MSI Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop Intel® Core™ i5-13420H RTX 4050 16GB 512GB NVMe SSD Win11
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AI Verdict
This 4.18-pound laptop with an i5-13420H and 45W RTX 4050 is for casual gamers needing a portable 144Hz FHD screen, but expect thermal limitations.
This laptop is a situational fit because its 13th Gen Intel Core i5 and RTX 4050 offer entry-level gaming performance, but the 45W GPU and reported cooling issues mean it won't handle demanding games at high settings for long periods. It's best suited for those who prioritize a low price point and portability over sustained peak performance.
If you need more consistent gaming performance, look for laptops with an RTX 4050 or higher GPU that specify a higher TGP (Total Graphics Power), ideally 75W or more.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- The 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD display provides smooth visuals for gaming.
- Features a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor for handling tasks and applications.
- Includes 16GB DDR4 RAM, allowing for multitasking without significant slowdowns.
- The 512GB NVMe SSD offers fast boot times and rapid file access.
- Weighs 4.18 pounds and is 21.7 mm thick, making it relatively portable for a gaming laptop.
- Supports up to two external displays via USB-C and HDMI.
Cons
- The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU operates at a 45W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost, which limits performance.
- Users report an anemic cooling system, leading to the laptop running hot during use.
- The design is described by some as 'ancient & outdated'.
- Hinges are noted as 'very questionable' by some users, raising durability concerns.
- Battery life is up to 8 hours for light usage, but significantly less during gaming sessions.
Dimension Scores
The Intel Core i5-13420H and RTX 4050 (45W) provide average gaming performance for its category, suitable for 1080p medium settings, but limited by the GPU's power.
The 15.6-inch 144Hz FHD (1920x1080) display offers a fast refresh rate for smooth visuals, which is above average for an entry-level gaming laptop.
With up to 8 hours for light use, the battery is below average for a general-purpose laptop and significantly shorter during gaming, which is typical but still a drawback.
At 4.18 pounds and 21.7 mm thick, it's relatively portable for a gaming laptop, but user complaints about 'questionable hinges' and 'outdated design' bring the score down to average.
Best For
- Students who need a laptop for schoolwork and occasional gaming at 1080p medium settings.
- Casual gamers playing less demanding titles like Source Engine games.
- Users on a budget looking for an entry-level RTX 4050 laptop when on sale.
Not Recommended For
- Hardcore gamers expecting high FPS on demanding modern titles at ultra settings due to the 45W RTX 4050.
- Users who require a laptop with robust cooling for extended heavy gaming sessions.
- Anyone prioritizing build quality and hinge durability over raw specifications at a specific price point.
Watch Out For
- The RTX 4050 in this model is limited to 45W, meaning you won't get the full performance potential of the GPU.
- Expect the laptop to run hot, as multiple users mention an 'anemic cooling system'.
- Some users have reported issues with the laptop turning on, with lights on the keyboard but no display.
- The build quality, particularly the hinges, has been called 'very questionable' by some, suggesting potential long-term durability issues.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B0CSY75ZCN |
| Brand | msi |
| Color | Cosmos Gray |
| Series | Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA |
| Voltage | 3 Volts |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| CPU Model | Core i5 |
| Processor | 2.1 GHz core_i5 |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
| Model Name | Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA |
| Item Weight | 4.18 pounds |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
| Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Special Feature | MSI App Player |
| Card Description | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Item model number | Thin 15 B13VE-1697CA |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Optical Drive Type | No Optical Drive |
| Product Dimensions | 14.13 x 0.85 x 9.99 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 Pixels |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 6 GB |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.13 x 0.85 x 9.99 inches |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Graphics Card Description | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 8 Hours |
What Buyers Say
The biggest takeaway from user feedback is the recurring concern about the RTX 4050's limited 45W power, which directly impacts gaming performance, making it less powerful than other 4050 laptops. Many buyers see it as a budget-friendly option, especially when on sale, but some express regret due to perceived compromises in cooling and build quality. The 144Hz display is frequently mentioned as a positive, providing a smooth visual experience for the price.
“Man, I got this thing on sale and it's okay for like, Fortnite with my wife, but anything else and it gets hot and the FPS ain't what I thought it'd be for a 4050, kinda wish I waited for a better deal or just spent more.”
Common Praise
- The 144Hz display makes games feel buttery smooth and responsive.
- The 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor handles everyday tasks and some heavier workloads without issues.
- The 512GB NVMe SSD provides fast boot-up times and quick game loading.
- It's relatively lightweight at 4.18 pounds, making it easier to carry around.
- The laptop performs well for the price, especially when purchased on sale.
Common Complaints
- The RTX 4050 is limited to 45W, resulting in lower gaming performance than expected from a 4050.
- The cooling system is often described as 'anemic,' leading to the laptop running hot during gaming.
- Some users have experienced issues with the laptop not turning on, despite keyboard lights being active.
- The build quality, particularly the hinges, is a concern for some, being called 'very questionable'.
- The design is considered 'ancient & outdated' by some users.
- The material feels a bit cheap, which is disappointing for the price.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably want to keep it plugged in during gaming, as the battery drains fast when the GPU is active.
- Expect fan noise to be noticeable when playing games due to the cooling system working hard.
- The actual gaming performance of the RTX 4050 is capped by its 45W TGP, so don't expect it to compete with higher-wattage versions.
- Consider using a laptop cooler if you plan on extended gaming sessions to help manage the heat.
- The display is a highlight, offering a smooth experience even if the GPU struggles to push high frames in all titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the RTX 4050?
The RTX 4050 with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM supports ray tracing and DLSS, but its 45W power limit means you should expect 1080p gaming at medium settings for most modern titles.
Is the RAM upgradeable?
The laptop comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM. While the product specs don't explicitly state upgradeability, some Reddit users mention planning to upgrade from 8GB, suggesting it might be possible to expand if there's an additional slot.
How is the battery life for non-gaming use?
MSI states up to 8 hours of battery life for light usage like browsing and video playback, but this will drop significantly during gaming.
Does it have a backlit keyboard?
Yes, the laptop features a backlit keyboard, which is useful for gaming in low-light environments.
Can I connect external monitors?
Yes, the laptop supports up to two external displays using its USB-C and HDMI ports.
Buying Guide
When looking at gaming laptops like this MSI Thin 15, you need to understand that not all GPUs with the same name perform identically. The 'TGP' or Total Graphics Power of the RTX 4050 here is 45W, which is on the lower end for this chip, meaning it won't push as many frames per second as a 75W or 100W RTX 4050 in another laptop. This impacts how well games run, especially newer, more demanding titles. Also, pay attention to cooling; a thin chassis can sometimes mean compromises in thermal management, leading to higher operating temperatures and potential performance throttling.
RTX 4050 (45W)
144Hz FHD Display
Intel Core i5-13420H
Alternatives
If this laptop doesn't quite hit the mark, search for gaming laptops with an RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 that specify a higher TGP for the GPU, or look for models known for more robust cooling systems.
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