MSI GL75: At First Glance
MSI, among all other laptop manufacturers, specifies mostly on gaming laptops. In a bid to stand out in the world of competitive gaming laptops, MSI has been relentless in delivering excellent laptops with superb performance.
Therefore, to add to its collection of outstanding gaming laptops, MSI released the MSI GL75 in 2020. Notably, this laptop comes fully packed with lots of specs that offer nothing but the best performance for high-end gaming and productivity tasks.
To make things even better, the MSI GL75 is reasonably priced for a gaming laptop of its caliber. Specifically, when this review article was published (May 2022), the MSI GL75 started at a price tag of $1,367.40.
Having said this much about the MSI GL75, I know you are curious to know more about the laptop and its performance. Well, to satisfy your curiosity, all you have to do is to continue reading.
MSI GL75: Design, Display, Ports, and Connectivity
Design-wise, MSI kept everything sleek, solid, and bold with the GL75. To give more details, the body of the laptop is made with a mixture of plastic and aluminum material with a matte-black finish.
Specifically, the lid and the palm rest area of the laptop’s body are made of aluminum. Meanwhile, the bezels and the base of the laptop are made of solid plastic material.
Impressively, due to the mixture of build materials, the MSI GL75 appears tough and feels sturdy. As a matter of fact, this laptop is so solid that you will hardly notice any flex or creaking sound around its body.
That said, asides from the lid and the palm rest area, another area where you will find aluminum material are the hinges. Basically, the MSI GL75 comes with a set of sturdy aluminum hinges that attach the lid to the base of the laptop.
However, these hinges are so sturdy and tight in a way that makes it difficult to open the laptop’s lid with just one hand. Nevertheless, the tight hinges help keep the lid in place with minimal wobble when opened.
Focusing more on the lid, the MSI GL75’s lid features a smooth matte-black surface that is beautifully adorned by an MSI logo at the center. Furthermore, this logo is nicely framed with black grills on both sides.
Thereby adding a bit of style and elegance to the lid’s plain surface. Although the logo is the only thing you will find on the laptop’s lid, it still looks refined.
Having talked extensively about the MSI GL75’s exterior, let us now proceed to discuss other beautiful features of the laptop, like its display. Besides, what is a gaming laptop without an excellent display screen?
On that note, the MSI GL75 comes with an elegant 17.3-inch display screen that is wide and pleasing to look at. In terms of resolution, this laptop’s display features an FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution.
Performance-wise, thanks to the FHD resolution, this laptop’s display offers great picture quality with colorful and bright images. That’s not all; the picture presentation for gaming, web browsing, and video streaming on this FHD display is precise and quite realistic.
However, the display’s picture quality cannot be compared with that of a 4K display. This is because a 4K display has roughly two times the number of pixels that can be found on an FHD display.
That aside, the MSI GL75’s 17.3-inch display features an IPS panel that makes it deliver wide viewing angles. Therefore, you can watch the display from an extreme angle while gaming or streaming videos without noticing any defect or loss in picture quality.
Another applaudable feature of the MSI GL75’s display is its high refresh rate of 144 Hz. In case you do not know, refresh rate is the time it takes a display screen to update or draw new images per second.
Hence, a high refresh rate, such as the MSI GL75’s display’s 144 Hz, means content on the display will appear sharper and smoother. Also, objects in motion will transit or switch smoothly with minimal blur.
Thus, considering the MSI GL75’s display features, there is no doubt you will get a satisfactory gaming experience. To make things even better, the MSI GL75’s display is surrounded by super-slim bezels.
Therefore, the display goes edge-to-edge on all sides, thereby offering a wider and more comfortable view. Besides, at the center of the top bezel, you will see an HD camera.
This HD camera can be used for regular skyping and video conference calls as it delivers decent video quality. However, when it comes to selfies and groupies with colleagues and friends, the HD camera is a no-no.
This is because images come out blurry and grainy. Coming down to the bottom bezel, the MSI GL75 features an “MSI” inscription boldly situated at the center.
That is about the only branding you will find on the laptop’s interior.
Moving on, let us talk about the base/deck of the laptop. In that regard, the MSI GL75 features a standard keyboard with a dedicated number pad on the right side.
Performance-wise, this keyboard features averagely-spaced keys with responsive feedback, and it is well-fitted on the deck with no flex. As a result, it should be comfortable for gaming and typing.
Besides, the keys on the keyboard do not produce any noise when pressed. Hence, you can game or type with the MSI GL75’s keyboard in quiet environments.
In addition to its noiseless keys, this laptop’s keyboard has an RGB backlight. Therefore, you can choose between static and active lighting patterns.
For clarity, the RGB backlight means red, green, and blue lights which makes the laptop’s keyboard bright and colorful. Due to this feature, you can also use the keyboard in dark environments comfortably without issues.
Moving on to the touchpad, the MSI GL75 features a wide touchpad with a set of dedicated click buttons underneath its keyboard. This touchpad features a smooth and very sensitive surface that makes navigation and finger gliding seamless.
Also, the dedicated click buttons are soft, and they respond to inputs swiftly.
