Limitless Energy Comes at a Value

Gaming laptops are trending towards mobility, with smooth notebooks just like the Asus Zephyrus G14 and Alienware X15 punching nicely above their weight class when it comes to gaming means. However each millimeter you’re taking away results in compromises, usually in the best way of efficiency and cooling. Enter the MSI Raider GE76 12U, a monstrous laptop computer that claims to hell with portability in favor of uncooked energy, sustained efficiency, and a beautiful assortment of ports.

If the Raider have been a automotive, It’d be American muscle. What it lacks in finesse is made up for with untamed may. It’s massive, heavy, and appropriately brash—the type of factor you’d count on from a gaming laptop computer that guarantees to be the “pinnacle of efficiency.” I’m glad to report that, after utilizing the Raider GE76 (we’re dropping the 12U for the remainder of the assessment) as my day by day laptop computer and gaming rig for the previous a number of weeks, it largely lives as much as the billing.

I can’t introduce the Raider with out mentioning its declare to fame as one of many first programs to make use of Intel’s twelfth Gen Alder Lake processors. Let’s keep in mind, although, that whereas the GE76 was the showcase machine for Intel’s newest chips, it’s not the one gaming laptop computer utilizing them. That mentioned, the aim of this assessment isn’t solely to disclose how nicely twelfth Gen Intel chips examine towards their rivals, however to see the place the MSI Raider GE76 lands amongst a crowded discipline of gaming rigs.

MSI Raider GE76 worth and configurations

Let me cease right here. In case you don’t have $3,000 to spend on a gaming laptop computer, then be at liberty to shut this assessment— I received’t take it personally. The unit MSI despatched me comes geared up with a 17-inch, 2560 x 1440-pixel show, an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU. Prepared for the worth? Grasp your pockets tightly, as a result of this config will run you $3,500.

After all, there are cheaper fashions obtainable. One mannequin with a Core i9 CPU and an RTX 3070 Ti with 8GB of VRAM goes for $2,900. Imagine it or not, it additionally will get dearer. Pairing that Core i9 CPU with the RTX 3080 Ti will price you $4,100 or so—the worth of a used automotive in a daily market.

twelfth Gen Intel meets RTX 3080 Ti

Usually, I begin by speaking about design, however this MSI is all about energy. Beneath the hood is a twin-turbo engine consisting of an Intel twelfth Gen Core i7-12700H CPU mated to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM. These beefy parts are paired with 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM and a wholesome 1TB NVMe SSD on the assessment unit MSI despatched me.

Earlier than I get into the numbers, we have to chat about CPUs. The twelfth Gen Alder Lake chips discovered within the GE76 signify a basic shift for Intel to a brand new structure that makes use of a mixture of efficiency and effectivity cores. This hybrid course of isn’t fully new to Intel, having made its debut on the corporate’s Lakefield processors, however that is the primary time it’s going mainstream. Basically, it duties massive, high-powered P-cores with heavy, single-threaded duties, and leaves background processes and multi-tasking to smaller E-cores. In concept, this permits for extra energy-efficient cores to dump low-priority duties from these muscular efficiency cores.

Primarily based on our benchmarks, it really works, as long as you aren’t anticipating these effectivity cores to work any magic on battery life (extra on that later). Armed with the perfect from Intel and Nvidia, the Raider GE76 is a juggernaut. It blasted by every of our efficiency benchmarks with out a lot as a whimper. On the Geekbench 5 total efficiency benchmark, the MSI scored a whopping 12,561, crushing each laptop computer we’ve examined so far moreover the MacBook Professional 14 (12,663), which it narrowly didn’t overtake. You possibly can assume the Core i9 mannequin will shoot forward of the MacBook.

It took solely 2 minutes and 40 seconds to render a 3D picture in Blender. This time, the MSI obtained the perfect of the MacBook Professional 14 (4:57), which wanted a couple of extra minutes to finish the identical job. The one laptop computer that obtained near the GE76 is the Zephyrus G14 (3:03), a extra compact system additionally operating on Intel twelfth Gen. The ROG Move Z13 (3:51) additionally did an excellent job.

