MSI Laptop Review: A QHD-Class 165Hz Gaming Machine
Worth it, but verify the display
Worth it or skip it?
Worth it if
- You want a 15.6-inch matte 165 Hz gaming display with listed Core i9-14900HX and RTX 5070 hardware.
Skip it if
- You need a confirmed display resolution or a verified frame-rate result at a particular game setting.
Key facts
Listed display refresh rateThe panel is specified for fast motion, though 165 Hz is not a measured gaming result.
Verdict: verify the panel first
Choose it if your priority is a 15.6-inch, QHD-class 165 Hz gaming laptop with high-end listed hardware. Hold off until the display resolution is confirmed, and do not treat seller positioning as a measured frame-rate result.
Buy on AmazonWhere the screen earns its keep
A fast-paced game fills the 15.6-inch matte panel, with motion set against a screen designed to keep reflections less distracting.
A powerful pairing, with one asterisk
The defining package is an Intel Core i9-14900HX, GeForce RTX 5070 with 8 GB of GDDR7 graphics memory, and a listed 165 Hz matte display. That pairing targets demanding gaming, but the supplied specifications disagree on whether the resolution is 2560×1440 or 2560×1600.
The choice is straightforward: prioritize the listed CPU/GPU hardware and 165 Hz panel, but verify the exact resolution before buying.
Before you choose
What graphics hardware does it use?
It lists an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics processor with 8 GB of GDDR7 graphics memory.
What display refresh rate is listed?
The display is listed at 165 Hz, with a 15.6-inch matte screen.
Is it intended for gaming?
Yes. Gaming is a listed use, and the seller describes the CPU, GPU, and display for demanding and fast-paced games.
Full spec sheet
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Hard-Drive Size | 1 TB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Backlit Keyboard, HD Audio |
| Graphics Description | RTX 5070 |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 |
| Hard Disk Description | SSD |
| Item Weight | 5 pounds |
| Video Processor | NVIDIA |
| Specific Uses For Product | Developer, Gaming, Student |
| Graphics Card Ram | 8 GB |
| Automatic Backup Software Included | Microsoft Office |
| Form Factor | Ultra-Portable |
| Hard Disk Interface | NVMe |
| Camera Description | Front |
| Graphics Ram Type | GDDR7 |
| Compatible Devices | Headphone, Mouse, Speaker |
| Item Dimensions L x W x Thickness | 14.13"L x 0.99"W x 10.31"Th |
| Video Output | HDMI |
| Operating System Family | Windows |
| Screen Size | 15.6 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Native Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 2560x1440 pixels |
| Display Technology | LCD |
| Display Refresh Rate in Hertz | 165 |
| Supported Monitor Maximum Quantity | 3 |
| Screen Finish | Matte |
| Display Maximum Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Compability | 802.11ax, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Wi-Fi Generation | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Total Usb Ports | 4 |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, HDMI, Headphone, USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Number of Ports | 5 |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 1 |
| Total Number of HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Available M2 Slot Count | 1 |
| Audio Output Type | Headphones, Speakers |
| Speaker Description | Built-In Stereo Speakers |
| Microphone Form Factor | Built-In |
| Audio features | Speaker, Microphone |
| Processor Series | Core i9 |
| Processor Speed | 1.6 GHz |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| CPU Model Number | i9-14900HX |
| CPU Model Generation | 14th Generation |
| CPU Model Speed Maximum | 5.8 GHz |
| CPU Codename | i9-14900HX |
| Brand | msi |
| Model Name | Katana 15 HX B14WGK-016US |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Model Number | Katana15B14016 |
| Built-In Media | Charger, Manual |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Model Series | Katana 15 HX |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | Katana15B14016 |
| RAM Memory Installed | 32 GB |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Ram Memory Maximum Size | 64 GB |
| Memory Speed | 5600 MHz |
| RAM Type | DDR5 RAM |
| RAM Memory Slot Total Count | 2 |
| RAM Size | 32 GB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Memory Slots Available | 2 |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Polymer |
| Battery Life | 2 hours |
| Battery Average Life Standby | 12 hours |
| Number Of Cells | 1 |
| Lithium-Battery Energy Content | 75 watt-hours |
| Human-Interface Input | Touch Pad |
| Keyboard Description | Gaming |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Touchpad Feature | Standard Touchpad |
| Hard Disk Size | 1 TB |
| CPU Model | Core i9 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 32 GB |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard, HD Audio |
| Graphics Card Description | RTX 5070 |
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