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expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 25, 2021 05:05 AM
expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 25, 2021 05:05 AM

MSI Katana GF66 Laptop: i5-11400H, 15.6" 144Hz, 512GB SSD, RTX 3050 + Backpack

after $100 Rebate + Free S&H

$699

$1,049

33% off
Adorama
75 Comments 110,184 Views
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Deal Details
Update: This popular offer is still available.

Adorama has MSI Katana GF66 15.6" Gaming Laptop (GF66 11UC-453) + MSI Urban Raider Gaming Backpack for Up to 17" Laptops + Free Backpack for $799 - $100 Mail-in Rebate = $699. Shipping is free.
  • Note, the free backpack will be added to the cart automatically.
Thanks Deal Editor iconian for sharing this deal

Specs:
  • 15.6" 1920x1080 Full HD IPS 144Hz Display
  • Intel Core i5-11400H 2.7 - 4.5GHz Processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU Graphics
  • 8GB (8GBx1) DDR4 3200MHz
  • 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive
  • Windows 10 Home (Free Upgrade to Windows 11)
  • 2x2 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + Bluetooth 5.1
  • 720p Webcam
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB 2.0 (Type-A)
    • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-A)
    • 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-C)
    • 1x HDMI
    • 1x LAN RJ-45

Editor's Notes

Written by persian_mafia | Staff
  • About the store:
    • Adorama Return Policy can be found here.
  • About the deal:
    • Receive $100 rebate card with Mail-in Rebate. Offer ends 12/24/2021.

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: This popular offer is still available.

Adorama has MSI Katana GF66 15.6" Gaming Laptop (GF66 11UC-453) + MSI Urban Raider Gaming Backpack for Up to 17" Laptops + Free Backpack for $799 - $100 Mail-in Rebate = $699. Shipping is free.
  • Note, the free backpack will be added to the cart automatically.
Thanks Deal Editor iconian for sharing this deal

Specs:
  • 15.6" 1920x1080 Full HD IPS 144Hz Display
  • Intel Core i5-11400H 2.7 - 4.5GHz Processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU Graphics
  • 8GB (8GBx1) DDR4 3200MHz
  • 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive
  • Windows 10 Home (Free Upgrade to Windows 11)
  • 2x2 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 + Bluetooth 5.1
  • 720p Webcam
  • Ports:
    • 1x USB 2.0 (Type-A)
    • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-A)
    • 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-C)
    • 1x HDMI
    • 1x LAN RJ-45

Editor's Notes

Written by persian_mafia | Staff
  • About the store:
    • Adorama Return Policy can be found here.
  • About the deal:
    • Receive $100 rebate card with Mail-in Rebate. Offer ends 12/24/2021.

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+75
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Top Comments

DealPleeze
32 Posts
22 Reputation
Ryzen chips are fine (sometimes better), but they're not all equal. I use https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php to tell me about processors. I'm useless without it and can't even remember the ones I searched yesterday (currently looking for two entry-level gaming rigs for the kids, so am relying on cpubenchmark a lot). You get a CPU mark (higher number is better) and a rank (lower number is better, obv). There are significant differences out there.

This one (the MSI Katana) has an i5-11400H, which has a CPU mark of 15,926 and a rank of 333. The Acer Nitro you linked above has an i5-10300H, which has a CPU mark of 8,762 and a rank of 641. I usually don't worry about a difference off 10% or so, but if I saw nearly doubling of CPU marks/halving of ranks, that is something I'd pay attention to.

But it's not all CPUs, as you probably know. A better CPU at the same price as another system with a lower ranked CPU probably means you've given up RAM, storage, or graphics power. This MSI has dedicated graphics, so it will handle graphics better than a laptop that has integrated graphics, like the HP you linked (integrated graphics share memory with the system as a whole, while dedicated graphics have their own memory, making them better able to handle graphic intensive things like gaming, photo and movie editing). For me, the comparisons between the HP and this MSI are:

Price: MSI is almost 2x HP price
Screen Size: Both 15.6"
CPU: Rank is close (I had this wrong when I first posted and edited it to correct it)
Graphics: MSI is dedicated graphics, HP is integrated
RAM: The same in both
Storage: MSI has a 512 GB drive, HP has a 256 GB drive

Some people get caught up in screen tech (IPS, OLED, etc.), but I don't know enough about those to include them in my calculations.

