Tag: Core Ultra 9 290HX

  • MSI Raider 16 Max HX: $3000+ Lacks G-Sync & Adv Optimus

    Key Takeaway

    – Top-tier CPU and GPU performance with full 175W GPU unlocked via Apex or Cooler Boost mode.
    – Lacks Advanced Optimus and G-Sync support, requiring manual MUX switch and reboots to switch graphics.
    – Missing features standard on competitors like the Razer Blade 16, limiting gaming and display convenience.
    – Likely due to a slightly different Samsung panel model limiting support for these display technologies.

    Performance That Packs a Punch

    In MSI’s expansive lineup of gaming laptops, the Raider and Titan series sit at the very top of the food chain to represent the best that the company has to offer. These models are typically filled to the brim with auxiliary features to accompany the top-end processors and equally top-end prices. The latest Raider 16 Max HX gets one aspect of this right but otherwise lacks some common display options for gamers.

    Benchmark Dominance and Power Modes

    In terms of performance, theres no question that the Raider 16 Max HX lives up to its name. Benchmarks show it outperforming almost every 16-inch gaming laptop in our database thanks to the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU. You’ll just need to remember to enable Apex mode or Cooler Boost mode to unlock the full 175 W performance ceiling available from the GPU as previously mentioned.

    Display and Graphics Limitations

    One of the more disappointing aspects of the new Raider is its lack of support for both Advanced Optimus and G-Sync in contrast to competing models like the Razer Blade 16. Instead, Raider 16 Max HX owners must rely on the standard MUX switch for changing between integrated and discrete graphics which requires rebooting each and every time. This is a trend we’ve been noticing on many newer MSI models including the Titan 18 HX and Raider 18 HX.

    Panel Differences and Supply Constraints

    The lack of Advanced Optimus support may simply be due to panel and supply limitations. The Samsung panel on the Raider 16 Max HX is very similar to but not quite the same as the the Samsung panel on the aforementioned Razer (ATNA60HU01-0 vs. ATNA60HU06-0) and that small difference in model name may be part of the equation.

    Final Thoughts on the Flagship Model

    See our full review on the new Raider 16 Max HX to learn more about the flagship 16-inch gaming laptop.

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    • Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

      Acer 18-Inch Gaming Laptop: 240Hz Display & RTX 5080

      Key Takeaway

      – New Predator Helios Neo 16S offers over double the battery life of the previous model, featuring Intel’s Panther Lake platform.
      – Predator Helios Neo 18 gets a more powerful RTX 5080 option, with the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivering ~7% better CPU performance than the 275HX.
      – The 18-inch model uses a 2,560 x 1,600 IPS panel (240 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits) instead of a Mini LED option.
      – RTX 5080 laptop GPU in the Neo 18 tops out at 115 W (140 W with Dynamic Boost).
      – UK pricing: £3,499 for the new 18-inch SKU with 32 GB RAM and 1 TB storage—£200 more than a comparable 2025 model.

      A new spin on the Predator Helios Neo 16S

      So Acer just begun selling a fresh version of their Predator Helios Neo 16S over in Europe. This new model, it apparantly boasts over twice the battery life compared to the review unit they put out recently. This lateast release is one of them 16-inch gaming laptops that are now featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake platform. At the same exact time, the company has also finally released a more powerful version of theyre Predator Helios Neo 18, so theres options for people who want a bigger screen.

      Recap of the Helios Neo 18 updates

      To get you up to speed, Acer updated the Helios Neo 18 back in March using Intel’s Arrow Lake HX Plus processors. Just so you dont get it mixed up with the Helios 18 that we reviewed in July 2025, this Helios Neo 18 model was previously offered with up to Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. Acer claimed that the PHN18-I71 variants would become available in June, but interestingly models featuring the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and the GeForce RTX 5060 actually reached Europe back in May already.

      Now theres a RTX 5080 option

      Now, Acer has complemented these existing models with a new alternative that uses the GeForce RTX 5080. Based on our own benchmarking, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus should provide the Predator Helios Neo 18 with about 7% more CPU performance than what youd get from the Core Ultra 9 275HX. As far as we can currently tell, the GeForce RTX 5080 laptop GPU continues to top out at 115 W, or it can reach 140 W whenever Dynamic Boost is activated on the system.

      Display specs and final pricing details

      Also, Acer has included a 2,560 x 1,600-pixel IPS panel, choosing to not go with the Mini LED option that was in its 2025 edition this time around. For reference here, this new panel combines a fast 240 Hz refresh rate with quick 3 ms response times, full 100% DCI-P3 colour space coverage, and it also offers 500 nits of peak brightness for good visibility. Acer charges £3,499 for its new 18-inch gaming laptop which comes with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB of storage, making it £200 more expensive than what an equivalent 2025 SKU would cost you.


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