What To Know
- While the Crosshair 17 offers a larger screen and a higher refresh rate, the Legion 5 still provides a highly immersive gaming experience.
- The Crosshair 17 features a sleek, angular design with a black and silver color scheme, while the Legion 5 boasts a more subtle design with a black and grey color scheme.
- The MSI Crosshair 17 features a full-sized keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, while the Lenovo Legion 5 offers a slightly smaller keyboard with a single RGB zone.
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two powerful contenders like the MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5. Both laptops offer exceptional performance, sleek designs, and immersive gaming experiences. But which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, specifications, and pros and cons of each laptop, helping you make an informed decision.
Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown
Both the MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5 are powered by the latest generation of Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards, ensuring smooth gameplay and exceptional performance. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.
The MSI Crosshair 17 typically comes equipped with Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, while the Lenovo Legion 5 offers both Intel Core i5 and i7 options. In terms of graphics, the Crosshair 17 boasts NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or 3080, while the Legion 5 features the RTX 3060 or 3070.
While the Crosshair 17 boasts higher-end components, the Legion 5 offers a more budget-friendly option with the RTX 3060. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and performance expectations. If you’re looking for the absolute best performance, the Crosshair 17 with its RTX 3080 takes the lead.
Display: A Visual Feast for Gamers
Both laptops offer stunning displays that bring games to life. The MSI Crosshair 17 features a 17.3-inch IPS display with a refresh rate of up to 360Hz and a response time of 3ms. This means incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay with minimal motion blur. The Lenovo Legion 5 also boasts a 15.6-inch IPS display, but with a slightly lower refresh rate of up to 165Hz and a response time of 3ms.
While the Crosshair 17 offers a larger screen and a higher refresh rate, the Legion 5 still provides a highly immersive gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for screen size and refresh rate.
Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Styles
The MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5 both embrace a stylish and gamer-centric aesthetic. The Crosshair 17 features a sleek, angular design with a black and silver color scheme, while the Legion 5 boasts a more subtle design with a black and grey color scheme.
Both laptops feature a robust build quality, with durable materials and sturdy hinges. The Crosshair 17 stands out with its RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization and flair. The Legion 5, on the other hand, keeps things more understated with a single RGB zone on the keyboard.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Typing and Navigation
Both laptops offer comfortable and responsive keyboards, ideal for long gaming sessions. The MSI Crosshair 17 features a full-sized keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, while the Lenovo Legion 5 offers a slightly smaller keyboard with a single RGB zone.
In terms of trackpads, both laptops provide smooth and accurate navigation. The Crosshair 17’s trackpad is slightly larger, offering more surface area for gestures. The Legion 5’s trackpad is responsive and accurate, but slightly smaller.
Battery Life: Staying Powered Up
Gaming laptops are notorious for their battery-draining nature, and both the MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5 are no exception. However, both laptops feature decent battery life for everyday tasks. The Crosshair 17 can last for up to 6 hours on a single charge, while the Legion 5 can last for up to 7 hours.
While these numbers are impressive for gaming laptops, you’ll likely need to carry a charger for extended gaming sessions.
Connectivity: Staying Connected
Both laptops offer ample connectivity options for peripherals and devices. The MSI Crosshair 17 features a variety of ports, including USB-C Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and Ethernet. The Lenovo Legion 5 also boasts a wide range of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Both laptops offer Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Pricing and Value: The Verdict
The MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5 both offer exceptional value for their respective price points. The Crosshair 17 is typically more expensive, reflecting its higher-end components and features. The Legion 5, on the other hand, provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
Ultimately, the best value depends on your budget and priorities. If you’re looking for the most powerful gaming laptop with the latest features, the Crosshair 17 is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize affordability, the Legion 5 is a compelling option.
The Final Verdict: A Champion Emerges
Choosing between the MSI Crosshair 17 and the Lenovo Legion 5 comes down to your individual needs and preferences. The Crosshair 17 excels in performance, display, and design, making it ideal for gamers who demand the best. However, it comes at a higher price point.
The Lenovo Legion 5, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option without compromising on performance. Its sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and decent battery life make it a solid choice for gamers on a budget.
Popular Questions
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Both laptops offer excellent gaming performance, but the MSI Crosshair 17 edges out the Lenovo Legion 5 with its higher-end components, including the option for an RTX 3080 graphics card.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: The Lenovo Legion 5 offers slightly better battery life, lasting up to 7 hours on a single charge compared to the Crosshair 17’s 6 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Lenovo Legion 5 is generally more affordable than the MSI Crosshair 17, making it a good choice for budget-conscious gamers.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Crosshair 17 boasts a larger 17.3-inch display with a higher refresh rate of up to 360Hz, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
Q: Which laptop is better overall?
A: The best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and features, the MSI Crosshair 17 is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with excellent performance, the Lenovo Legion 5 is a solid contender.
