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MSI Sword 17 HX (B14Vx) Model 5

Msi

About this laptop ↓

Also sold as: MSI Sword 17HX 17 Inch 16:10 QHD+ 240Hz Gaming Laptop - (Intel Core i7-14700HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home) - Cosmos Grey

MSI Sword 17 HX

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About this laptop

The review on Plample is a consensus from multiple reviewers across the web, so you don't have to spend hours hunting down what you need to make your decision. Each claim is backed by cited sources. Hover over any reference number to see where it comes from.

MSI Sword 17 HX (B14Vx) Review

Overview

The MSI Sword 17 HX (B14Vx) is designed for gamers seeking a balance between performance and value. With a focus on delivering a strong gaming experience, this laptop features a high-quality display and solid build, though it does come with some quirks that potential buyers should consider.

Build Quality

The chassis of the MSI Sword 17 HX is primarily made of plastic, which contributes to its overall weight but maintains a solid feel. Users have noted that the build quality is satisfactory for a gaming laptop, providing a sturdy platform for gaming and productivity tasks . However, the design is somewhat bulky, which may not appeal to those looking for portability.

Keyboard and Trackpad

One of the more contentious aspects of the MSI Sword 17 HX is its keyboard layout. The non-standard design, which includes an additional backslash key and a unique arrangement of the Enter key, can be challenging for new users to adapt to [1]

Pokde.Net

MSI Sword 16 HX (B14V) Review - A Decent Gaming Laptop With Its Quirks - Pokde.Net

View source ↗. While some users appreciate the RGB lighting and tactile feedback, others find the layout frustrating. The trackpad is generally functional, but specific reviews did not highlight it as a standout feature.

Display

The laptop boasts a 17-inch 1600p IPS display with a 240Hz refresh rate, which is praised for its brightness and color accuracy . With a maximum brightness of 452 cd/m2 and full coverage of sRGB and DCI-P3, the display is well-suited for both gaming and creative work. Users have noted that the display significantly enhances the overall experience, making it one of the highlights of the laptop.

Performance

Equipped with Intel's high-end processors and NVIDIA's RTX graphics, the MSI Sword 17 HX delivers impressive gaming performance. The combination of the i7-14700HX processor and RTX 4070 GPU allows the laptop to handle demanding games at high settings . However, the laptop's performance can vary depending on the power profile selected, with higher performance modes resulting in increased fan noise.

Thermals and Noise

The cooling system in the MSI Sword 17 HX is designed to manage heat effectively, with multiple exhausts to keep temperatures in check during gaming sessions. Users have reported that the laptop remains relatively cool under load, which is a significant advantage for long gaming sessions [2]

Pokde.Net

MSI Sword 16 HX (B14V) Review - A Decent Gaming Laptop With Its Quirks - Pokde.Net

View source ↗. However, the absence of a 0dB fan mode means that the fans can be audible during quieter tasks.

Battery Life

Battery performance is one of the weaker aspects of the MSI Sword 17 HX. Users have noted that the battery life is below average, particularly when the discrete GPU is active [3]

Pokde.Net

MSI Sword 16 HX (B14V) Review - A Decent Gaming Laptop With Its Quirks - Pokde.Net

View source ↗. While there are power-saving modes available, they often result in reduced performance, making the laptop less suitable for extended use away from a power source.

Speakers and Webcam

The speakers on the MSI Sword 17 HX have been described as lacking in depth and bass, which may disappoint users looking for an immersive audio experience [4]

Pokde.Net

MSI Sword 16 HX (B14V) Review - A Decent Gaming Laptop With Its Quirks - Pokde.Net

View source ↗. The webcam, while functional, does not feature advanced capabilities such as IR sensors, which are becoming more common in modern laptops.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, the MSI Sword 17 HX includes a variety of ports, but notably lacks Thunderbolt support, which may limit options for high-speed peripherals [5]

Pokde.Net

MSI Sword 16 HX (B14V) Review - A Decent Gaming Laptop With Its Quirks - Pokde.Net

View source ↗. The available USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port does provide DisplayPort output and power delivery, which is a plus for users who need versatility.

Conclusion

The MSI Sword 17 HX (B14Vx) is a compelling option for gamers who prioritize performance and display quality. While it has its drawbacks, such as battery life and a quirky keyboard layout, its strengths in gaming performance and display make it a worthy contender in the gaming laptop market. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully to determine if the MSI Sword 17 HX aligns with their needs and expectations.