We’ve been waiting a long time for a proper update to MSI’s popular 17-inch GS Stealth series, which is finally happening in early 2022.
MSI is replacing the previous GS76 Stealth with the new GS77 Stealth, codenamed 12UHS/12UGS/UGE, based on GPU configurations. No word yet on an updated mid-size GS67, but that could happen sooner rather than later, and I’d be excited for a 16-inch 16:10 display on that one. We’ll update when we know more; For now, let’s focus on this GS77 Stealth design.
It’s a complete revamp of the previous generation and takes the white-collar laptop approach a bit further. Expect an updated design with a larger and stronger overall chassis, updated hinges and inputs, an FHD camera and biometrics, more powerful hardware with better cooling, and a revamped audio solution with 6x speakers.
Design and ergonomics
The Stealth GS77 is no longer the same rectangular form factor of the previous generation, and that’s because MSI redesigned the rear to accommodate the internal cooling module better and updated the IO layout. As you can tell from the numbers above, the 2022-gen GS77 is a bit bigger, thicker, and heavier than the GS76, an aspect you’ll have to consider with her. It’s still competitively sized against other 17-inch ultraportables, but it’s no longer as compact.
The upgraded chassis makes this product more practical for daily use. For starters, the power plug, LAN port, and HDMI port are now placed on the rear edge, allowing for a much less cluttered experience when connecting peripherals.
MSI GS77 Stealth 2022
The rest of the IO is still aligned to the left and right edge, and you’re getting everything you want in this laptop, including Thunderbolt 4 and a fast SD card reader.
Other than that, the added depth of the chassis allowed for a redesign of the thermal module. MSI removed the input grilles placed on top of the keyboard on the previous GS76 series and was thus able to push the keyboard towards the screen, allowing for broader thumb rest and a much larger clickpad. They also slightly updated the keyboard, and we’ll get to that in a bit.
MSI also redesigned the hinges on this GS76 series, moving them closer to the center of that laptop. I am not a fan of this design and prefer the corner hinges used before; aesthetics aside, I hope this will be reliable over time. The release materials mention that these hinges are made from zinc alloys and have been tested for reliability and strength; time will tell if they are correct.
I expect the GS77 Stealth’s all-metal chassis to feel stronger and more durable than the previous generation, as the overall quality left something to be desired in the past and was one of our main complaints about the GS66/GS76 lineups. . . I have yet to touch the GS77, so I hope to put a proper spin on it for a future review.
Other than that, the design is pretty standard here, with a clean look and limited branding, a black color scheme, a quad radiator thermal module positioned on the sides and rear edge of the laptop, as well as a set of 6x speakers now available inside, which should also address another one of our complaints about previous generations. The upgraded speakers were almost a must to match the audio offered by competitors like the Blade 17 or Zephyrus S17.
There’s also a dedicated fingerprint reader on the GS77, located on the right side of the keyboard, and an FHD camera with IR support and a block shutter placed on the left edge – the kind that kills both the camera and microphones. When activated. Most other 17-inch laptops don’t offer this type of camera and biometrics.
hardware and performance
Regarding specs, the MSI Stealth GS77 series remains Intel exclusive and is now built on a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake Core H platform, with options for Core i7-12650H and Core i7-12700H or Core i7-12700H processors. Core i9-12900H.
These are combined with DDR5-4800 memory, PCIe gen4 storage, and fast wired and wireless connectivity. Plus, of course, a handful of GPU options, starting with an 8GB RTX 3060 and going all the way up to 8GB RTX 3070Ti and 16GB RTX 3080Ti variants.
Inputs and screens
Both the keyboard and clickpad have been updated on the GS77 Stealth line.
On the keyboard side, MSI implemented larger keys for the main letter key deck and a slightly redesigned NumPad section, more in line with what the other OEMs offer on their 17-inch products. Full-size arrows are also part of this new design, but the NumPad keys are still smaller and narrower than the other keys.
I’m looking forward to testing this design and what will hopefully also be updated feedback, less mushy than before. We know the stroke depth has increased to 1.7mm with this GS77, so hopefully, the overall click response and feedback have also improved.
The clickpad is now much more prominent, thanks to a redesign that allowed for a roomier area below the keyboard and still glass and precision. It should work fine.
For displays, MSI stuck to the options previously available on the GS76 series, with 17.3-inch 16:9 matte IPS panels available as FHD 360Hz, QHD 240Hz, or UHD 120Hz options, all with over 400 nits of brightness and fast response times.
Regarding color coverage, the FHD options are sRGB only. Still, the QHD panel offers 100% DCI-P3 colors, and the 4K provides 100% Adobe RGB, making them great multipurpose opportunities for both work and play. For the games.
