MSI Katana 17 B13VGK Gaming Laptop Review – Powerful Performance in a Stylish Package
MSI Katana 17 B13VGK Gaming Laptop Review: A Powerful Contender
The MSI Katana 17 B13VGK is a compelling gaming laptop that packs a punch with its high-end specifications and sleek design. Boasting an Intel Core i9-13900H processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the powerful GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, it’s ready to tackle demanding games and creative tasks with ease. In this review, we delve deep into the Katana 17 B13VGK, putting its performance, features, and overall experience to the test.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI Katana 17 B13VGK is a mid-range gaming laptop designed to deliver a balance of performance and affordability. It comes with a striking black design, a comfortable keyboard, and a 17.3-inch FHD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. While it doesn’t have the most premium build quality, it’s still a sturdy and reliable machine that delivers on its promise of powerful gaming experiences.
Key Features
The Katana 17 B13VGK is packed with impressive features that make it a great option for gamers and content creators alike.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | INTEL CORE i9 13900H 2.6Ghz |
| OS | WINDOWS 11 HOME |
| MEMORY | 32GB DDR5 5200MAX 64GB ( 2 SLOTS ) |
| STORAGE | 1TB NVME SSD, 1 Slot Free |
| DISPLAY | 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz, IPS-Level |
| GRAPHICS | NVIDIA®GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6Up to 1980MHz Boost Clock 105W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost. *May vary by scenario |
| KEYBOARD | 4-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard |
| WEBCAM | HD type (30fps@720p) |
| COMMUNICATION | Gb LAN802.11 ax Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth v5.2 |
| AUDIO | 2x 2W Speaker |
| AUDIO JACK | 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| I/O PORTS | 1x Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1 / DP)2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen11x Type-A USB2.01x HDMI™ 2.1 (8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz)1x RJ45 |
| BATTERY | 3-Cell53.5 Battery (Whr) |
| AC ADAPTER | 200W adapter |
| DIMENSION (WXDXH) | 398 x 273 x 25.2 mm |
| WEIGHT (W/ BATTERY) | 2.6Kg |
| COLOR | Black |
Performance Review
The MSI Katana 17 B13VGK’s performance is nothing short of impressive. The Intel Core i9-13900H processor and the GeForce RTX 4070 GPU deliver smooth and consistent gameplay even at high settings. I tested it with various demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Horizon Zero Dawn, and the Katana 17 B13VGK handled them all flawlessly. The 144Hz refresh rate on the display makes the gaming experience even more immersive, with minimal screen tearing and a fluid gameplay experience.
The 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures that multi-tasking and demanding applications run smoothly. Switching between multiple applications and browsing the web was seamless, even with multiple tabs open. The 1TB NVME SSD provides fast loading times for games and applications, making the overall user experience snappy and responsive. While the Katana 17 B13VGK is primarily a gaming laptop, it’s also capable of handling creative tasks like photo and video editing efficiently.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Katana 17 B13VGK’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros
- Powerful performance thanks to the Intel Core i9-13900H processor and GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate on the 17.3-inch FHD IPS display.
- Ample 32GB of DDR5 RAM for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Fast loading times with the 1TB NVME SSD.
- Comfortable keyboard with RGB backlighting.
- Good selection of ports for connectivity.
Cons
- The build quality could be more premium.
- Battery life is average, especially for intensive gaming sessions.
- The webcam could be of higher quality.
Final Verdict
The MSI Katana 17 B13VGK is a powerful and stylish gaming laptop that delivers excellent performance for its price point. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want a reliable machine that can handle the latest games at high settings. While there are some areas for improvement, like the build quality and battery life, overall, the Katana 17 B13VGK is a compelling option in its price range. If you’re looking for a balance of power, features, and affordability, the Katana 17 B13VGK is definitely worth considering.
