MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop (9S7-16R831-1660) Review – In-depth Analysis
Introduction
The MSI Thin 15 (Model Number: 9S7-16R831-1660) promises a powerful gaming experience in a sleek and portable package. This review dives deep into its performance, build quality, and overall usability after extensive testing. We’ll explore whether it lives up to the hype and if it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Features
The MSI Thin 15 boasts a compelling array of features for its price point. The 15.6-inch, 144Hz display offers smooth visuals, crucial for gaming. The Core i5-12450H processor, coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, provides responsive performance for both gaming and everyday tasks. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card handles most modern games at decent settings. The inclusion of an English/Arabic keyboard caters to a wider audience. Additional features like an SD card slot and multiple USB ports add to its practicality.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Processor Speed | 2.4 GHz |
| RAM Size | 8 GB |
| Internal Memory | 512 GB |
| Screen Size | 15.6 in |
| Display Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Refresh Rates | 144Hz |
| Colour Name | Black |
| Keyboard Language | English/Arabic |
| Graphics Processor Version | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 |
| Display Type | LED |
| Display Resolution Type | Full HD |
| Average Battery Life | 8 Hours |
| Storage Type | SSD |
| Operating System Version | Windows 11 |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Usage Type | Gaming |
| Model Series | MSI Thin |
| Processor Version Number/Generation | 12th Gen |
| Number of Cores | Octa Core |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
| External Graphics | Graphic Card |
| Graphic Memory | 4 GB |
| Model Number | 9S7-16R831-1660 |
| Model Name | Thin 15 |
| HDMI Output | Yes |
| Number of USB Ports | 2 |
| SD Card Slot | Yes |
| Processor Version | Core i5-12450H |
Performance
In real-world usage, the MSI Thin 15 delivered solid performance. I tested it with a variety of games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Valorant. While it didn’t max out settings at 144fps in all titles, it consistently provided playable frame rates at medium to high settings. The 144Hz refresh rate made a noticeable difference in smoothness. The SSD ensured quick load times, minimizing frustrating waits between levels. Everyday tasks like web browsing and video editing were handled without any lag. Battery life met expectations, lasting around 7-8 hours on a single charge under moderate usage.
However, I did encounter some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, resulting in slight performance drops. The fan noise became noticeable under heavy load, though not excessively loud. 8GB of RAM proved sufficient for most tasks, but users planning on heavy multitasking or running memory-intensive applications might consider upgrading.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Sleek design, 144Hz display, good performance for its price, responsive SSD, decent battery life.
- Cons: Thermal throttling under heavy load, noticeable fan noise during intensive gaming, 8GB RAM might be limiting for some users.
Final Verdict
The MSI Thin 15 (9S7-16R831-1660) is a capable gaming laptop that offers a good balance of performance and portability. It’s a solid choice for gamers on a budget who prioritize smooth gameplay and a sleek design. While it has some minor shortcomings, such as thermal throttling, these are largely manageable. I would recommend this laptop to those seeking a reliable and affordable option for casual to moderate gaming. If you’re a hardcore gamer, however, you might want to consider a more powerful model.
