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amazon MSI GE66 Raider reviews
Mention about MSI, tech enthusiasts in general always think of an extremely prominent laptop brand in the gaming laptop village. At CES 2020 in LA USA, the company did not disappoint its fans in particular and technology enthusiasts in general when it launched the next generation of GE series gaming laptop, which is the GE66 Raider.
- Design personality is both strange and familiar
The characteristic feature of gaming computers is its cool appearance, with many powerful details. Compared to its predecessor, the GE65, the GE66 Raider has improved the design, much of the chassis is made of aluminum. The frame GE66 Raider has been much simpler than the GE65, making details look more elegant, not rough. Near the hinge, there are more beautiful cut lines, artistic, elegant and enough personality. Especially below the edge of the machine with LED strips, the sides of the machine have 16.7 million RGB colors that MSI calls this feature extremely eye-catching Panoramic Aurora Lighting. GE66 Raider is beautiful already, but the limited edition GE66 Dragon Shield looks even better! This version was designed by the graphic artists of Star Wars, Transformers and Ironman – Colie Wertz. GE66 Raider Dragon Shield will only be made in limited quantity, so whoever owns the machine will be a very lucky person.
- Super screen 300Hz
The screen of the GE66 Raider uses an IPS panel of 15.6 inches – the size that is considered the most common for a laptop. The screen panel, although only possessing Full HD resolution, has a very special scanning frequency up to 300Hz. This is one of the gaming laptops that will compete directly with fierce competitors such as the ASUS ROG Zephyrus S GX701 and the rival Acer Predator Triton 500, both with a 300Hz screen. For gamers who regularly play first-person shooters (FPS) titles, the high frequency of sweeping the screen will almost bring a huge advantage.
- Maximum battery power, new graphics card
MSI GE66 Raider is announced to use the Intel Core i9 H-Series CPU 10 generation, different from the U and Y series which are considered to save power and reduce power. The graphics card in the machine is the latest GeForce RTX GPU from the well-known manufacturer Nvidia, MSI has not specifically revealed whether this laptop will use the RTX 2060 to reduce the price or use the RTX 2080 to confirm the top product in the gaming laptop segment.
To talk about the configuration, perhaps in the first half of this year, the CPU or VGA will probably be nothing special when almost all companies are equipped with the same equipment, but the most prominent is the battery capacity, GE66 Raider can be considered as MSI’s highest battery life laptop to date, with a specific rating of 99.9WHr. To know how perfect this number is, this is the maximum number allowed on the plane according to the TSA (US shipping security management organization).
Performance
Under the hood, the MSI GE66 Raider is powered by some of the latest and most powerful hardware available. The laptop can be configured with up to an Intel Core i9-10980HK processor, which provides exceptional performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. Paired with this powerful CPU is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series GPU, with options ranging from the RTX 3060 to the RTX 3080. These GPUs offer outstanding graphics performance, enabling users to play the latest AAA titles at high settings and even enjoy ray tracing effects for more realistic visuals.
The laptop also supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, ensuring smooth performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options include high-speed NVMe SSDs, providing ample space for games and quick load times. The combination of powerful CPU, GPU, and ample RAM makes the GE66 Raider a beast when it comes to gaming performance, capable of handling even the most demanding titles with ease.
Cooling System
To keep the powerful internals in check, the MSI GE66 Raider features an advanced cooling system known as the Cooler Boost 5. This system includes multiple heat pipes and dual fans that work together to dissipate heat efficiently. The laptop’s cooling solution is designed to keep temperatures low even during extended gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent performance. The fans can get a bit noisy under heavy load, but this is a common trade-off for effective cooling in high-performance gaming laptops.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the MSI GE66 Raider is a gamer’s delight. It features per-key RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the lighting effects to match their gaming setup. The keys have a comfortable travel distance and provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making them ideal for both gaming and typing. The layout is well-spaced, and the inclusion of a dedicated number pad is a welcome addition for those who need it.
The trackpad, while not as large as some ultrabooks, is smooth and responsive. It supports Windows Precision drivers, ensuring accurate and precise tracking. However, most gamers will likely prefer using an external mouse for better control during gaming sessions.
Audio
The MSI GE66 Raider delivers impressive audio quality thanks to its Dynaudio speaker system. The laptop features a pair of upward-firing speakers that produce clear and loud sound. The audio quality is good for a laptop, with decent bass and clear mids and highs. For an even more immersive audio experience, the laptop supports Hi-Res Audio and Nahimic 3 audio software, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their liking. However, for serious gaming, using a good pair of headphones is recommended to fully appreciate the in-game audio details.
