Haldilal uses an MSI, I used the exact same model for a while through kaalej, was enough to meet my requirements and some light gaming as well, but wouldn't count on it for Animation, rendering, vfx sims, and stuff like that
Using this for more than a month now, although it is little bit above your budget, I'd recommend something along the lines of this, or the G17 or equivalent specs, with good enough GPU for your rendering requirements, if your willing to increase your budget
My G15 is good for gaming, the gaming mode is not as good as they market it, but still worth it for the price, never tried running sims or anything on it.