In another model from its range of gaming laptops, we got hands-on with the MSI Vector 16 HX, specifically the A13VHG. With a certainly more gamer design and specs, we find out what it’s capable of. It still looks like the part and brings plenty of performance capabilities.
In the same vein as the MSI Raider GE78 HX 14VHG, we have reviewed, it has a top pick processor and a powerful graphics card. Put together in the mobile chassis, we see how well it fairs in a few of our tests. As well as having a go at the general usability and features of the machine to see how well it does.
- CPU: Intel i9-13980HX
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080 12GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB (2*8) DDR5 5600
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Screen Size: 16-inch
- Panel Type: IPS
Overall the MSI Vector 16 HX is a fast and capable machine. With great components inside, there’s not much the machine can’t do. Although the display is a bit more simple, the faster refresh rate and lower resolution lead to a better gameplay experience by keeping it simple. Along with the array of IO and upgradeability options it’s a strong all-round solution, although not the easiest to move around with its bulky design.
- Excellent performance
- Great cooling solution
- Option to open up and upgrade support components
- Quite heavy and bulky
- Can get quite loud
Pricing
Looking at the price of the laptop, it is available in the UK and US for a similar price in pure numbers. At Amazon UK you can get the MSI Vector 16 HX at the time of writing for £2,149 full price, although with the 21% discount at the time it dropped to £1,698.99. Whilst in the US, Best Buy has the equivalently specced machine for $2,099.00 full price. Giving it a bit more high-end pricing but you do get a good deal of tech in it, so let’s see what that entails.
Design and specs
The general vibe of this laptop gives you a more gamer and edgy design. It is less like the Stealth of some MSI laptops, and more showy off. With large vents across the back and sides, plenty of raised edges and lines cutting through its metal chassis. It’s certainly a lot more eye-catching than the majority, although it keeps the lights away from the outside and keeps it in.
It offers up a Cosmos gray colorway, not quite the dark black of most, but nothing too out there either. However, the thickness of the machine certainly is; not only is it for cooling, but it also has a good amount of array on offer, such as the SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, and a Type-C Thunderbolt on the left side. The back offers full-sized 2.5Gbps RJ-45 and HDMI, along with a Type C USB and the proprietary power port. The right side offers two Type-A and one Type-C USB connector.
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG box contents, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG bottom, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG keyboard, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG left side, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG open back, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG open front on, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG open rear, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG rear, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG right side, Image by PC Guide
That does make it quite a good choice for connectivity and setting up. But with the large power brick (with a substantial 330W power) and heft to it, it’s not the most portable of options coming in at 2.7kg (5.95lbs). It is still a 16-inch screen size though so it’s not the biggest size it could be. It does keep the display rather basic though, with a 1920 x 1200p resolution IPS panel, but at least it has a 144Hz refresh rate to provide an improved and seamless experience.
The screen folds away quite nicely, as the angled hinges let it fold down over the keyboard whilst leaving space for the thicker vent in the back. The keyboard itself isn’t the most thrilling and a bit more spongy than we’d like. It also opts for the odd design choice of making the WASD and arrow keys see-through again. Making the RGB come through even more there and committing to the gaming design.
The touchpad is a good design too, with a clearly defined area indented into the chassis, it is smooth and nice to use. It does omit dedicated left and right clicks and embeds them into the bottom corners instead. Providing a good amount of usable space although you’ll mostly be using a mouse anyway. Certainly more space than the numpad which does get squished in to fit in the decently sized keyboard.
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG gaming, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG honey video, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG power button, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG touchpad, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG WASD, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG webcam, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16 HX A13VHG arrow keys, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG insides, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG cooling cover, Image by PC Guide
For the components in this machine, it does have the top Intel 13th gen processor in the i9-13980HX. With the graphics card being the Nvidia RTX 4080 laptop GPU so combined you get some of the top-tier specs in a mobile form. Although the power and performance may vary with models depending on their design. Along with that, the memory is 16GB of DDR5 RAM running 5600MHz, providing a lot of fast support for the processor.
For storage, you get a fast and spacious 1TB NVMe SSD offering a strong solution. But there is the option to expand too. As you can open it up, with a bit of persuasion of the stiff plastic tabs. There is an extra slot for an M.2 although the heatsink cover is a bit sticky and hard to get off if you do want to use it. It is possible to upgrade to SODIMM as well if you want more RAM down the line.
Performance
Next, we put it to the test in a few different scenarios. Testing it in a game and a few other benchmarks to check the capabilities in whatever you might throw at it. Along with comparing the different modes of both hybrid and discrete where the laptop uses a mixture of both processor and standalone graphics for the work done to see if there’s any difference.
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG 3DMark score, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG Blender, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG Cinebench, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG Cyberpunk 2077, Image by PC Guide
MSI Vector 16HX A13VHG HWInfo stats, Image by PC Guide
Here we see it is a rather capable machine in any scenario. Starting off looking at gaming, it has quite the power for being a laptop for Cyberpunk 2077, as it averages over 100 FPS standalone. It does help it only renders at 1200p but also the frame generation capability of DLSS 3 means it can boost that even further, with over 200 FPS when you use it, which you might need for ray tracing. It also shows there is a slight difference in discrete vs hybrid but not as much as expected.
Whilst in other workloads that can vary from task to task as they exchange which one comes out on top. Although there is some run-to-run variance that might also explain it. But in general, it does outstanding in the variety of tasks and takes no time to complete them, providing both a gaming and processing experience.
As for the thermals and power of the machine, it does have a lot to offer. As the power of the GPU power spikes to around 180W, and the CPU spikes to a similar level, but in discrete mode processor power falls to bouncing between 20 to 60W. That likely comes from the temps and frequency also jumping around as it only hovers around 1000MHz and jumps between 75 to 95°C. On the other hand, the GPU sits around 80°C and 2,100MHz.
Conclusion
- CPU: Intel i9-13980HX
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080 12GB GDDR6
- RAM: 16GB (2*8) DDR5 5600
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
- Max Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Resolution: 1920 x 1200
- Screen Size: 16-inch
- Panel Type: IPS
In general, the laptop is a good contender for an all-around solution to your needs. Although a bit more bulky and weighty it doesn’t make it the best portable solution. However, performance and capabilities are grand with so much to offer. Although it does come in a design that might be a bit much for some, on the outside not so much but the lights and edginess inside might just be a tougher sell.
