A recent Geekbench listing has unveiled an intriguing update to the MSI Raider 18 HX laptop, set to make an appearance at CES. This model presents a unique blend of current and older-generation hardware, a curious choice for what’s expected to be a flagship device.
In recent weeks, various next-gen laptops have been teased, including models like the HP Omen Max 16, which boasts an Arrow Lake-HX processor paired with a GeForce RTX 50 series GPU. Similarly, the upcoming Razer Blade 18 is set to feature the same cutting-edge processor, although its graphics capabilities remain under wraps. Enter the MSI Raider 18 HX, which according to the latest Geekbench information, will also harness the power of an Intel Core Ultra 9 285 HX Arrow Lake processor, complemented by a substantial 64 GB of RAM.
However, what truly piques interest is the laptop’s choice of graphics card. The Raider 18 HX is equipped with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, a component from the previous generation of GPUs. MSI’s decision to incorporate an older GPU in a flagship model is surprising, but aligns with earlier speculations that OEMs might mix hardware from different generations within their new laptop releases.
Despite this unexpected combination, it’s anticipated that the MSI Raider 18 HX will be available with higher-end graphics options, likely including the newer GeForce RTX 50 series. This scenario indicates that Nvidia may still have ample Ada Lovelace die inventories to shift, ensuring their presence in the market even after the latest Blackwell series launches.
In essence, the upcoming MSI Raider 18 HX looks to offer a unique tech experience by intermingling the past with the future, promising a compelling performance package that should appeal to a wide range of laptop enthusiasts.
