MSI Sword 16 HX review
The MSI MSI Sword 16 HX ranks as the #73 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 81. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #74-ranked performance among 692 laptops. Consider the MSI Raider GE67 or MSI Prestige 14, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Sword 16HX is a competitive laptop despite its age. With an Intel Core i7-4650H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, it's still capable of delivering smooth performance for gaming and productivity. The 16-inch IPS display offers good color accuracy and peak brightness, making it suitable for use outdoors. While the 8GB memory and 512GB SSD are relatively weak points, they're also an argument in favor of buying an older model like this. At its current price point, the MSI Sword 16HX is a well-rounded laptop that's worth considering, especially for those on a budget.
Build
The MSI Sword 16 HX boasts a sleek design with a clean matte black finish and subtle RGB lighting. The lid's stealthy look gives it a premium and professional appearance, making it suitable for corporate meetings. However, the interior reveals a more gaming-oriented aesthetic with vibrant RGB lighting and a full-size keyboard featuring translucent WASD keys. The build quality is solid, with minimal key wobble during typing. Ports are adequately distributed across the sides and back, although a micro SD or SD card slot would be a welcome addition for productivity-focused users. Overall, the MSI Sword 16 HX's build exudes a mix of sophistication and gaming flair. A better alternative might be MSI Pulse 16 AI, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The MSI Sword 16 HX boasts a large 16-inch IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The 1920 x 1200p resolution provides ample screen real estate for productivity. While the display's color accuracy is not exceptional, covering 67% sRGB and 50% Adobe RGB, it's sufficient for gaming thanks to its fast refresh rate. A peak brightness of 324 nits ensures it can be used outdoors. The display's 16:10 aspect ratio is ideal for multitasking and productivity tasks. Overall, the MSI Sword 16 HX's display offers a good balance between performance and features, making it a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop with decent visual capabilities. You may find MSI Pulse 16 AI a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The MSI Sword 16HX delivers satisfactory performance despite its age. Powered by an Intel Core i7-1650HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop can handle esports titles with ease, reaching up to 140 FPS on max settings. While the 8GB of memory and 512GB SSD may seem limited, they're still sufficient for everyday use. The 90W TDP of the RTX 4050 and Cooler Boost 5 cooling system allow it to outperform some RTX 4060 laptops. Overall, the Sword 16HX is a reliable choice for those on a budget who prioritize gaming performance over cutting-edge specs. If you’re after a better performance, MSI Pulse 16 AI could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Sword 16HX boasts an average port configuration, with USB ports, an HDMI port, and an RJ45 port. However, a micro SD or SD card slot would have made it more appealing for productivity. The laptop's battery life and charging capabilities are not discussed in the provided text.
Connectivity
The MSI Sword 16HX boasts an average port configuration with three USB Type-A ports (two on the left and one on the right), a 3.5mm combo jack, HDMI port, RJ45 port, and a power input. While it's sufficient for gaming, a micro SD or SD card slot would enhance productivity capabilities, making it a minor drawback in an otherwise well-rounded laptop design. For an improved connectivity, MSI Pulse 16 AI is worth considering.
Features
The MSI Sword 16 HX laptop boasts a sturdy build quality with a clean matte black finish. It features a full-size keyboard with translucent WASD keys, decent RGB lighting, and a large 16in 1920 x 1200p 144Hz IPS display. Ports include USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an RJ45 port. A 512GB SSD and Intel Core i7-74650HX CPU round out its specs. You might want to check out MSI Summit E16 AI Evo, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Sword 16 HX offers reliable support and maintenance options. Although an older model, its balanced performance makes it a great option for productivity and gaming. The Intel Core i7HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU provide smooth operation. Upgrading the memory is necessary to achieve optimal performance. Despite being out of the latest series, this laptop still receives timely updates and support, making it a solid choice for those on a budget.
Pros
1. The MSI Sword 16HX laptop is a well-rounded laptop that could do more than gaming thanks to a balanced Intel Core i7HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX50 configuration.
2. The large 16in 1920 x 1200p 144Hz IPS display on the MSI Sword 16HX is ideal for productivity, with good color accuracy and peak brightness of 324 nits.
3. The MSI Sword 16HX has a good typing experience with minimal key wobble, and the keyboard lighting is decent and bright enough to be seen in well-lit environments.
4. The laptop's Cooler Boost 5 technology allows it to squeeze every bit of performance possible from the Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, beating some RTX 4060 or RTX 4070 laptops.
Cons
1. The laptop's weakest point is its 8 gig memory and 512 gig SSD, which may limit optimal performance.
2. The color accuracy of the display is not one of the best in terms of sRGB, Adobe RGB, and PCIP3 coverage, but it's good enough for gaming thanks to its 144 hertz refresh rate.
3. There's no micro SD or SD card slot on the laptop, which may make it less appealing for productivity users.
4. The RTX 4050 GPU has a relatively low TDP of 90W, which may be a concern for some users.
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