Connectivity
The MSI GE66 Raider offers a wide range of connectivity options to cater to the needs of gamers and power users. The laptop includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, an RJ45 Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 allows for high-speed data transfer, connecting to external displays, and even using external GPUs for enhanced graphics performance.
Wireless connectivity is also robust, with the laptop supporting Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast and reliable wireless internet connections, making it ideal for online gaming and streaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a concern for gaming laptops, and the MSI GE66 Raider is no exception. The laptop is equipped with a 99.9Wh battery, which is the maximum allowed on airplanes. Despite this large battery, the power-hungry hardware and high-refresh-rate display mean that battery life is limited, especially during gaming sessions. In regular use, such as web browsing and video playback, the laptop can last around 5-6 hours, but gaming will significantly reduce this time. For extended gaming sessions, it’s best to keep the laptop plugged in.
Software and Features
MSI includes several software utilities with the GE66 Raider to enhance the user experience. The Dragon Center is the main control hub, allowing users to monitor system performance, adjust fan speeds, and customize the RGB lighting. The software also includes various performance profiles that can be tailored to different usage scenarios, such as gaming, productivity, or battery saving.
Another notable feature is the inclusion of MSI’s True Color technology, which provides multiple display modes for different content types. Users can switch between modes like sRGB, Gamer, and Anti-Blue to optimize the display for specific tasks.
Value for Money
The MSI GE66 Raider is positioned as a premium gaming laptop, and its price reflects that. While it may be more expensive than some of its competitors, the laptop justifies its price with top-notch performance, a stunning display, and a high-quality build. For gamers who demand the best and are willing to invest in a laptop that can handle the latest games at high settings, the GE66 Raider is an excellent choice. The laptop’s powerful hardware also makes it suitable for other demanding tasks, such as video editing and 3D rendering, adding to its versatility.
Comparison with Competitors
When evaluating the MSI GE66 Raider, it’s important to compare it with other gaming laptops in its class to see how it stacks up. Some of its main competitors include the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15, the Alienware m15 R4, and the Razer Blade 15.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15:
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is another high-performance gaming laptop that competes directly with the GE66 Raider. It features similar hardware configurations, including Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs. The Strix Scar 15 also boasts a high-refresh-rate display, though it comes with a slightly bulkier design compared to the GE66 Raider. One advantage of the Strix Scar 15 is its more aggressive cooling solution, which can lead to slightly better thermal performance. However, the GE66 Raider’s sleek design and customizable RGB lighting give it an edge in aesthetics.
Alienware m15 R4:
The Alienware m15 R4 is known for its distinctive design and premium build quality. It offers similar performance levels with options for Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs. The m15 R4 features a unique design with customizable RGB lighting and a highly responsive mechanical keyboard. One of its standout features is the Alienware Command Center software, which provides extensive customization options and performance monitoring. While the m15 R4 is slightly more expensive than the GE66 Raider, it offers a robust feature set and excellent build quality that appeals to many gamers.
Razer Blade 15:
The Razer Blade 15 is renowned for its sleek and minimalist design, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing gaming laptops on the market. It offers configurations with Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs, similar to the GE66 Raider. The Blade 15 features a high-refresh-rate display and a precise keyboard with customizable RGB lighting. One of the Blade 15’s strengths is its portability, thanks to its thin and lightweight design. However, this slim profile can lead to higher temperatures during extended gaming sessions. The GE66 Raider, with its more aggressive cooling solution, might offer better sustained performance under heavy loads.
Conclusion
The MSI GE66 Raider is a formidable gaming laptop that excels in performance, display quality, and design. Its powerful hardware ensures that it can handle the latest games and demanding applications with ease. The high-refresh-rate display provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience, while the customizable RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization. The laptop’s build quality and design make it a stylish and durable choice for gamers.
While the battery life may be a drawback for some users, the overall performance and features of the GE66 Raider make it a compelling option for those seeking a top-tier gaming laptop. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a power user, the MSI GE66 Raider has the capabilities to meet your needs. Its premium price is justified by its exceptional performance and features, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop.
where can you get a MSI GE66 Raider online
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CUK MSI GE66 Raider Gamer Notebook (Intel i9-10980HK, 64GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super 8GB Max-Q, 15.6″ FHD 300Hz 3ms, Windows 10 Home) Gaming Laptop Computer: Buy it now
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