MSI Raider 18 HX AI overview: A benchmark-breaking beast in laptop computer kind

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is the very mannequin of a “desktop substitute” laptop computer. It’s massive, it’s not a lot to take a look at, and it has a mediocre touchpad that means customers are actually anticipated to attach a mouse.

That may depart some consumers asking, “What’s the purpose?” That query is answered as soon as the laptop computer is tossed right into a demanding sport or software. It is likely to be thick, however the MSI Raider 18 HX delivers top-tier CPU and GPU efficiency. It even has gobs of RAM and a PCIe 5.0 stable state drive.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Specs and options

The spotlight of the MSI Raider 18 HX AI’s spec sheet is undoubtedly the Nvidia RTX 5080. This new cellular GPU is destined to change into the brand new go-to selection for avid gamers on the go, and right here it has entry to a powerful 175 watts of graphics energy.

However the story doesn’t finish there. The Raider 18 additionally has Intel’s new Core Extremely 9 285HX, which packs 24 CPU cores, and the mannequin I reviewed had 64GB of RAM alongside a 4TB PCIe 5.0 stable state drive. It has a Mini-LED show, too.

• Mannequin quantity: A2XWIG-418US
• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 9 285HX
• Reminiscence: 64GB DDR5-6400 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 5080 16GB
• NPU: Intel AI Increase as much as 13 TOPS (Int8)
• Show: 18-inch 3,840 x 2,400 120Hz IPS Mini-LED
• Storage: 4TB M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p 30fps digicam with bodily privateness shutter, twin array microphone
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 5, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Sort-A, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm combo jack, SD card reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader, Facial Recognition
• Battery capability: 99 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 15.91 x 12.09 x 1.26 inches
• Weight: 7.94 kilos
• Working System: Home windows 11 Professional
• Value: $4,499 MSRP

Chopping-edge {hardware} doesn’t come low-cost, and the Raider 18 I examined rings up at an intimidating $4,499. That’s so much, however should you glanced on the spec sheet and thought, “Eh, could possibly be higher,” MSI additionally gives a extra extravagant configuration with Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics at $4,899.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Design and construct high quality

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI isn’t the corporate’s largest and strongest laptop computer—that’s the MSI Titan—however it’s nonetheless a beefy boy. We’re speaking almost 8 kilos of heft and a profile that’s about 1.25 inches thick. That’s commonplace for an enormous, high-performance gaming laptop computer just like the Raider 18, however it’s essential to notice. You’re going to note when this laptop computer is in your bag, and it gained’t even slot in many mid-sized backpacks.

Dimension apart, the Raider 18’s design is cohesive however not exceptional. It’s clad in black plastics with pink accents, and whereas the supplies look fantastic, they’re definitely not as luxurious as laptops that intention for a extra skilled look, reminiscent of Razer’s Blade 18. It’s additionally noticeably much less extravagant than MSI’s Titan, which is extra of a showpiece.

Whereas it doesn’t make a robust first impression, the Raider 18’s construct high quality is stable. The plastics don’t present the sense of solidity aluminum would supply, however the chassis is inflexible when the laptop computer is dealt with, and the show doesn’t considerably warp because it’s opened and closed. Urgent exhausting on the keyboard reveals some flex, however that’s widespread for laptops of this measurement, and it didn’t stand out in regular use.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

A spacious keyboard with a numpad stretches throughout the MSI Raider 18 HX AI’s inside. Whereas a couple of keys, like Caps Lock, are nonetheless ever-so-slightly smaller than typical, most keys are massive. This consists of the numpad keys, which, not like so many laptops’ keyboards, are the identical measurement as the first alphanumeric keys. So, whereas the Raider 18 is focused at avid gamers, it may additionally enchantment to accountants (that’s a joke).

Key really feel, nevertheless, is a miss. Though it has a SteelSeries-branded keyboard, the typing expertise doesn’t really feel a lot totally different than with any variety of aggressive gaming keyboards. That’s to not say it’s unhealthy. A big laptop computer just like the Raider 18 has sufficient area to supply good key journey. Nonetheless, it’s not exceptional. I’ve used far inexpensive gaming laptops with keyboards a minimum of nearly as good (Lenovo’s Legion 5 line involves thoughts).

The keyboard does supply RGB-LED backlighting, nevertheless, which may be personalized per-key. That is the place the SteelSeries branding is most related, as RGB-LED customization is dealt with by means of the SteelSeries GG app. I prefer it. The app appears good, is simple to make use of, and gives the flexibility to avoid wasting each RGB-LED customization profiles and macro key configurations. These options aren’t distinctive, however some opponents (like Gigabyte and Acer) are a bit behind the curve in terms of the software program used to manage these options.

