast.
The screen mirrors the user and...
The screen mirrors the user and...
the surroundings.
the surroundings.
Legibility is not granted even under a tree.
Legibility is not granted even under a tree.
The vents are seen on the bottom front.
The vents are seen on the bottom front.
The bottom rear harbors the battery, the...
The bottom rear harbors the battery, the...
is released via two levers.
is released via two levers.
It is easy to take out.
It is easy to take out.
The 32 watt hour battery.
The 32 watt hour battery.
A small, compact power supply...
A small, compact power supply...
provides enough energy with 39.9 watts.
provides enough energy with 39.9 watts.
The two-pin grounded plug is quite unwieldy.
The two-pin grounded plug is quite unwieldy.
MSI logo on the display lid.
MSI logo on the display lid.

Similar Laptops

Similar devices from a different Manufacturer

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

Review Update Dell XPS 13 L322X Ultrabook
HD Graphics 4000, Core i5 3337U
Review Google Chromebook Pixel Notebook
HD Graphics 4000, Core i5 3427U

Devices with the same GPU

Vizio CT14-A0 Notebook Review
HD Graphics 4000, Core i3 3217U, 14.00", 1.54 kg

Links

Compare Prices

Pros

+An additional mouse included
+Lightly curved keys on the keyboard
+Primary hard drive is an SSD
+Additional HDD
 

Cons

-Fan's vent in the front
-Stiff mouse keys
-Short battery runtimes
-Few interfaces
-Visible bluish cast

Shortcut

What we like

The subnotebook is nice and fast and offers enough storage due to using an SSD as the primary hard drive and a second HDD.

What we'd like to see

An optical drive and longer battery runtimes.

What surprises us

That the waste heat is discharged to the lower front. That makes comfortable working on the lap impossible.

The competition

The AMD-based Samsung 535U4C, the Intel-based Asus VivoBook S300CA and Acer Aspire S3-391 and, as a somewhat higher-quality model, the AMD-based VivoBook U38DT from Asus.

Rating

MSI S30-i3U465 Slim - 03/14/2014 v4(old)
Janek v. Kaler

Chassis
60 /  98 → 61%
Keyboard
75%
Pointing Device
60%
Connectivity
61 / 80 → 76%
Weight
70 / 35-78 → 81%
Battery
77%
Display
71%
Games Performance
52 / 68 → 76%
Application Performance
68 / 87 → 78%
Temperature
85 / 91 → 93%
Noise
87%
Average
70%
74%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average
Janek v. Kaler, 2013-06-10 (Update: 2021-06-24)