The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ is equipped with a 65 W USB-C AC adapter, which can limit its charging speed, especially during demanding tasks. While competitors like the Dell XPS 16 and Asus ExpertBook Ultra include 100 W adapters to better support performance and charging, MSI opts for the smaller unit, impacting how the laptop manages power under load.
How the 65 W Adapter Affects Charging Rate
Testing shows the MSI Prestige 16 AI+ peaks at around 65.1 W power consumption when running a Prime95 stress test with its included 65 W adapter. When swapped for a higher-capacity 140 W USB-C adapter, the laptop's power draw increased to a peak of 96.1 W. However, the laptop's USB-C port supports a maximum of 100 W, so the 140 W adapter cannot be fully utilized.
Despite the higher power availability, performance improvements during multi-threaded benchmarks were minimal, with only slight percentage gains observed. The real benefit of a more powerful AC adapter is seen in charging speed during heavy workloads.
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When running a resource-intensive game like Cyberpunk 2077, the laptop draws more than 60 W. Using the 65 W adapter in this scenario results in the battery charge remaining flat, effectively preventing charging. The battery only begins to charge effectively when using the higher-capacity adapter, which provides enough overhead power for both operation and charging simultaneously.
This means MSI Prestige 16 AI+ users who frequently engage in gaming or run heavy software will notice better charging reliability and faster battery replenishment with a 100 W or higher AC adapter. For everyday use where power demands are lighter, the 65 W adapter remains sufficient and offers greater portability.
Comparing to Other Core Ultra X7 Laptops
The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ shares similar Core Ultra X7 processors with the Dell XPS 16 and Asus ExpertBook Ultra. However, the latter two come with 100 W USB-C adapters, allowing for more consistent charging and power delivery during intensive tasks. MSI's choice of a smaller 65 W adapter prioritizes compactness but sacrifices some charging speed under load.
Summary for MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Owners
If your workflow includes heavy multitasking or gaming, investing in a 100 W USB-C adapter is advisable to avoid charging bottlenecks. Otherwise, the stock 65 W adapter is adequate, especially for light to moderate use and travel convenience.
For detailed benchmarks and further analysis, consult comprehensive reviews of the MSI Prestige 16 AI+ from trusted tech sources.
(Via)
