MSI Crosshair 16 HX D14V (2024) Review: A Premium Gaming Laptop with Trade-Offs
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX D14V (2024) is a gaming laptop that combines a sleek design, a powerful Intel Core i7-14700HX processor, and a stunning 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz display. While it offers solid performance and excellent build quality, its price tag and GPU choice make it a divisive option in the competitive gaming laptop market. Let’s dive into the details of what makes this laptop stand out—and where it falls short.
Key Features of the MSI Crosshair 16 HX D14V
1. Powerful Hardware
- Processor: Intel Core i7-14700HX, a 14-core/20-thread CPU with a boost clock of up to 5.5GHz.
- Graphics: Nvidia RTX 4060, ideal for 1080p and 1440p gaming but somewhat underpowered for its price point.
- Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR5-5600 RAM and a 1TB SSD with excellent read/write speeds of 5018.57MB/s and 3526.78MB/s, respectively.
If you're looking for a laptop with similar performance, you might also explore the HP Omen 17 (2024) or the Gigabyte Aorus 17H.
2. Stunning Display
The 16-inch QHD+ (2560×1600) IPS display is a standout feature. It boasts:
– 240Hz Refresh Rate: Perfect for smooth motion in fast-paced games.
– Color Accuracy: 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 87% Adobe RGB, making it suitable for both gaming and creative workflows.
– Brightness: A peak brightness of 455.6 nits ensures vibrant visuals, even in well-lit environments.
For those who prioritize a high-refresh-rate display, consider pairing this laptop with a gaming monitor for a multi-screen setup.
3. Solid Build and Design
- Weight: At 2.5kg, it’s hefty but feels premium with its metal chassis.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: Full-sized keyboard with RGB backlighting and a large, tactile trackpad.
- Port Selection: Includes USB Type-A, USB Type-C (with DisplayPort and Power Delivery), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and a headphone jack.
Need additional ports? A USB-C hub could expand its connectivity options.
4. Battery Life
- 90Whr Battery: Offers 4 hours and 25 minutes of usage in standard tests, sufficient for half a workday.
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Fast Charging: Reaches 50% in just 29 minutes and a full charge in 66 minutes with the included 240W charger.
For extended gaming sessions, consider a portable laptop charger.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fantastic Display: The QHD+ panel with a 240Hz refresh rate is a visual treat.
- Solid Build Quality: Premium materials and a well-thought-out design.
- Good Port Selection: Includes modern ports for gaming and productivity.
Cons
- Expensive for RTX 4060: Competitors offer better GPUs at similar price points.
- Average Battery Life: Not ideal for extended use without being plugged in.
- Underwhelming Audio: Thin speakers necessitate external audio solutions like gaming headphones.
Performance Analysis
The Intel Core i7-14700HX and RTX 4060 duo deliver solid gaming performance:
– 1080p Gaming: 82fps in Returnal and 84.34fps in Cyberpunk 2077.
– 1440p Gaming: 52fps in Returnal and 55.62fps in Cyberpunk 2077.
– Esports Titles: 131fps in Rainbow Six Extraction at 1080p.
However, ray-tracing performance is limited, with Cyberpunk 2077 hitting only 18.16fps at native resolution on RT Ultra settings. Enabling DLSS and Frame Generation improves the experience significantly.
For gamers looking for higher performance, an upgrade to a laptop with an RTX 4070 or 4080, such as the Gigabyte Aorus 17H, might be worth considering.
Software and User Experience
The laptop ships with Windows 11 and includes MSI’s proprietary software:
– MSI Center: Allows you to monitor system performance and tweak settings, including the MUX switch for graphics optimization.
– Bloatware: Pre-installed apps like Norton Antivirus and Battlenet may require manual uninstallation.
For a cleaner gaming experience, consider installing a Windows 11 USB drive for a fresh OS setup.
Final Verdict
The MSI Crosshair 16 HX D14V (2024) is a well-rounded gaming laptop with a gorgeous display, solid build quality, and decent performance. However, its price point makes it a tough sell compared to competitors offering better GPUs for similar or slightly higher costs. If display quality and design are your top priorities, this laptop is worth considering. Otherwise, explore alternatives like the HP Omen 17 (2024) or the Gigabyte Aorus 17H for better value.
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#GamingLaptop #MSICrosshair16 #RTX4060 #QHDDisplay #GamingTech
