MSI Vector 16 HX A13V review – Titan Performance in a 16-inch Package

LaptopMedia.com Reviews and Analysis MSI Vector 16 HX A13V review - Titan Performance in a 16-inch Package Page 9

From: Nikolay Palaozov, eng. Kroum Nikolov 12 April 2024 / 11:57 2

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Verdict

Compared to some bigger laptops, the MSI Vector 16 HX A13V can give them a run for their money. The device is bulky for a 16-inch machine. There is a reason for that – the high-end hardware that is well-cooled by the massive Cooler Boost 5 thermal system. The end result is great gaming performance thanks to the high CPU and GPU clocks during full loads.

The 175W GPU TGP is tied with the “Extreme Performance” preset that will torture your ears with high noise levels. Still, in this mode, the Vector 16 HX isn’t as noisy as the MSI Vector GP78 HX (13V) or Acer Predator Helios 3D 15 SpatialLabs Edition (PH3D15-71). The “Balanced” preset is much more suitable for normal usage because the fans don’t spin that aggressively in this scenario but unfortunately, the GPU TGP is heavily reduced to just 120W.

We decided to buy a laptop with the default 1200p 144Hz IPS display (Innolux N160JME-GTK (CMN1621)). Overall, the unit is okay – the contrast ratio is very good, the viewing angles are wide, and there is no sign of PWM usage. On the other hand, the low sRGB coverage and the slow pixel response times don’t correspond to the price class of the notebook. If money isn’t a problem, perhaps the optional 1600p 240Hz panel is a better complement to such a device.

The laptop is sturdy which applies to both the lid and body. However, the base is made of plastic which isn’t an optimal solution for an expensive notebook. On the bright side, the backlit keyboard is great and the touchpad is smooth and precise. There is nothing to moan about the upgradability or the port selection – you get two SODIMMs, a pair of M.2 slots (one for Gen 5 SSDs), and a total of five USB ports plus an SD Card reader. Last but not least, the battery life is decent given the hardware – almost 7 hours of Web browsing on a single charge. Expectedly, this is possible when you select the iGPU-only mode.

The MSI Vector 16 HX A13V impresses with top-of-the-line hardware, a capable cooling solution, a comfortable keyboard, and a solid build quality.

You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/msi-vector-16-hx-a13vx-a14vx/

Pros

Great performance for a 16-inch machine
2x SODIMMs + 2x M.2 slot (one is for Gen 5 SSDs)
144Hz refresh rate (Innolux N160JME-GTK (CMN1621))
PWM-free + very good contrast ratio (Innolux N160JME-GTK (CMN1621))
Superb SteelSeries keyboard
Solid build quality
High CPU and GPU clocks under heavy loads or gaming
The MSI Center offers plenty of customizations
Modern port selection + SD Express Card Reader
Decent battery life
Quality audio

Cons

Bulky and heavy
Low sRGB coverage (Innolux N160JME-GTK (CMN1621))
Plastic base
No G-Sync support

#CommissionsEarned

MSI Vector 16 HX

Processor: Intel Core i9-14900HX
VideoCard: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop, 140W)
RAM: 32GB RAM
STORAGE: 2000GB SSD

Detailed review

$2199^.00

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9. Verdict

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Author: Nikolay Palaozov

Author: eng. Kroum NikolovHead of Engineering at LaptopMedia.com, inventor and innovator with 40+ years of experience in electronics and high technology.