The touchpad has its ups and downs. It’s moderately massive at about 5 inches broad and three inches deep, however that’s solely about as massive because the touchpad on a typical 14-inch shopper laptop computer. The touchpad didn’t really feel particularly responsive, and the bodily button motion struck me as springy but hole. It really works, however the laptop computer is finest used with a mouse.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Show, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI has a uncommon 18-inch Mini-LED show. Such a show combines an IPS-LCD panel with an array of LEDs that may change brightness independently.

That enables the show to attain an successfully infinite distinction ratio like OLED opponents. It’s not fairly nearly as good as OLED, as Mini-LED can undergo “blooming,” a problem that may trigger a halo impact round small, brilliant objects on darkish scenes. Nonetheless, it’s nearly nearly as good.

Distinction apart, the Raider 18 appears nice in video games and day-to-day productiveness apps. Sharpness is a perk, because the show’s 3,840 x 2,400 decision works out to about 252 pixels per inch (ppi). That’s extraordinarily excessive (for comparability, a 27-inch 4K monitor sometimes has 163 ppi).

The show additionally has a large colour gamut and might change into extraordinarily brilliant, which makes the Raider 18 a good selection for HDR. Be aware, nevertheless, that HDR isn’t supported when the laptop computer is on battery energy.

Listening to music on the Raider 18 isn’t as nice as watching films, although it’s nonetheless first rate. The built-in audio system are upwards-firing and ship good quantity, whereas a pair of 2-watt woofers supply some low-end oomph. I discovered the treble quite grating, nevertheless, and the sound is muddy with the quantity cranked all the best way up. Nonetheless, it’s good for laptop computer audio.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

MSI ships the Raider 18 with a 1080p webcam. It gives good video high quality in a well-lit to reasonably lit room. Viewing the webcam’s output on the Raider 18 itself sells it brief, as 1080p is up to now under the show’s 3,840 x 2,400 decision. On Zoom calls, nevertheless, the webcam appears good. As a bonus, the webcam gives a bodily privateness shutter.

Microphone high quality is respectable, as properly, with good voice pick-up and first rate noise cancellation from the twin microphone array. The Raider 18 additionally helps Home windows’ AI-driven Studio Results, so it’s simple to blur your background.

Biometric login is supported by means of Home windows Howdy. Each facial recognition and fingerprint recognition can be found and work properly. 

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Connectivity

Connectivity is among the many MSI Raider 18 HX AI’s strengths.

It has two Thunderbolt 5 ports, every supporting USB-C, DisplayPort, and Energy Supply. Their excessive information bandwidth (80 Gbps bi-directional) and versatile function set make them best for connecting to a Thunderbolt dock or Thunderbolt-compatible monitor. From there, these ports can deal with a number of downstream peripherals or shows. The laptop computer additionally has three USB-A ports, all supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (10 Gbps).

Along with the Thunderbolt 5 ports, the Raider 18 additionally has an HDMI 2.1 port. It’s rated for 8K output as much as 60Hz and 4K output as much as 120Hz. A 3.5mm combo audio jack and a pair of.5G Ethernet port spherical out the choices.

I do have a nitpick. Whereas the twin Thunderbolt 5 ports are glorious to see, they’re each on the identical facet of the laptop computer (the proper flank). I’d desire to see one of many ports on the rear, as it might assist decrease cable litter when connecting the laptop computer to a dock.

Wi-fi connectivity is robust, too. The laptop computer helps Wi-Fi 7E and Bluetooth 5.4, that are the most recent variations of every normal.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: CPU Efficiency

Whereas the Raider 18 HX AI gives many notable options, together with a Mini-LED show and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, efficiency is the rationale to purchase the laptop computer. It has an Intel Core Extremely 9 285HX processor with a complete of 24 CPU cores (8 efficiency and 16 environment friendly cores) with a most turbo clock of 5.5GHz. That’s paired with Nvidia’s new RTX 5080, which has a complete of seven,680 shader cores, 240 tensor items, and 16GB of GDDR7 reminiscence on a 256-bit reminiscence bus.

That’s not all. The Raider 18 HX AI helps gobs of RAM; the mannequin I examined had 64GB of DDR5-6400 reminiscence. It additionally shipped with a 4TB PCIe Gen 5 stable state drive.

Except in any other case famous, the outcomes proven under symbolize the Excessive Efficiency and Discrete Graphics mode, which had been the default when the laptop computer arrived.

So, how does it carry out?

