A behemoth of a laptop computer, it is positive to raid your pockets however brings loads of efficiency with it Up to date: Apr 15, 2024 3:12 pm WePC is reader-supported. If you purchase via hyperlinks on our website, we could earn an affiliate fee. Costs topic to vary. Study extra Desk of Contents Desk of Contents Unveiled in 2024’s CES showcase, the MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG comes with the top-end {hardware} within the present technology. In laptop computer kind, it may not be equal to the desktop counterparts nevertheless it nonetheless is an 18-inch behemoth that sits in between the highest gaming PC and a extra compact transportable laptop computer. So can it attain the degrees of the most effective gaming laptop computer accessible? Execs Glorious basic efficiency in gaming and manufacturing duties Great show with a 4K decision and quick refresh price Large cooling resolution retains temps down and retains it comfy to make use of 18-inch 16:10 display supplies a high immersive expertise Cons Finicky energy connector must be plugged in straight as to operate correctly and with out warnings Fairly heavy and cumbersome as a selection for shifting round Large fingerprint magnet making the black end barely much less interesting Pricing The MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG is nothing if not costly, with a retail value of £4,699.99 (~$5,868.24 with 20% VAT) within the UK as of writing. It soars even above the remainder of the most effective 4090 laptops out there. It doesn’t fairly attain the heights of the highest MSI laptop computer within the Titan however nonetheless on a excessive stage, besides possibly the Razer Blade seen at an analogous value level. Design MSI provides an incredible total construct high quality and design, the Raider 18HX comes with a strong design. The steel chassis is inflexible and opposes flexing fairly effectively. Though you would possibly discover the keyboard to bend beneath higher power, beneath regular utilization it’s not affected significantly in any respect. Plus with such a big measurement, the keyboard is straightforward to make use of and doesn’t compromise on a lot in any respect offering a high writing expertise. MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG alongisde its field and contents of the package deal together with energy cable and leaflets A MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG gaming laptop computer with a glowing inexperienced brand on its lid, displayed on a desk with colourful blurred background of containers. Shut-up of an MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG gaming laptop computer’s facet exhibiting USB ports and air flow grills with a colourful blurred background. View of the underside panel of an MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG gaming laptop computer with air flow grilles and purple accents. Facet view of an MSI Raider 18HX gaming laptop computer exhibiting USB-C, A, and audio ports with blurry colourful lights within the background. Shut-up of a laptop computer keyboard with backlit keys in blue and inexperienced colours, emphasizing a contemporary, high-tech look. Earlier Subsequent MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG, supply: BGFG Basically, the look of the laptop computer is much more modern, offering a extra incognito gaming machine. That’s to not say it doesn’t stand out from any primary gadgets contemplating the purple highlights across the vents and the RGB across the outdoors. Though with the dimensions of the factor, it’s down to attract some eyes on you if you happen to’re out someplace. The burden of the mannequin additionally makes it a bit more durable to maneuver round and get to locations and not using a exercise. Though it’s not shocking contemplating that it suits each the i9-14900HX and an RTX 4090 laptop computer GPU within it. Plus all of the cooling is able to taming the 250W so it’s unsurprising that h the thickness is quite a bit increased than most, as you possibly can clearly see all of the heatsinks adorning the within and spitting out the warmth of the elements. MSI doesn’t skimp on the connectors both, with a lot actual property you possibly can take pleasure in a complete slew of connectivity. This consists of two USB-Kind C connectors with Thunderbolt 4, considered one of which even grants PD3.1 charging. However there are additionally three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 selections, one SD card reader, an RJ 45, HDMI 2.1, and a combo 3.5mm audio jack. The ethernet and video port are on the again of the laptop computer making them much less in the best way of your mouse or different equipment. The ability connector can also be on the rear, however that comes with its personal issues, because it makes use of a customized plug for it. This additionally comes up with MSI middle errors if it’s not correctly inserted, which is nice for security however does imply taking part in round with it so it’s correctly charging. As unlucky because the non-standard connector is, it is likely to be easier because it does ship 330W via it and even Thunderbolt 4 is proscribed to 100W. Not less than you get it for peripherals and a few energy supply. An individual utilizing the MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG with colourful backlit keyboard, displaying a high-resolution desert panorama sport scene. Particular person taking part in a online game that includes a bike chase scene on an MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG laptop computer, in a room with purple ambient lighting. An individual’s hand typing on a backlit gaming keyboard of the MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG, with a give attention to the colourful keys and a blurred laptop display within the background. Shut-up of MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG gaming laptop computer highlighting the keyboard and the sting of the display with neon gentle accents. Earlier Subsequent MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG, supply: BGFG Efficiency Taking a look at what the laptop computer can do when it comes to gaming and efficiency we put it via simply a few exams. With a have a look at gaming capabilities in Cyberpunk 2077 in addition to the efficiency capabilities in manufacturing with using 3DMark and Cinbench 2024. We additionally discovered how a lot the MUX Swap can change the efficiency. Though MSI makes use of an AI efficiency choice for altering it out you possibly can set it to make use of the GPU, the CPU, or a hybrid of the 2 for graphics. As we discover out it appears greatest discrete graphics are used. MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG 3DMark benchmark graph MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG Cinebench 2024 benchmark graph MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark graph Earlier Subsequent MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG benchmarks, supply: BGFG We see the laptop computer be capable of be a powerful selection as a gaming laptop computer for Cyberpunk 2077. Working at native 4k makes it prettier and nicer to make use of on the show, however does restrict its efficiency. As we pure rasterization drop it down beneath 60 FPS for each discrete and hybrid modes. That falls much more when utilizing ray tracing nevertheless it additionally places a much bigger hole and reveals off discrete mode providing you with a lot extra energy. However being an RTX 40 collection card, you can too activate DLSS 3 and profit from improved efficiency and the utilization of upscaling to get extra out of the sport. That additionally comes with body technology and bettering the look of the sport whereas utilizing the expertise. Cinebench additionally reveals the prowess of the machine because it soars within the GPU benchmark, this time although the hybrid mixture boosts its capabilities and reveals it has its advantages in sure eventualities. Though 3DMark shouldn’t be one as once more discrete soars to increased ranges, particularly ray tracing as seen in Port Royal. Last phrases General, the MSI Raider 18HX A14VIG is an distinctive piece of {hardware}. It brings with it loads of energy and efficiency from using the highest line of {hardware} accessible within the cell sector. Which is sadly restricted to what it might probably obtain and will be complicated contemplating the 4090 in that is nowhere close to the RTX 4090 GPU as we noticed in our assessment of the cardboard. Nevertheless, the laptop computer comes with some drawbacks, primarily the price and weight. The over £4,000 price ticket is definitely not for everybody and is sort of the desktop alternative for some. But in addition with a 3.6kg weight, it’s not as cell as most different laptops, however with the cooling and energy within it, we wouldn’t count on any much less. However for the fitting individual, it will likely be the fitting match.
