MSI Crosshair 16 HX review
The MSI MSI Crosshair 16 HX ranks as the #197 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #82-ranked performance among 704 laptops. Consider the MSI Vector 16 HX AI or MSI Creator Z16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX is a capable machine with impressive specs, including an Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU. The display is bright and sharp, but lacks HDR. The keyboard has 24 zones of RGB lighting and decent key travel. While it's suitable for everyday tasks, its battery life leaves much to be desired, especially during heavy usage. Overall, this laptop is a solid choice, but its average battery life might make it less appealing to those who prioritize portability.
Build
The MSI Crossair 16 HX boasts impressive build quality. The lid is made of glass, providing a sleek look, but no backlight. The hinges and plastic parts are sturdy, while the metal frame inside adds to the device's sturdiness. The camera cover is a nice touch, using an image from the laptop as a cover. The build feels solid, with a metal-like feel on top, despite being unclear if it's actually metal or not. Overall, the MSI Crossair 16 HX has a well-constructed design that justifies its premium price tag. For an improved build, MSI Raider GE68 HX is worth considering.
Display
The display on the MSI Crosshair 16 HX is a 16-inch IPS panel with QHD+ resolution (2560 x 1600). It features a 240Hz refresh rate but lacks HDR support. The screen is bright, sharp, and colorful, making it ideal for content creation and gaming. I've used the laptop in various lighting conditions and found that it remains clear and glare-free. Overall, the display is a strong point of the MSI Crosshair 16 HX, offering excellent visuals and a smooth gaming experience. You might want to check out MSI Creator Z16, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX delivers impressive performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU. The system can handle demanding tasks and games with ease, including Fortnite, which runs smoothly at high frame rates even on the most intense settings. With a maxed-out turbo efficiency of 5.5 GHz and 8 GB GDDR6 memory, this laptop is capable of handling multiple applications simultaneously without lagging. Its performance is undoubtedly one of its strongest features, making it suitable for gamers and content creators. Take a look at MSI Raider GE68 HX - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The battery life is average, lasting around 5 hours with maximum power saving activated and the Nvidia graphics card disabled. However, if you're using the laptop for light tasks or schoolwork, it can easily last through a full day. The charging port supports Power Delivery (PD) for quick top-ups. Overall, while not exceptional, the battery life is sufficient for casual use.
Connectivity
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX boasts an impressive array of ports, including three Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 port with displayPort and PD charging capabilities, HDMI for up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, and a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 socket. The device also features a headphone jack with microphone support. It’s worth checking out MSI Creator Z16, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The MSI Crossair 16 HX boasts impressive features, including a 16in IPS QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate. It also comes equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU, and 16GB of RAM. The keyboard offers 24 zones RGB lighting with eight modes, while the laptop's ports include USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and a Type-C port with PD charging capabilities. Give MSI Raider GE68 HX a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX boasts exceptional build quality, with a sturdy metal frame and plastic hinges. The laptop's maintenance is average, with battery life that may struggle to reach 5 hours under heavy use. Regular software updates are essential for optimal performance, but overall, the support system feels robust.
Pros
1. Very solid feel like metal, sounds different from other parts
2. Display is bright, sharp, and colorful with a resolution of QHD+ (2560*1600)
3. Has three type-A USB 3.2 ports, one type-C USB 3.2 port with display output and PD charging
4. 24 zones RGB keyboard with eight modes, key travel is 1.7mm
5. Intel Core i7 processor with 20 cores, 5.5 GHz max turbo efficiency
6. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU with dss3 for AI-enhanced image quality
Cons
1. Battery life is average, lasts around 5 hours when playing YouTube or browsing
2. Fans can be loud and distracting during gaming sessions
3. Camera and sound come from the laptop, which may not be ideal for video calls
4. Plastic hinges and parts, metal part has a different sound compared to other parts
5. No backlight on glass lid, reflective surface instead
6. Average battery life when playing games with maximum settings (around 40-45 FPS)
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