Our opinion on the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
Playing the latest games in a large and comfortable format is exactly what the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR offers. This creator-oriented gaming laptop is equipped with the high-end NVIDIA Ada Lovelace GeForce RTX 4060 ray tracing graphics card. This GPU accelerates multimedia processing, alongside the Intel Core i7-12650H Alder Lake-H hybrid processor and powerful 16 GB of RAM, as well as the speedy 512 GB SSD storage that enhances its responsiveness. This versatile black Windows 11 laptop, designed for both gaming and creating, also comes with a backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, and USB-C connectivity.
MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR Features
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR versus the competition
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR is currently available at a promotion at Darty and Fnac. It offers a favorable configuration-to-price ratio in the average of its category, being one of the few models to adopt a 17-inch format with Windows included.
If the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR does not meet all your requirements, you will find other configurations suitable for gaming with a similar budget in our gaming laptop guide. With the same budget, prefer a model featuring the most powerful graphics card, as it will significantly impact performance.
Chassis, connectivity, screen of the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
This versatile laptop, designed for both gamers and creators, is cooled by Cooler Boost 5 technology, utilizing 2 fans, 6 heat pipes, and air vents. It has a relatively discreet appearance for a gaming model, adopting a black design with angular lines.
In terms of connectivity, this creative gaming laptop provides excellent options with its USB-C, useful HDMI video output for easy connection to a TV or monitor, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6 ax wireless modules, Ethernet, and audio ports, along with three USB ports, including 2 USB 3.0 (compatible with USB 2.0), which allow transfers up to ten times faster than USB 2.0 when using USB 3.0 peripherals.
Developed with the help of SteelSeries to cater to gamers’ preferences, the chiclet keyboard features a backlighting system that can be activated for better visibility of the keys.
Gamers will appreciate that the screen offers a refresh rate of 144Hz, significantly enhancing overall fluidity, especially in games compared to the standard 60Hz. The Full HD screen is well-suited for video display with its 16:9 aspect ratio and benefits from wide viewing angles, both horizontally and vertically, thanks to its IPS technology. Additionally, its anti-reflective feature makes the screen more comfortable for long-term use and more readable in bright environments (e.g., outdoors).
Performance, battery life of the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR is aimed at users seeking a versatile large-format laptop that excels in gaming and creative tasks.
It is powered by an Intel Alder Lake Core i7-12650H processor with 10 hybrid cores, combined with 16GB of RAM, delivering solid overall performance appreciated by most users.
Creatives will benefit from this configuration, as it allows for faster processing compared to a Hexa Core processor. The difference is particularly noticeable during CPU-intensive tasks that can utilize multiple cores, such as video editing, photo editing, or 3D rendering.
With the inclusion of the dedicated GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, GPU acceleration is available for multimedia software that leverages it, including the Adobe suite, Vegas, or VSDC. This enables faster processing that creatives will find advantageous.
However, the GeForce RTX 4060 ray tracing is primarily designed for gamers, making it a high-end NVIDIA Ada Lovelace dedicated graphics card. Thanks to this graphics card, you can play the latest games.
NVIDIA Optimus technology automatically activates or deactivates the GeForce RTX 4060 in real-time based on the tasks being executed.
Optimus prioritizes operation on the Intel Iris Xe graphics integrated within the Core i7 processor. This is done because the performance of the Iris Xe is significantly lower, but it consumes less energy, enhancing battery life.
Battery life is not a strong suit of this configuration, lasting around 4 hours with light usage.
Returning to the GeForce RTX 4060, it is utilized by Optimus for demanding graphics tasks, typically for gaming.
In terms of storage, MSI has indeed chosen a silent and fast 512 GB SSD, which is common among many models in the market. However, for those needing additional space, it’s beneficial to have the option to install a second SSD in the available M.2 slot.
Overall, an SSD offers great responsiveness and fluidity during use, allowing for quick arrival on online game maps, rapid launch of games/software, and fast start/stops.
Expect some heating and noise from this versatile gaming laptop when it undergoes heavy use (e.g., gaming, processing). To manage its temperatures, pairing it with a ventilated support is advisable (be sure to check dimensions carefully!).
