MSI Raider 18 RTX 5090 Gaming Laptop Review – The ₹5 Lakh Beast

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by

Himanshu
in

After years of testing gaming laptops, I finally got my hands on the MSI Raider 18 powered by the monstrous NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 with 24GB GDDR7 VRAM. Priced at around ₹4,98,997 (after discounts), this machine isn’t just a laptop—it’s a full-fledged gaming powerhouse.

When I first unboxed it, I knew immediately this wasn’t going to be an ordinary experience. From the sheer build quality to the lightning-fast performance, this laptop has redefined what I thought was possible in portable gaming.

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Build & Design

  • The first thing I noticed was its bold, futuristic design.
  • At 3.6 kg, it’s hefty but feels solid—like a portable desktop replacement.
  • The Core Black finish with customizable RGB accents gives it a premium gamer vibe.

Specifications

CategoryDetails
ProcessorIntel Series 2 Core Ultra 9 285HX
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 (24GB GDDR7)
Display18-inch UHD+ (3840 x 2400) 120Hz
RAM64GB DDR5
Storage4TB NVMe SSD
Weight3.6 kg
OSWindows 11 Home

Competitive Processors

Compared to AMD Ryzen 9 HX and even Intel’s earlier 13th-gen i9 processors, the Core Ultra 9 285HX outpaces them in multi-threading and AI workloads. It’s built for future-proof gaming and productivity.

Performance & Benchmarks

From my tests:

  • Cinebench R23: Consistently at the top, surpassing most high-end desktops.
  • 3DMark Time Spy: Dominated with insane GPU scores thanks to the RTX 5090.
  • Everyday tasks? It laughed at them—rendering, editing, multitasking—everything felt instantaneous.

Game Test

Here’s how it performed with ultra settings at UHD+:

GameAvg FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Overdrive)120 FPS
GTA VI (Preview Build)135 FPS
Call of Duty Warzone 2.0200 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2160 FPS
Valorant (Competitive)400+ FPS

The RTX 5090 eats through ray tracing like it’s nothing. Even with maxed-out visuals, gameplay was smooth and cinematic.

Ports

  • Full-sized HDMI
  • USB-C with Thunderbolt
  • USB-A ports for accessories
  • Ethernet for lag-free online play
  • SD Card reader

Plenty of connectivity for gamers and creators.

Keyboard & Trackpad

  • The SteelSeries per-key RGB keyboard feels mechanical and satisfying.
  • The trackpad is large, responsive, and perfect for productivity (though for gaming, I still prefer a mouse).

RGB

This is where the Raider 18 shines—literally.

  • Customizable per-key RGB plus a bold front RGB light bar.
  • Synced effects while gaming look insane in a dark room.

Display

  • UHD+ resolution makes every detail pop.
  • 120Hz refresh rate is smooth for fast-paced titles.
  • HDR support enhances visuals in games and Netflix alike.

Webcam & Speakers

  • Webcam: 1080p quality, sharp for streaming.
  • Speakers: Loud, clear, with noticeable bass—though I still preferred headphones for gaming immersion.

Battery Backup

Let’s be honest: with specs like these, it’s not a battery champ.

  • Around 2–3 hours for normal use.
  • Gaming drains it fast, so you’ll want it plugged in most of the time.

Conclusion

After weeks of gaming and creating on the MSI Raider 18, I can confidently say this is the best gaming laptop in India right now. At nearly ₹5 lakh, it’s a serious investment, but for those who want uncompromised performance, future-proof hardware, and the thrill of carrying a desktop-class powerhouse in a laptop shell, this is it.

👉 Grab your MSI Raider 18 RTX 5090 here

This laptop didn’t just impress me—it blew me away. Gaming feels smoother than ever, and productivity is seamless. If budget isn’t a barrier, the Raider 18 is pure luxury gaming on the go.