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Updated June 22, 2024·
Choose the MSI Raider 18 HX for cutting-edge performance in demanding tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning, thanks to its superior Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU and latest Intel i9-14900HX processor. It offers a stunning Mini LED display with high resolution and refresh rate, perfect for fast-paced motion and vibrant colors, though it's less portable due to its larger size and weight. The Raider's excellent heat management and robust build quality come at the cost of battery life and portability. Opt for the Razer Blade 17 if you prioritize a balance between performance and portability. It's slightly smaller and lighter, making it more suitable for on-the-go use, and has a longer battery life. The RTX 3080 Ti GPU and Intel i9-12900H processor deliver strong performance for most tasks, and the 4K IPS display is excellent for general use. However, it falls short in color accuracy compared to the MSI, and the GPU is a generation older, which might impact future-proofing for the most intensive tasks. 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 MSI Raider 18 HX
- Best in class for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Excellent for content creation
- Excellent overall display quality
- Good battery life
Advantages of the Razer Blade 17
- Very good overall build quality
- Excellent speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Content Creation
9.1
8.5
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider 18 HX is excellent for content creation, while the Razer Blade 17 is very good.
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.
Screen Quality
9.4
8.6
18.0in
SIZE
17.3in
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1000.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
486.0 nits
The MSI Raider 18 HX has a better screen than the Razer Blade 17 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
PerfectRec’s screen quality scores take into account various important factors that are relevant for different use cases.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The MSI Raider 18 HX has 9 hours of battery life. The Razer Blade 17 has 5.5 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
Fair
18.0in
SIZE
17.3in
7.9 lbs
WEIGHT
6.0 lbs
1.2in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Razer Blade 17 has only fair portability, while the MSI Raider 18 HX has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4
8.5
The Razer Blade 17 has very good build quality, while the MSI Raider 18 HX has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$3,999
$4,300
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The MSI Raider 18 HX has a price of $3,999 and the Razer Blade 17 costs $4,300.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.8
8.5
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
1000.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
486.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
5.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.7/10
The MSI Raider 18 HX and Razer Blade 17 are both very good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Gaming and AI
9.0
8.6
9.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.2/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Raider 18 HX to be excellent for gaming and AI, while the Razer Blade 17 is very good.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
9.6
9.1
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
9.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Raider 18 HX to be best in class for engineering and design, while the Razer Blade 17 is excellent.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Software Development
8.8
8.5
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.2/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
3840 x 2400
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The MSI Raider 18 HX and Razer Blade 17 are both very good for software development.
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.
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How the MSI Raider 18 HX and the Razer Blade 17 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| MSI Raider 18 HX | Razer Blade 17 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$3,999 | $4,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2024 | February 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.9'' x 12.1'' x 1.26'' | 15.6'' x 10.2'' x 0.78'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.94 lbs | 6.06 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.91" | 15.55" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 12.09" | 10.24" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-14900HX | Intel i9-12900H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 4 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99.9 Wh | 82 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 18" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2400 | 3840 x 2160 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 1000 nits | 486 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8/10 | 7.3/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Razer Blade 17
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sascha Mölck | July 2022
"Our test configuration of the Blade 17 targets gamers and creative professionals. A Core i9-12900H processor, GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU (175 watts TGP after the BIOS update, 16 GB of VRAM), and 32 GB of working memory equip the laptop for video processing, rending, and 4k gaming at the highest level. In addition, a fast PCIe-4 SSD (1 TB) ensures short load and storage times. With the Blade 17 (Early 2022), Razer delivers a successful and powerful work device for creative professionals. But this also has its price."
Get a great deal on the MSI Raider 18 HX or the Razer Blade 17
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.
About Razer
Razer is an American-Singaporean technology company. Razer is best known for their Blade series laptops, well known for their strong performance and sleek design. Although Razer charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a stealthy laptop with clean fit and finish and strong performance. All of their models offer great portability and build quality compared to other gaming laptops.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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