MSI Raider GE78 (2023)

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MSI Raider GE78 (2023)
ManufacturerMSI
Release dateJanuary 2023;
3 years ago (2023-01)
Introductory priceUSD 2599 to 3699
DiscontinuedNo
Operating systemWindows 11 Home
(Can be configured with Windows 11 Pro)
CPUIntel Core i7-13700H
Intel Core i9-13950HX
Intel Core i9-13980HX
Memory16 (2x8), 32 (2x16), or 64 (2x32) GB DDR5-5200 or DDR5-5600 MHz SODIMM
Memory slots2 user accessible
Storage512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, or 1 TB + 1 TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4
Storage slots2 user accessible
Removable storageSD7.0
DisplayScreen size: 17 inch
Panel type: IPS
Coating: Matte (anti-glare)
Resolution: 2560 x 1600
PPI: 188
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Refresh rate: 240 Hz
Brightness: 400+ Nits
Contrast Ratio
GraphicsIntel UHD Graphics
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop 8 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ Dynamic Boost
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop 12 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ Dynamic Boost
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ Dynamic Boost
Sound2 x 2 W stereo w/ Dynaudio speakers
4 x 2 W Duo Wave Woofer
CameraFront: 1080p FHD with shutter
TouchpadGlass, 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.2 inches (8.1 cm)
ConnectivityKiller AX1690i WiFi 6E
Bluetooth 5.2
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A)
1 x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, DP, PD)
1 x HDMI 2.1
1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
1 x Ethernet (2.5 Gbps)
1 x SD card reader (SD7.0)
DimensionsW: 15.63 inches (39.7 cm)
D: 11.18 inches (28.4 cm)
H: 1.02 inches (2.6 cm)
Mass6.83 pounds (3.10 kg)
Power brick330W slim 3-pin proprietary AC adapter (US)
Battery4 cell Li-Ion 99.9 Wh
KeyboardPer-key RGB backlit, black (US)
Standard full size layout
ChassisColor: Black
Materials: Metal top lid, plastic rear casing
Cooling: 2 x 60mm fans, 4 radiators, multiple heatpipes
Number padFull size
Fingerprint readerNo
Facial recognitionYes (IR camera with Windows Hello support)
PredecessorMSI Raider GE77 (2022)
WebsiteMSI

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

This section was written by AI and requires review. Remove this after review.

The MSI Raider GE78 (2023) is a high-performance gaming laptop equipped with Intel 13th gen Raptor Lake HX series mobile processors and Nvidia Geforce RTX 4000 series mobile GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.[1] The Raider GE78 is positioned as a premium gaming laptop with top-tier components and features.[2]

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The MSI Raider GE78 (2023) can come with the following processors[1]:

MSI supplies the processors with sufficient power and cooling for CPU-intensive tasks resulting in high performance compared to other laptops with the same processors. In CPU-only tasks, the i9-13950HX and i9-13980HX perform exceptionally well, with the i9-13950HX stabilizing at around 130W of sustained power on the Extreme setting, reaching temperatures around 95°C and scoring ~4600 points in Cinebench R15.[2] The i9-13980HX delivers excellent performance, scoring over 30,000 in Cinebench R23 without undervolting and maintaining high clock speeds up to 5.2 GHz on all cores.[3] The i9-13950HX outperforms the latest Zen 4 AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX in multi-threaded and single-threaded tests by up to 5 percent and 15 percent, respectively.[4]

Benchmarks:

  • Cinebench R23:
    • i9-13950HX: ~32544 pts (multi-core), ~2081 pts (single-core)[2]
    • i9-13980HX: ~32000 pts (multi-core)[3]
  • Cinebench R20:
    • i9-13950HX: ~12574 pts (multi-core), ~803 pts (single-core)[4]
  • Cinebench R15:
    • i9-13950HX: ~4600 pts[2]

Graphics

In addition to the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, the Raider GE78 (2023) ships with the following discrete GPUs[1]:

MSI supplies all GPU configurations with 175 W of max power, providing excellent gaming performance. The RTX 4080 runs at up to 175W with Dynamic Boost, achieving strong gaming performance with over 100 FPS in most titles at ultra settings and up to 400 FPS in esports titles like Counter-Strike 2.[3] The RTX 4080 configuration offers 30 to 50 percent faster raw performance than the RTX 3080 Ti in the previous GE77 model.[4] The GPU behavior varies between games, with most titles pushing 160-175W into the GPU.[2]

Benchmarks:

  • 3DMark Fire Strike:
    • RTX 4080: ~32319 pts[2]
    • RTX 4080: ~34260 pts[4]
  • 3DMark Time Spy:
    • RTX 4080: ~18446 pts[2]
    • RTX 4080: ~18732 pts[4]
  • Uniengine Superposition – 1080p Extreme:
    • RTX 4080: ~11715 pts[2]
  • 3DMark Port Royal:
    • RTX 4080: ~12004 pts[2]
  • Cyberpunk 2077:
    • RTX 4080: ~99 FPS[3]
  • Apex Legends:
    • RTX 4080: ~250 FPS[3]

