Packing a competent CPU and GPU into a machine priced around $1,000 or less is difficult, and most laptops in this category make similar compromises. The MSI Katana GF66 12UD doesn’t buck this trend, but solid performance can make it a wise choice when the price is right. This particular rig offers strong performance, plentiful connectivity options, a reasonable price point, and more. Let’s get right into it.
SPECS AND FEATURES
The MSI Katana GF66’s specifications are typical for a high-performance yet budget gaming laptop. It cuts costs with the Intel Core i7-12650H CPU, which has six performance cores and four efficiency cores, and an Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU.
CPU: Intel Core i7-12650H
Memory: 16GB DDR5
Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti
Display: 1,920×1,080 144Hz
Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 M.2 solid state drive
Webcam: 720p
Connectivity: 1× USB-C, 3× USB-A, 1× HDMI, 1× Ethernet, 1× 3.5mm combo audio, 1× AC barrel plug
Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Biometrics: None
Battery capacity: 53 watt-hours
Dimensions: 14.13×10.20×0.98 inches
Weight: 4.96 pounds
MSRP: $1,049.99
MSI still has the budget to deliver 16GB of RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and a 1080p 144Hz IPS display. These specifications are what I’d personally consider the bare minimum for any modern gaming laptop, and they help the Katana provide acceptable (though not outstanding) performance.
While this laptop is listed at $1,049.99 on Amazon, pricing can vary significantly between retailers, with
