MSI GS65 Stealth: The Sophisticated Gaming Laptop for Grown-Ups

In the realm of gaming laptops, there's a common misconception that they must be adorned with flashy RGB lighting, aggressive red and black paint jobs, and excessive gamer-centric aesthetics. While such designs may appeal to younger audiences, they can be overwhelming and inappropriate for those seeking a more mature and understated gaming experience. Enter the MSI GS65 Stealth, a gaming laptop designed specifically for grown-ups who appreciate sophistication, performance, and versatility.

A Tasteful Design for the Mature Gamer

Gone are the ostentatious light-up badges and shiny crimson accents of MSI's previous-generation GS systems. Instead, the GS65 Stealth features a sleek and minimalist design with a simple dragon logo on the lid, complemented by subtle gold accents around the touchpad, inside the vents, and elsewhere. This understated look exudes confidence and sophistication, making it suitable for both work and play.

The keyboard's lighting is equally understated, with a pale champagne glow that won't draw unwanted attention in professional settings. However, for those who crave the excitement of RGB backlights, the GS65 Stealth has you covered. Thanks to MSI's partnership with SteelSeries, you can unleash a symphony of colors with just a few clicks.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Despite its understated design, the GS65 Stealth is a powerhouse when it comes to performance. Equipped with Intel's latest six-core Coffee Lake CPU, the i7-8750H, this laptop delivers exceptional processing power. In Geekbench 4, the GS65 Stealth scored an impressive 18,031, a significant improvement over the 12,850 scored by its predecessor, the GS63.

Gaming performance is equally impressive. In Rise of the Tomb Raider, the GS65 Stealth achieved frame rates of 93.9 fps on high settings, a 15% increase over the previous model. This performance boost is attributed to the combination of the new CPU and the Nvidia GeForce 1070 Max-Q GPU with 8GB of vRAM.

A Display That Elevates Your Gaming

The GS65 Stealth features a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 non-touch display with a 144Hz refresh rate. While it may not have the sky-high 4K resolution of some other gaming laptops, the GS65 Stealth's display strikes a balance between visual fidelity and performance. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, giving you an edge in fast-paced shooters like CS:GO and Overwatch.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The GS65 Stealth is equipped with a plethora of ports, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, Ethernet, mini DisplayPort, and separate mic in and audio out jacks. This comprehensive connectivity suite allows you to connect multiple peripherals, external displays, and even VR headsets with ease.

Battery life is a common concern with gaming laptops, and the GS65 Stealth is no exception. With a runtime of approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes on our battery test, it falls short of the battery life offered by most 13-inch systems. However, considering the GS65 Stealth's powerful hardware, this trade-off is understandable.

A Balanced Choice for Grown-Up Gamers

The MSI GS65 Stealth is a gaming laptop that defies the conventional norms of the category. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, sophistication, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for grown-up gamers who seek a machine that can handle both work and play.

With its understated design, powerful hardware, and comprehensive connectivity options, the GS65 Stealth is a testament to the fact that gaming laptops can be both stylish and functional. At a price point of $2,000, it may not be the most affordable option, but its balanced approach and attention to detail make it worth considering for those who value a sophisticated and powerful gaming experience.