This gaming laptop falls short of MSI’s formidable Titan series but still provides an exceptional gaming experience with potent components and a stellar display. Despite its impressive features, it’s a hefty device, not suitable for on-the-go use.
Pros:
- Boasts a vibrant and rapid display.
- Exhibits robust build quality.
- Delivers outstanding gaming performance.
- Features a comfortable SteelSeries keyboard.
Cons:
- Bulky and weighty design.
- Trackpad lacks sturdiness.
- Fans can be excessively loud.
In summary, while this laptop excels in gaming prowess and display quality, its substantial size and weight, coupled with a slightly flimsy trackpad and noisy fans, may be noteworthy considerations for potential buyers.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: Brief Overview
The MSI Raider GE67 HX stands out as a robust gaming laptop, though not as colossal as the MSI GT77 Titan. Weighing over two kilograms and featuring a 15.6-inch display, it firmly resides in the ‘desktop replacement’ category.
Key Features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i9-12900HX |
| Graphics Card | Up to RTX 3080 Ti |
| Display | 15.6-inch, 240Hz refresh rate |
| Design | Durable build, premium design |
| RGB Lighting | Thick RGB lightbar, per-key RGB backlighting |
| Performance | RTX 3080 Ti handles 1440p resolution well |
| Gaming Experience | Smooth gameplay, especially with DLSS |
| Concerns | Heavy, limited battery life, noisy fans |
Performance and Design:
Upon unboxing, the GE67 HX impresses with a sturdy build and a dazzling RGB lightbar. The 240Hz display, perfect for esports gaming, and the collaboration with SteelSeries for the RGB-backlit keyboard add to its allure. The RTX 3080 Ti ensures excellent performance, delivering over 60fps in most games.
User Experience:
While the laptop is on the heavier side and exhibits predictable battery life issues, these drawbacks seem minor compared to its overall excellence. The only noteworthy concern is the fan noise, but for home use with a gaming headset, it remains an exceptional choice.
In conclusion, the MSI Raider GE67 HX earns its place among the top laptops of the year, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and gaming prowess.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: Pricing and Availability
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| RTX 3070 Ti | Starting at $2,499.99 |
| RTX 3080 Ti | High-spec model: $3,499.99 |
The MSI Raider GE67 HX comes in three models, starting at $2,499.99 for the RTX 3070 Ti and reaching $3,499.99 for the high-spec RTX 3080 Ti, which I’m reviewing. While it falls on the pricier side among laptops with similar GPUs, several factors contribute to its value.
Unlike its peers, the GE67 HX features HX variant CPUs, akin to desktop processors. This results in superior CPU performance, justifying the premium pricing. The stunning display also adds to the cost, though it’s a worthwhile investment. However, for those on a budget, exploring affordable laptop options might be a prudent choice.
As an MSI product, the GE67 HX isn’t directly available from the manufacturer in the US or Europe. Nevertheless, it’s conveniently accessible on popular platforms like Amazon. I even found the 3070 Ti model listed at a compelling $1,999 on Amazon, presenting a noteworthy deal.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: In-Depth Look at Specifications
There are three primary versions of the MSI Raider GE67 HX, featuring RTX 3080 Ti, 3080, and 3070 Ti GPUs. The latter two models may have a more budget-friendly 12800HX processor. All variants include 32GB DDR5 RAM and offer up to a 2TB SSD, depending on the model.
Specifications of our MSI Raider GE67 HX Review Unit:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $3,499.99 / £3,099 / AU$5,220 |
| CPU | Up to Intel Core i9-12900HX |
| Graphics | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-4800 |
| Screen | 15.6-inch 2560×1440, 240Hz, OLED |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, RJ-45 Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, combi audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | 1080p webcam |
| Weight | 2.38 kg |
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 35.8 x 26.7 cm |
The MSI Raider GE67 HX impresses with a powerhouse Intel Core i9-12900HX, up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, and a vibrant 15.6-inch OLED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The extensive connectivity options and a sleek design further enhance its appeal.
MSI Raider GE67 HX Review: Design
The MSI Raider GE67 HX boasts a captivating design, featuring a stunning 1440p OLED display with VESA-certified TrueBlack 600 HDR. The display, with a rapid 0.2ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate, not only enhances gaming visuals but also caters to content creators.
Display Excellence:
The vibrant colors and deep blacks make the screen ideal for gamers and content creators alike, showcasing impressive contrast and color reproduction.
Chassis Aesthetics:
The robust gaming-centric chassis, adorned with prominent MSI branding, RGB lightbar, and keyboard, embodies a gamer’s aesthetic. However, it might not blend seamlessly in professional settings.
Connectivity Hub:
The laptop offers an extensive range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4-enabled USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a rare SD card reader. The well-distributed ports cater to diverse user needs.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
The SteelSeries-designed keyboard provides a comfortable and responsive typing or gaming experience. While the trackpad is functional, it could be larger and feels slightly flimsy.
