MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 Review
Pros
- Powerful performance with 12th Gen Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card
- QHD IPS-level display with high refresh rate for smooth and immersive gaming experience
- Spectrum Backlight Keyboard with high-travel keys and sci-fi themed lighting
- Cooler Boost 5 thermal design keeps the laptop cool under pressure
- Convenient Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and RJ45 LAN connectivity options
- MSI Center allows for easy system tuning and optimization
Cons
- Relatively short battery life compared to other gaming laptops
- Limited storage options with only 1 TB of M.2 SSD
- Some users may find the design and lighting too flashy or distracting
- High-performance components can lead to loud fan noise during intensive use
- Pricier than some other gaming laptops on the market
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H (Max. Turbo 4.7 GHz) |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU (6 GB GDDR6 Memory) |
| Memory | 16 GB of DDR4-3200 SDRAM Memory (2 x 8GB) |
| Storage | 1 TB of M.2 SSD (NVMe PCIe Gen4) |
| Display | 165Hz QHD 15.6-Inch IPS-Level Display |
| Keyboard | Spectrum Backlight Keyboard |
| Cooling System | Cooler Boost 5 Thermal Design |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and RJ45 LAN |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x RJ45, 1 x (4K @ 60Hz) HDMI |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 14.17 x 10.23 x 0.90 inches |
| Weight | 4.63 pounds (2.1 kg) |
I’m thrilled to share my experience with the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 laptop with all of you. As a passionate gamer, I have high expectations when it comes to gaming laptops, and the MSI Crosshair 15 certainly lived up to my expectations.
This laptop is specifically designed for gamers, and it boasts impressive features such as an Intel Core i7-12700H processor with multi-core architecture, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, 16 GB of DDR4-3200 SDRAM Memory, and a 165Hz QHD 15.6-Inch IPS-Level Display.
In this review, I will provide a comprehensive overview of the MSI Crosshair 15’s design, performance, display, keyboard and touchpad, audio and connectivity, battery life, software, and overall user experience.
MSI Crosshair 15 – Design and Build Quality
When it comes to gaming laptops, design, and build quality are two critical factors that can make or break the user experience. After spending some time with the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15, I’m pleased to report that I’m quite impressed with its design and build quality.
At first glance, the Crosshair 15 is a stunning machine that exudes a sleek and futuristic vibe. The body is crafted with an all-black aluminum chassis that feels incredibly sturdy and durable. Additionally, it features a sci-fi inspired design that is sure to catch anyone’s eye.
When I picked up the Crosshair 15, I noticed that it’s relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop, which is a pleasant surprise. It weighs just over 4 pounds, which is quite impressive given the powerful hardware it packs. The laptop also has a relatively slim profile, making it easy to slip into a backpack or carry around in a messenger bag.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the design and build quality of the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15. The laptop is stylish, sturdy, and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for gamers who are always on the go. The screen, keyboard, and cooling system are also top-notch, providing an immersive and comfortable gaming experience.
The Display
The MSI Crosshair 15’s display is one of its standout features, with a QHD (2560×1440) IPS-level display that delivers superior resolution and vibrant colours for an immersive gameplay experience. The extra-high 165Hz refresh rate provides smoother on-screen movement, making it perfect for competitive FPS gaming.
The display also has excellent color accuracy and viewing angles, ensuring that every detail is clear and crisp. Overall it’s one of the best displays you can find on gaming laptops under 1.5 lakh in India.
Crosshair 15 Performance
Now, let’s talk about the performance of the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15. As a gaming laptop, it’s important that the machine can handle the demands of modern games, and I’m pleased to say that this laptop doesn’t disappoint.
The MSI Crosshair 15 is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor with multi-core architecture that delivers up to 45% better performance than the previous generation. This means that the laptop is capable of running even the most demanding games and software with ease. Plus, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz, the laptop can provide a superior gaming experience, especially in games that rely on single-core performance.
The laptop is also armed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory, which is a powerful graphics card that can handle even the most demanding modern games. The on-board memory includes 16 GB of DDR4-3200 SDRAM with 2 SO-DIMM slots for up to 64 GB max capacity, and storage includes 1 TB of M.2 SSD (NVMe PCIe Gen4), providing plenty of space for game installations and other files.
Another impressive feature is the Cooler Boost 5 architecture, which is a dedicated thermal solution for both the CPU and GPU. The architecture features 2 fans & 6 heat pipes working in concert to distribute cooling and maximize airflow. This ensures that the laptop can stay cool under pressure, even during long gaming sessions.
Finally, the MSI APP Player and MSI Center are control hubs for system settings, gaming mode, system tuning, and more. The MSI APP Player creates a seamless bridge between mobile and PC gaming, while MSI Center allows for easy customization of settings to optimize performance.
Audio and Connectivity
The MSI Crosshair 15’s audio and connectivity are excellent, with convenient Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 network support, as well as a hardline 1Gb LAN Ethernet. The I/O ports include one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one USB 2.0 Type-A, one RJ45, and one 4K @ 60Hz HDMI.
The laptop also features an excellent audio system, with high-quality speakers and a microphone that delivers clear sound quality for gaming and video calls.
MSI Crosshair 15 Battery Life
When it comes to gaming laptops, battery life is often an afterthought. However, the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 surprised me with its decent battery life for a gaming laptop.
During my testing, I was able to get around 6 hours of battery life with moderate usage, including web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. Of course, when I pushed the laptop to its limits with intense gaming, the battery life decreased significantly, but that’s to be expected.
It’s worth noting that the battery life will also depend on the power settings and usage patterns. I found that enabling MSI’s Battery Master feature helped to optimize the battery life by automatically adjusting the power settings based on usage.
Conclusion
The MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 is a top-of-the-line gaming laptop that packs some serious power under the hood. With its 12th Gen Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, it can handle even the most demanding games with ease just like Legion 5.
Not only does it perform well, but it also looks great with its futuristic design and sci-fi-themed keyboard lighting. The 165Hz QHD display provides smooth and vivid visuals that enhance the gaming experience.
While the battery life may not be the best, it’s still decent for a gaming laptop, and the Cooler Boost 5 thermal design keeps the laptop cool even during intense gaming sessions.
Overall, the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 is an excellent choice for gamers who demand high-performance hardware and a stylish design. It’s a bit pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of performance and quality. If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, the MSI Gaming Crosshair 15 is definitely worth considering.