MSI Crosshair A17 HX (D8Wx) Model 4
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MSI Crosshair A17 HX Review
Overview
The MSI Crosshair A17 HX is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for enthusiasts who demand powerful hardware in a portable form factor. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics, this laptop aims to deliver desktop-like performance in a 17-inch chassis. However, it comes with some caveats that potential buyers should consider.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Crosshair A17 HX is commendable, utilizing a combination of metal and sturdy plastic. The laptop weighs approximately 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) and has a height of just under 3 cm (1.2 in), making it heavier than some competitors. The design is relatively discreet, with a generous 180° opening angle, which is a plus for usability [1] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard features a unique layout that may take some getting used to, particularly due to the three-column numeric keypad. While the typing experience is generally acceptable, the click surfaces of the touchpad can rattle, detracting from the overall quality feel [2] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser
Display
The 17-inch IPS display boasts a QHD+ resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 240Hz refresh rate, providing vibrant colors and smooth visuals. It covers nearly 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, making it suitable for both gaming and content creation. Brightness levels reach up to 468 cd/m², which is above average for gaming laptops [3] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser Mezha Aim To Perform: review of the MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop @Dzhuhaa
Performance
The Ryzen 9 8940HX shines in multi-core performance, outperforming many Intel counterparts in benchmarks. The RTX 5070, while capable, may struggle with VRAM-heavy titles, but it generally performs well in gaming scenarios at high settings [5] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser Sportskeeda Tech MSI Crosshair A17 HX vs MSI Katana 17 HX: Which is the better gaming laptop? Adith Pramod
Thermals and Noise
One of the significant downsides of the Crosshair A17 HX is its cooling system. Under load, the fans can become excessively loud, reaching noise levels of 57-58 dB(A). Additionally, the fan control is criticized for revving up unnecessarily during idle periods, which can be quite distracting [7] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser
Battery Life
Battery performance is another area where the Crosshair A17 HX falls short. With a 90Wh battery, users can expect around 4.5 hours of usage in balanced mode, which is below the average for gaming laptops. This may limit its appeal for those needing extended portability [8] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser Mezha Aim To Perform: review of the MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop @Dzhuhaa
Speakers and Webcam
The audio quality is average, with speakers that lack depth and bass, making external speakers or headphones a necessity for an optimal experience. The webcam is also underwhelming, offering only 720p resolution, which is inadequate for modern standards [10] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser Mezha Aim To Perform: review of the MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop @Dzhuhaa
Connectivity
The laptop features a decent selection of ports, including multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and a Gigabit LAN port. However, it lacks modern USB 4 or Thunderbolt support, which may be a drawback for some users [12] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser
Conclusion
In summary, the MSI Crosshair A17 HX is a powerful gaming laptop that excels in CPU performance and display quality. However, it is hampered by high noise levels, mediocre battery life, and an underwhelming webcam. Gamers looking for a robust machine with strong performance may find it appealing, but those prioritizing quiet operation and portability might want to consider alternatives [13] Notebookcheck Zen 4 at the limit: MSI Crosshair A17 HX gaming laptop with Ryzen 9 8940HX review Florian Glaser Sportskeeda Tech MSI Crosshair A17 HX vs MSI Katana 17 HX: Which is the better gaming laptop? Adith Pramod