The MSI Raider 16 MAX HX has been reviewed as one of the fastest 16-inch gaming laptops tested. It delivers significant horsepower while maintaining relatively quiet and cool operation. The machine is equipped with a full 300 watts of combined CPU and GPU horsepower.
The laptop utilizes a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, which offers improvements to internal ‘un-core’ clocks, notably enhancing gaming performance compared to the previous-generation Core Ultra 9 285HX. The model is priced starting at $2,999, and was tested at $3,499.
The most praised feature is the display: a brilliant QHD+ OLED screen. This display features a fast refresh rate, super high brightness, gorgeously saturated colors, and HDR support. Although it does not support G-SYNC, the 240-Hz refresh rate remains notable.
Other high-end specifications are standard for its price class, but the unit includes a notable 400-watt charger. This power delivery is highlighted as one of the highest seen, allowing users to game without worrying about battery drain.
Regarding usability, the keyboard is reported to feel much better after an initial break-in period, providing a decent membrane experience with a numeric keypad. The layout is considered good, featuring functions like F12 that always send the F12 command, and placing the Fn key on the right side.
Connectivity is a strong point, with useful I/O provided on the right side, including audio jack and high-speed USB Type-A ports, and on the back, featuring another USB-A port, HDMI 2.1 (supporting up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz), the RJ-45 jack for Ethernet, and the proprietary power plug.
In terms of performance metrics, the system was noted for staying under 50 decibels during normal use, even with a combined 300W TDP. While the CPU can reach up to 94℃ in the turbo power window, temperatures stabilize just under 90℃ at the 125W long-period maximum.
Battery life is described as respectable for a gaming laptop, though a significant gap remains compared to thin-and-light systems. The chassis is noted for its ability to provide easy upgrade access, allowing users to upgrade components like RAM and SSDs quickly.
While the unit has multiple advantages, drawbacks include a proprietary power plug and the chassis being primarily plastic. The inclusion of Steelseries software is also cited as an annoyance, requiring it to be kept running for proper lighting control.
Source: HotHardware