MSI Raider GE78 HX review
The MSI MSI Raider GE78 HX ranks as the #148 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #84-ranked performance among 708 laptops. Consider the MSI Vector 17 HX or MSI Stealth 16 AI Studio, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Raider GE78 HX offers impressive performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking top-of-the-line specs in a portable package. While its design may not be to everyone's taste, the value it provides is hard to ignore. Compared to other full-size desktops, this laptop delivers 80-90% of their performance at a fraction of the cost. If you prioritize power and don't mind carrying a slightly heavier device, the GE78 HX is an excellent option. However, its battery life can be a letdown when unplugged, which may affect gaming performance on the go. Still, its strengths make it worth considering.
Build
The MSI Raider GE78 HX's build is a mixed bag. While the laptop's weight and overall size are manageable, the design itself may not be to everyone's taste. The lack of a unibody construction is noticeable, with some creaking and flex observed when applying pressure to the outer lid. Additionally, the trackpad has been relocated from the left side to the center, which might take some getting used to. Despite these quirks, the build quality is decent, but it's not as polished as some of its competitors. A better alternative might be MSI Vector 17 HX, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The MSI Raider GE78 HX boasts an impressive display, making it a joy to watch games and videos. The screen is vibrant and color accurate, with good brightness levels that make it suitable for indoor use. The 16-inch IPS display offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing a crisp and detailed visual experience. Watching Spider-Man: Remastered on the highest preset, I achieved a smooth 85-110 frames per second. Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p also ran smoothly with around 75 frames per second. The display is surrounded by slim bezels, giving it an almost edge-to-edge feel, making for an immersive viewing experience. You may find MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The MSI Raider GE78 HX delivers impressive performance with its Extreme Performance mode that can hit over 50 dB. In gaming benchmarks, Spider-Man Remastered reached 85-110 FPS at 1600p, Cyberpunk 2077 got 75 FPS at 1440p, and Gotham Knights achieved 95-125 FPS at 1600p. The laptop can play most AAA games at 100+ FPS on their highest settings at native resolution. However, performance drops significantly when unplugged, losing up to 70% power in certain tests. Overall, the GE78 HX offers top-notch gaming performance and is a great choice for those who need intense gaming capabilities. If you’re after a better performance, MSI Vector 17 HX could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Raider GE78 HX's battery life is somewhat disappointing, lasting around 2-3 hours in gaming mode with the screen at maximum brightness. The charging time is relatively quick, however, taking around 1 hour to reach 80% capacity. When unplugged, performance takes a significant hit, with scores dropping by up to 70%. This suggests that the system's components are optimized for plugged-in use and may not be as effective on battery power.
Connectivity
The MSI Raider GE78 HX boasts impressive connectivity options. It features a USB-A port, two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port for reliable wired connections. A headphone jack and microphone input round out the audio options. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity. For an improved connectivity, MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio is worth considering.
Features
The MSI Raider GE78 HX boasts impressive performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia RTX graphics. Its 16-inch display offers crisp visuals. The keyboard features per-key controls and effects via the SteelSeries app, while the glass trackpad provides a smooth experience. The laptop also includes an RGB-lit lid and customizable lighting. You might want to check out MSI Vector 17 HX, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Raider GE78 HX's impressive performance is matched by its questionable design choices. While I appreciate the value offered for these specs, the laptop's maintenance requirements are concerning. The Extreme Performance mode can reach over 50dB, making it necessary to invest in good noise-cancelling headphones. However, when running on battery power, there's a significant performance loss, which may impact usability on-the-go.
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