Before You Buy - MSI GE75 Raider

Before You Buy - MSI GE75 Raider

The MSI GE75 Raider, a name synonymous with gaming laptops, promises power, performance, and portability (within reason). Before you commit your hard-earned cash, however, a thorough understanding of this machine's strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition is crucial. This guide delves into the crucial aspects to consider before making your decision.

Performance & Specifications:

• CPU: The GE75 Raider offers a range of processors, primarily Intel's Core i7 or i9 series. The specific generation significantly impacts performance. Newer generations provide enhanced processing power, improved efficiency, and potential for higher clock speeds. Research the specific processor model (e.g., i7-10750H, i9-10980HK) to understand its capabilities. Consider how demanding your intended tasks are. Are you primarily gaming, or do you also plan to use the laptop for content creation, video editing, or other resource-intensive applications? The i9 models often offer significant performance gains, but also generate more heat.
• GPU: The graphics card is paramount for gaming. The GE75 Raider is available with various NVIDIA GeForce RTX series GPUs, such as the RTX 2060, 2070, or 2080. These GPUs dictate your graphical performance. Higher-end GPUs allow for higher frame rates, more demanding graphical settings, and support for ray tracing. Assess your desired gaming experience (resolution, refresh rate, graphics settings) and budget accordingly. Consider the potential for future games and whether you prioritize higher settings now, or lower settings later.
• RAM: RAM (Random Access Memory) is crucial for multitasking and overall system responsiveness. The GE75 Raider usually offers configurations from 16GB to 64GB of DDR4 RAM. 16GB is sufficient for most modern games, but 32GB or more will provide a smoother experience with demanding applications and multitasking.
• Storage: Fast storage is essential for quick boot times, application loading, and game performance. The GE75 Raider typically features an NVMe PCIe SSD (Solid State Drive) for the operating system and games. The speed of the SSD directly impacts loading times. Some configurations also include a secondary hard drive (HDD) for additional storage space. Prioritize a large SSD for the operating system and frequently used games.
• Display: The display significantly impacts your gaming experience. The GE75 Raider usually comes with a 17.3-inch display with various resolutions (1080p or 4K) and refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz). Higher refresh rates provide smoother visuals and are beneficial for competitive gaming. Consider the resolution and refresh rate based on your GPU choice and gaming preferences.
• Cooling: Gaming laptops generate significant heat. The GE75 Raider utilizes MSI's Cooler Boost technology, which includes multiple fans and heat pipes. Adequate cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling (reduced performance due to overheating). Research reviews to gauge the effectiveness of the cooling system in different configurations.

Design & Build Quality:

• Chassis: The GE75 Raider typically features a sleek, yet often somewhat bulky design, with a predominantly aluminum build. The aesthetics often incorporate RGB lighting elements, including a keyboard and a light bar.
• Keyboard: The keyboard is typically a SteelSeries designed one, offering a good typing experience and customizable RGB lighting. Check reviews for keyboard feedback and key travel.
• Trackpad: The trackpad usually provides adequate functionality, although most gamers will likely prefer using an external mouse.
• Connectivity: The GE75 Raider usually offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB ports (USB-A and USB-C), HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, and an SD card reader. Ensure the ports meet your connectivity needs.
• Portability: While a 17.3-inch laptop offers a large screen, it's generally less portable than smaller laptops. Consider the laptop's weight and size if you intend to frequently carry it around.

Audio:

• The GE75 Raider often features Nahimic audio enhancement technology. While the built-in speakers can deliver decent sound, the audio quality may not match that of a dedicated external speaker system or headphones.

Battery Life:

• Gaming laptops often have limited battery life, especially during gaming. The GE75 Raider's battery life may be around a few hours for general use, and much less during gaming. Consider battery life only as a secondary consideration for portability.

Software:

• MSI typically includes its own software suite, such as Dragon Center, for system monitoring, performance adjustments, and RGB lighting control. The usefulness and ease of use of this software should be considered in reviews.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • Powerful performance, suitable for demanding games.
  • High refresh rate displays for smooth gaming.
  • Comprehensive port selection.
  • Customizable RGB lighting.
  • Often good build quality.
• Cons:
  • Can be expensive.
  • Bulky and less portable.
  • Battery life is typically limited.
  • Cooling can be loud under heavy load.

Alternatives:

• Consider other gaming laptop brands, such as ASUS ROG, Acer Predator, Alienware, and Gigabyte, to compare performance, features, and pricing.
• Evaluate laptops with similar specifications from the same brand to compare price-to-performance ratios.

Recommendations Before Purchase:

• Read Reviews: Thoroughly read professional reviews from reputable sources (e.g., Notebookcheck, TechRadar, IGN) to assess real-world performance, build quality, and potential issues.
• Compare Pricing: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
• Consider Refurbished Options: Consider purchasing a certified refurbished unit to save money.
• Check for Promotions: Look for promotions, bundles, or discounts from MSI or retailers.
• Determine Your Needs: Clearly define your budget, desired gaming experience, and other intended uses. This will help you choose the appropriate configuration.
• Understand Warranty & Support: Familiarize yourself with MSI's warranty and support options.

Conclusion:

The MSI GE75 Raider can be an excellent choice for gamers seeking a powerful and feature-rich gaming laptop. However, carefully evaluate your needs, research the specific configuration you are considering, and compare it to other options before making a purchase. By doing your homework, you can ensure that the GE75 Raider aligns with your gaming and computing needs.

Buy the MSI GE75 Raider