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Overview:

The MSI Raider 18 Max HX A2WJ-1066ZA is a high-end 18-inch gaming laptop designed as a desktop replacement for demanding users who need extreme performance, a large immersive display, and advanced AI-ready computing. It combines next-generation Intel Core Ultra processing power with NVIDIA RTX 50 Series graphics in a premium chassis built for sustained heavy workloads.

Positioned for gaming, content creation, and AI-assisted productivity, this model focuses on high frame rate performance, fast responsiveness, and thermal stability under load. The 18-inch form factor provides a wide visual workspace suitable for competitive gaming and creative applications.

Features:

18-inch 4K Mini LED Gaming Display
The laptop features an 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2400. It supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion in fast-paced games and a 16:10 aspect ratio for expanded vertical workspace.

Display highlights include:

• 4K UHD+ resolution for high detail clarity
• Mini LED backlighting for improved contrast and brightness control
• 120Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay
• Wide color coverage for accurate visuals

Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus Processor Performance
At the core is the Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor with a hybrid architecture combining performance and efficiency cores. It is designed to handle gaming, multitasking, and heavy computational workloads efficiently.

Key processor characteristics:

• 24 cores total configuration
• Up to 5.5GHz boost frequency
• Hybrid architecture with performance and efficiency cores
• Integrated AI acceleration support

RTX 5090 Laptop Graphics Power
Graphics are handled by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24GB of GDDR7 memory. Built on NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, it is designed for high-end gaming performance and AI-accelerated workloads.

Key GPU capabilities:

• 24GB GDDR7 dedicated graphics memory
• DLSS 4 support for AI-enhanced frame generation
• Advanced ray tracing for realistic lighting and shadows
• Optimized Max-Q efficiency design

Memory and Storage Configuration
This configuration is built for speed and expandability, supporting heavy multitasking and large game or project files.

• 64GB DDR5-6400 RAM installed (expandable up to 128GB)
• Dual memory slots
• 2TB PCIe M.2 SSD storage
• Additional M.2 slot for expansion

Connectivity and Ports for Modern Workloads
The laptop includes a wide range of high-speed connectivity options for peripherals, displays, and networking.

• 2x Thunderbolt 5 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support
• 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports
• HDMI output for external displays
• SD card reader
• RJ45 2.5 Gigabit LAN
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth connectivity

Cooling and Sustained Performance Design
A high-performance thermal system is designed to maintain stability under long gaming or rendering sessions. It uses multiple heat pipes and dual-fan cooling to manage CPU and GPU temperatures effectively.

Cooling system highlights:

• Dual-fan thermal design
• Multiple heat pipes for heat distribution
• Dedicated SSD cooling pathway
• Optimized airflow structure for sustained performance

Battery and Everyday Use
The system includes a 4-cell 99.9Wh battery designed to balance portability with high performance demands. It supports productivity use when unplugged, while full performance is available when connected to power.

Design, Audio, and Gaming Experience
The Raider 18 Max HX features a bold gaming design with RGB lighting and a matrix light bar for customizable visual effects. Audio is enhanced through a multi-speaker system tuned for immersive sound.

Additional highlights:

• Full-size backlit keyboard with numpad
• RGB Mystic Light customization
• 6-speaker audio system for surround-style sound
• Integrated webcam with privacy shutter
• Approximate weight of 3.6kg

Key hardware summary

• Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 24GB GPU
• 18-inch UHD+ Mini LED 120Hz display
• 64GB DDR5 RAM (expandable to 128GB)
• 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD with extra expansion slot
• Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity
• Windows 11 Home 64-bit

Specifications:

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Specifications and features
Laptop Product Code	RAIDER 18 MAX HX A2WJ-1066ZA
Item	Raider 18 Max HX A2WJ
CPU	Up to Intel Core Ultra 200HX Series processors
OS	Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.)
	Windows 11 Pro
Display	18" UHD+ (3840x2400), MiniLED, 120Hz, IPS-Level
	VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Chipset	Intel HM870
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU 24GB GDDR7 powers advanced AI with 1824 AI TOPS
	2160MHzx Up to Boost Clock 175W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost. *May vary by scenario
CPU and GPU Combined Power	Max. 260W CPU-GPU Power with MSI OverBoost Technology.
	*Full Power CPU & GPU
Memory	Up to DDR5-6400
	Max 128GB
	2 Slots
	*The actual frequency will vary by memory combination and CPU capability.
Storage Capability	1x M.2 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4), 1x M.2 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen5) Compatible
	"Please consult service center for upgrading SSD."
Security	Fingerprint Security
	Firmware Trusted Platform Module(fTPM) 2.0
	Kensington Lock
	Webcam Shutter
Webcam	IR FHD type (30fps@1080p) with HDR
	3D Noise Reduction+ (3DNR+)
Keyboard	Per-Key RGB Gaming Keyboard by SteelSeries with Copilot Key
Communication	2.5GbE Lan
	Intel Killer BE Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
Audio	4x 2W Speaker
	2x 2W Woofer
	Array Microphone
Audio Jack	1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
Sensor	1x Fingerprint
I/O ports	1x RJ45
	2x Thunderbolt 5 (DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.1)
	3x Type-A USB3.2 Gen2
	1x SD Express Card Reader
	1x HDMI 2.1 (8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz)
Battery	4-Cell
	99.9 Battery (Whr)
Adapter	400W adapter
Dimension (WxDxH)	404 x 307.5 x 24-32.05 mm
Weight (w/ Battery)	3.6 kg
Color	Core Black
Xbox Game Pass	2 Month Xbox Game Pass Essential included.