IDG / Matthew Smith

PCMark 10 places the Raider 18 off to a modest begin with an unimaginable but barely underwhelming rating of 8,538.

That is an especially excessive outcome that’s about 1,000 factors increased than related high-end laptops offered final 12 months. Nonetheless, a number of older laptops, just like the Lenovo Legion 9i, achieved a better rating.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI completely buzzsaws by means of our Handbrake, a long-duration take a look at that transcodes a feature-length film.

Properly, it’s normally an extended length. The Raider 18 destroyed the take a look at in simply over six minutes, a really unimaginable outcome. Intel Core i9-14900HX programs, the quickest we’d examined up till this level, required greater than 8 minutes to finish the identical activity.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Cinebench R24, a closely multi-threaded benchmark, proved that Handbrake wasn’t only a fluke. The Raider 18 achieved a rating of two,195, which is a number of hundred factors higher than Intel Core i9-14900HX laptops. Because the graph exhibits, the Raider 18 is roughly twice as quick as laptops just like the Asus ProArt P16 and MSI Stealth 16 AI, neither of which I’d name gradual.

In abstract, the Raider 18’s basic efficiency is superb and led by an extremely fast CPU. The laptop computer will crank by means of multi-threaded, CPU-heavy duties with ease.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: GPU efficiency

Clearly, the Intel Core Extremely 9 285HX is a little bit of a monster. It slams by means of multi-core benchmarks to ship record-setting outcomes. Regardless of that, it arguably performs second fiddle to the true star of the present: Nvidia’s new RTX 5080 cellular, which, on this laptop computer, can faucet right into a most of 175 watts of graphics energy. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

The RTX 5080 will get the Raider 18 off to an awesome begin with a 3DMark Time Spy rating of 21,152. That squeezes by older RTX 4090 laptops, just like the Lenovo Legion 9i, to set a document amongst laptops we’ve examined.

3DMark Port Royal, a ray-traced benchmark, is almost as favorable to the Raider 18. Right here the laptop computer scored 14,044. Whereas that’s barely behind the Lenovo Legion 9i, which scored 14,485, it’s an enchancment over laptops with Nvidia RTX 4080 cellular, which usually scored 11,000 to 12,000 on this benchmark.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Shifting on to actual video games, I fired up Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Although an older title, it’s consultant of the very best of the PS4/Xbox One console technology and nonetheless appears glorious on fashionable {hardware}.

Unsurprisingly, the RTX 5080 can actually crank by means of this title even with out DLSS enabled. It achieved 194 frames per second at 1080p and Highest element with ray tracing turned off. That’s not fairly nearly as good as an RTX 4090, however it’s a little bit of an improve over the RTX 4080 (how a lot so is dependent upon the wattage of the GPU).

The RTX 5080’s efficiency offers the MSI Raider 18 AI numerous headroom for improved settings (for instance, enjoying at 4K and Highest element resulted in a mean of 100 FPS).

IDG / Matthew Smith

Subsequent up is Metro Exodus which, although additionally getting on in years, is notoriously tough to run at its increased element settings. Because the graph exhibits, nevertheless, the Raider 18 with RTX 5080 gives a top-flight outcome, averaging 94 FPS at 1080p and Excessive element. That principally ties the Lenovo Legion 9i with RTX 4090, and it’s an awesome outcome.

Let’s wrap up with a extra fashionable graphical showcase: Cyberpunk 2077. Although it’s now a number of years outdated, CD Projekt Crimson has launched quite a few updates that embrace the most recent graphics options from AMD and Nvidia, and it stays a troublesome sport to deal with at 4K decision with ray tracing turned on.

I started by testing Cyberpunk 2077 with DLSS turned off at 1080p decision. The Raider 18 spat out a mean of 149 frames per second (FPS) on the Extremely preset (with out ray tracing). That was drastically slashed to a decrease, however nonetheless playable, 42 FPS within the Overdrive ray-traced preset. Whereas 42 may appear low, the MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio with RTX 4080 solely hit 32 FPS on the similar settings.

With that out of the best way, I modified the decision to 4K (3,840 x 2,160) and tried the benchmarks with DLSS 3 (together with 3x body technology and the brand new DLSS Transformer Mannequin) turned on. On this scenario, Cyberpunk 2077 averaged 172 FPS with the Extremely preset and 129 FPS with the Overdrive ray-traced preset.