Our Opinion on the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
Playing the latest games in a large, comfortable format is what the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR is all about. This creator-oriented gaming laptop is equipped with the high-end NVIDIA Ada Lovelace GeForce RTX 4060 ray tracing graphics card. This GPU accelerates multimedia processing alongside the Intel Core i7-12650H Alder Lake-H hybrid processor and the powerful 16 GB of RAM. Fast 512 GB SSD storage further boosts its responsiveness. This versatile black Windows 11 laptop, designed for both gaming and content creation, also features a backlit keyboard and offers Wi-Fi 6 and USB-C connectivity.
MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR Features
| Screen: | 17.3″ Full HD LED IPS 144Hz (1920×1080, anti-glare) |
| Processor: | Intel Core i7-12650H Alder Lake-H (10 cores: 6P 2.3 GHz / 4E 1.7 GHz) |
| Installed RAM (max): | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR5 4800 MHz (up to 64 GB) |
| Graphics: | NVIDIA Ada Lovelace GeForce RTX 4060 8GB GDDR6 dedicated graphics card (105W, 2250MHz boost) |
| Storage: | 512GB M.2 SSD (NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4) + 1 free M.2 slot |
| Connectivity: | 2 USB 3.2 (Gen1), 1 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz) |
| Network: | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Keyboard: | 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard |
| Operating System: | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Battery: | 53.5Whr, Approximately 4 hours autonomy |
| Weight: | 2.6 Kg |
| Dimensions: | 398 x 273 x 25.2 mm |
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR vs. the Competition
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR is currently listed in promotion at Darty and Fnac. It offers a configuration-to-price ratio in the average of its category, where it is one of the only laptops to adopt a 17-inch format with Windows pre-installed.
If the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR does not meet all your criteria, you can find other configurations in our gaming laptop guide that fit a similar budget. When selecting, consider opting for the model that features the most powerful graphics card, as it directly impacts gaming performance.
Chassis, Connectivity, Screen of the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
Cooled by Cooler Boost 5 technology, which utilizes two fans, six heat pipes, and multiple air vents, this versatile laptop has a relatively discreet look for a gaming model. Its black design features angular lines typical of the gaming aesthetic.
In terms of connectivity, this creative laptop boasts good options, including:
- USB-C and HDMI video output for easy connection to TVs or monitors
- Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed wireless connectivity
- Ethernet and audio ports for versatile connectivity
- Three USB ports, including two USB 3.2, for fast data transfer speeds of up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0
Developed in collaboration with SteelSeries, the chiclet keyboard is equipped with customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to better see the keys in low-light conditions.
Gamers will appreciate the 144Hz refresh rate screen, which greatly enhances fluidity and responsiveness in games compared to the standard 60Hz displays. The Full HD screen, with its 16:9 format, is optimized for video playback, benefiting from wide viewing angles thanks to its IPS technology. Additionally, its anti-reflective nature makes it more comfortable for prolonged use and clearer in bright settings.
Performance and Battery Life of the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR
The MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR targets users seeking a versatile large-format laptop with solid performance for both gaming and creative tasks.
Powered by the Intel Alder Lake Core i7-12650H processor with 10 hybrid cores and 16GB of RAM, this gaming laptop offers robust overall performance suitable for most users. Creatives will appreciate the enhanced processing capability, which excels in CPU-intensive tasks such as video editing, photo editing, and 3D rendering.
Featuring the dedicated GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, GPU acceleration enables enhanced multimedia software performance, including applications from the Adobe suite or VSDC. This allows for faster processing, which is particularly beneficial for creative users.
Designed for gamers, the GeForce RTX 4060 can handle recent games effectively, thanks to NVIDIA Optimus technology, which intelligently switches between the dedicated graphics and the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics based on task demand. While the Iris Xe is less powerful, it consumes less energy, allowing for better battery life during light tasks.
Battery life is not the strongest aspect of this laptop, lasting around 4 hours under light use. If heavy gaming or processing tasks are performed, expect some heating and noise from the cooling system. Users can mitigate heat issues by adopting a ventilated support for improved airflow.
Regarding storage, MSI has chosen a quiet and fast 512 GB SSD, with the possibility of adding a second SSD utilizing the available M.2 slot, accommodating users with growing storage needs. An SSD ensures excellent responsiveness and fluidity in use, facilitating rapid loading times, making it particularly advantageous in online gaming and quick software launches.
In summary, potential buyers can expect some level of heat and noise when using this versatile gaming laptop for intensive tasks. Overall, the MSI Katana 17 B12VFK-681FR stands out in its category, offering a well-rounded balance of performance, design, and features.
