Review of MSI Katana 17 HX gaming laptop: Delving into high-resolution gaming with Nvidia's RTX 5070 graphics card.
The MSI Katana 17 HX is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers impressive performance at an attractive price point. With an MSRP of $1,299, this device comes equipped with a Core i7 14650HX processor, 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and a 144 Hz 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display.
Premium Build and Design
The chassis of the Katana 17 HX feels thick and premium, with minimal flex or deformation. It boasts a smooth, palm-friendly finish on the lid and keyboard deck, and a slightly textured finish on the lower chassis. The laptop also features honeycomb-style ventilation slits on the bottom of the chassis, enhancing its sleek design.
Ports and Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Katana 17 HX offers a wide range of options. On the right side, you'll find Gigabit LAN, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The left side houses two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and a proprietary barrel-style power port.
Performance and Battery Life
During our tests, the Katana 17 HX demonstrated strong gaming performance, particularly in Metro Exodus. However, during stress tests, the highest temperature recorded near the mute button was 115 F. The laptop also offers a battery life of 6 hours and 21 minutes during the battery life benchmark.
Alternatives Under $2,000
If you're looking for alternatives to the Katana 17 HX with Nvidia GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs under $2,000, consider the Gigabyte Aero X16 RTX 5070 and the Asus TUF A16 RTX 5070. These laptops offer competitive RTX 50-series performance at prices ranging from about $1,100 to $1,940.
Drawbacks
The Katana 17 HX has a few drawbacks. The touchpad, for instance, had trouble registering taps and clicks, but adjusting the touchpad sensitivity to High in the Control Panel mostly solved the issues. The laptop also comes with a subpar 720p webcam. Additionally, several apps, including MSI App Player, MSI Center, Nahimic audio utility, and Norton 360 for Gamers, are pre-installed on the device.
In conclusion, the MSI Katana 17 HX is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable gaming laptop with RTX 50-series performance. Its premium build, powerful hardware, and attractive price make it a compelling option in the market. However, potential buyers should be aware of its touchpad issues and subpar webcam.
This MSI Katana 17 HX, with its RTX 50-series performance and premium build, is a perfect companion for tech-savvy gamers seeking affordable technology. Its sleek design is accentuated by the honeycomb-style ventilation slits on the bottom, and it boasts a range of ports for connecting various gadgets. Despite a few drawbacks like the touchpad and webcam issues, this well-rounded gaming laptop offers an impressive blend of performance and value.