Total, the RTX 5080 cellular appears robust, although precisely how robust is dependent upon your perspective on DLSS and expectations for gen-on-gen efficiency features. With out DLSS, the RTX 5080 within the MSI Raider 18 is about 10 to twenty % faster than related RTX 4080 laptops. With it, the RTX 5080 can enhance efficiency considerably.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: AI efficiency

I loaded LM Studio to provide some widespread AI massive language fashions a spin. Right here, you face two prospects.

The massive quantity of system reminiscence (64GB) means you may load quite massive fashions, like Google’s Gemma 3 27B and even Llama 3 70B, although this requires that they run on the CPU. This provides you with entry to some succesful fashions, however the per-token efficiency gained’t be nice. Gemma-3-27B averaged 6.29 tokens per second.

Alternatively, you may load fashions on the RTX 5080. This route will present a lot quicker responses, however it’s solely doable to load smaller fashions because the RTX 5080 solely has 16GB of reminiscence. Deepseek-R1-Distill-Qwen-7B blazed away at a exceptional 100.21 tokens per second and had a time to first token of .22 seconds, which is a really easy expertise.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: PCIe 5.0 stable state drive efficiency

The MSI Raider 18 is among the many first laptops to supply a PCIe 5.0 stable state drive. Actually, the Raider 18 I examined had a pair of 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration.

And wow, it’s quick. CrystalDiskMark’s SEQ1M QT1 take a look at reported learn speeds of 13,031 MB/s and write speeds of 9,140 MB/s. For reference, most laptops with a PCIe Gen 4 drive will obtain about 4,000 to 7,000 MB/s, relying on the drive used.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: It’s loud and scorching

Clearly, the MSI Raider 18 HX AI is a performer. It completely demolished CPU benchmarks and scored properly in GPU benchmarks. Nonetheless, this additionally leads to numerous fan noise and scorching floor temperatures. Should you plan to play demanding video games, like Cyberpunk 2077, you’re going to need noise-canceling headphones.

This isn’t MSI’s fault. Trendy {hardware} is extra power-hungry than it as soon as was, so elevated fan noise and warmer floor temps are inevitable. And, to MSI’s credit score, I believe the cooling system within the Raider 18 has an inoffensive acoustic profile. It’s not grating or high-pitched—however it’s definitely loud.

Selecting a much less aggressive efficiency profile, like Balanced, will scale back fan noise a bit, however it’s nonetheless noisy when the CPU and GPU are getting hammered. Consumers who plan to totally use the Raider 18’s spectacular efficiency ought to put money into noise-canceling headphones.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Battery life

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI tries to supply satisfactory battery life with an enormous 99 watt-hour battery, the biggest capability accessible in fashionable laptops (as a result of FAA restrictions on battery measurement for carry-on objects).

Nonetheless, the laptop computer ships with a 400-watt energy adapter, and MSI says it could make the most of a complete energy of 260 watts. It gained’t use that a lot energy when on battery, however nonetheless, you may start to see the issue. 260 watts is much more than 99.

IDG / Matthew Smith

And, properly, the outcomes are apparent.

I measured a bit lower than 4 hours of battery life in our normal battery take a look at, which loops a 4K file of the brief movie Tears of Metal. I examined the laptop computer within the Hybrid Graphics mode.

This isn’t a demanding take a look at, however it nonetheless put the Raider 18’s battery life properly into the one digits and behind most related laptops.

MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Conclusion

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is a {hardware} showcase. It has an Intel Core Extremely 9 285HX that units new data in a number of benchmarks, and an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU with efficiency near RTX 4090, and a pair of PCIe 5.0 stable state drives that hit blistering learn speeds of simply over 13,000 MB/s. It additionally has a brilliant Mini-LED show.

These benefits come alongside sensible downsides. The Raider 18 is heavy, and the battery doesn’t final lengthy. I wasn’t a fan of the keyboard or touchpad, both.

The MSI Raider 18 HX is a good worth. That is likely to be exhausting to consider given the laptop computer’s almost $4,500 MSRP, however should you take a tour by means of Newegg or Greatest Purchase product listings, you’ll discover most comparable 18-inch programs with RTX 50-series graphics have much less RAM, smaller stable state drives, and infrequently a much less succesful model of the Intel Core Extremely 9 processor. The Raider 18 HX feels constructed to supply top-tier efficiency throughout as many duties as doable, whereas its opponents (such because the Gigabyte Aorus Grasp 18 and Asus ROG Strix 18) are extra centered on gaming efficiency.

After all, not everybody wants top-tier CPU efficiency, 64GB of RAM, or 4TB of PCIe 5 storage. However in order for you a laptop computer that pushes the boundaries of efficiency throughout CPU, GPU, and storage, the Raider 18 HX is a superb selection.