An In-Depth Look at the MSI Prestige 16 Laptop with Intel Core Ultra 165H Processor
As technology continues to advance, the quest for the perfect balance between power and portability in laptops remains a top priority for many users. The MSI Prestige 16 laptop with Intel Core Ultra 165H Processor emerges as a strong contender in this space, offering a blend of performance and design that caters to both professionals and casual gamers. Let’s dive into the capabilities and features of this innovative laptop, as unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 unveiled a plethora of innovative gadgets, among which was the MSI Prestige 16 laptop. While the Prestige series may not be the first choice for hardcore gamers, this particular model comes equipped with Intel’s latest Core Ultra 165H processor, making it a dark horse in the gaming arena. The Core Ultra 165H is a 55W chip from the Meteor Lake family, boasting an impressive array of six Performance-cores (P-cores), eight Efficient-cores (E-cores), two additional Low Power E-cores, and eight Xe-cores for graphics. This configuration is quite a feat for a mobile processor, suggesting that the Prestige 16 could very well be a golden ticket for gaming enthusiasts looking for a versatile laptop.
Gaming Performance on Intel Core Ultra 165H
When it comes to gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 165H processor housed within the MSI Prestige 16 laptop demonstrates that integrated graphics can indeed pack a punch. Using the popular game Shadow of the Tomb Raider (SotTR) as a benchmark, the performance metrics were quite telling. With Intel’s Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) technology enabled and set to balanced mode, the game ran smoothly at 71 frames per second (fps) on average, with a minimum of 60fps at a 1080p resolution on the game’s lowest graphics setting. This level of performance is quite respectable for a mobile integrated GPU (iGPU).
Adjusting the settings to prioritize graphics quality by turning XeSS up to Performance mode and setting the game to Medium, the frame rates were still decent, averaging at 56fps and not dropping below 43fps minimum. However, without the aid of XeSS, the frame rates took a significant hit, barely maintaining 30fps at minimum settings.
| Configuration | Performance |
|---|---|
| XeSS on (Balanced), Lowest Graphics | 71fps avg / 60fps min |
| XeSS on (Performance), Medium Graphics | 56fps avg / 43fps min |
| XeSS off, Lowest Graphics | 30fps min |
The takeaway is clear: XeSS or a similar upscaling technology, such as AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), is crucial for achieving playable frame rates on games with the iGPU alone. This reinforces the notion that while the Core Ultra 165H may not replace a dedicated gaming laptop, it certainly adds significant value to a multipurpose laptop used for work or school.
Benchmark Results and Observations
The MSI Prestige 16 laptop, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 165H processor, underwent a series of benchmarks to evaluate its performance. The results showcased the processor’s capabilities, but also highlighted the thermal and power consumption considerations that come with such a compact and powerful chip.
In terms of thermal performance, the Core Ultra 165H did get quite hot during the testing phase. This is not unusual for high-performance chips, especially in slim form factors where cooling solutions are limited. Power consumption was also notable, with the chip occasionally exceeding the Power Level 1 (PL1) limit. Intel’s PL1/PL2 power limits are designed to allow the processor to exceed the base power limit (PL1) for short bursts, which can lead to higher temperatures.
The benchmarks conducted on the Meteor Lake machine included a variety of tests to push the processor to its limits. Here’s a list of the different benchmarks that were run:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (SotTR) gaming performance
- Horizon Zero Dawn gaming performance
- 3DMark Time Spy Extreme
These benchmarks provided a comprehensive look at the gaming performance, thermal behavior, and power usage of the Intel Core Ultra 165H processor. The results indicate that while the chip is capable of delivering solid performance, it is also important for laptop manufacturers to balance power and thermal management to maintain system stability and longevity.
It’s worth noting that the form factor of the laptop can significantly influence the performance of the chip. For instance, laptops designed with ‘Max Performance’ in mind may accommodate higher power limits and more robust cooling solutions, whereas ‘Max Portability’ laptops might need to constrain power limits to manage heat more effectively.
Optimizing Memory for the MSI Prestige 16’s Intel Core Ultra 165H Performance
The performance of the integrated GPU (iGPU) in the MSI Prestige 16 laptop with the Intel Core Ultra 165H processor is significantly influenced by the system memory. The iGPU shares the memory pool with the entire system, which means that having more RAM can lead to better gaming performance. In the case of the laptops tested, both were equipped with 32GB of RAM, which is ample for ensuring that the iGPU has enough memory to function optimally.
Intel has recognized the importance of sufficient system memory for laptops that feature Arc graphics badges. As a result, they have set a minimum memory requirement of 16GB for manufacturers. This ensures that users will have a baseline level of performance when using applications that are graphics-intensive. It’s clear that with less than 16GB of RAM, users might start to see a decline in performance, and at 8GB, the system would be significantly hampered for both gaming and multitasking.
Therefore, for those considering a laptop with an Intel Core Ultra processor and integrated Arc graphics, it’s important to ensure that the system comes with at least the minimum recommended amount of RAM. This will not only provide a better gaming experience but also enhance the overall performance of the laptop for various uses.
Practicality of the Intel Core Ultra 165H for Gaming On-the-Go
The Intel Core Ultra 165H processor within the MSI Prestige 16 laptop emerges as a compelling option for those seeking a balance between work and play. Its ability to deliver workable gaming performance makes it a practical choice for gaming on-the-go, especially when one considers the growing market for gaming handhelds where portability often trumps raw power. The Core Ultra 165H shines by offering respectable frame rates in a non-gaming laptop, providing a useful option for users who might find themselves with time to kill but only their work laptop at hand.
When it comes to comparing the Intel Core Ultra 165H with its competitors, it stands its ground against AMD’s current 7040-series and the anticipated 8040-series chips. Benchmarking numbers from Time Spy Extreme suggest that Intel may have the upper hand in GPU performance when compared to the Ryzen 9 7940HS, which is a strong contender in the integrated graphics space.
However, the full potential of the Core Ultra 165H will largely depend on the maturity of Intel’s drivers. While AMD has established a solid reputation for its graphics drivers, Intel’s Arc graphics drivers are still a work in progress. If Intel can optimize its drivers to leverage the hardware’s capabilities fully, the Core Ultra 165H could become an even more attractive option for users looking for a versatile laptop that can handle both productivity tasks and gaming.
