Introduction: The Rise of Budget Gaming Laptops
The gaming laptop market has evolved rapidly, and what was once considered premium is now becoming more accessible. In 2025, gamers no longer need to spend a fortune to experience smooth gameplay and reliable performance. Among the emerging champions in the budget gaming laptop segment is the MSI Thin series powered by the Intel Core i5 13420H processor.
This blog provides an in-depth review of the MSI Thin Gaming Laptop, exploring whether it’s truly the best choice in the budget gaming category. We’ll cover its specifications, performance, design, thermals, real-world usage, pros and cons, and how it compares to its closest competitors.
If you’re a gamer looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle modern titles, this detailed review is for you.
MSI Thin Gaming Laptop: Overview and First Impressions
MSI, a trusted name in the gaming world, introduced the Thin series to target gamers who want a sleek, portable machine without sacrificing gaming capabilities.
When you unbox the MSI Thin, it immediately stands out with its:
- Minimalist black design
- Thin and lightweight build (around 1.8 – 2.0 kg)
- Gamer aesthetic without over-the-top RGB (making it suitable for students and working professionals)
The combination of an Intel Core i5 13420H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 / RTX 3050 GPU makes this laptop an appealing option for entry-level gamers and content creators who are mindful of their budgets.
Key Specifications
Feature | Specification |
Processor | Intel Core i5-13420H (8 Cores, 12 Threads) |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 / 3050 (Laptop GPU) |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 144Hz |
RAM | 8GB DDR4 (Upgradeable up to 64GB) |
Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD |
Weight | ~1.86 kg |
Battery | 3-Cell 53.5Wh |
Keyboard | Backlit, single color (white) |
Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 1, Type-C, HDMI, Audio Jack |
Performance: Can It Handle Modern Games?
CPU Performance
The Intel Core i5 13420H is a solid mid-tier processor based on Intel’s 13th Gen architecture.
- It features 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, offering a good balance between gaming and multitasking.
- It clocks up to 4.6 GHz turbo boost, providing sufficient power for most modern games and creative workloads.
In everyday usage, it handles:
- Video editing (1080p projects)
- Heavy browsing with multiple tabs
- Office productivity tasks with ease
GPU Performance
Depending on the variant, you can get the RTX 2050 or RTX 3050 Laptop GPU.
- RTX 2050: Suitable for entry-level gaming at medium to high settings in popular eSports titles like Valorant, CS2, Fortnite, and GTA V.
- RTX 3050: Offers a noticeable performance jump, allowing you to play Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla at medium settings with decent frame rates.
Benchmark Scores (Approximate Averages):
- Valorant (High Settings, 1080p): 120-140 FPS
- GTA V (High Settings, 1080p): 60-80 FPS
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Medium, 1080p): 55-65 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Low-Medium, 1080p): 35-45 FPS
For casual to moderate gamers, the performance is impressive for the price range.
Display: Fast and Fluid
The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS panel offers a 144Hz refresh rate, which is a great addition at this price point.
Display Highlights:
- Decent color accuracy (around 60-65% sRGB)
- Wide viewing angles
- Smooth visuals for eSports and fast-paced games
Although it’s not a color-accurate panel for professional creators, it’s perfectly suitable for gaming, streaming, and everyday multimedia consumption.
Design & Build Quality: Thin, Lightweight, and Minimalist
One of the biggest attractions of the MSI Thin series is its portability.
- At just 1.86 kg, this laptop is one of the lightest in the gaming segment.
- The build is primarily plastic but feels sturdy.
- The design is clean and subtle — it doesn’t scream “gamer” and can easily blend into professional environments.
The keyboard is backlit in white, which adds a premium feel without aggressive RGB lighting.
The trackpad is responsive, though slightly smaller than average.
Port selection is good, with multiple USB-A ports, a Type-C port, and HDMI for external displays.
Thermals and Cooling: Decent but Manage Expectations
Thermal Design:
- Dual fan setup
- Large air intake and exhaust grills
- Cooler Boost cooling technology
Real-World Observations:
- During regular tasks: Surface temperatures remain comfortable.
- During gaming: The CPU and GPU can reach around 85–90°C under load.
- Fan noise is noticeable but manageable (can get loud in Cooler Boost mode).
For the budget segment, MSI has done a respectable job with thermal management, though you may occasionally hear the fans spin up aggressively during intense sessions.
Using a cooling pad can further improve thermal performance and reduce fan noise.
Battery Life: Basic but Expected for a Gaming Laptop
Gaming laptops typically aren’t known for excellent battery life, and the MSI Thin follows that trend.
Battery Performance:
- 3 to 4 hours of normal use (browsing, streaming, office work)
- 1 to 1.5 hours during gaming
It’s recommended to plug in while gaming to ensure the GPU runs at full performance.
While battery life isn’t its strength, it’s acceptable for the hardware it packs.
Upgradability: A Big Plus
The MSI Thin Gaming Laptop offers easy RAM and storage upgrades.
- You can upgrade RAM up to 64GB.
- It has an additional SSD slot for storage expansion.
This makes it a future-proof option for students or entry-level gamers who may want to boost their system’s longevity later on.
Who Should Buy This Laptop?
Ideal For:
- Students looking for a lightweight gaming laptop.
- Casual to moderate gamers who want decent performance under ₹65,000–₹75,000.
- Content creators working with 1080p video editing or graphic design.
- Professionals who want one machine for work and occasional gaming.
Not Ideal For:
- Hardcore gamers looking for maxed-out settings.
- Users needing color-accurate displays for professional photo or 4K video editing.
- Gamers expecting ultra-high battery life.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ Affordable and value for money
✅ Intel Core i5 13420H offers strong multitasking
✅ RTX 2050/3050 GPU delivers good entry-level gaming performance
✅ Lightweight and portable for a gaming laptop
✅ 144Hz display provides a smooth gaming experience
✅ Good upgrade potential (RAM and storage)
Cons:
❌ Average battery life
❌ Plastic build, though acceptable at this price
❌ Fan noise can get noticeable under load
❌ Display color accuracy is not for professionals
Competitor Comparison
Model | MSI Thin i5 13420H | Lenovo LOQ i5 12450H | Acer Nitro 5 Ryzen 5 7535HS |
GPU | RTX 2050 / 3050 | RTX 2050 | RTX 3050 |
Display | 144Hz IPS | 144Hz IPS | 144Hz IPS |
Weight | 1.86 kg | 2.4 kg | 2.5 kg |
Battery Life | 3-4 hours | 3-4 hours | 4-5 hours |
Upgradability | RAM & SSD | RAM & SSD | RAM & SSD |
Price Range (Approx.) | ₹65,000 – ₹75,000 | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹72,000 – ₹82,000 |
Conclusion:
The MSI Thin is one of the lightest options with solid specs in this segment. If portability and affordability are your priorities, MSI Thin offers a balanced package. For slightly better thermals and build, you might explore Lenovo LOQ or Acer Nitro 5, but they come at a higher weight and price.
Final Verdict: Is MSI Thin the Best Budget Gaming Laptop?
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop under ₹75,000 that doesn’t compromise on performance, the MSI Thin Gaming Laptop with Intel i5 13420H is a top contender.
Its combination of:
- Lightweight design
- Smooth 144Hz display
- Reliable RTX 2050/3050 GPU
- Future upgradability