MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG Gaming Laptop Review: Ryzen 9 8945HS & RTX 4070 Powerhouse
MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG Gaming Laptop Review: Ryzen 9 8945HS & RTX 4070 Powerhouse
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG is a mid-range gaming laptop aimed at gamers looking for a powerful machine without breaking the bank. It boasts an impressive combination of a high-performance AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, a dedicated GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, and a 144Hz display. This makes it a capable machine for running modern games at high frame rates, but how does it hold up in the real world? I’ve been putting the KATANA A17 AI B8VG through its paces to see if it lives up to its potential.
Key Features
The MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG packs a punch with its key features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS 4.0 |
| OS | WINDOWS 11 HOME |
| MEMORY | 16GB DDR5 5600MAX 64GB ( 2 SLOTS ) |
| STORAGE | 1TB NVME SSD, 1 Slot Free |
| DISPLAY | 17.3″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz, IPS-Level |
| GRAPHICS | NVIDIA®GeForce RTX™ 4070 Laptop GPU 8GB GDDR6Up to 1980MHz Boost Clock 105W Maximum Graphics Power with Dynamic Boost. *May vary by scenario |
| KEYBOARD | 4-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard |
| WEBCAM | HD type (30fps@720p) |
| COMMUNICATION | Gb LAN802.11 ax Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth v5.3 |
| AUDIO | 2x 2W Speaker |
| AUDIO JACK | 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| I/O PORTS | 1x Type-C (USB3.2 Gen1 / DP)2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen11x Type-A USB2.01x HDMI™ 2.1 (8K @ 60Hz / 4K @ 120Hz)1x RJ45 |
| BATTERY | 3-Cell53.5 Battery (Whr) |
| AC ADAPTER | 200W adapter |
| DIMENSION (WXDXH) | 398 x 273 x 25.2 mm |
| WEIGHT (W/ BATTERY) | 2.7Kg |
| COLOR | Black |
Performance
The KATANA A17 AI B8VG delivers impressive performance, exceeding expectations in various scenarios. The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor is a powerhouse, capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking with ease. The GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card provides ample power for gaming, delivering smooth frame rates at high settings. I was consistently impressed by the laptop’s ability to handle demanding titles like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Elden Ring” at 144Hz refresh rate. This is a big win for gamers looking for a smooth, responsive gaming experience.
The 144Hz display is a highlight, offering smooth visuals and quick response times. It’s a significant upgrade over traditional 60Hz displays, making a noticeable difference in fast-paced games. However, it’s important to note that while the display is capable of delivering vibrant colors and a decent level of detail, it’s not quite on par with the best displays on the market. The brightness levels are also somewhat underwhelming.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and disadvantages of the MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG:
Pros:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor for smooth multitasking and demanding tasks
- GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card for high frame rates in modern games
- 144Hz display for smooth and responsive gaming
- Decent battery life for a gaming laptop
- Well-built and stylish design
Cons:
- Display brightness could be better
- The keyboard could feel a bit spongy for some users
- No Thunderbolt port
Final Verdict
The MSI KATANA A17 AI B8VG is a solid gaming laptop that offers excellent performance for the price. It’s a great option for gamers looking for a powerful machine that can handle demanding titles at high frame rates. While the display could be better and the keyboard is not as responsive as some others, it’s a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a well-rounded gaming laptop with a powerful processor, dedicated graphics, and a high refresh rate display.