For ports and connectivity, the MSI GL75 offers a generous amount of ports on both sides. Precisely, the laptop comes with an SD card reader, two USB Type-A ports, and a power socket on the left side.
Meanwhile, on the right side, the MSI GL75 offers a Kensington slot, an HDMI port, and a USB Type-A port. That’s not all; you will also find a USB Type-C port, a headphone jack, and a microphone jack on the right side of the laptop.
Coming down to size and weight, the MSI GL75 measures 398.5 x 272 x 28 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 2600 g. For a 17.3-inch gaming laptop, I must say the MSI GL75 isn’t too heavy.
Moreover, considering the weight of most gaming laptops in its category, this MSI laptop is less heavy. For example, the Lenovo Legion 5i 17 Inch measures 398.6 x 290 x 24.3 – 26.6 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 2980 g.
In conclusion, the MSI GL75 provides pleasing design features and an amazing FHD display. Furthermore, the laptop weighs less than most of its rivals.
Therefore, the MSI GL75 deserves a rating of nine out of ten in this design review section.
MSI GL75: Processor (CPU) Performance
Just when you think the laptop’s design has left you speechless, its processor stuns you even more. Specifically, for processing tasks, the MSI GL75 employs a Hexa-core (6 cores) Intel Core i7-10750H processor with 12 MB cache memory.
In terms of speed, this CPU operates on a base frequency of 2.60 GHz and a maximum frequency of 5.0 GHz. Furthermore, the processor is an excellent high-end power-efficient CPU that consumes less power and generates less heat when operating.
Also, it is capable of delivering great performance for simple as well as heavy computing operations. Therefore, with this processor, the MSI GL75 should not have a problem handling high-end games or intensive workloads.
Basically, the laptop should be able to handle any computing task you throw at it.
For more insights into the laptop’s processor performance, I will briefly highlight its Cinebench R20 test results. Before doing that, I would like to mention that Cinebench R20 is a benchmark test that measures the overall processing abilities of a computer’s CPU.
It does this by estimating how well the processor’s cores can perform. Thus, the Cinebench R20 is made up of two tests – the single-core test and the multi-core test.
To clarify, the single-core test calculates the CPU’s performance when one of the cores is in use. Meanwhile, the multi-core evaluates its performance when all its cores (six in this case) are in use.
Following that, a high score on this test means speedy and good CPU performance. So, according to the test results, the MSI GL75 scored 480 points in the single-core test and 2961 points in the multi-core test.
When compared with some of its rivals, this MSI laptop tops the chart. For example, the Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52, which employs the same CPU, scored 478 points in the Cinebench R20 single-core test.
Also, the laptop scored 2888 points in the multi-core test.
All things considered, the MSI GL75 deserves a rating of nine out of ten in this CPU review section.
MSI GL75: Memory (RAM) Performance
To start with, the MSI GL75 comes with two memory slots. Furthermore, this laptop comes with a standard memory of 16 GB and supports a whopping maximum memory of 64 GB.
What this means is that you can expand the laptop’s standard memory up to 64 GB using the available memory slots. Moreover, increasing the laptop’s memory size allows the laptop to deliver a better and faster performance.
However, even with the standard 16 GB RAM, this MSI laptop should be able to easily run most high-end games. Also, the laptop will definitely be able to multitask with ease.
Speaking of multitasking, with 16 GB RAM, you can simultaneously load 20+ Chrome tabs on the MSI GL75 without noticing any sign of lag. That’s not all; while these tabs are opened, you can also stream movies on Netflix and YouTube concurrently without the laptop slowing down.
Having said all that, I know you are wondering how true these claims are. Well, to further verify the memory performance of this laptop, let us quickly discuss its PCMark 10 test result.
In brief, PCMark 10 is a benchmark test that evaluates the memory performance of a computer by simulating everyday tasks. These tasks include web browsing, word processing, and video streaming.
Moreover, a high score on the PCMark 10 test indicates a good memory performance for daily tasks. Speaking of scores, at the end of the test, the MSI GL75 delivered a score of 8139 points, which is considerably high.
In fact, compared to the Schenker XMG Neo 17, this MSI laptop performed significantly better. To be more precise, the Schenker XMG Neo 17 scored 7113 points on the PCMark 10 test.
Therefore, I will rate the MSI GL75 a nine out of ten for outstanding performance in this memory review section.
MSI GL75: Storage Options and Performance
When it comes to storage, MSI combines two storage drives for this laptop. To be more specific, the MSI GL75 comes with an NVMe SSD and a 2.5″ SATA HDD drive.
These storage drives support a maximum storage capacity of 1 TB each – 2 TB of maximum storage combined. Honestly speaking, 2 TB of storage space should be enough for regular as well as storage-hungry users to store files, applications, and games.
However, in case you feel otherwise, this MSI laptop features an SD card reader for storage expansion. If you also feel that isn’t enough, then you should consider buying an external hard drive.
With that being said, let us proceed to discuss the MSI GL75’s storage performance on the CrystalDiskMark 5.2 test. Briefly, CrystalDiskMark 5.2 is a benchmark test that evaluates a computer’s storage performance by estimating its read and write speed.
