The MSI Pulse 17 is a high-performance gaming laptop that impresses with its powerful processing capabilities and quiet operation. However, certain aspects, such as the display quality, network technology, and connection equipment, raise concerns. In this review, we explore the laptop's strengths and weaknesses, considering its price-performance ratio and comparing it to its more affordable in-house competitor.
Design and Performance:
The MSI Pulse 17 boasts a futuristic Sci-Fi case and is equipped with up to a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, providing exceptional processing power. The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM ensures smooth gaming performance, although it lacks support for the latest Thunderbolt and PowerDelivery technology.
Display and Audio:
The laptop features a 17.3" FHD (1920x1080) IPS-Level display with a 144Hz refresh rate, but it disappoints with slow response times, low brightness, and subpar color reproduction. The audio system, equipped with 2x 2W speakers, offers decent sound quality for gaming and multimedia purposes.
Connectivity and Network Technology:
While the Pulse 17 provides good transfer speeds in WLAN thanks to Intel AX201, it falls short in supporting the latest network standards. The absence of Wi-Fi 6E connectivity means the laptop is limited to Wi-Fi 6 in the 5-GHz network. Additionally, the LAN chip restricts the wired network speed to 1 Gbit/s.
Connection Equipment and Ports:
On the positive side, the laptop's design includes two USB ports on each side, ensuring cables won't interfere with gaming. However, the USB-C port lacks Thunderbolt and PowerDelivery support, and all USB ports operate at USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s) speeds. Furthermore, an M.2 slot with wasted PCIe lanes adds to the disappointment.
Price-Performance Ratio:
The MSI Pulse 17 impresses with its powerful performance and quiet operation. However, considering its drawbacks in display quality, network technology, and connection equipment, its asking price of around 2,500 Euros (~$2,756) appears steep. Competing with MSI's own Katana 17, which offers nearly the same performance at a significantly lower cost, further adds to the questionable price-performance ratio of the Pulse 17.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the MSI Pulse 17 is a powerful gaming laptop that operates quietly and offers strong performance for gaming and productivity tasks. However, its lackluster display, outdated network modules, and limited connectivity options raise concerns. Considering its high price compared to other options in the market, potential buyers might find better value in alternatives, such as MSI's more affordable Katana 17.
FAQs about the MSI Pulse 17 Gaming Laptop:
1. Q: What is the processor used in the MSI Pulse 17?
A: The MSI Pulse 17 features up to a 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor.
2. Q: Does the laptop support the latest Wi-Fi standards?
A: While it offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), it lacks support for the newer Wi-Fi 6E standard.
3. Q: What is the display refresh rate of the MSI Pulse 17?
A: The laptop comes with a 17.3" FHD IPS-Level display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
4. Q: Can I upgrade the laptop's memory?
A: Yes, the MSI Pulse 17 supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5200 RAM with 2 available slots for upgrades.
5. Q: Are Thunderbolt and PowerDelivery supported via the USB-C port?
A: No, the USB-C port on the MSI Pulse 17 lacks Thunderbolt and PowerDelivery support.
6. Q: What is the price of the MSI Pulse 17 B13VGK-252IN Gaming Laptop in India?
A: The MSI Pulse 17 B13VGK-252IN Gaming Laptop with 13th Gen Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 8GB Graphics starts from ₹1,64,990. Prices may vary depending on the seller and location.
7. Q: What is the price of the MSI Raider GE77HX 12UHS-205IN Gaming Laptop in India?
A: The MSI Raider GE77HX 12UHS-205IN Gaming Laptop with 12th Gen Core i9, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, and 16GB Graphics starts from ₹2,59,990. Prices may vary based on the seller and availability.
8. Q: What is the price range of MSI laptops in India?
A: MSI offers a range of laptops catering to different budgets and configurations. Prices can vary based on specifications and models. For current pricing details, refer to MSI's official website or authorized retailers.
9. Q: How much does the MSI Katana GF66 with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 cost in India?
A: The MSI Katana GF66 12UC-632IN Gaming Laptop with 12th Gen Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is priced at Rs. 84,990. Prices may vary based on color and market conditions.
10. Q: What does MSI stand for?
A: MSI stands for Micro-Star International. It is a multinational company known for designing, developing, and manufacturing computer hardware and related products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, and graphics cards.
Please note that laptop prices are subject to change over time due to market dynamics and promotional offers. For the most up-to-date and accurate prices, it is recommended to check with authorized MSI retailers or visit their official website.
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