On the Handbrake take a look at, the Raider GE76 wanted 5 minutes and 22 seconds to transform a 4K video to 1080p decision. That’s quick. Virtually as fast because the MacBook Professional (4:51) and a full second forward of the Alienware x15. The Zephyrus G14 wanted solely 3 minutes and 15 seconds.

The explanation you purchase the Raider GE76 is for body charges. The entire fps. On the Far Cry 5 benchmark at 1080p on Extremely settings, the GE76 hit 139 frames per second, nicely forward of final yr’s Alienware x15 (106 fps), although that competitor had an RTX 3070. At native decision (2560 x 1440), the laptop computer dropped solely 11 frames.

All different video games we examined have been at 1080p, as we have been primarily serious about seeing how excessive body charges may get on this factor. Our configuration got here with a 240Hz display, so it’s clear a excessive fps is the aim right here.

Once I ran Whole Warfare: Warhammer II, the Raider GE76 hit 129 fps, which flat-out embarrasses anything we’ve examined up up to now. The Zephyrus G14 with a Radeon RX 6800S GPU notched 68 fps, although we’re evaluating David towards Goliath right here.

On the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the Raider GE76 boosted to 150 fps, sufficient to get probably the most out of a 144Hz monitor. Alienware’s x15 obtained fairly shut at 127 fps. I’m to see how the upgraded twelfth Gen model of that laptop computer fares.

And at last, the MSI ran Metro Exodus at a brisk 96 fps, topping the Alienware x15 (75 fps), the Zephyrus G14 (56 fps), and the Move Z13 (78 fps) when related to its RTX 3080-touting eGPU. Bear in mind, the MSI is the primary gaming rig we’ve examined with a twelfth Gen CPU, so count on a more in-depth race towards refreshed opponents down the road.

These are spectacular numbers, even when they don’t get probably the most out of a 240Hz show, however the MSI’s battery life isn’t so good. This beastly rig lasted for less than 2 hours and 44 minutes on our battery take a look at, which consists of video playback with the display set to 200 nits. It goes with out saying: that is among the shortest runtimes we’ve seen from any laptop computer. Then once more, it isn’t fully unusual for gaming laptops with these specs to sacrifice battery life.

Quick, giant show

Like we acknowledged above, video games are showcased on a 17-inch, 2560 x 1440 IPS show with a 240Hz refresh fee. A minimum of, that’s the panel gracing our assessment unit. It’s a superb one, however definitely nowhere close to best-in-class. The matte end does an excellent job of dissipating glare so your view is undisturbed whereas gaming in a brilliant room. I simply want it obtained brighter, as a result of the 298-nit score we clocked is true on the brink of what I contemplate sufficient.

This isn’t probably the most vivid panel both, however the colours are correct and punchier than a typical matte display. I loved watching Queen of the South and enjoying Halo Infinite on the MSI—the display is large, quick, and colourful sufficient.

If you need extra pixels, MSI choices a 4K at 120Hz display, or you may get quicker refresh charges with the 1080p at 360Hz panel. Personally, this QHD display is the one I might select.

MSI boasts about its bigger twin followers and widened warmth pipes, and for good motive: the GE76 obtained scorching however by no means reached regarding temperatures throughout my testing. I didn’t expertise any throttling, and it’s good to have fan controls simply accessible through a devoted key.

Massive, bland, and delightful

For such an intimidating system, the Raider GE76’s design is reasonably restrained. There are some aggressive slanty angles and cutouts within the corners and rear bumper to offer the laptop computer a extra aggressive stance. In any other case, it’s all fairly odd, particularly the silver aluminum lid (MSI calls it Titanium Blue) with a color-matching MSI dragon emblem.

A considerably bland exterior is aided by some dazzling RGB lighting. Rainbow hues glow from a light-weight bar that runs throughout the underside entrance edge, a hanging design aspect that offers the Raider spaceship vibes. Opening the deck reveals a per-key RGB illuminated keyboard with distinctive pastel colours that offers off a retro arcade vibe. These can, in fact, be personalized in infinite methods through the MSI Heart or a SteelSeries key on the shortcut row.

