The aspiration of numerous gamers has always revolved around acquiring a slender, featherlight laptop that delivers exceptional performance. However, acquiring remarkable performance typically necessitates the utilization of mid-to-high-end independent graphics cards and sturdy cooling mechanisms, contributing to an increase in both the dimensions and weight of the laptop. Consequently, gaming laptops weighing less than 2kg are a scarcity and generally come with a hefty price tag. In the present year, MSI unveiled the revolutionary Star Shadow 15 Air, showcasing the cutting-edge 13th generation Core i713620H processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 Laptop GPU.
Despite the seemingly standard specifications, the Star Shadow 15 Air weighs a mere 1.9kg, putting it on par with the 1.8kg 15.6-inch ultrabooks available in the market, such as the Xiaoxin Pro 16, weighing 1.85kg. The i713620H processor exhibits a 6PCore + 4ECore configuration, totaling 10 cores and 16 threads, boasting a boost frequency of 4.9GHz, a full-core frequency of 4.7GHz, and a 24MB L3 cache.
Also read: Gaming Laptop Odyssey: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Perfect Rig
While some may argue that a 10-core i7 lacks the wow factor, gamers should redirect their attention towards the performance core count. Both the i713620H and i913900H feature 6 PCores, yet the latter integrates an additional 4 ECores that have no impact on gaming frame rates, positioning the i713620H as a more economical choice. This factor contributes to the pricing of the Star Shadow 15 Air at $1,000.
Design
Regarding the display, the Star Shadow 15 Air flaunts a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a 1440P resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it encompasses 100% of both the sRGB and DCIP3 color spectrums, a characteristic seldom found in gaming laptops within this price range.
The MSI Star Shadow 15 Air presents an extraordinary high-resolution, high-refresh, wide-color spectrum display. With dimensions measuring 359x259x21.9mm and weighing 1.95kg, the laptop prominently features MSI’s iconic dragon shield logo on the lid.
Its 15.6-inch IPS panel showcases a three-sided minimal bezel design, sporting a 2560×1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and complete coverage of both the sRGB and DCIP3 color spectrums.
The portable computer’s keyboard stands out as a full-sized, four-area RGB backlit mechanism, featuring translucent WASD keys custom-built for gaming aficionados. The complete arrow keys and numeric keypad amplify proficiency in inputting data. Furthermore, the keyboard’s luminous effects and unmistakable translucent WASD keycaps contribute to its allure for gamers. The arrow keys also serve as designated shortcuts for various functions, adding to its versatility. Noteworthy is the screen’s ability to open and close up to 180 degrees for enhanced adaptability.
On the left flank of the device, there lies a USB 3.2 Gen1 connection, a 3.5mm headphone/microphone dual port, and an array of uniquely shaped heat-dispersing vents. The opposing side boasts a TypeC interface (compatible with DP output), an additional USB 3.2 Gen1 port, an HDMI 2.1 socket, an RJ45 networking hub, and a circular power connector. The upper part is crafted from seethrough material and incorporates a line of vents for cooling purposes.
The underside of the laptop reveals a seethrough scheme with a sizable heat-dissipation grid. The processing unit is raised to enhance the intake of cool air, thus guaranteeing optimal cooling efficiency.
i713620H Performance Examination: Impressively Potent
1. CPUZ
- Single-threaded score: 731
- Multithreaded score: 6714
2. CineBench R15
- Single-threaded score: 247cb
- Multithreaded score: 2218cb
3. CineBench R20
- Single-threaded score: 650cb
- Multithreaded score: 5471cb
4. CineBench R23
Within the standard 10minute multicycle evaluation:
- Single-threaded score: 1674pts
- Multi-threaded score: 14646pts
These results illuminate the remarkable performance of the i713620H, establishing it as a robust selection for both gaming and other demanding tasks.
Gaming Assessment: Leading Edge AAA Games Surpass 60 Frames Per Second
During the 3DMark Fire Strike EXTREME evaluation at 2K resolution, the RTX 4060 obtained a graphics assessment of 9235. The GPU’s peak operational frequency soared to 1995MHz, with a maximum power consumption of 48W and a pinnacle temperature of 67 degrees Celsius. Similarly, within the 3DMark Time Spy evaluation, the RTX 4060 achieved a score of 7143, maintaining the identical peak operational frequency and power consumption, alongside a peak temperature of 67 degrees.
Gaming Performance
1. Borderlands 3
Frame rate recorded at 68 FPS
2. Cyberpunk 2077
When configured with top-tier visual settings and ray tracing activated, complemented by DLSS 3.0, the average frame rate totaled: 78 FPS
3. Forza Horizon 5
Achieving a frame rate of 73 FPS
4. Horizon Zero Dawn
Notching up a frame rate of 82 FPS
5. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Boasting the highest 1080P quality settings with DLSS in operation, the frame rate stood at 138 FPS
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
At the greatest 1080P quality settings, generating a frame rate of 131 FPS]
These outcomes illustrate that the Star Shade 15 Air can adeptly manage widely known AAA games at elevated preferences, persistently supplying frame rates exceeding 60FPS at 1080P resolution.
