While you drop 4 grand on a gaming laptop computer, that comes with some fairly excessive expectations. You are anticipating one thing that appears, feels and performs like one thing from Cyberpunk 2077 – and with the MSI Raider GE78 HX, that is positively the case.
This monster machine is for positive going to have a few of our record of the most effective gaming laptops trembling of their circumstances, however precisely how far up the ladder ought to it go? Carry on studying this overview for the total story – the highs, the lows and the in-betweens.
MSI Raider GE78 HX: Worth & availability
You learn the intro proper, this can be a laptop computer that prices virtually 4 grand. For that sort of cash you can glue 10 PlayStation 5 consoles collectively. To be extra exact, the mannequin I examined with a thirteenth Gen Intel Core i9 processor and Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU prices £3,599 within the UK.
There’s an RTX 4090 model for £3,799 too. Different pricing varies, and outdoors of Europe I am unable to find an MSI mannequin that matches, so there is no USD or AUD equal pricing for our buddies over the oceans.
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Design
(Picture credit score: Future)
This laptop computer isn’t going to win any awards for subtelty. With a strip of lights on the entrance of the bottom, multicoloured keys and a dragon emblem that pulses between totally different hues, you get the sense that when the designers have been requested what number of RBG lights they needed, they simply replied “sure”.
In my thoughts although, that is precisely the fitting design ethos for a laptop computer of this worth. You need one thing that stands out, that calls for consideration, and the Raider positively does that.
That is to not say that MSI has foregone construct high quality for the wow issue, nevertheless. Sure, the beneath could also be plastic, however the keyboard and surrounding bodywork (and the outer lid) is product of a premium-feeling steel.
This does, nevertheless, carry with it added bulk, with the laptop computer weighing 3.1kg (6.6lbs) in whole, whereas the facility brick is the dimensions and weight of a chunky Chihuahua.
To place it merely, that is the best-looking gaming laptop computer I’ve seen in a very long time. It suits the invoice.
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Show
(Picture credit score: Future)
The 17-inch display screen on the Raider is unquestionably one other certainly one of its strengths. The QHD+ panel contains a 2560 x 1600 decision that is good for taking part in video games on a 16:10 facet ratio.
A 240Hz refresh price is not the best I’ve seen, as some others such because the Razer Blade 15 Superior can go as much as 360Hz, however it’s positively a stable possibility, nonetheless ultra- responsive and for those who can run a sport at 240fps then what extra do you actually need?
Laptops with 16-inch shows have been highly regarded just lately and whereas the additional inch of the Raider does make it a bit extra cumbersome, when stationary it is wholly appreciated.
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Efficiency
(Picture credit score: Future)
It is all properly and good being stunning, but when your date cannot maintain a dialog it isn’t going to work. And the identical applies right here, it is time for the Raider to place its cash the place its mouth is and justify its hefty price ticket.
Figuring out its spectacular spec sheet with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB of RAM (expandable as much as 64GB) and a thirteenth Gen Intel Core i9 processor, I used to be decided to throw a few of the most graphically intense titles on the Raider.
First up was a private favorite of mine, Deathloop. A drop-dead beautiful sport, with all of the settings cranked as much as the max (and ray-tracing on), I could not get the Raider to waiver from 90fps. A feast for the eyes. The newly launched Exoprimal additionally has ray-tracing and infrequently options dozens of dinosaurs combating for house on the display screen directly, an incredible efficiency take a look at if ever there was one. It proved to once more be no match for the Raider with 90fps all through.
Curiously gaming laptops usually battle when not plugged into the charger however with the Raider, I used to be in a position to get a steady 40fps on Deathloop, which is first rate for this lower-power mode. Nonetheless, I used to be solely in a position to obtain 15fps on Exoprimal with out the laptop computer being plugged into energy.
Whereas placing it by means of its paces, the Raider had no issues with overheating, however it was fairly loud, even when not likely underneath a lot stress. Not sufficient to drown out sport audio, however positively noticeable.
There are not any ensures in gaming however I feel it is a fairly secure wager that this machine will proceed to munch by means of the highest video games for a very good few years to return.
In the event you’re a specs fanatic you then’ll have an interest to know that the Raider carried out properly on our Geekbench benchmark checks with a CPU single-core rating of 2749 and a multi-core rating of 13,503, whereas the GPU scored 171,541. As I mentioned these are each good scores however curiously not distinctive, behind the Acer Predator Helios 16 as an illustration.
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Options
(Picture credit score: Future)
Utilizing this laptop computer as properly… a laptop computer is in fact no subject, the SteelSeries keyboard specifically is a pleasure to sort on. Streaming followers ought to be notably proud of two audio system, 4 woofers and that lush display screen appearing as an incredible providing for film buffs.
Apart from pure gaming energy and daring styling, the most important promoting level for this laptop computer is probably going the plethora of ports on provide. There are a minimum of 10 connections on the bottom of the machine, albeit just one Thunderbolt 4 possibility. If the 2TB M.2 SSD storage by some means is not sufficient, there’s even an SD card reader.
As for the webcam, it is a high quality 1080p effort that even comes with a pleasant privateness slider – which could not be a system vendor however saves you a sticker. Here is a full rundown of specs:
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 |
| Weight: | 3.1kg |
| CPU: | thirteenth Gen Intel Core i9-13950HX |
| Graphics: | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 |
| RAM: | 32GB DDR5 SDRAM |
| Show: | 17” QHD+ (2560×1600), 240Hz, Mini-LED |
| Storage: | 2TB M.2 SSD |
| Webcam: | Full HD 1080p |
| Ports: | 1x Thunderlot 4 USB C, 2x USB C, 2x USB A, 1x HDMI port, 1x SD card reader, 1x Ethernet, 1x energy wire, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Battery life
(Picture credit score: Future)
Battery life is rarely one thing to put in writing dwelling about on any gaming laptop computer. With a 99.9Whr battery (the most important any laptop computer is permitted to have), you’d nonetheless count on a little bit bit higher than the round 3 hours of normal use I used to be getting.
It was equally disappointing when enjoying intense video games, as I might solely actually handle an hour or so earlier than being warned about battery life. Once more, although, this isn’t uncommon for gaming laptops of any worth.
This additional cements the Raider’s place actually as a desktop challenger moderately than a machine to make use of wherever and in every single place. The 330W charger is at the very least fairly speedy, though it does function an irritating inexperienced mild that may hold you awake at evening.
MSI Raider GE78 HX overview: Verdict
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Sure it is expensive, however the MSI Raider GE78 HX is a stellar bit of workmanship. A real premium really feel and standout design is joined by equally glorious efficiency to create a package deal that is an actual problem to beat.
With the absurd quantity of RGB lighting and translucent WASD keys, there is a sense of enjoyable applicable for a machine that is meant to carry you the enjoyment of your favorite video games.
In the event you’ve fallen out of affection with PC gaming, this machine will probably be sufficient to hook you again in… for those who can afford it, in fact.
Additionally think about
There isn’t any scarcity of nice gaming laptop computer choices on the market and if you need one thing with equally superb efficiency and a barely extra affordable worth you can go for the Acer Predator Helios 16. The display screen is a bit smaller and it would not have the identical sense of fashion however it’s nonetheless an incredible alternative. The identical goes for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16. In the event you’re eager to get into PC gaming however haven’t got the money to burn, attempt the HP OMEN 16 as a mid-range marvel.
