MSI has announced that its powerful Crosshair 16 HX AI and Crosshair 18 HX AI gaming laptops are now available in South Africa, aiming to blend both performance on its RTX 50-series graphics cards with affordability at a decent price point. The models provide the perfect entry point into the 50-series range without breaking the bank.



The MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI falls on the slightly more affordable side while still boasting up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, DLSS 4, up to Intel's latest Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX, and a striking 16" QHD+ 240Hz display to top it off. When tested running against other competitors on the market (and at the same price point), I was informed that the Crosshair 16 HX AI ran cooler under load with Cooler Boost 5 tech, ensuring non-stop gaming without interruptions or complications. It also offers a longer battery life (4-Cell 90Whr). Nice extras also include a webcam shutter (you know, privacy), a radiant RGB keyboard and various AI apps that optimise performance.

The slightly pricier MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI, on the other hand, boasts a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU with 8GB DDR7, DLSS 4 and Max-Q technologies. Also equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 processor 275HX, it promises premium performance. Users will also get a taste of its vivid 18” QHD+ 240Hz display for fluid and smooth on-screen motion, providing an immersive and responsive gaming experience. It’s ideal for modern gaming and, with its impressive specs, capable of running even the most demanding titles on the market - this might be your preferred model if you're seeking a wider display and a little extra horsepower.



Have extreme workloads that demand full CPU and GPU resources? MSI’s Overboost Technology on the laptops delivers a total power output of 170W so you never need to worry about your performance being stressed. All of this is cooled by the Cooler Boost 5, boasting “up to 6 heat pipes between CPU and GPU, a larger thermal pipe's internal diameter and MSI exclusive thermal grease,” assuring that you’re getting the maximum performance while gaming, even on the highest settings.

Both the MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI and 18 HX AI come equipped with the advanced Microsoft Copilot’s AI assistant on Windows and MSI’s AI Engine for seamless multitasking, optimising your performance and streamlining your workflow effortlessly.

MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI D2XW Specs




• Up to latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 275HX
• Windows 11 Home / Windows 11 Pro
• (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.)
• Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR7
• Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, and Max-Q technologies.
• The Discrete Graphics mode and full power GPU squeeze the performance to the extreme level
• 16" QHD+ (2560x1440), 16:10, 240Hz Refresh Rate, 100% DCI-P3(Typ.), IPS-Level panel
• 24-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard
• Exclusive Cooler Boost 5 Technology
• MSI AI Engine adjusts various system settings automatically that best fit your needs
• High-Resolution Audio ready
• One month of PC Game Pass

MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI A2XW Specs




• Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 processor 275HX
• Windows 11 Home / Windows 11 Pro
• (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.)
• Up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR7
• Powered by the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, and Max-Q technologies.
• The Discrete Graphics mode and full power GPU squeeze the performance to the extreme level
• OverBoost Technology pushes the performance to the next level. Total Power up to 170W
• 18" QHD+ (2560x1600), 16:10, 240Hz Refresh Rate, 100% DCI-P3(Typ.), IPS-Level panel
• 24-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard
• Exclusive Cooler Boost 5 Technology with 2 fans 6 copper heat pipes
• MSI AI Engine adjusts various system settings automatically that best fit your needs
• High-Resolution Audio ready
• One month of PC Game Pass

Pricing and Availability

The MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI is currently available to purchase at Evetech for R27,999, while the MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI costs R35,999. Standard models come equipped with 32GB RAM 1TB SSD, though there are also options available to upgrade. MSI is now offering a 3-year extended warranty that’s activated when purchasing the laptops from Evetech. For more information, you can visit the MSI website for the Crosshair 16 HX AI and the Crosshair 18 HX AI.