MSI Raider 18 HX (2024)
| Manufacturer | MSI |
|---|---|
| Product family | Raider GE Series |
| Release date | January 2024 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| Memory | 32 GB (16Gx2) DDR5-5600 MHz |
| Storage | 1 TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4 |
| Removable storage | SD 7.0 |
| Display | Screen size: 18 inch Panel type: Mini LED Coating: Resolution: 3840 x 2400 PPI: Aspect ratio: Refresh rate: 120 Hz Brightness: HDR 1000 DCI-P3: 100 % |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | Sound by Dynaudio 4 x 2W Speakers 2W x 2W Woofer |
| Camera | IR FHD with HDR & 3D Noise Reduction Plus |
| Connectivity | Killer WiFi 7 BE1750 Bluetooth 5.4 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 w/ DP (1 also with PD3.1) 1 x HDMI v2.1 1 x 3.5mm audio jack |
| Dimensions | W: 15.91 inches (40.4 cm) D: 12.09 inches (30.7 cm) H: 1.26 inches (3.2 cm) |
| Mass | 7.94 pounds (3.60 kg) |
| Power brick | 330W AC Power Adapter |
| Battery | 4 cell Li-Ion 99.9 WHr |
| Keyboard | SteelSeries per-Key RGB with Anti-Ghost key (99 Key) |
| Chassis | Color: Materials: Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy Cooling: Cooler Boost 5 with 2 fans, 6 heat pipes, and 3D cooling stands |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes |
| Website | MSI |
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.
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The MSI Raider 18 HX (2024) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for gamers who prioritize power and screen size over portability. It features the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, making it suitable for demanding AAA games and multitasking. The laptop is equipped with a large 18-inch Mini LED display, offering vibrant colors and high brightness, although it is limited to a 120Hz refresh rate. The Raider 18 HX is built with a robust magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, contributing to its heavy weight.
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The MSI Raider 18 HX is powered by the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, which operates at a base frequency of 1.6 GHz and can boost up to 5.8 GHz. This high-end processor is designed to handle intensive gaming and productivity tasks with ease.
In performance evaluations, the Raider 18 HX excelled in overall benchmarks, particularly in PCMark 10, where it outperformed many competitors. However, it did not perform as well in Cinebench R20, where it ranked in the middle of the pack. This suggests that while the processor is capable for gaming, it may not excel in all CPU-intensive tasks.[1]
Benchmarks:
- PCMark 10: High performance
- Cinebench R20: Mid-range performance
Graphics
The Raider 18 HX is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, featuring 12 GB of GDDR6 memory. This GPU is designed to deliver exceptional graphics performance, particularly in gaming scenarios.
The graphics performance of the Raider 18 HX is impressive, with the laptop performing exceptionally well in 3DMark's Time Spy and Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmarks. It achieves solid frame rates that cater to gamers' needs, making it a suitable choice for high-end gaming.[1]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Time Spy: High performance
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: High frame rates
- Metro Exodus: High performance
Memory
The Raider 18 HX comes with 32 GB of DDR5-5600 MHz RAM, configured as 16 GB x 2. This substantial RAM capacity allows for seamless multitasking and efficient handling of heavy applications, ensuring smooth performance during both gaming and productivity tasks.[1]
Storage
The laptop is equipped with a 1 TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4, providing rapid load times and ample space for games and applications. This storage solution contributes to the overall system responsiveness and user experience.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Raider 18 HX features a full-sized keyboard with a numpad, offering good key travel and per-key RGB backlighting. While the keyboard is technically excellent with good travel and comfort, the placement may lead to accidental trackpad brushes during typing, which can be frustrating for users.[1]
Touchpad
The touchpad is expansive and adequately clicky, providing a satisfactory user experience. However, it tends to accumulate dirt and grime in its creases, and gamers may prefer using a dedicated gaming mouse.[1]
Webcam
The laptop includes an IR FHD webcam with HDR and 3D Noise Reduction Plus. It performs well in bright lighting conditions but struggles in low light. The webcam includes a physical shutter for privacy, which is a thoughtful addition for users concerned about security.[1]
Microphone
The microphone quality is average and not particularly impressive for high-quality audio capture. It is adequate for basic use, but for better audio quality during calls or streaming, an external microphone is recommended.[1]
