MSI Vector 16 HX AI Review: Core Ultra 9 + RTX 5080 for $2499?!

Finally had some time to get another video uploaded -- this one's a little different, more of a stream-of-consciousness type commentary. No script, just my honest thoughts off-the-cuff about the machine after a few weeks with it and doing some testing!

0:00 Intro
2:07 Ports
3:08 Chassis, Keyboard & Trackpad
4:36 Hinges & Display Angle
5:29 Advanced BIOS
6:32 Display: No G-Sync!
7:41 Performance Profiles and Factory OS
9:05 Internals & Layout
10:43 Chassis Size & Charger Details
11:53 Cinebench R23
13:23 3DMark Suite
14:52 Gaming Benchmarks
16:25 Max Dual-Load Thermals
17:37 Noise Levels
19:15 Pros/Cons & Summary

[ColinTalksCrypto]

Great review! I agree this is the best price-to-performance ratio one can find. I was blown away when I realized this had a GeForce 5080 + Thunderbolt 5 + QHD-Plus screen + Core Ultra 9 processor, for just $2500. There's no other comparable laptop at this price that I can find anywhere. I can't believe it when you said it was originally $2199 before tariffs 🤯

[evilhilda]

i prefer your reviews, you make them so naturally, it feels like you're a friend talking about a new laptop plus you always tackle points missing from other reviewers

[Shikamanu]

This format of review is very much appreciated. Thank you for being you.

edit: This format = actual hands on with laptop build and with internals and not just a display capture.

[d_prime]

Excellent review! Love the detailed walkthrough, keep up the good work :)

[TheUnarmedGypsy]

Just ordered one today to replace my old gaming laptop. In an ideal world I'd get a pc but with a small child etc can only really game in the living room on the couch. Looking forward to getting it in a few days!

[derekhatake]

He has risen, never though i'd see the day you'd return. The laptop review space on yt needs you, no one knows what they are talking about anymore. It's mostly casuals reading spec sheets these days.

[Jessy-ozjt]

I bought this exact model, upgraded from a 3070 Ti and wow it’s such a night and day difference in performance !!!………However, after a week, the GPU shat itself, the laptop all of a sudden didn’t recognise the 5080, took it back to the shop and was diagnosed as faulty gpu. Waiting for a replacement, although I’m contemplating if I should opt for the refund instead.

[Ka_Boomo]

Thanks for the review. It was exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for as I am after a more premium finish but this is available right now. Guess I’ll be waiting a little longer.

[JackLove]

would any body help to decide if there is drastic difference in 285h ultra 9 & 275hx ? i need for Music production, i dont care weight, bulky or silent, i need Good CPU just . As " music production" software mostly rely on single core performance i see 285h has
Better base & same Max Freq.
( 2.9 - 5.4 Ghz[ 285h ultra 9 )
( 2.7 - 5.4 Ghz [ 275hx Ultra 9 ),
But TDP is Different
285H - 28W
275hx - 45W

[armandbernardcornet]

Please write the full name! There are many configurations of this laptop! Before I buy, I want to find exactly the one I am interested in and not some model which might not even be available to me.

Otherwise thank you for the display and the nice Video.

[PatelHarmin]

Current time in india only 😐 available this varient
-MSI Vector 16 HX AI, Intel Series 2 Core Ultra 7 255HX, 41CM QHD+ 240Hz Gaming Laptop(32GB/1TB NVMe SSD/Windows 11 Home/GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, GDDR7 12GB/Cosmos Gray/2.7Kg), A2XWHG-227IN

Price - 2, 41, 000 in rupees
- 4418.77 $AUD
- 2822.44 $USD

[roybeast.sam.]

For sure i can say Vector 16 HX AI is a powerhouse combo at this killer price.

[kekisrael]

I have the 5070ti version and its everything ive ever wanted in a laptop

[RC_Zak]

I have the 32gb MSI Vector HX AI 5080 ti I9. It's ridiculously good.

[biogons]

Interesting test. I'm constantly surprised that the CPU operating temperature barely exceeds 80°C, and without thermal throttling, despite the lack of a sophisticated cooling system. The HP OMEN 16 and the Legion 7i, with the same CPU and GPU, exceed 100°C, and the cooling exceeds 55dB and even 61dB on the OMEN. Tested at 22°C ambient, I don't want to think about how hot they must be in the middle of summer, between 25 and 35°C...

[videoedivs]

Even their higher range models, Raider and Titan, don’t have VRR displays on either the QHD or UHD option. MSI just doesn’t seem to care for adaptive sync technology for whatever reason.

[JaimeeJacobs-lz]

It sounds like an amazing, offer top-tier performance and its a ideal choice for high end gaming.

[RGkYv]

Hey i want to ask you that iss Gsync that big of a deal? Will not having g sync is problematic ?
Also
if in the future i replace my display with a display which is g sync compatible then will i be able to use G sync ???

[Ali-Abbas]

Hi mate, great review . From where you bought it ? Amazon?

[rccosplay]

I saw this laptop in person @ Microcenter. While it has a 5080 and 275HX CPU. Only 16GB ram and 1TB SSD storage, one might want to upgrade that'll add to the cost. For $2, 499.00 (as of 06/10/2025) it's not a bad deal. In fact it's the least costly laptop with a 5080 and 275HX in it. Go for it and you'll have some high end gaming in hand👍