MSI GE76 Raider Evaluate: Intel’s i9-12900HK Is The New Cell CPU King

We just lately coated Intel’s new Twelfth technology Core-H collection laptop computer CPUs that are constructed on the Intel Twelfth technology Core structure. Now it’s time to see what it may possibly do in the true world utilizing the MSI GE76 Raider high-end Artistic or Gaming laptop computer.

This laptop computer is a wonderful illustration of the top-end efficiency customers can count on from Intel’s newest providing. As you’ll see, it’s just about the very best pace cash should buy, however the value-proposition is thrilling too.

Specs Highlights

As we mentioned, the GE76 Raider unit is powered by the Intel Core i9-12900HK processor (w/ 32GB of RAM), a chip with a 45W base TDP, however it may possibly go as excessive as potential 115W and as little as 35W. For comparability, your typical productiveness skinny & mild laptop computer goes from 15W to 25W.

The i9-12900HK’s 14 (6+8) cores setup is a substantial enchancment over the earlier octa-core Core i9-11980HK, and also you’ll see efficiency numbers mirror that.

This laptop computer is designed as a desktop substitute for top-line efficiency above all. The MSI GE76 Raider will also be ordered with a extra reasonably priced Core i7-12700H CPU and exists in many various configurations, however we’ve one of many costlier fashions, estimated at $3999.99.

The graphics processor is an NVIDIA GeForce 3080Ti with 16GB of video reminiscence and a most energy of 175W. The wattage is important as it’d considerably have an effect on efficiency in numerous laptop computer fashions utilizing the identical “3080 Ti” specs, so maintain a watch out for that.

Usually, the cooling system determines how excessive the wattage can go, as all that computing energy generates lots of warmth.

Efficiency

Let’s go over the system efficiency immediately since that’s the entire level of this laptop. All numbers level to glorious beneficial properties throughout the board, simply have a look at the benchmarks:

We’re not stunned by the big beneficial properties as a result of they mirror what we’ve seen with the desktop CPU fashions. The identical Intel Alder Lake structure is doing wonders and considerably lifts efficiency for each Single-core and Multi-core cellular functions.

The enhancements are shortly revealed by artificial benchmarks similar to Geekbench. Nonetheless, extra sensible assessments like Cinebench (3D offline rendering) provide related insights.

“NOTHING STANDS IN INTEL’S WAY WHEN IT COMES TO SHEER CPU PERFORMANCE”

It’s potential to run tons and tons of various benchmarks, and they are going to nearly all correlate and present the identical sort of efficiency variations. If it is advisable to test on a selected software’s pace, do extra analysis, however the expectations are clear.

When operating on Intel’s newest platform, any closely multithreaded software will expertise very considerable beneficial properties. In the intervening time, nothing stands in Intel’s means in terms of sheer CPU efficiency.

We are able to use numbers gathered from our Acer Predator Triton 500 SE overview (i9-11900H, RTX 3080) to match how a high-end Intel Eleventh technology high-end laptop computer carried out. The Lenovo ThinkPad P15 (Gen2) workstation we reviewed can be a wonderful reference. Each laptops have been outfitted with an RTX 3080 (non-TI) equal.

CPU-wise, the numbers present a moderately extraordinary efficiency evolution from the Eleventh-gen Intel Core processors such because the i9-11900H and i9-11950H.

The graphics efficiency of this laptop computer can be out of this world, and that comes from two components. First, functions that have been considerably CPU-limited and ran at 1080p decision will exhibit larger graphics efficiency, due to the CPU enhance.

Secondly, this MSI GE76 Raider comes outfitted with NVIDIA’s newest GeForce RTX 3080Ti (freshly introduced at CES), which is quicker than its RTX 3080 (non-Ti) predecessor.

Traditionally, the GeForce Ti (Titanium) fashions are the generational “peak” of any given NVIDIA structure, the place all of the potential tuning was executed (# of cores, frequency, clock path, and many others.) and what could possibly be the “good GPU” of that technology.

Regardless of the same identify, the RTX 3080Ti options 7,424 graphics computing cores, whereas the 3080 (non-Ti) has 6,144 of them. That’s 20% extra cores, and you can take into account this a tough baseline for elevated graphics efficiency.

