When it comes to choosing between the HP 255 G9 and MSI GF63 Thin, Windows users face a classic dilemma: business efficiency versus gaming prowess. These two laptops cater to different audiences but share the common ground of running Windows 11, making them worthy competitors in the mid-range laptop market.

Design and Build Quality

The HP 255 G9 sports a minimalist business aesthetic with its matte black finish and understated branding. Weighing just 1.74kg and measuring 19.9mm thin, it's clearly designed for portability. The chassis feels sturdy despite its plastic construction, with minimal flex in the keyboard deck.

In contrast, the MSI GF63 Thin embraces its gaming heritage with angular lines, red accents, and a brushed metal lid. At 1.86kg and 21.7mm thick, it's slightly heavier but still portable for a gaming machine. The aluminum lid adds premium durability, though the base remains plastic.

Display Comparison

  • HP 255 G9: 15.6" HD (1366x768) or FHD (1920x1080) IPS options
  • MSI GF63 Thin: 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) IPS, 144Hz refresh rate

The MSI clearly wins for gaming with its high refresh rate display, while the HP offers adequate clarity for office work. Neither display excels in brightness (both around 250 nits), making outdoor use challenging.

Performance Showdown

Processor Battle

  • HP 255 G9: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (6 cores/12 threads, up to 4.3GHz)
  • MSI GF63 Thin: Intel Core i7-12650H (10 cores/16 threads, up to 4.7GHz)

The Intel chip in the MSI offers better multi-core performance, while the Ryzen 5 provides excellent power efficiency. For CPU-intensive tasks like video editing, the MSI pulls ahead.

Graphics Capabilities

  • HP 255 G9: AMD Radeon Graphics (integrated)
  • MSI GF63 Thin: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)

This is where the comparison becomes apples vs oranges. The MSI's dedicated GPU makes it capable of modern gaming at medium-high settings, while the HP is limited to casual games and basic graphics work.

Memory and Storage

Both laptops offer similar configurations:
- HP 255 G9: Up to 32GB DDR4, 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- MSI GF63 Thin: Up to 64GB DDR4, 1TB NVMe SSD (with extra 2.5" bay)

The MSI wins on expandability with its additional storage slot and higher RAM ceiling, though most users will find 16GB sufficient for either machine.

Keyboard and Input

The HP features a full-sized keyboard with decent travel (1.5mm) and optional backlighting. The MSI counters with a gaming-oriented keyboard featuring per-key RGB lighting and slightly deeper 1.7mm travel. Both have responsive touchpads, though the MSI's is slightly larger.

Battery Life and Thermals

Here the HP shines:
- HP 255 G9: Up to 10 hours (PCMark 10)
- MSI GF63 Thin: 4-5 hours under load

The Ryzen processor's efficiency gives the HP nearly double the battery life. The MSI runs hotter during gaming sessions, though its cooling system keeps temperatures within safe limits.

Connectivity Options

Feature HP 255 G9 MSI GF63 Thin
USB Ports 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C
HDMI 1.4b 2.0
Ethernet Yes Yes
WiFi WiFi 6 WiFi 6
Audio Jack Combo Separate mic/headphone

The MSI offers better display output options, while both provide solid connectivity for their classes.

Price and Value

The HP 255 G9 typically starts around $600, while the MSI GF63 Thin begins at $900. This $300 difference reflects their different target markets - the HP for budget-conscious professionals, the MSI for entry-level gamers.

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the HP 255 G9 if:
- You prioritize battery life and portability
- Your work involves office apps and web browsing
- You need a budget-friendly Windows 11 machine

Choose the MSI GF63 Thin if:
- Gaming performance is your top priority
- You work with creative apps that benefit from a dedicated GPU
- You don't mind shorter battery life for better performance

Both laptops excel in their respective domains, proving that the 'best' laptop depends entirely on your specific needs and use cases.