Monitor and Hard Drive Performance Evaluation: 98% Recurrence DCIP3 Shade Spectra
1. Monitor Evaluation
The Star Darkness 15 Air showcases a 15.6-inch IPS monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440 and a dynamic rate of 165Hz. Using Red Arachnid X, we evaluated the monitor’s shade range and luminosity oppositeness:
- Ultimate luminosity: 294 brilliance
- Oppositeness proportion: 970:1
The monitor is plant-adjusted, offering extraordinary shade accuracy. The mean DeltaE worth is 0.82, with the peak at 2.33 and the minimum at 0.14. This extent of shade precision renders the notebook suitable for semipro design tasks.
2. Hard Drive Evaluation
The Star Darkness 15 Air is set up with a 512GB Samsung PM9B1 PCIe 4.0 SSD. Execution benchmarks are as stated:
Like SS Benchmark:
- Overall evaluation: 5099 dots
- Sequential perusing speed: 3080 MB/s
- Sequential documenting speed: 2243 MB/s
- 4K random perusing speed: 70 MB/s
- 4K chance documenting speed: 242 MB/s
- CrystalDiskMark:
- Sequential perusing speed: 3606 MB/s
- Sequential documenting speed: 2511 MB/s
3. Repository Evaluation
Our test entity arrived with two Samsung 8GB DDR5 5200MHz repository sticks, with timelines of 42424282. Using AIDA64, we gauged the ensuing:
- Study bandwidth: 71196 MB/s
- Transcribe bandwidth: 72860 MB/s
- Double bandwidth: 70049 MB/s
- Period of procrastination: 95.2 ns
Encompassing, the Star Darkness 15 Air demonstrates remarkable monitor, hard drive, and repository execution, consecrating it as an adept device for both gaming and professional undertakings.
Source of Power Efficiency and MSI AI Brainchild Engine]
Power Supply Examination
The Star Shadow 15 Air comes equipped with a 53.5Wh lithium battery. Using PCMark 10 to evaluate the notebook’s battery life, we opted for the contemporary office scenario, selected the power mode labeled as “energy saving mode,” shut down all other processes, and finetuned the screen brightness to 50%. The results of the assessment revealed a battery lifespan of 4 hours and 40 minutes, which is deemed satisfactory for a gaming laptop.
MSI Synthetic Intelligence Motor
The MSI AI Intelligent Engine, embedded within the MSI Center APP, can be effortlessly activated with a single click. Once initiated, it automatically recognizes the utilization setting and tweaks various laptop configurations accordingly. Such alterations include the adjustment of:
- Screen luminosity
- Audio enhancements
- Efficiency mode
- Illuminated keyboard effects
The AI Intelligent Engine customizes itself to various software applications, transitioning to the corresponding configurations for common conditions. This assures optimum output and user interaction predicated on the current activity being pursued.
Wrap-Up: The Optimum Economical Sleek and Lightweight Gaming Laptop
Screen Detail
The Star Shadow 15 Air distinguishes itself with its noteworthy exhibit. Whereas most gaming laptops present 100% sRGB color palette coverage, they typically encompass only around 70% of the DCIP3 color palette. Conversely, the Star Shadow 15 Air envelops 98% of the DCIP3 color palette. Coupled with its 2560×1440 resolution and 165Hz refresh rate, this panel is remarkable. Its heightened color precision also renders it appropriate for design and artistic undertakings.
Gaming Efficacy
Throughout our evaluation of eight AAA games, the Star Shadow 15 Air consistently delivered frame rates surpassing 60FPS at the maximum 1080P configurations. Even when running resource-intensive titles like “Cyberpunk 2077,” the frame rate persisted at 60FPS. This level of efficacy outstrips that of lightweight laptops with integrated graphics by a considerable margin.
MSI AI Synthetic Intelligence Motor
The MSI AI Intelligent Engine, ingrained within the MSI Center APP, furnishes a seamless user encounter by automatically refining settings predicated on the application in use. This encompasses transitioning between “game,” “work,” “meeting,” and “entertainment” modes, conforming screen brightness, audio enhancements, efficiency mode, and keyboard lighting effects accordingly. This mechanization proves significantly more expedient than manually finetuning performance configurations on each occasion.
CostEffectiveness
The MSI Star Shadow 15 Air is valued at 6,899 yen, a substantial price considering its specifications. At a mere 1.95 kilograms, it showcases an i713620H processor and an RTX 4060 GPU. In contrast, other sleek and lightweight gaming laptops with comparable specifications frequently surpass 10,000 yen.
Furthermore, MSI stands out as a leading notebook brand. For individuals intrigued, the Star Shadow 15 Air is available on numerous e-commerce platforms.
