In-Depth Review: MSI GS76 Stealth i9-11900H, RTX 3080 - The Ultimate Choice for Professional Gamers

As society advances, so do the needs of consumers, with a significant portion seeking laptops for various purposes. When it comes to gaming laptops that meet all customer expectations, MSI, particularly the MSI GS76 Stealth, stands out. This laptop comes with a new generation CPU and GPU, capable of handling all games smoothly while remaining sleek. But is the MSI GS76 Stealth truly the perfect laptop for gaming and work? Let's explore in this article!

1. MSI GS76 Stealth Design Challenges Every Gaze

An intriguing aspect of the MSI GS76 Stealth is its overall mobile size. With a massive 17.3-inch screen and top-notch hardware with a large cooling system, the MSI GS76 Stealth isn't the lightest gaming laptop out there. However, this ultra-thin powerhouse, weighing only 2.45 Kg, is remarkably lightweight considering its high-end hardware.

The chassis design of the MSI GS76 Stealth looks incredibly sleek! You can see this device boasts an all-metal design, and you can't deny that the MSI GS76 resembles a piece of art when placed on a desk or anywhere else, thanks to its sleek black appearance, right?!

It's not hard to spot MSI's classic “Dragon Shield” emblem with the matte black color used for the entire upper shell of the machine. Moreover, on the side of the lid, there's a silver U-shaped lining (on both the left and right sides). I challenge you to guess its significance! Well, it's actually a sign indicating the gaming capability of the machine. Just adding a bit of suspense, but I know our comrades are quite savvy in this field, aren't they?

An interesting feature is that the MSI GS76 Stealth's screen can be opened with one hand, with a maximum opening angle of about 130° being the typical angle. The entire screen surfaces are favored with an ultra-thin design, especially the thicker upper and lower frame edges. We see the upper frame containing a webcam supporting Windows Hello face recognition, and the lower bezel has the “MSI” logo. What's great about this machine is that users can log in faster thanks to Windows Hello and the infrared camera. Additionally, in low light or dark conditions, it also supports instant computer unlocking.

The screen design will be used for both gaming and work, so it's very convenient! Furthermore, the device's thin bezels allow this 17.3-inch laptop to have the footprint of an average 15-inch laptop. Moreover, the screen resolution is very high at 4K, and the GS76 Stealth also supports a high refresh rate of 120 Hz. The distinctive all-black design is utilized underneath the keyboard housing the touchpad, and it lacks labels to display the processor and GPU.

One advantage for gamers choosing this GS76 Stealth is the spacious wrist rest area on both sides, providing a comfortable feel. Moreover, the wide and smooth glass touchpad will be very suitable for those who appreciate smoothness. Another interesting aspect of the keyboard area is the two openings on the left and right sides of the touchpad. Many of you might wonder why there are two openings in the touchpad area? Well, wait and see, these openings are for the versatile gaming audio system that we'll discuss later.

Normally, the drives will dissipate heat through the openings at the bottom of this device. The bottom part of the machine also uses a material entirely made of metal, similar to the rest of the device. We notice that the studs on the bottom are low and seem not very high, partly to reduce the thickness of the machine. However, this will not support good heat dissipation, but instead, it offers an extremely sleek and special appearance!

2. Breakthrough Maximum Screen with Epic Sound

Regarding the screen, the machine boasts a 17.3-inch size with model number B173ZAN06.1 supporting 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). Additionally, we can observe that the bottom bezel is quite thick, but this isn't an issue with the large 17.3-inch screen fitting nicely with the 15-inch laptop body.

Overall, this gaming laptop utilizes a high-quality screen that can meet both gaming and work demands. In fact, the GS76 Stealth supports up to 99.9% sRGB color gamut, 98.9% DCI P3 color gamut, and brightness of around 500 nits on the screen. With color calibration performed at the factory, the average Delta E is only 0.24, and the maximum Delta E is only 1.01. Nevertheless, I consider it to be extremely convenient!

In addition, depending on different purposes, MSI also offers exclusive true-color technology with various color schemes, allowing you to choose any color scheme depending on the usage scenario. Furthermore, this screen comes with five viewing modes (sRGB mode, Office mode, Movie mode, Blue Light Filter mode, and Gamer mode).

Moreover, one particularly interesting mode that I must introduce to you is the delightful feeling of browsing the web with vibrant colors in sRGB mode. Additionally, the Office viewing mode is designed to enhance productivity in the workplace, while the Movie mode enhances the movie-watching experience.