Good luck with your search!
essix8
2428 Posts
618 Reputation
Because people fill them out wrong or forget, and then complain. I have had 100% success rate with MIR's from various retailers and manufacturers.
Redflyer
2296 Posts
158 Reputation
No mail in rebates no thx

76 Comments

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Nov 26, 2021 05:01 PM
15 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
jonatumdNov 26, 2021 05:01 PM
15 Posts
Curious what folks think...
Nov 26, 2021 05:33 PM
288 Posts
Joined Nov 2018
CleverApparel3006Nov 26, 2021 05:33 PM
288 Posts
oh ram is upgradeable which is something to consider
Last edited by CleverApparel3006 November 26, 2021 at 09:35 AM.
Nov 26, 2021 05:45 PM
6 Posts
Joined Jan 2014
duzikNov 26, 2021 05:45 PM
6 Posts
The rebate link seems broken.
Nov 26, 2021 07:26 PM
2,296 Posts
Joined Aug 2015
RedflyerNov 26, 2021 07:26 PM
2,296 Posts
No mail in rebates no thx
2
Nov 26, 2021 07:36 PM
13 Posts
Joined Dec 2013
ChaseVaughnNov 26, 2021 07:36 PM
13 Posts
1
Nov 26, 2021 09:03 PM
2,508 Posts
Joined Apr 2021
PowerfulClub4936Nov 26, 2021 09:03 PM
2,508 Posts
Do people always get jacked on MIR - or, is it just a pain in the ass and you'd rather avoid?

I see some companies have moved to giving it on debit cards which adds another layer where they get a chance to keep their money.
1
Nov 26, 2021 09:25 PM
2,428 Posts
Joined Oct 2017
essix8Nov 26, 2021 09:25 PM
2,428 Posts
Quote from PowerfulClub4936 :
Do people always get jacked on MIR - or, is it just a pain in the ass and you'd rather avoid?

I see some companies have moved to giving it on debit cards which adds another layer where they get a chance to keep their money.
Because people fill them out wrong or forget, and then complain. I have had 100% success rate with MIR's from various retailers and manufacturers.
2

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Nov 26, 2021 09:29 PM
65 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
dagabesterNov 26, 2021 09:29 PM
65 Posts
Original Poster
Pro
Sr. Deal Editor
Nov 26, 2021 09:49 PM
76,456 Posts
Joined Feb 2006
iconianNov 26, 2021 09:49 PM
Original Poster
Pro
Sr. Deal Editor
76,456 Posts
Quote from dagabester :
Isn't this deal better than this other laptop that's getting more hype, or am I missing something?

https://slickdeals.net/f/15446962-684-99-acer-nitro-5-an515-55-53e5-gaming-laptop-i5-10300h-nvidia-geforce-rtx-3050-15-6-fhd-144hz-ips-display-8gb-ddr4-256gb-nvme-ssd?page=2#commentsBox

imo better, yes, and double the ssd
Nov 26, 2021 10:33 PM
65 Posts
Joined Jul 2018
dagabesterNov 26, 2021 10:33 PM
65 Posts
Quote from iconian :
imo better, yes, and double the ssd
Gotcha, thanks for the reply.
One last question for you, what's the difference between this laptop and this HP deal?

https://slickdeals.net/f/15445516-hp-15-6-laptop-ryzen-5-5500u-8gb-ram-256-gb-m-2-ssd-1080p-ips-15z-ef2000-364-99-or-394-99-with-touchscreen?page=5#commentsBox

I'm ignorant when it comes to the ryzen chips in laptops. But it seems to have the same processing power (6 cores 12 threads). Is the main difference in the $300 price difference the GPU? And maybe the display? I can't find any info on if the HP display is 60 hz or 144 hz.
Nov 26, 2021 11:54 PM
32 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
DealPleezeNov 26, 2021 11:54 PM
32 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank DealPleeze

Quote from dagabester :
Gotcha, thanks for the reply.
One last question for you, what's the difference between this laptop and this HP deal?

https://slickdeals.net/f/15445516-hp-15-6-laptop-ryzen-5-5500u-8gb-ram-256-gb-m-2-ssd-1080p-ips-15z-...

