MSI has launched its next generation of high-end gaming laptops at CES 2025, introducing both AI and non-AI versions. Among these, the Raider 18 HX and the Raider 18 HX AI stand out with the latest Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs and powerful processor options.
MSI Raider 18 HX: Performance Focused
The Raider 18 HX is a non-AI variant focused on pure gaming power. Key specifications include:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D |
| GPU | Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 (24 GB GDDR7) or RTX 5080 (16 GB GDDR7) |
| RAM | DDR5, up to 96GB |
| Storage | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen5 x4), 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen4 x4) |
| Display | 18-inch UHD+ Mini-LED (3840 x 2400), 120Hz, VESA DisplayHDR 1000, ~100% DCI-P3 |
| Ports | 2 x USB4 (Thunderbolt 4 compatible), 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A |
| Connectivity | Gigabit Ethernet (up to 2.5GbE), AMD Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4 |
| Monitor Outputs | 2 x DisplayPort via USB4, 1 x HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz) |
| Keyboard | SteelSeries per-key RGB, numeric keypad, Copilot key |
| Sound | Dynaudio with six speakers, Nahimic 3, Hi-Res Audio |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, IR face recognition, Kensington Lock |
| Webcam | Full HD 1080p, IR sensor, privacy cover, 3D Noise Reduction+ |
| Battery | 99 Wh Li-Polymer |
| Power Supply | 400W |
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
MSI Raider 18 HX AI: Enhanced Performance with AI
The Raider 18 HX AI is equipped with a suite of AI features and the latest hardware. Key specifications include:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 18-inch UHD+ Mini-LED (3840 x 2400), 120Hz, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7) / RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7) |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 285HX / AMD Ryzen 9955HX3D |
| Memory | DDR5-6400, up to 96GB |
| Storage | 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen5) + 1 x NVMe M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen4) |
| Ports | 2 x Thunderbolt 5, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A |
| Connectivity | Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Keyboard | SteelSeries RGB with per-key lighting |
| Sound | Dynaudio, Nahimic 3, Hi-Res Audio |
| Webcam | Full HD 1080p with IR sensor, privacy cover |
| Security | Fingerprint reader, IR face recognition, Kensington Lock |
| Power Adapter | 400W |
| Battery | 99Wh Li-Polymer |
| Dimensions | 404 x 308 x 32 mm |
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
The Raider 18 HX AI also includes a suite of AI features, such as the AI Robot app with a local small language model (SLM), AI Noise Cancellation Pro, and AI Engine.
MSI has yet to announce the pricing for both the Raider 18 HX and Raider 18 HX AI models. They are expected to be available in Q2 of 2025.
Source(s): MSI Official Website