The MSI GS76 Stealth also comes with Blue Light Filter mode and Gamer mode. With this design, optimization is ensured! With the Blue Light Filter mode, it provides comfort during long laptop usage sessions while still delivering the best gaming experience possible in Gamer mode.

It can be said that gaming laptops are a type of computer that demands top-quality sound because sound is a force that stimulates strong sensations. In reality, most manufacturers don't prioritize sound. However, there's something we can't deny—if there's no good sound, is gaming still enjoyable? Certainly not. Don't worry! In this aspect, the MSI GS76 Stealth has significantly upgraded its sound system.

The MSI GS76 Stealth features Dynaudio, Nahimic, and popular Hi-Res audio, offering one of three sound options for different scenarios. If you want immersive sound, you need to use the Dynaudio audio system with front speakers activated. This is also the option that I feel is quite suitable for gamers' desires. The immersive sound feeling is achieved because the front speakers provide clear and sharp sound with deep bass, making us feel ecstatic. On the other hand, the new Nahimic sound mode brings 3D surround sound, ideal for movies and conference calls. Conversely, if you love music, the popular Hi-Res audio provides premium sound that is perfect for music due to its balanced combination of all audio types.

3. Multicolored Keyboard

It can be said that the MSI GS76 Stealth is the perfect combination of work and gaming needs. We can evaluate the design and appearance, specifically the screen being more geared towards work needs, but the keyboard is actually for gamers. My gamer buddies, let's snatch this one right away! Moreover, the machine reacts quite responsively to key presses, and we can observe that the numeric keypad and arrow key layout is reasonable.

Underneath each button of the device, there are independent RGB backlights. You can customize the colors you prefer and display various lighting effects through the software. Especially, while we're gaming, these colors will react to reflect the in-game status in real-time. Moreover, it's great that we can set these lights to change according to the sound rhythm from the speakers. The keyboard software is customizable for hundreds of games, and RGB works perfectly in any game. On the left and right sides of the keyboard are a pair of speakers that support NAHIMIC 3 audio software.

4. Full-Speed Access to Ports & Wi-Fi Without Worries About Lag

MSI GS76 Stealth, like other gaming laptop models, comes with a very rich connectivity option on both sides of the device to meet the needs of gamers and content creators. We have DC-in, RJ45, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and a combined audio jack (3.5mm) on the right side. And on the left side, we have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C/DP port, SD card reader, Thunderbolt™ 4 (supporting PD 100W charging), and HDMI (8K 60Hz / 4K 120Hz).

The 2.5G E3100G network card and the wireless network card are AX1675. Both are leading gaming network cards and support the latest Wi-Fi 6E. Moreover, a major advantage of the network card is its user-friendly traffic control program.

While playing online games, the LAN network will reach up to 2.5 GB and provide users with seamless connectivity. The good thing about this feature is that it ensures users never get bothered by lag or network stuttering. With the user-friendly 'Killer Control Center' driver, users can easily manage the bandwidth of each application through the controller.

5. Enhanced CPU & GPU Performance and Efficiency

Paired with the combination of Core i9-11900H CPU and RTX 3080 GPU, the MSI GS76 Stealth stands out as one of the most powerful thin and light gaming laptops on the market today! The i9-11900H is currently Intel's top-of-the-line processor, boasting 8 cores, 16 threads, and a maximum turbo frequency of up to 4.90 GHz.

However, the real highlight is the GPU, as the NVIDIA RTX 3080 (16G) is currently the most powerful gaming graphics card in Nvidia's laptop lineup. The RTX 3080 GPU is configured with a maximum power of 80W. However, we can automatically adjust power consumption by an additional 15W with Dynamic Boost 2.0 technology, resulting in a maximum power consumption of 95W.

Furthermore, this GPU comes with various modes for different scenarios. We practically have the option to choose between Discrete mode or MSHybrid Graphics mode (NVIDIA Optimus) to optimize for gaming to enhance performance and efficiency.

Within the MSI Center, there's an overclocking option allowing adjustment of the GPU core clock as well as VRAM frequency. Surprisingly, this will enable users to further enhance the graphics horsepower.

The RTX 3080 comes with new RT cores, Tensor cores, and concurrent processing architecture. The author has tested some advanced GPU features like ray tracing, NVIDIA DLSS, RTX On, and Dynamic Boost 2.0 technology.

Although the MSI GS76 Stealth comes with top-of-the-line cooling system, in real-world performance, can it handle the i9-11900H + RTX 3080 combo? To answer this question, the author conducted several tests for verification.

The initial test involved using AIDA64 for the FPU stress test. After 15 minutes, the CPU temperature stabilized at 94°C. At this point, power consumption reached 59 W, and the frequency stabilized at 3 GHz. The performance showed decent results.

