The MSI GE66 Raider we reviewed previously certainly met our expectations. It scored 9/10, and there are plenty of reasons why we loved it so much! It has impressive battery life, color-accurate panel, high refresh rate display and a lot more. It wasn’t a perfect device though as we thought that MSI needed to further optimize its thermal management and improve their keyboard layout.
Well, it seems that MSI really listens to their consumers with their much improved GE76 Raider. We have not received a review unit yet, but here’s everything we love so far with the new GE76 Raider based on its new specs sheet.
1. Powerful and More intelligent cores than ever before
The new GE76 Raider is powered with the next generation Intel CPU cores. However, MSI does not just stop there as it managed to mix its configuration with up to 14 cores of hybrid core architecture that will further bump its performance up to 20% versus.
The hybrid core architecture is composed of P-Core and E-Core that are tasked for gaming or creative apps and everyday tasks respectively. To make things easier to remember, you can simply refer to P-Core as “performance core” and E-Core “everyday core”. With this configuration, the laptop will intelligently switch its setting to the tasks being done thereby managing its performance, thermals and power consumptions accordingly.
2. Enjoy raytraced games in 4K with the best performance
Last 2020, the GE66 Raider that MSI sent over for our review managed to run ANNO 1800 at 1080P Ultra High Settings with an average of 95fps; and Assassin’s Creed at 1080P Extreme Performance at 60fps. The GE66 Raider we reviewed back in 2020 was running with 10th Gen Intel processor and 2070 processor, so you can imagine how this GE76 can stack up with it.
The new MSI GE76 Raider, apart from the 12th Gen Intel Processor with Hybrid core architecture, is running with the latest NVIDIA RTX 3080Ti. While we have not received our review unit yet, we can definitely say that this new one can topple last year’s and 2020’s GE66.
The new NVIDIA RTX 3080Ti in GE66 Raider is 115% more powerful than the NVIDIA RTX 3080. Despite this, the laptop’s CPU and GPU capabilities can be squeezed to the most extreme level under full loads ever without sacrificing thermals, frequency and stability.
3. All the fast things!
The GE76 Raider is packed with the fastest interfaces available on a laptop. It is packed with Thunderbolt 4 (w/ USB4), PCIe Gen4 SSD and SD Express card reader. This feature assures you that you have problems accessing your important files and programs.
It also has the right collection of ports to help you maximize its performance, including the new HDMI 2.1 standard that will allow you to output your video to 4K@120Hz:
- 1 x Thunderbolt™ 4, 1 x Type-C USB3.2 Gen2 (w/ DP 1.4)
- 1 x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2, 2 x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1
- 1 x Mini Display 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.1(8K@60Hz/4K@120Hz)
- 1 x Audio combo
- 1 x SD card reader (SD Express)
- 1 x RJ45
4. It’s a Multimedia Monster
The MSI GE76 Raider also hosts a ton of new hardware and software features for those who love to consume and even create content.
For starters, it is installed with a Steelseries-owned Nahimic audio software, which boosts MSI Computer’s audio and voice performance. We have tested this software in the past in MSI’s other laptops, and they have proven to be among the best in the industry. It supports 360-degree 7.1 Surround Sound, and the effects are available on almost all the input and output devices or interfaces.
It also supports Hi-Res Audio up to 192KHz Hi-Res audio. This means that you can enjoy listening to your very recent HRA music purchases using this laptop without using fancy external DACs.
The laptop also has pre-installed AI Noise Cancellation, which is important nowadays. This eliminates unwanted external noises and suppresses ambient background environments..
According to MSI, the GE76 Raider is also packed with the best 1080P webcam. We, however, will have to see our review unit very soon.
5. An Intelligent Laptop?
MSI also made sure that the GE76 is more intelligent than its predecessors. Using their latest MSI AI Engine, the GE76 is preinstalled with the right algorithms to intelligently switch its settings to the best to match given scenarios.
For instance, it has a Smart Auto feature, which detects apps and system status, which triggers the AI to switch it to suitable modes. It can switch to the right performance setting as needed, save on power or base its performance on the app being used.
It also has Ambient Silent AI, which detects ambient noise and adjusts the fan speed sound accordingly.
6. A Laptop that lets you play mobile games!
MSI partnered with Bluestacks to make the MSI App Player. The MSI GE76 Raider, using its dedicated app, allows you to directly play your Android mobile games. You can use it like a mobile gaming console or even maximize the GE76’s stacked specifications by playing the mobile games at full capacity up to 240FPS.
7. New Keyboard Layout
The new layout seems to be better this time around. For one, it is made in collaboration with Steelseries, and it now features number keys as opposed to GE66’s 70% layout.
Everything I just mentioned is barely scratching the surface of what the MSI GE76 Raider can do. We just cannot wait to receive our review unit so we can actually show you its capabilities. MSI has yet to announce the official SRP of the GE76 Raider and its variant.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