To be clear, this isn’t a transportable laptop computer, and don’t let MSI attempt to persuade you in any other case. Want one thing you may take to work with on journeys? MSI’s Stealth GE sequence is a more sensible choice, or you can go along with the excellent Asus Zephyrus ROG G14. This Raider is unashamedly beefy, measuring 15.63 x 11.18 x 1.02 inches and weighing 6.4 kilos. I’ve been carrying the GE76 round my home (with two palms) simply superb however wouldn’t contemplate packing it in my backpack throughout journey, partly as a result of the ability brick is equally large.

The SteelSeries keyboard is as enjoyable to sort on as it’s to take a look at. Key journey is sufficient and the switches are so springy that my fingers effortlessly bounced between letters as I typed this assessment. In need of being mechanical, the keys have a satisfying “click on” but aren’t any louder than these on an ultra-portable laptop computer. It additionally has a full numpad for further shortcuts or crunching numbers in spreadsheets. I’ll admit, although, that the offset house row drove me mad for the primary few days of use, and I want the amount and brightness controls have been on the highest row as a substitute of as Fn features on the arrow keys.

I additionally hope MSI expands the touchpad on the subsequent mannequin to benefit from the Raider’s expansive palm relaxation. This small, offset rectangular floor towards such a large chassis jogs my memory of the small blue cap on Arnold Shortman’s large football-shaped head. Anyway, the touchpad is clean and exact and responded instantly to my erratic swiping and fast multi-finger gestures.

Nice speaker, the entire ports

That further girth permits for an impressive choice of I/O. On the appropriate aspect of the GE76 are two USB 3.2 Sort-A ports and a full SD card slot. On the other aspect are one other USB 3.1 Sort-A, a USB 3.2 Sort-C enter, and a headphone jack. MSI strategically positioned extra everlasting connections on the rear, together with a Thunderbolt 4, an HDMI 2.1, a Mini-DisplayPort, a LAN port, and an influence jack.

The remainder of the fixings are all fairly good. There’s a first rate 1080p webcam that’s adequate for video chats and can do in a pitch for streaming if in case you have adequate lighting. It may be shut off to spying creeps with the faucet of a key shortcut. Wi-Fi connectivity is powerful due to Wi-Fi 6E help, and Bluetooth 5.2 can be supported.

I used to be very impressed by the sound of those quad Dynaudio-tuned audio system, which encompass twin 2W tweeters and one other pair of 1W woofers. Head and the Coronary heart’s “Paradigm” sounded crisp and ethereal, filling my room with none distortion after I cranked the amount to 100%. The treble obtained a bit peaky at instances, however even my delicate ears weren’t too troubled.

Must you purchase the Raider GE76?

In case you want probably the most highly effective gaming laptop computer and don’t thoughts sacrificing portability, the Raider GE76 is an effective selection. It serves as a succesful mannequin for showcasing Intel’s newest twelfth Gen Alder Lake chips, which outperformed even Apple’s M-series processors on a few of our checks, albeit whereas guzzling extra energy.

I might warning towards spending this amount of money with out contemplating the options. You may get a lot of the efficiency on show right here for a a lot cheaper price and in a extra compact, travel-friendly package deal. I’m a fan of the Asus Zephyrus G14. It’s a beautiful laptop computer with a relatively petite chassis and loads of computing muscle to run demanding duties or play most video games at sufficient body charges—it isn’t, nevertheless, in the identical efficiency league because the Raider.

Right here’s the opposite factor: the Raider GE76 isn’t the one gaming laptop computer with twelfth Gen chips, and it definitely isn’t the most affordable possibility in its class nor does it really feel like probably the most premium. A specced-out Alienware m15 R7 with the identical parts (however a smaller show) prices $2,899, round $600 lower than the MSI. In case you can stretch your finances, the Razer Blade 17 goes for $3,999 however is extra moveable and premium than the Raider. And for round $200 much less, you may get a equally specced Asus ROG Strix Scar 17. We haven’t examined the most recent variations of those opponents but, however they’re definitely value shortlisting earlier than you plunk down this type of money.

In any case, the Raider GE76 achieves its aim of offering players with sufficient firepower to play probably the most demanding titles at excessive body charges as we speak and for years to return. It’s even highly effective sufficient to be a desktop alternative, and given its dimension, that’s actually the place it’s finest suited.