In case you are curious, the time it takes a computer’s storage drive to open a file is known as read speed. Meanwhile, write speed is how long it takes the storage drive to save a file.
Moreover, a high “MBps” value on this test means a fast read and write speed. However, because the MSI GL75 combines two storage drives, this test focuses only on its NVMe SSD.
So, based on the test result, the MSI GL75’s NVMe SSD has a sequential read speed of 1890 MBps. Also, the NVMe SSD has a sequential write speed of 1511 MBps.
In comparison, this laptop’s NVMe SSD is faster than the Schenker XMG Neo 17’s SSD. Specifically, on the CrystalDiskMark 5.2 test, the Schenker XMG Neo 17’s SSD delivered a sequential read and write speed of 1259 MBps and 1363 MBps, respectively.
In summary, the MSI GL75 offers two storage drives. Also, the laptop’s SSD is faster than the SSD found in one of its closest competitors.
As a result, the MSI GL75 deserves a rating of nine out of ten in this storage review section.
MSI GL75: Graphics Card Performance
Concerning the graphics card, the MSI GL75 offers two options to choose from. The first option is a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
As a dedicated GPU, this graphics card features 6 GB of dedicated VRAM. Furthermore, the graphics card offers a base frequency of 1365 MHz and a maximum frequency of 1680 MHz.
That aside, the second GPU option is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card. Similar to the first GPU option, this graphics card is also a dedicated graphics card.
Hence, it features an 8 GB dedicated VRAM. In terms of speed, this graphics card offers a base frequency of 1410 MHz and a maximum frequency of 1620 MHz.
Besides, both GPU options are high-end graphics cards and are capable of delivering fierce graphics and gaming performance. Therefore, with either graphics card, the MSI GL75 should be able to handle graphics-demanding tasks and high-end gaming.
However, with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, the laptop’s performance should be better and faster. This is because the graphics card offers a higher dedicated VRAM of 8 GB.
Thankfully, this review is based on the MSI GL75 with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card. With this graphics card, the MSI GL75 should deliver a frame rate of 150 fps (frame per second) while playing F1 2021.
Also, while playing the popular Red Dead Redemption 2, the laptop should deliver an impressive 97.5 fps.
To further ascertain the laptop’s graphics performance, I will now share its 3DMark 11 test result. In brief, 3DMark 11 is an app-based benchmark test that assesses the gaming and 3D rendering abilities of a computer’s GPU.
Furthermore, a high score on this test means a good graphics performance. So, based on the 3DMark 11 test results, the MSI GL75 scored 26401 points.
Comparatively, the Schenker XMG Neo 17, which uses the same GPU, could not measure up to the MSI GL75’s score. To be more specific, the Schenker XMG Neo 17 scored 25248 points on the 3DMark 11 test.
In a nutshell, the MSI GL75 offers two dedicated graphics card options that are impressive and remarkable for gaming. Furthermore, this laptop exceeded most of its rivals on a GPU benchmark test.
Therefore, without any doubt, the MSI GL75 deserves nothing short of a nine out of ten rating in this GPU review section.
MSI GL75: Battery Life and Performance
Coming down to the battery, the MSI GL75 is powered by a 6-cell 51 Whr battery. However, MSI (the manufacturer) did not state the battery life expectancy of the laptop.
Therefore, in order for us to know the actual battery life of the laptop, I will briefly highlight its battery rundown test result. In case you do not know, this battery rundown test involves continuous web surfing on the laptop till it dies.
So, at the conclusion of the test, the MSI GL75 delivered a battery life of 3 hours and 54 minutes. Unfortunately, this battery life is below the 4 hours category average.
Also, when compared with some of the laptops in its category, this MSI GL75 falls behind. For example, the Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52 delivered a battery life of 6 hours and 36 minutes on the same battery rundown test.
Therefore, to wrap up this battery review section, I will rate the MSI GL75 a seven out of ten.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MSI GL75 was released in 2020.
The MSI GL75 offers two dedicated graphics cards to choose from. Basically, you can acquire the laptop with either an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
No, it doesn’t.
The MSI GL75 had a starting price of $1,367.40 in May 2022, when this review was published.
Sadly, the MSI GL75’s 6-cell 51 Whr battery does not last long. Precisely, the laptop offered a battery life of 3 hours and 54 minutes, according to a battery rundown test.
Conclusion
The MSI GL75 is simply an exceptional gaming wonder. Specifically, this laptop offers a long list of excellent specs that leaves you desiring nothing more from a gaming laptop.
From its outstanding display, double storage drives, and excellent CPU to its impressive GPU, this laptop is a gaming beast. However, like most gaming laptops, the battery life of the MSI GL75 isn’t good.
Nevertheless, if you are willing to overlook this slight flaw, the MSI GL75 is worth every penny.
I hope you found this MSI GL75 review helpful. If you found the review helpful, kindly spare a few minutes to share your thoughts using the comments form at the bottom of this page.
You could also use the “Was this page helpful?” buttons below to give us your feedback.
Finally, for more gaming laptop reviews, visit our Gaming Laptop Reviews page. You may also find our Laptop Specs page very helpful.
