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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Gigabyte Aorus 17H is less expensive than the MSI Raider GE78 and still offers strong performance for general use and gaming, making it a cost-effective choice if budget is a concern. However, the MSI Raider GE78 comes with twice the storage, double the RAM, and a superior main processor, which means it's better suited for more intensive tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering applications. Both have similar battery capacities and screen sizes, but the Raider GE78's higher-resolution display will provide crisper images at the expense of potentially shorter battery life. The Raider GE78 also has a slightly higher weight. If portability is a priority, the Aorus 17H may be the better option, although neither laptop is particularly lightweight. The Raider GE78's enhanced features come at a higher cost, so if your work requires the extra power, it could be worth the investment. Otherwise, the Aorus 17H offers a balanced mix of performance and value. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aorus 17H
- The Gigabyte Aorus 17H has no clear advantages over the MSI Raider GE78.
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
- Very good for general use
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Best in class for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.9
8.7
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
351.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
5.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for general use, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17H is good.
The MSI Raider GE78 is rated higher for general use over the Gigabyte Aorus 17H largely because it has a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a superior screen with higher resolution and color coverage, which collectively enhance its performance and visual experience. However, both laptops have limited portability due to their large size and weight, as well as similar battery lives, which means neither is ideal for frequent travel.
Gaming and AI
8.7
9.5
9.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is best in class for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17H is very good.
The MSI Raider GE78 outperforms in gaming and 3D due to its more powerful Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU and higher screen resolution, although it has a lower refresh rate compared to the Gigabyte Aorus 17H's still capable Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU and top-tier refresh rate for extremely smooth visuals. Despite the Aorus 17H's advantage in refresh rate, the Raider GE78's superior overall screen quality and remarkable GPU lend it the edge for the best gaming and 3D experiences.
Engineering and Design
8.6
9.4
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
9.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17H is very good.
The MSI Raider GE78 surpasses the Gigabyte Aorus 17H in engineering and design capabilities mainly due to its superior main processor and doubled RAM, which provide faster and more efficient data processing, as well as a higher-quality GPU that aids in demanding graphical tasks. Moreover, the Raider GE78 has a higher resolution and screen quality which offers clearer and more detailed visuals crucial for precision in design work, despite being slightly heavier and less portable than the Aorus 17H.
Content Creation
8.0
8.8
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 and Gigabyte Aorus 17H are both very good for content creation, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.5
8.5
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for software development, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17H is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.3
8.6
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
351.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aorus 17H for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
When evaluating screen quality for general use, both the Gigabyte Aorus 17H and the MSI Raider GE78 offer clear and vibrant displays, suitable for tasks like browsing and video streaming, thanks to their high-resolution panels and brightness levels. For engineering and design work, color accuracy and range are crucial; the MSI Raider's screen stands out with its superior color gamut coverage, making it more suitable for professionals who need precise color representation for their workflows. However, for gaming and 3D applications where fast-paced visuals are the norm, both laptops fall short due to their lower refresh rates, which could lead to less fluid motion and a less immersive experience in high-speed scenarios.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The MSI Raider GE78 has very good build quality, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17H has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,000
$4,386
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Gigabyte Aorus 17H has a price of $2,000 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
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Key similarities
Battery
6.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Gigabyte Aorus 17H has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI Raider GE78 has 6 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Poor
Poor
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
5.9 lbs
WEIGHT
6.8 lbs
1.1in
THICKNESS
1.1in
The Gigabyte Aorus 17H and MSI Raider GE78 both have poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte Aorus 17H and the MSI Raider GE78 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gigabyte Aorus 17H | MSI Raider GE78 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,000 | $4,386 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 10.2'' x 1.18'' | 15'' x 11.7'' x 1.13'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.95 lbs | 6.83 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.7" | 14.97" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.16" | 11.73" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-13700H | Intel i9-13980HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 2048 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 360Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 351 nits | 384 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.9/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Gigabyte Aorus 17H
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Dig into reviews and images
eTeknix
Peter Donnell | February 2023
"Overall though, it’s *lots of swearing* fast, seriously. For work, rendering, gaming, it doesn’t matter, this is a true weapon of performance that’s going to run rings around most high-end desktop systems. If you absolutely have to game at ultra-high refresh rates on the go (but within thinking distance of a plug socket), this is the ticket. I can’t see such an extreme being that appealing to everyone, but if you take your gaming seriously, or even professionally, there’s nothing else out there that comes close that you can still fit in your backpack and travel with."
MSI Raider GE78
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | March 2023
"Performance-wise, the GE78 offers a significant boost over the GE77 for just slightly higher power consumption. You'll have to get the RTX 4080 or 4090 configurations to see the performance advantages, however, as the RTX 4070 is closer in performance to the older RTX 3080 Ti. In terms of design, some users might prefer the 16:9 minimalistic look of the older GE77 over the 16:10 retro-inspired GE78 and vice versa. We wouldn't call one better than the other in terms of aesthetics, but we'll give the edge to the GE78 for its stronger hinges and larger keys and clickpad."
Get a great deal on the Gigabyte Aorus 17H or the MSI Raider GE78
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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