“IT’S INCREDIBLE TO GET THIS TYPE OF GENERATIONAL PERFORMANCE LEAP”

The mixed enchancment in CPU and GPU efficiency results in mind-blowing benchmark outcomes. This MSI GE76 Raider is considerably sooner than the in any other case glorious Predator Triton 500SE with the i9-11900H and an RTX 3080. It’s unbelievable to get the sort of generational efficiency leap, however understand that the Predator 500 SE can be half the burden of the GE76 Raider.

Word that these graphics benchmarks are extra akin to video-games workloads designed to stress the GPU. Workstation-type work ought to stress each CPU and GPU to the utmost and yield even larger efficiency deltas.

One thing that charts don’t present is the potential power-draw of the system. Laptops such because the Predator Triton 500 SE shipped with a 230W energy provide, however this GE76 Raider comes with a 330W energy provide.

We additionally have a look at the efficiency “for the worth” as laptops like this aren’t low-cost. We estimate our configuration prices about $3999.99 (priced to be confirmed by MSI).

Intel’s new platform has good efficiency/worth regardless of the comparatively excessive price ticket, which suggests you’re getting efficiency proportional to what you pay.

Whether or not you’re a inventive skilled or an avid gamer, the top-line efficiency is unbelievable. Intel’s Twelfth-generation CPU is the de-facto platform to think about, even from a price perspective.

Such a pace enhance can simply translate into productiveness acquire that may (hopefully) be billed to purchasers and leveraged in the course of the lifetime of your new laptop.

If worth will not be an element, what concerning the efficiency relative to dimension and weight? Our information reveals the MSI GE76 Raider providing among the finest pace/weight ratios, particularly in terms of CPU efficiency. Sure, you is likely to be carrying a couple of extra Lbs in your backpack, however every pound packs much more efficiency, so it’s simpler to justify.

The brand new Intel Thread Director mixed with Home windows 11 appears to provide higher perceived responsiveness because it’s purported to ship background duties to one of many effectivity cores.

Battery Life

In our battery life assessments, we ran workplace productiveness duties with the laptop computer set for “finest battery life” and a show brightness of 110 NITs. As a reminder, this laptop computer has a 99Wh battery capability.

You will get round 5h30 hours through the use of the “Hybrid Graphics” settings, which makes use of the built-in GPU for mundane duties and fires up the NVIDIA GPU when wanted.

There’s a minor efficiency penalty for high-performance graphics because the pipeline would wish to undergo the built-in GPU regardless. I like to recommend this setting for those who’re engaged on the go.

The “Discrete Graphics” mode (no built-in GPU) yields solely 2h30 of steady workplace productiveness use, and that’s as a result of base energy envelope of the 170W discrete GPU.We ran all of the benchmarks in “Discrete Graphics” mode.

The Intel Alder Lake structure has lots of potential for prolonged battery life. However we’re unlikely to see proof of this on a gaming laptop computer, and we’ll have to attend for skinny & mild laptops with a a lot decrease system energy profile.

Regardless of the 330W energy provide, the battery prices comparatively slowly, and it could take practically 1hr of cost to go from 0% to a 50% cost. Once more, I count on folks to plug this laptop computer, however a fast top-off on the airport won’t occur.

Industrial Design

The 17.3” MSI GE76 Raider has a gray metallic physique, and its design is pleasant to a company boardroom so long as you don’t mild up all of the RGB lights (it’s configurable, don’t fear).

For many who need that “gamer” have a look at house, it’s completely potential, and the light-bar and per-key RGB backlight will do wonders to make your setup look cool. The included SteelSeries app may also help you set issues up, and your profile might be saved on-line.

The 6.39 Lbs weight of the laptop computer makes a desktop substitute or a cellular workstation in my guide. It is extremely just like the burden of the ThinkPad P15 Gen2. Moreover, you’ll have to hold the huge 330W energy provide.

A lot area is devoted to the huge cooling system, which helps this laptop computer attain its full efficiency potential. That’s a big benefit of bigger laptops as cooling typically comes all the way down to physics: larger (cooling) is best.

