What To Know
- The MSI Crosshair 17 has a 90Wh battery, while the Lenovo Legion 5 has a 60Wh battery.
- The MSI Crosshair 17 has a 144Hz refresh rate display, while the Lenovo Legion 5 has a 120Hz refresh rate display.
- The MSI Crosshair 17 features a Cooler Boost 5 system with two fans and six heat pipes, which is more efficient than the cooling system in the Lenovo Legion 5.
In the realm of gaming laptops, two titans stand tall: the MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5. Both machines boast impressive specs and features, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to uncover the true champion.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Crosshair 17 exudes a sleek and aggressive aesthetic, with sharp angles and a gunmetal finish. Its solid aluminum chassis ensures durability, while the RGB lighting adds a touch of flair. The Lenovo Legion 5, on the other hand, sports a more understated design with a black chassis and minimalistic branding. Its plastic construction may not feel as premium as the Crosshair 17, but it’s still robust enough for gaming.
Display
Both laptops feature 17.3-inch IPS displays with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. However, the Crosshair 17 has a slightly higher refresh rate of 144Hz compared to the Legion 5’s 120Hz. This translates to smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur in fast-paced games.
Performance
Under the hood, the MSI Crosshair 17 and Lenovo Legion 5 offer comparable performance. Both models come equipped with the latest 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics cards. The Crosshair 17 has the edge in terms of RAM, offering up to 32GB compared to the Legion 5’s maximum of 16GB.
Cooling
Efficient cooling is crucial for gaming laptops to prevent overheating. The MSI Crosshair 17 boasts a Cooler Boost 5 system with two fans and six heat pipes, which effectively dissipates heat. The Lenovo Legion 5 also features a robust cooling system with multiple fans and vents, but it may not be as efficient as the Crosshair 17’s solution.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a trade-off in gaming laptops. The MSI Crosshair 17 has a 90Wh battery, while the Lenovo Legion 5 has a 60Wh battery. In real-world usage, the Crosshair 17 offers slightly longer battery life, but both laptops will require frequent charging during extended gaming sessions.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports. The MSI Crosshair 17 has a slight advantage with the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports, which allow for faster data transfer and external display support.
Software
The MSI Crosshair 17 comes pre-installed with Dragon Center software, which provides a comprehensive suite of customization options for hardware settings, lighting, and fan control. The Lenovo Legion 5 features Lenovo Vantage software, which offers similar functionality but with a less user-friendly interface.
The Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
The MSI Crosshair 17 and Lenovo Legion 5 are both exceptional gaming laptops that offer impressive performance and features. However, the MSI Crosshair 17 emerges as the superior choice for those seeking the ultimate gaming experience. Its superior design, higher refresh rate display, more RAM, and efficient cooling system make it the standout performer.
The Lenovo Legion 5 is still a solid option for those on a budget or who prioritize portability over absolute performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 has a 144Hz refresh rate display, while the Lenovo Legion 5 has a 120Hz refresh rate display.
Q: Which laptop has more RAM?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM, while the Lenovo Legion 5 can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM.
Q: Which laptop has a better cooling system?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 features a Cooler Boost 5 system with two fans and six heat pipes, which is more efficient than the cooling system in the Lenovo Legion 5.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 has a 90Wh battery, while the Lenovo Legion 5 has a 60Wh battery.
Q: Which laptop has better software?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 comes with Dragon Center software, which offers more comprehensive customization options than the Lenovo Vantage software on the Legion 5.
