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MSI Raider 18 HX:

Hello, and welcome to my MSI Raider 18 HX review. From its stunning Mini LED display and high-performance internals to its bold design and unique quirks, I am thoroughly impressed.

I tried the 4K model and wasn’t disappointed by the 120Hz refresh rate. The 2K offers 240Hz, but I love the crispness of playing Baldurs Gate 3, Spider-Man, and Final Fantasy Rebirth on their highest settings with the highest resolution possible

I should mention that I used the 120Hz 4K version of the MSI Raider 18 HX. It’s definitely on the expensive side, but if you can afford it, it’s absolutely amazing—I highly recommend it.

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Table of contents

My Week with the MSI Raider 18 HX: A Heavyweight Gaming Contender

Author – Timothy Carnahan

Recently, a friend lent me the MSI Raider 18 HX for a full week, and I jumped at the chance to see if this powerhouse truly lives up to its hype. I’d heard whispers about its enormous screen, impressive specs, and equally imposing weight, so I was eager to find out how it would fare in everyday (and not-so-everyday) gaming scenarios.

MSI Raider HX 18 Side View
Msi Raider HX 18 Front
MSI Raider 18 HX Right Side
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First Impressions: Big, Bold, and Burly

From the moment I started using the Raider 18 HX, its sheer size took center stage. Weighing in at nearly eight pounds, this is no lightweight laptop. Think of it more as a desktop replacement you can technically carry around if you really need to. The chassis features an aggressive gaming aesthetic—plenty of vents, red accents, and a colorful RGB light bar across the front. It’s flashy, but if you love that “gamer” look, you’ll feel right at home.

Once I got past its imposing form, I noticed how solid it felt. The lid hardly wobbles, and the overall build seems durable enough to survive everyday use (or, in my case, a hectic week of testing across different rooms). It’s not subtle, but it feels reassuringly sturdy.

Side View of the MSI 18 HX
MSI 18 HX Partially Closed
MSI HX 18 Lid Open

What is the Performance Like on the MSI Raider 18 HX?

Inside, you can equip the MSI Raider 18 HX with high-end components like an Intel Core i9-14900HX and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 or 4090, paired with 64-128GB of DDR5 RAM. My friend’s loaner unit had the RTX 4090, 128GB RAM, and a 4TB SSD. Simply put, this thing chewed through everything I threw at it—esports titles, AAA open-world games, and even a few quick VR sessions.

Most games ran smoothly at 4K with high or ultra settings. If you want blazing frame rates though, you could dial down to QHD and still appreciate the vibrant Mini LED display. Speaking of the display, its 120Hz refresh rate might not blow away hardcore gamers who crave 240Hz or above, but it still looks crisp, bright, and saturated. Honestly, the vivid colors and deep contrast were more impressive to me than chasing 240+ fps.

MSI HX Screen - ​MSI Raider 18 HX display quality​
MSI HX 18—Performance Score - ​MSI Raider 18 HX gaming benchmarks​
MSI HX 18 Performance Score

MSI Raider 18 HX Gaming Laptop

Processor Intel Core i9-14900HX
RAM 128GB DDR5
Storage 4TB PCIe SSD
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
Display 18-inch 4K, 120Hz
Keyboard RGB Backlit Keyboard
Operating System Windows 11 Home

Downsides: Weight, Noise, and Battery Life

As you might expect, all that power requires serious cooling. Under load, the Raider 18 HX’s fans rev up to a near “jet engine” pitch. If you’re gaming, you’ll want a good headset—preferably one with noise cancellation—to stay immersed. The laptop also runs hot, so keeping it on a desk rather than your lap is almost a necessity. Still, I use a laptop cooler when I am using a laptop in my recliner. You can check out the havit HV cooler here. (My current model).

Battery life, meanwhile, isn’t this machine’s strong suit. If you’re planning to game unplugged for more than an hour or two, you’ll be disappointed. It’s best to keep the Raider near an outlet for extended sessions, which is typical for high-performance gaming laptops.

MSI HX 18 Battery Life - ​MSI Raider 18 HX battery life​
MSI HX Open Bottom - ​MSI Raider 18 HX cooling system​

MSI Raider 18 HX Keyboard and Trackpad Quirks

The full-sized keyboard includes a numpad and per-key RGB lighting, so it’s flashy and functional. However, the large chassis means the keyboard sits slightly left of center. Combine that with a generously sized trackpad (which is itself centered in the deck), and I found my palms brushing the pad more often than I’d like when typing. If you primarily use a gaming mouse, you can disable the trackpad to avoid those accidental inputs. The keys have decent travel, but if you’re picky, you may miss a more mechanical feel.

MSI HX 18 Keboard
MSI Raider HX Keyboard - ​MSI Raider 18 HX keyboard and trackpad​

More Info: Overclockers UK Video Review

If you’re interested in a second opinion, I recommend checking out Overclockers UK’s review on YouTube . They dive into the Raider’s internals and performance from a more technical angle. It’s always great to hear multiple takes when considering a high-end gaming laptop.

Final Thoughts

After a full week of testing, I can see why the MSI Raider 18 HX draws attention. It’s a behemoth of a laptop that delivers top-notch gaming performance with a dazzling Mini LED screen. On the flip side, it’s heavy, the fans get incredibly loud, and battery life is underwhelming.

If you need a truly portable machine for everyday commuting, the Raider 18 HX might be overkill. But if you’re craving a desktop-grade gaming experience in a form factor that you can (occasionally) move around, it’s hard to ignore. The key is to know what you’re signing up for: a powerful, feature-packed laptop that sacrifices portability and quiet operation in the name of raw performance.

Personally, I’m a little sad to see it go now that my week is up. While it’s not perfect, I can’t deny the Raider 18 HX’s wow factor. If your budget and desk space can accommodate this monster, you’ll be treated to one of the most impressive gaming laptops of the year.

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2 responses to “MSI Raider 18 HX Review: The Ultimate 2025 Gaming Machine You Need to See”

  1. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Hello. Thanks for the information. I was going to go with the Titan, but comparing the 2 and seeing the 2000 price difference, this will be my go to. Thanks again!

    Reply
    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      Glad to hear it. Yeah, I’ve tried the Titan and it is a beast, but I wouldn’t say its worth the difference in price. Still, always do your research before moving forward.

      Reply

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