The cooling efficiency additionally permits excessive masses with out the laptop computer changing into too noisy, which is important in a real-world state of affairs, particularly for professionals who have to focus.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The per-key RGB backlighting is nice as a result of it lets me configure the laptop computer’s keyboard lighting the identical means I might with my desktop setup. I discover it improves my productiveness as I see the identical visible marks as I transition from one laptop to the opposite.

The tactile suggestions of the keys is okay however isn’t a lot to speak about. The keyboard will not be practically as comfy as a ThinkPad-style keyboard and isn’t clicky and agency both. It’s a pity as a result of there’s ample inner quantity to make issues a bit higher, particularly at that worth level.

The shortage of “Fn” button on the left aspect of the keyboard is a bit annoying because it’s one thing that many individuals use at the side of the F-keys on the prime to manage mundane issues like brightness or quantity.

The trackpad is comparatively small, which is okay for gaming, however maybe a bit tight for Artistic functions, relying on how you’re employed.That mentioned, in a “desktop substitute” context, I additionally count on many individuals to have a standalone keyboard/mouse combo for max productiveness.

Ports

I like having a lot of ports within the again (Energy, Thunderbolt, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, 2.5Gb Ethernet) because it facilitates cable administration and reduces the probability of getting cables interfering with mouse utilization the left or proper aspect.

On the best, you’ll discover two full-size USB ports, together with an SD card reader. There’s another full-size USB, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio connector to the left.

I want we had at the very least another TB4 port, however I might personally use a TB Docking Station to make use of this laptop as a desktop substitute.Nonetheless, there’s enough room to incorporate further USB-C TB4 connectors, and the Intel platform helps it.

Sound

The quad-speaker setup of the MSI GE76 Raider works very properly and delivers a high-quality sound with nice physique and bass, though spatialization may have been higher (with out-of-the-box settings).

Relative to the dimensions of the laptop computer, I used to be anticipating the sound to be a bit extra highly effective. It’s a slight lack of alternative as a result of the laptop computer is so large that I believe MSI may (ought to) have discovered a method to have even higher audio system for an ideal audio expertise.

That mentioned, avid gamers are doubtless to make use of headphones, and Artistic execs would possibly hook it to an exterior speaker anyway. But, at this worth, I count on the perfect of every part.

Show

We acquired the FHD show on this laptop computer, and for those who want extra pixels, MSI has 2560×1440 (my favourite) and 3840×2160 choices. Greater decision shows are likely to have larger shade accuracy and maybe larger brightness. Nonetheless, this FHD show has a 360Hz refresh charge, for the pickiest avid gamers.

Additionally, the FHD decision is essentially the most pleasant choice to battery life because the 4K possibility can reduce battery endurance by 30% in assessments. No less than, that’s our common expertise with 4K shows as of late.

Our SpyderXElite assessments affirm this FHD show has a 100% sRGB shade gamut (81% AdobeRGB, 81% P3), which works for Artistic work as properly.

The most brightness is 330 NITs, and whereas not distinctive, it’s greater than sufficient for indoor or workplace utilization. I principally used a 60%-75% brightness in a well-lit room in the course of the take a look at.

Conclusion

The MSI GE76 Raider (official web page) is a wonderful gaming laptop computer and an important consultant of the quickest Core i9-12900HK laptops. It delivers unbelievable efficiency and simply surpasses the 2021 champions by as much as 30%, which is terrific.

No doubt, the Intel Core i9-12900HK (official web page) units the usual for cellular efficiency.

The GE76 Raider has many show choices as a workstation, and RAM might be prolonged to 64GB at order time. Our unit even got here with 2x 2TB of SSD storage.

“THE INTEL CORE I9-12900HK SETS THE STANDARD FOR MOBILE PERFORMANCE”

The GeForce RTX 3080Ti GPU is spectacular and delivers prime graphics efficiency properly above the earlier RTX 3080 (non-Ti). Briefly, NVIDIA beats itself as a result of nobody else will.

We’ve proven that regardless that the worth is excessive, you’re really getting what you pay for, and also you’re not being overcharged for a bit bit extra pace and don’t endure from diminishing returns.

And eventually, there is no such thing as a “deadweight” as every Lbs of this laptop brings its share of system efficiency. The MSI GE76 Raider makes a case for proudly owning a heavier laptop computer to get unequaled efficiency.

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