Audio and Webcam Quality:
The ‘Duo Wave’ speakers deliver impressive audio quality, addressing a common drawback in gaming laptops. The 1080p webcam enhances video calls compared to typical 720p options.
In summary, the MSI Raider GE67 HX’s design excels in display quality, gaming aesthetics, connectivity, and audio performance, making it a standout choice for gamers and content creators alike.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: Unveiling Performance Brilliance
The MSI Raider GE67 HX delivers robust 1440p gaming performance, powered by an Intel HX-class processor. However, be prepared for seriously noisy fans.
Performance Highlights:
| Aspect | Performance Overview |
|---|---|
| Gaming Benchmarks | Smooth gaming at 1080p or 1440p, with impressive Total War: Warhammer III and Cyberpunk 2077 performance. Option to enable DLSS. |
| Synthetic Benchmarks | Strong scores in 3DMark Time Spy, GeekBench 5, and Cinebench R20. Excellent performance in PCMark 10 ‘modern office’ benchmark. |
| User Upgradeability | RAM and SSD are user-upgradable, offering flexibility for future capacity enhancements. |
Detailed Benchmark Results:
| Benchmark | Results |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Night Raid | 55,726 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 26,805 |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 11,914 |
| Cinebench R20 multi-core | 8,862 |
| GeekBench 5 (single-core) | 1,888 |
| GeekBench 5 (multi-core) | 15,841 |
| PCMark 10 (Modern Office) | 9,079 |
| PCMark 10 (Battery life test) | 3 hours and 6 minutes |
| Battery Life Test | 3 hours and 55 minutes |
| Total War: Warhammer III (1080p) | Ultra: 92 fps; Low: 218 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p) | Ultra: 109 fps; Low: 266 fps |
| Dirt 5 (1080p) | Ultra: 134 fps; Low: 293 fps |
Noise Levels:
While the laptop’s overall performance impresses, the notable drawback is the noise generated by the fans during gameplay. The powerful cooling system keeps the laptop at manageable temperatures, but the fan noise can be distracting.
Future-Proofing Features:
The laptop’s user-upgradable RAM and SSD offer future-proofing options for users seeking higher capacities.
In conclusion, the MSI Raider GE67 HX excels in gaming and synthetic benchmarks, providing a future-proof platform with upgradeable components. However, the intrusive fan noise may be a consideration for users sensitive to such distractions.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: Battery Performance
The MSI Raider GE67 HX, despite boasting a massive 99.9Whr battery, fails to impress in the endurance department.
Key Observations:
- Even with a substantial battery, it falls short of an eight-hour workday with basic tasks at 50% brightness.
- Gaming drains the battery rapidly, providing less than 90 minutes of gameplay at maximum settings.
In-Depth Analysis:
Gaming laptops aren’t renowned for stellar battery life, and the Raider GE67 HX maintains this trend. Despite its impressive 99.9Whr battery (just below airline limits), it struggles to last through a workday. Even with conservative usage, web browsing, and word processing, the battery disappoints.
Gaming exacerbates the issue, with the laptop giving out after around 90 minutes of playing Apex Legends at maximum settings. While this aligns with industry norms, it’s disheartening given MSI’s emphasis on the battery’s capabilities.
Comparatively, the battery life falls within the average range for gaming laptops in a similar price bracket—middling, neither the worst nor the best. It’s crucial to note that lower-spec GE67 HX models with the same battery may offer slightly better endurance. Additionally, recharging the battery to full takes a substantial two and a half hours, despite the hefty AC adapter.
MSI Raider GE67 HX: Buying Considerations
Consider buying the MSI Raider GE67 HX if:
Desktop Replacement Needed:
- Seeking a desktop replacement.
- Not the most portable, but ideal for stationary use.
Esports Gaming Enthusiast:
- Into competitive gaming (Valorant, Overwatch 2).
- Powerful GPU and a snappy 240Hz OLED display for optimal performance.
Gamer and Creative Professional:
- A gamer with creative interests.
- Features like multiple ports and a high-quality display cater to photographers and video enthusiasts.
Avoid buying if:
Portability is a Priority:
- Need a more portable option.
- Consider Razer Blade 14 or Asus ROG Zephyrus G14.
Office-Appropriate Laptop Needed:
- Seeking a laptop for a professional office environment.
- The MSI Raider GE67 HX’s gaming aesthetic may not suit office settings.
Budget Constraints:
- Budget is a primary consideration.
- Look for alternatives with RTX 3060 or 3050 Ti for more economical choices.
Also Consider: Other Options to Explore
| Laptop Model | Price | CPU | Graphics | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Raider GE67 HX | $3,499.99 / £3,099 / AU$5,220 | Up to Intel Core i9-12900HX | Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti | 32GB DDR5-4800 | 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | $2,299.99 / around £2,085 / AU$2,800 | Intel Core i9-13900HX | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 | 16GB DDR5-4800 | 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD |
| Asus TUF Dash F15 | $1,449 / around £1,060 / AU$1,890 | Intel Core i7-11375H | Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 | 16GB DDR4-3200 | 1TB SSD |