Tag: Cooler Boost

  • MSI Raider 16 Max HX: 175W GPU Averaging 147W

    MSI Raider 16 Max HX: 175W GPU Averaging 147W

    Key Takeaway

    – MSI Raider 16 Max HX has too many power profiles with no in-software documentation.
    – Gaming performance is nearly identical between Balanced and Extreme Performance modes.
    – Balanced mode is noticeably quieter than Extreme Performance mode, making it the recommended choice for gaming.
    – Maximum GPU TGP is locked behind Apex or Cooler Boost modes, which are the loudest options.
    – Use Apex or Cooler Boost only to squeeze extra GPU performance at the cost of much higher fan noise.

    MSI Raider 16 Max HX Modes Analysis

    The MSI Raider 16 Max HX may be a great gaming laptop, but it arguably has far too many power profile modes to keep track of. Furthermore, its essentially impossible for the end user to know exactly what each mode entails without looking for external sources as MSI provides no documentation or in-software details about the modes for the end user.

    Power Profile Comparisons

    Our table below summarizes the major power profiles (Quiet, Balanced, Extreme Performance, Apex, and Cooler Boost) for the Raider 16 Max HX and how they each impact system performance. Of course, results will vary depending on configuration and model, but MSI ships the same software features across all of its gaming laptops and so the pattern between each mode should remain quite similar regardless of model.

    • Quiet mode: Limits fan speed and CPU/GPU power for silent operation, but significanly reduces frame rates.
    • Balanced mode: Offers a good trade-off between noise and performance, suitable for most games.
    • Extreme Performance: Unlocks higher CPU and GPU clocks, but fan noise becomes more noticable.
    • Apex mode: Maximum GPU TGP unlocked, fans run at high speed for best frame rates.
    • Cooler Boost: Fans run at 100% speed, sacrificing noise for the highest possible thermal headroom and performance.

    Gaming Performance Observations

    An interesting observation worth mentioning is that performance when gaming is essentially identical between Balanced mode and Extreme Performance mode even though Balanced mode is noticeably quieter. Maximum GPU TGP is also unfortunately locked behind Apex mode or Cooler Boost mode which are the two loudest power profiles of the system. We recommend gaming on Balanced mode over Extreme Performance mode as the latter offers minimal benefits when fan noise is a concern. Otherwise, be sure to enable Apex mode or Cooler Boost mode to squeeze a few more frames from the GPU.

    Benchmark Context

    Additional benchmarks and comparisons can be found on our review of the Raider 16 Max HX here. Most users will find that Balanced mode provides the best balance of noise and performance, while Apex or Cooler Boost modes are best reserved for demanding titles or benchmark runs where every frame counts, even if the noise is distubing.

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    • MSI Stealth 18 HX Cooler Boost Mode: Not Needed for Gaming

      MSI Stealth 18 HX Cooler Boost Mode: Not Needed for Gaming

      Key Takeaways

      1. Gaming laptops offer customizable features, including fan noise control.
      2. The “Turbo” mode, called “Cooler Boost” in MSI Stealth 18 HX, increases fan noise significantly to 63 dB(A).
      3. Cooler Boost mode reduces temperatures by over 10°C but does not improve actual performance.
      4. Without Cooler Boost, fan noise is quieter at around 53 dB(A) during gaming.
      5. The feature may benefit users who prefer manual tuning or a cooler system, despite minimal performance impact.

      Unlike standard office or simple multimedia laptops, gaming laptops provide a broader range of customizable features, especially regarding fan noise. They typically include a “Turbo” mode, which aims to increase fan noise levels for the sake of enhanced performance—at least that’s the idea. However, sometimes the “Turbo” mode simply helps to lower temperatures with little effect on actual performance.

      MSI Stealth 18 HX Review

      In our assessment of the MSI Stealth 18 HX, the “Turbo” mode is known as “Cooler Boost” mode. This automatically ramps up the fan noise to an ear-piercing 63 dB(A). Our table below indicates that performance levels in this mode are almost the same as in the standard non-Turbo mode. Instead, it reduces core temperatures by just over 10 C for each processor, with no significant changes to clock rates or TGP targets.

      Gaming Experience with Cooler Boost

      When playing games with Cooler Boost turned off, fan noise is around 53 dB(A), providing a significantly quieter experience. Since the graphics performance hardly changes with Cooler Boost on, the louder fan setting seems to be unnecessary for most gaming scenarios. Nevertheless, this feature can be beneficial for enthusiasts who enjoy manually tuning the CPU and GPU or for users who prefer a cooler system regardless of the fan noise.

      MSI Stealth 18 HX Cooler Boost Mode: Not Needed for GamingMSI Stealth 18 HX Cooler Boost Mode: Not Needed for Gaming

       

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