Memory

The Intel HM770 chipset used in the Raider GE78 supports a maximum of 2 SO-DIMM sticks and the 13th Generation Intel HX processors support up to 192 GB DDR5-5600Mhz memory.[1] The maximum available capacity currently DDR5 SO-DIMM is 48 GB 5600 Mhz, therefore the Raider GE78 can support maximum 96 GB DDR5 5600 Mhz memory.[5]

Pre-configured SKUs come with either 16 GB (2 x 8) DDR5-5200, 32 GB (2 x 16) DDR5-5200 or DDR5-5600, or 64 GB (2 x 32) DDR5-5200 or DDR5-5600 Memory. These sticks perform identically even when paired with different CPUs.[2]

Benchmarks:

  • PassMark 10:
    • Memory score: ~3558[2]
  • AIDA64:
    • Memory Copy: ~77283 MB/s[4]
    • Memory Read: ~85378 MB/s[4]
    • Memory Write: ~76482 MB/s[4]

Storage

The Raider GE78 can ship with 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, or 1 TB + 1 TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4 depending on the seller. The OEM SSD only uses 1 slot in all configurations leaving the other slot open for upgrades.

Reviews of the i9 13950HX + RTX 4080 and i9 13980HX + RTX 4080 SKUs note that both came with the Samsung PM9A1 2 TB SSD which is an OEM version of the popular 980 Pro. This SSD is capable of maintaining transfer rates of over 7000 MB/s even when stressed.[4][2]

Benchmarks:

  • CrystalDiskMark:
    • Sequential Read: ~7066 MB/s[4]
    • Sequential Write: ~5249 MB/s[4]
  • AS SSD:
    • Total Score: ~8951 pts[4]
  • PassMark 10:
    • Disk Mark: ~56712[2]

Co-processors

The MSI Raider GE78 does not have any dedicated co-processors for AI or other specialized tasks.[1]

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The Raider GE78 comes with a SteelSeries per-key RGB backlit keyboard with Anti-Ghost key (102 Key). The typing experience is somewhat shallow, similar to ultrabooks, but the keys are well-sized and spaced, with RGB backlighting offering customization options through SteelSeries software.[2] The key feedback is very good, with a satisfying typing experience. However, the arrow keys and numpad are cramped, which may hinder usability for gaming.[4]

Touchpad

The Raider GE78 comes with a spacious glass touchpad that measures 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.2 inches (8.1 cm).[2]

The touchpad is smooth and responsive, comparable to other high-end gaming laptops. It supports multi-touch gestures and provides a satisfying click.[3] However, the surface can be sticky, hindering smooth gliding, and the feedback when pressing down is quiet but too shallow, leading to an unsatisfying feel overall.[4]

Webcam

The Raider GE78 comes with a 1080p FHD IR webcam with a physical shutter.[1]

The webcam has acceptable image quality in good light, with proper Hello support for facial recognition. The quality is adequate for video calls but not exceptional compared to higher-end models.[2][4]

Microphone

The Raider GE78 comes with integrated microphones.[1]

The microphone quality is decent for video calls and voice commands, but specific performance details are not provided.[2]

Output Devices

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Display

MSI ships the Raider GE78 with the following display options[1]:

  • 17" 16:10 QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz 100% DCI-P3 IPS-Level Panel

The display offers sharp images and good viewing angles, but blacks aren't amazing at high brightness, with a contrast ratio of around 1100:1. The panel is high-refresh and fast-response, essential for gaming, but does not support GSync.[2] The display has good color accuracy with 100% DCI-P3 coverage but suffers from significant backlight bleeding, which can be distracting during dark scenes in games or movies.[4]

Benchmarks:

  • Max brightness: ~454.12 cd/m2[2]
  • Min brightness: ~23.28 cd/m2[2]
  • Contrast at max brightness: ~1138:1[2]
  • Coverage: ~99.6% sRGB, ~85.2% AdobeRGB, ~96.6% DCI-P3[2]
  • Response Time: ~6.4 ms (Black to White)[4]

Audio

The Raider GE78 comes with six speakers: two 2W stereo speakers and four 2W Duo Wave Woofers.[1]

The speakers provide good sound quality with clear bass, better than many competitors but not as good as the Razer Blade series. The audio is immersive, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption.[3] However, the loud fan noise when gaming negatively impacts the audio experience.[4]

Benchmarks:

  • Maximum volume: ~84.4 dB[4]

Connectivity

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WiFi

MSI equips the Raider GE78 with a Killer AX1690i WiFi 6E WLAN module.[1]

The WiFi performs well even at a distance from the router, providing stable connectivity for online gaming and streaming. However, some users have reported driver issues that may affect connectivity.[3]

Benchmarks:

  • iperf3 transmit: ~1582 MBit/s[4]
  • iperf3 receive: ~1672 MBit/s[4]

Bluetooth

The Raider GE78 comes with a Bluetooth 5.2 module.<[1]

SD Card Reader

The Raider GE78 includes an SD7.0 card reader.[1]

The SD card reader is functional, allowing for quick data transfer from cameras and other devices. However, transfer rates are disappointing compared to competitors, taking longer to transfer files than expected.[4]