Output Devices
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Display
The Raider 18 HX features an 18-inch UHD+ (3840x2400) Mini LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR 1000. The display offers excellent color accuracy and contrast, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. However, it has some blooming issues typical of Mini-LED technology, and the refresh rate may disappoint gamers expecting higher rates in this price range.[1]
Audio
The laptop is equipped with sound by Dynaudio, featuring 4 x 2W speakers and 2W x 2W woofers. The speakers are average in quality, lacking bass and clarity, which is typical of laptop speakers. Users are likely to prefer using headphones for a better sound experience.[1]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Raider 18 HX is equipped with Killer WiFi 7 BE1750, providing impressive wireless speeds even in a Wi-Fi 6E environment. However, for gaming and latency-sensitive tasks, wired connections are still recommended for optimal performance.[1]
Bluetooth
The laptop includes Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity.[1]
SD Card Reader
The inclusion of an SD 7.0 card reader is a convenient addition for users who need to transfer data from cameras or other devices.[1]
USB
The Raider 18 HX offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI v2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. However, the placement of both USB-C ports on the right side could be improved for better accessibility.[1]
Display Outputs
The laptop includes an HDMI 2.1 port, supporting high-resolution output suitable for gaming and media consumption on external displays.[1]
Case
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The Raider 18 HX is built with a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, providing a robust and durable design typical of gaming laptops. The overall build quality is high, with minimal flex in the display and chassis. However, the weight of approximately 7.94 lbs makes it less portable, and it may not be suitable for users who need a truly mobile laptop.[1]
Maintenance
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The laptop is designed for easy access to components, allowing for upgrades to RAM and storage. This is a plus for users looking to extend the laptop's lifespan.[1]
Cooling System
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The Raider 18 HX features the Cooler Boost 5 system, which includes 2 fans, 6 heat pipes, and 3D cooling stands to manage heat. The cooling system is effective in maintaining performance under load, but it results in loud fan noise during operation, which can be distracting.[1]
Heat
The laptop generates significant heat, especially under load, which is typical for high-performance gaming laptops.[1]
Noise
The fan noise is extremely loud and can be heard from several rooms away, making it necessary for users to wear headphones during use.[1]
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Raider 18 HX comes with a 330W AC power adapter. The laptop's power consumption is high, especially during gaming sessions, which is common for devices with powerful components.[1]
Battery Life
The laptop is equipped with a 99.9 WHr Li-Ion battery. It lasts approximately 234 minutes in best-case scenarios, which is below expectations for a laptop of this size and power. The battery life is significantly shorter during gaming sessions.[1]
Biometrics
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The Raider 18 HX includes a fingerprint reader located below the keyboard, providing an additional layer of security and convenience for users.[1]
Software
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The laptop ships with Windows 11 Pro.
Preinstalled Software
Details about preinstalled software are not provided in the review.
Linux Support
Details about Linux support are not provided in the review.
Accessories & Warranty
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The Raider 18 HX comes with a 330W AC adapter and paperwork. It includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty, which also covers one year globally.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The MSI Raider 18 HX is praised for its high performance and robust build quality, making it a suitable choice for gamers who prioritize power and screen size. However, its heavy weight, loud fan noise, and short battery life may deter users looking for portability and quiet operation.[1]
Problems Summary[1]
- Loud fan noise during operation.
- Heavy weight, making it less portable.
- Short battery life, especially during gaming sessions.
- Limited to 120Hz refresh rate, which may not meet some gamers' expectations.
- Average speaker quality, lacking bass and clarity.
- Placement of USB-C ports could be improved for better accessibility.