MSI GE73 Raider RGB 8RF review

The MSI GE73 Raider RGB 8RF is a 17.3-inch gaming laptop built around high-frame-rate play. It pairs a fast display with a current-generation Intel processor and NVIDIA graphics, and leans on MSI’s own cooling and control software to hold performance under load.

Design

The chassis carries a squared-off, gaming-oriented look, with RGB LED stripes on the body and RGB backlighting across the keyboard. The 17.3-inch footprint leaves room for a full keyboard with a numeric pad on the right side, alongside a large touchpad.

Connectivity is broad. The GE73 Raider includes a full-sized HDMI output (4K at 60Hz), a mini DisplayPort, four USB ports (three USB 3.1 Type-A and one USB-C Gen 2), a Killer Ethernet port, an SD card reader, and separate microphone and headphone jacks, plus Bluetooth 5 support.

Display

The 17.3-inch panel runs at Full HD resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time. That refresh rate matches what the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 inside can push in many titles, and the low response time suits fast-moving games.

Specifications and performance

The GE73 Raider is built on the Intel Core i7-8750H, a six-core processor. It ships with 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, configured as two 16 GB modules across dual channels, which gives it headroom for gaming as well as heavier, performance-draining software.

Storage combines a 256 GB SSD with a 1 TB HDD, so the system drive stays fast while the mechanical disk holds a larger library.

Graphics and NVIDIA features

Graphics come from the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with 8 GB of GDDR5 memory, which handles current games at the display’s Full HD resolution. Alongside raw performance, the GTX 1070 brings NVIDIA’s software features.

NVIDIA Battery Boost aims to extend gaming time when the laptop runs on battery. Whisper Mode targets noise: it paces the game’s frame rate and adjusts graphics settings for power efficiency, so a plugged-in system runs quieter during play. MSI’s Dragon Center software ties these together, letting the laptop switch between different operating modes.

Verdict

The GE73 Raider RGB 8RF suits players who want a large-screen, high-refresh gaming laptop and are willing to carry a 17.3-inch machine. The GTX 1070, i7-8750H, 32 GB of RAM, and 120Hz/3ms panel also make it a fit for performance-heavy applications beyond games, cooled by MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 system. That hardware places it at the higher end on price, listed at around $2,219.00.