USB

MSI equips the Raider GE78 with the following USB ports[1]:

  • 2 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps)
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
  • 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps, DisplayPort, charging)
  • 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10 Gbps, DisplayPort, no charging)

The comprehensive selection of ports caters to various peripherals and external displays, providing flexibility for connectivity.[2][3]

Display Outputs

The Raider GE78 comes with the following display outputs[1]:

  • 1 x HDMI 2.1
  • 1 x USB-C with DisplayPort

These outputs support high-resolution external displays, making the laptop suitable for gaming and productivity setups.[2][3]

Case

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The Raider GE78 (2023) features a metal top lid with a plastic rear casing. The design includes RGB elements that may not appeal to all users.[2] The chassis is well-built with no flex, no creaks, or funny noises, but it is heavy and not easily portable.[3] The design is unique and visually distinguishes the GE78 from other gaming laptops, with improved build quality and larger, firmer hinges compared to the GE77.[4]

The build quality is solid, with minimal creaking and just a bit of warping when applying pressure on the outer lid. The aesthetic changes are subjective but provide a distinctive look.[4]

Maintenance

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The bottom panel of the Raider GE78 is secured by 12 screws and requires breaking a factory seal to open.[4]

Upgradeable components:[4]

  • 99.9 Wh battery.
  • Two M.2 PCIe4 x4 SSDs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).
  • Two DDR5-5200 or DDR5-5600 SODIMMs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).

Cooling System

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The Raider GE78 is equipped with an advanced cooling module with two fans, four radiators, and multiple heatpipes. The system intakes air from the side and bottom grilles and exhausts air through the back grilles.[2]

Heat

The laptop runs hot internally, especially when kept flat on a desk. The CPU can reach temperatures around 95°C, and the GPU temperatures range between 78-87°C during gaming.[2][4]

Benchmarks:

  • CPU temperature: ~95°C (max)[2]
  • GPU temperature: ~78-87°C (during gaming)[2]

Noise

The fan noise is very loud on the Extreme Performance profile, reaching up to 57 dB(A), which may be distracting during use. Noise levels vary significantly between profiles, with Quiet mode at around 35 dB(A).[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • Extreme Performance profile: ~57 dB(A)[3]
  • Quiet mode: ~35 dB(A)[2]

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Raider GE78 ships with a 330 W AC adapter and supports 100W USB-C charging.[1]

The laptop consumes a significant amount of power under load, with gaming consuming around 286 W, which is higher than previous models.[4]

Battery Life

All Raider GE78 SKUs come with a 99.9 Wh Li-Ion battery. The battery life during light tasks is around 4-6 hours, while gaming reduces it to about 1 hour.[2][3]

Benchmarks:

  • WiFi Browsing: ~6 hours[4]
  • Load (maximum brightness): ~1 hour[2]

Biometrics

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The Raider GE78 supports Windows Hello face recognition through its IR camera but does not have a fingerprint reader.[1]

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home, but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from MSI.[1]

Preinstalled Software

MSI Center

The MSI Center program acts as the primary control center in the Raider GE78. It allows users to switch between performance profiles, including Quiet, Balanced, Extreme Performance, and Cooler Boost modes.[2]

SteelSeries GG

The SteelSeries GG software provides customization options for the per-key RGB backlighting on the keyboard.[4]

Other Preinstalled Software

The Raider GE78 also comes with other software like Norton Security and various MSI utilities.[2]

Linux Support

Linux support is limited, as the laptop is primarily designed for Windows.[2]

Accessories & Warranty

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The Raider GE78 comes with a 330 W AC adapter and paperwork.[2]

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[2]

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The MSI Raider GE78 is considered a powerful and well-balanced gaming laptop with high CPU and GPU performance. It is suitable for both gaming and professional work, offering a balance of portability and performance. The laptop is praised for its display, keyboard, and overall build quality. However, it runs hot, is heavy, and has loud fan noise, which may be drawbacks for some users.[2][3][4]

Problems Summary[2][3][4]

  • Runs hot internally, especially when kept flat on a desk.
  • Loud fan noise on Extreme Performance profile.
  • Heavy and not easily portable.
  • Significant backlight bleeding on the display.
  • Cramped arrow keys and numpad on the keyboard.
  • Sticky touchpad surface.
  • Disappointing SD card reader transfer rates.
  • High power consumption under load.
  • Limited Linux support.

Links

i9-13950HX, RTX 4080, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: UltrabookReview

i9-13980HX, RTX 4080, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: GizmoSlipTech

i9-13950HX, RTX 4080, 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD: NotebookCheck

Community Reception

Overall Sentiment

Problems Summary

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 "Raider GE78 (2023) Specifications". MSI.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 "MSI Raider GE78 Review". UltrabookReview.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 "MSI Raider GE78HX Review". GizmoSlipTech.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 4.21 4.22 4.23 4.24 4.25 4.26 4.27 4.28 4.29 4.30 4.31 "MSI Raider GE78HX 13VH-070US Review". NotebookCheck.
  5. ↑ "48GB SO-DIMMs Now Available". TomsHardware.
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