The MSI Vector 16 HX gaming laptop was already stamped with an incredible price tag, making it ooze tremendous value thanks to the RTX 5070 Ti GPU that’s a part of its innards. With the graphics processor’s 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM, you are no longer limited to the number of video settings that you can set to the maximum value, like you were on 8GB GPUs. Best of all, we have two portable powerhouses that are up for grabs on Amazon and can be yours for up to $340 off, starting from a competitive $1,499.99.
Up to two freebies are also up for grabs when you purchase any RTX 5070 Ti-powered version of the MSI Vector 16 HX AI gaming laptop
Having used the Vector 16 HX, which is equipped with an Intel Core i9-14900HX and an RTX 4090, this gaming laptop is nothing short of a beast. The same design and chassis have been retained for the newer versions, so you know exactly what you’re getting for the money, at least from the outside. These machines are rock-solid, sturdy, and built to withstand long gaming sessions. MSI’s Vector 16 HX AI is armed to the teeth with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 255HX, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 5, a 16-inch 144Hz IPS LCD with a FHD+ resolution, and more, all for $300 off on Amazon.
The gaming laptop is listed for $1,499.99, making it one of the best ‘price to performance’ machines that you can get right now. However, we have an even better variant, especially for those who think that the FHD+ screen won’t suffice. The more premium version is kitted out with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 5, and a 16-inch QHD+ IPS LCD with a refresh rate of 240Hz. For $1,759.99, or $340 off, you can be the proud owner of this model while also getting two freebies that include a free game and an Xbox Game Pass bonus.
Now, as a current gaming laptop owner, we can safely say that these machines run extraordinarily hot and will thermal throttle. Worse, these can fail on you if you’re not careful with their routine maintenance. Fortunately, we have listed some helpful tips below that will enable you to get the most out of MSI’s Vector 16 HX AI lineup.
Here’s what you need to do to ensure that the MSI Vector 16 HX offers the best performance while also running cool
Intel processors found in gaming laptops should be undervolt as early as possible. Depending on which model you purchase, you need to enter the BIOS, enable or disable a few settings, and you’ll be done with the first step. Unfortunately, every gaming laptop has a different BIOS and configuration, so we cannot mention all the settings that need to be enabled or disabled. Fortunately, you can carry out a quick Google search, which will provide you with all the answers you’re looking for.
Do note that, by default, undervolting is locked on gaming laptops, so accessing the BIOS is the only way to begin this entire process. Next, you will want to download and install Throttlestop, which is a free-to-use application where you can tweak the voltages and clock speeds of Intel processors to reduce the input voltage and thermals. Assuming your gaming laptop runs into a plethora of crashes or errors, don’t worry, as it is supposed to happen because you can then test a bevy of settings and decide which one is worth enabling.
As for GPU undervolting, download and install MSI Afterburner. Just like Throttlestop, if you’re unsure of what to do next, you’ll have to follow various tutorials to get to the bottom of reducing the graphics processor’s temperatures. Thankfully, using MSI Afterburner is much simpler than Throttlestop, so we recommend making this your starting point. Now that we’re finished with the software part, given below are some additional steps to follow to get even better temperatures.
However, it involves disassembling your gaming laptop for repasting and cleaning out the fans. Also, if you don’t have the following items, we strongly recommend picking them as they are a key addition towards improving your machine’s capabilities.
- Use iFixit’s Pro Tech Toolkit for the disassembly process, which is currently available for $59.96 on Amazon. The pry tools included in this kit will help to remove the laptop’s heatsink with ease, but try not to rush things.
- Clean the vents and fans with a portable blower like the GOOLOO F3, which is available on Amazon for $29.99 (hold the fan’s fins so they don’t spin while you’re blowing the air).
- Apply some PTM7950 to both the CPU and GPU. This solution is more effective and safer to use than liquid metal, with a large 80mm x 80mm pad going for $25.99 on Amazon.
- As for the VRAM chips, VRMs, MOSFETs, and other components covered by the heatsink, research thoroughly if the manufacturer used thermal putty or thermal pads. If thermal pads are used, ensure they are the correct thickness (0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, or even 2mm). Thermal putty can be compressed when the heatsink is put back in its original position, so there’s no size requirement. For the best thermal performance, we recommend getting the Upsiren Ultra thermal putty, with the 20g pack available for $24.99 on Amazon.
You don’t have to purchase the aforementioned items immediately, as you can get away with using Throttlestep and MSI Afterburner to undervolt the CPU and GPU and lower the temperatures. You can continue monitoring the gaming laptop’s thermals for several months, and if those numbers begin to climb, you’ll know what to do next.
Get the MSI Vector 16 HX AI with 16-inch 144Hz FHD+ IPS LCD, Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi 6E and RTX 5070 Ti from Amazon - $1,499.99 (17 percent off, get a free game with qualifying purchase)
Get the MSI Vector 16 HX AI with 16-inch 240Hz QHD+ IPS LCD, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 5070 Ti from Amazon - $1,759.99 (16 percent off, get a free game with qualifying purchase and Xbox Game Pass bonus)
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About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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