Next, the author used FurMark to test the GPU. With Dynamic Boost 2.0 technology, the GS76 Stealth's RTX 3080 operated steadily at 95 W power and maintained a stable temperature of 66.5°C. The results indicate that the three cooling fans' power is quite impressive!

Finally, to simulate the maximum load and run the test for 15 minutes, the author ran both software simultaneously. After 15 minutes, the CPU stabilized at 52 W and 93°C, while the GPU stabilized at 81 W and 74°C. Overall, both the CPU and GPU can operate at a basic power consumption level.

In reality, when all three fans run simultaneously at maximum power, the emitted sound is only 49.8 decibels. Surprisingly, the MSI GS76 Stealth remains very quiet, almost silent compared to other gaming laptops on the market, making it significantly quieter.

The GPU score in 3DMark Time Spy reached 9365 points, while its Firestrike score was 19988 points.

On CineBench R20, the obtained scores are 599 points for single-threaded and 4498 points for multi-threaded performance.

In CineBench R23, the result is 1569 points for single-threaded test and 11982 points for multi-threaded test. Overall, the single-core performance of this laptop ranks at the top.

6. SSD & Battery - the best choice for you

Upon observation, we can see an M.2 slot located on the right side of the motherboard and it is upgradeable. The built-in hard drive is the Samsung PM9A1 2T - currently the most powerful consumer-grade drive. It supports the latest PCIe 4.0 protocol.

To significantly boost multimedia loading speeds across various programs and enhance multitasking efficiency, the author utilized AS SSD Benchmark, achieving a read speed of 5010 MB/s and a write speed of 3820 MB/s to test its performance.

The device is equipped with a 99.9 Wh battery, which is the maximum capacity allowed for airplane carry-on. Additionally, this battery supports PD charging, significantly reducing the overall weight of the device.

There's an option for you; if you need extended battery life for all-day office use, then you must switch to hybrid mode. However, for comprehensive gaming, you can enjoy gaming sessions of up to 11 hours, which is quite impressive!

7. Cooling System - Remarkable Performance

Typically, an efficient cooling system would require a large chassis. However, the MSI GS76 Stealth boasts a compact form factor. The question arises: can such a small body handle the hefty duo of CPU and GPU?

Don't fret! Upon disassembling the laptop, you'll find the entire assembly essentially enveloped in a black electromagnetic shielding layer. There are 6 heat pipes with 3 Cooler Boost Trinity fans + module beneath the shielding layer.

To make the laptop slimmer, it employs the world's thinnest 0.1mm fan blades exclusively. Enhanced Cooling Boost technology ensures perfect heat dissipation with ample airflow, ultimately delivering a premium gaming experience for consumers. Thus, to cool the remarkable performance of the Core i9-11900H and RTX 3080, the gaming laptop's cooling system with thin fan blades generates sufficient airflow (up 15% from the previous generation).

8. Optimizing Efficiency with Cutting-Edge ITBM 3.0 Gaming Tests

When considering theoretical performance, the combination of i9-11900H + RTX 3080 on the MSI GS76 Stealth is outstanding.

Hence, the author had to run several games to test its real-world performance. The author tested two resolutions: 4K (DLSS) and 1080P (DLSS off). For all tests, image quality was set to the highest level.

From the tests, it's evident that most e-sports and AAA games can run at over 60 frames at the highest 4K image quality. Thus, the overall gaming experience is excellent.

So, how does performance fare with ray-tracing turned on? Let's test out a few games to see how it performs!

Overall, MSI GS76 Stealth brings a significant increase in core frequencies to maximize gaming performance, leveraging the latest Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 (ITBM 3.0) technology.

9. Conclusion: MSI GS76 Stealth is definitely the right choice for you

It can be said that MSI GS76 Stealth is a perfect blend of gaming and work. However, everything comes with a price, and with its sleek design, this device comes with a price tag of around $4,000, which may seem steep to many potential customers. The 17.3-inch MSI GS76 Stealth has a thickness of about 2 cm and weighs 2.45 kg. Considering its hardware and performance, this is always a plus point for this device.

The MSI GS76 Stealth boasts the latest hardware such as the 11th generation Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card. It also features a 99.9 WHr battery and the latest Wifi 6E. Despite its slim and portable design, the cooling system is top-notch. If you're someone passionate with a budget and in need of a good screen, high performance to satisfy gaming and office needs, along with certain mobility requirements, then the MSI GS76 Stealth is definitely your compatible choice. Don't wait any longer, get yourself an MSI GS76 now!

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