The MSI Raider 18 HX promises a premium, all-in-one gaming experience, boasting a massive screen and a plethora of ports. But does its performance justify the hefty price tag and the roar of its cooling system? This review dives deep into the Raider 18 HX’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right gaming laptop for you.
This laptop prioritizes gaming performance above all else, accepting some typical laptop shortcomings. Typing isn’t exceptional, the fans are loud, battery life is limited, and its weight makes portability a challenge. However, its focus lies in handling demanding AAA games, and that’s where it truly aims to shine.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Specifications and Price
The MSI Raider 18 HX comes with a premium price of $3,400. For this investment, you receive high-end specifications, including a powerful processor, ample RAM and storage, and a gigantic screen. Future-proofing is addressed with Wi-Fi 7 capability. One potential drawback is the 120Hz refresh rate of the 18-inch, 3840×2400 resolution display, which might disappoint some gamers seeking higher refresh rates.
Here are the specifications of the reviewed model:
- CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- Memory: 64 GB DDR5
- Graphics/GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU 12G GDDR6
- Display: 18″ UHD+(3840×2400) 120Hz Mini LED HDR 1000 100% DCI-P3
- Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4
- Webcam: IR FHD webcam
- Connectivity: 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 w/ DP (1 also with PD3.1), 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI v2.1, SD Card Reader, 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Biometrics: Fingerprint reader
- Battery capacity: 99.9 watt-hours
- Dimensions: 15.91″ x 12.09″ x 1.26″
- Weight: 7.94 pounds
- MSRP: $3,399
MSI Raider 18 HX: Design and Build Quality
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The Raider 18 HX embodies the classic gaming laptop aesthetic: a large screen, abundant RGB lighting, stylized fonts, and red accents against a black chassis. However, its nearly eight-pound weight is substantial. While expected for a gaming laptop, this weight makes it more of a desktop replacement than a portable device.
The RGB lighting is extensive and customizable, while the build quality is robust. The display is stable, and the chassis feels solid. Sharp edges around the front might cause discomfort during extended use.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Keyboard and Trackpad
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The keyboard offers good key travel and includes a numpad, per-key RGB backlighting, and dedicated function keys for features like crosshair activation and cooler boost. The trackpad is large and responsive but prone to collecting dirt. The central placement of the trackpad, combined with the off-center keyboard, leads to frequent accidental touches.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Display and Audio
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The 18-inch Mini-LED display is impressive, offering vibrant colors and high brightness. While some blooming is noticeable in light themes, the deep blacks and overall visual quality are excellent. The 120Hz refresh rate is adequate for gaming, but competitors offer higher refresh rates in this price range. The speakers, however, are average, lacking bass and clarity.
The constantly running fans are incredibly loud, necessitating the use of headphones even during idle periods.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics
The FHD webcam is decent for a built-in camera but performs poorly in low light. The inclusion of a physical shutter is a welcome privacy feature. The microphone is average. Biometric options include an IR camera for facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor, providing convenient login options.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Ports and Connectivity
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The Raider 18 HX offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader, and an Ethernet port. The placement of power, video, and Ethernet ports on the back is convenient for desktop use. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure future-proof connectivity.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Performance
The Raider 18 HX boasts impressive specifications, suggesting strong performance. Benchmark results, however, were somewhat mixed. It excelled in PCMark 10 and Handbrake tests but performed less impressively in Cinebench R20. Gaming benchmarks revealed a balance between high frame rates and the limitations of the 120Hz display.
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MSI Raider 18 HX: Battery Life
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Despite its large 99.9 watt-hour battery, the Raider 18 HX delivered only around four hours of battery life in our video playback test. This limited battery life restricts its portability for gaming.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Conclusion
The MSI Raider 18 HX offers a powerful gaming experience with a stunning display and extensive connectivity. However, its loud fans, hefty weight, and short battery life limit its appeal as a truly portable device. The high price tag also demands consideration. Ultimately, the Raider 18 HX is best suited for gamers prioritizing desktop-level performance in a (somewhat) portable form factor and who are willing to overlook its drawbacks.
