TL;DR
MSI revealed the Crosshair 16 Max HX at CES with a slimmer case and upgraded internals, including a second-gen Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series GPU. The 16-inch machine offers a 2560 x 1600 240Hz OLED, up to 128GB DDR5 memory, and a new MSI OverBoost Ultra power mode; it’s due as early as April 2026 starting at $1,649.
What happened
At CES, MSI introduced the Crosshair 16 Max HX, an iterative update that tightens the laptop’s footprint while raising its performance ceiling. The company says the new chassis is about 14.3% thinner than the prior model—a roughly 2mm reduction—while keeping an understated look with limited RGB and subtle mecha-style accents. Under the hood MSI is offering second-generation Intel Core Ultra 9 processors paired with Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50-series graphics, up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 16-inch 2560 x 1600 OLED panel that runs at 240Hz. MSI also added an OverBoost Ultra mode that can drive the GPU up to 115W and deliver CPU power up to 85W, or up to 140W if all power is allocated to the processor. The company expects availability around April 2026, with a baseline price of $1,649.
Why it matters
- A thinner chassis improves portability for a 16-inch gaming laptop without a wholesale redesign.
- Higher CPU and GPU power limits via OverBoost Ultra suggest stronger peak performance potential.
- Support for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM targets heavy multitasking, creative workloads and demanding users.
- A 240Hz, 2560 x 1600 OLED panel combines high refresh and sharp resolution for competitive gaming and detailed visuals.
- The restrained exterior keeps the laptop usable in professional or mixed environments where subtlety matters.
Key facts
- Chassis is 14.3% thinner than the previous Crosshair model, a reduction of about 2mm.
- Processor: second-generation Intel Core Ultra 9 (specific SKUs not listed).
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series (exact models not detailed).
- Memory: configurable up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM.
- Display: 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 resolution, 240Hz OLED panel.
- MSI OverBoost Ultra: GPU boost up to 115W; CPU boost up to 85W, or 140W when power is focused solely on the CPU.
- Design remains largely low-key with limited keyboard RGB and subtle lid accents.
- Expected launch window: as early as April 2026; starting price: $1,649.
What to watch next
- Confirmed availability and regional pricing details around the April 2026 timeframe announced by MSI.
- Real-world performance, thermals and sustained power delivery under MSI OverBoost Ultra — not confirmed in the source.
- Battery life figures and how the higher power modes affect endurance — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Intel Core Ultra 9: A high-end family of Intel processors designed for laptops, offering multiple cores and features aimed at demanding applications and gaming.
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series: The latest generation of Nvidia discrete GPUs, intended for gaming and professional graphics workloads; specific performance varies by model.
- DDR5 RAM: The fifth generation of double-data-rate synchronous DRAM, providing higher bandwidth and efficiency than previous DDR memory standards.
- OLED display: A screen technology in which each pixel emits its own light, offering deep blacks, high contrast and typically faster response times than LCD panels.
- Watt (W): A unit of power used to express energy consumption or delivery; in laptops it commonly refers to CPU/GPU power draw or thermal design power limits.
Reader FAQ
When will the Crosshair 16 Max HX be available?
MSI expects the laptop to ship as early as April 2026.
What is the starting price?
The Crosshair 16 Max HX starts at $1,649 according to MSI.
Does the design change a lot from the previous model?
No major redesign: MSI kept a mostly understated chassis with minimal RGB and small stylistic tweaks.
What are the battery life figures or thermal characteristics?
not confirmed in the source
NEWS GADGETS GAMING The MSI Crosshair 16 Max HX features a slimmer chassis and stronger specs This year’s Crosshair pairs a spec bump with a subtle design refresh. by Stevie…
Sources
- The MSI Crosshair 16 Max HX features a slimmer chassis and stronger specs
- Crosshair 16 HX AI D2XW
- msi Crosshair 16 HX AI 16" QHD+ 240Hz Display; Gaming …
- Crosshair 16 HX
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