I'm ignorant when it comes to the ryzen chips in laptops. But it seems to have the same processing power (6 cores 12 threads). Is the main difference in the $300 price difference the GPU? And maybe the display? I can't find any info on if the HP display is 60 hz or 144 hz.
Ryzen chips are fine (sometimes better), but they're not all equal. I use https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php to tell me about processors. I'm useless without it and can't even remember the ones I searched yesterday (currently looking for two entry-level gaming rigs for the kids, so am relying on cpubenchmark a lot). You get a CPU mark (higher number is better) and a rank (lower number is better, obv). There are significant differences out there.

This one (the MSI Katana) has an i5-11400H, which has a CPU mark of 15,926 and a rank of 333. The Acer Nitro you linked above has an i5-10300H, which has a CPU mark of 8,762 and a rank of 641. I usually don't worry about a difference off 10% or so, but if I saw nearly doubling of CPU marks/halving of ranks, that is something I'd pay attention to.

But it's not all CPUs, as you probably know. A better CPU at the same price as another system with a lower ranked CPU probably means you've given up RAM, storage, or graphics power. This MSI has dedicated graphics, so it will handle graphics better than a laptop that has integrated graphics, like the HP you linked (integrated graphics share memory with the system as a whole, while dedicated graphics have their own memory, making them better able to handle graphic intensive things like gaming, photo and movie editing). For me, the comparisons between the HP and this MSI are:
  • Price: MSI is almost 2x HP price
  • Screen Size: Both 15.6"
  • CPU: Rank is close [MSI is 15925 and HP is 13,235] (I had this wrong when I first posted and edited it to correct it)
  • Graphics: MSI is dedicated graphics, HP is integrated
  • RAM: The same in both
  • Storage: MSI has a 512 GB drive, HP has a 256 GB drive
Some people get caught up in screen tech (IPS, OLED, etc.), but I don't know enough about those to include them in my calculations.

Good luck with your search!
Last edited by DealPleeze November 26, 2021 at 04:25 PM.
2
Nov 27, 2021 12:11 AM
140 Posts
Joined Nov 2014
BramA2307Nov 27, 2021 12:11 AM
140 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank BramA2307

Quote :
The new Katana GF66 is built with the same exquisite craftsmanship used to forge a blade. Run at optimal performance and shine on the battlefield.

In ancient times, there existed a legendary sword that was imbued with the dragon's soul. The "Dragon Blade" was forged by the Dragon Tribe and no weapon stands parallel to it power. Every swing strikes a gust of wind like a hurricane and every blow would ignite the sky in a fiery tempest. Now, pick up the Dragon Blade bestowed with the powers of the dragon, and battle on to new heights.
What the ever-loving f*ck .. Big Grin But, great deal if you don't mind the MIR. Significantly better than the Acer Nitro 5 deal because it has twice the SSD space and the CPU is much better. This one is a little less expandable as it only has 1 m.2 SSD slot where the Acer has an extra 2.5" bay.
Last edited by BramA2307 November 26, 2021 at 04:12 PM.
1
2
Nov 27, 2021 12:34 AM
75 Posts
Joined Aug 2006
Rtwill78Nov 27, 2021 12:34 AM
75 Posts
I ordered the Walmart GF63 and ordered a 1TB nvme.m2 drive ($100) and more RAM (2x8 Crucial $74).
Is this laptop a better deal?

Walmart deal:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/MSI-GF...lsrc=aw.ds
Nov 27, 2021 01:21 AM
62 Posts
Joined Mar 2010
bugrahanNov 27, 2021 01:21 AM
62 Posts
(Cross-post from another Adorama deal)

Do not forget to check your Amex Offers!

There is a $25 off $250 going on for Adorama at this moment (I can see with my Delta Skymiles Blue card).

Additional info from Amex offers page:
Spend $250 or more, get $25 back
Expires 12/31/21
Online & In-store
Get a one-time $25 statement credit by using your
enrolled eligible Card to spend a minimum of $250 in one or more purchases in-store at Adorama or online at adorama.com by 12/31/2021.

Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.

Nov 27, 2021 02:14 AM
971 Posts
Joined Sep 2005
code65536Nov 27, 2021 02:14 AM
971 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank code65536

This is a way better system than the Nitro, mostly because it's a newer platform. This is Tiger Lake (11th gen Intel mobile, built on Intel 10nm), whereas the "10th gen" H-series mobile processors are not Ice Lake (the actual previous generation), but rather a refresh of the pre-Ice Lake CPUs, built on the aging Intel 14nm.

I.e., the CPU on the Acer is a really old CPU with some lipstick while the CPU here is actually a modern CPU and is much better in every way.
1

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