ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) vs MSI Raider 18 HX AI
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is the better laptop on paper: it is better for gaming, has more memory and has more storage. Pick the ASUS ROG Strix G18 only if it matters to you that it has a smoother screen and is lighter.
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Key differences
- Gaming MSI Raider 18 HX AI wins
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is the one for gaming: its RTX 5080 plays the latest games at maximum settings, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 with its RTX 5070 Ti plays the latest games at very high settings.
- Memory MSI Raider 18 HX AI wins
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI has 64 GB of memory against 32 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Storage MSI Raider 18 HX AI wins
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI has four times the storage: 4 TB against 1 TB.
- Smoothness ASUS ROG Strix G18 wins
The ASUS ROG Strix G18's 300 Hz screen is smoother than the MSI Raider 18 HX AI's 120 Hz one, which shows in fast games.
- Weight ASUS ROG Strix G18 wins
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is 0.4 kg lighter: 3.2 kg against 3.6 kg.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the ASUS ROG Strix G18 if…
- You play fast games: its 300 Hz screen keeps motion smooth.
- You'll move it around the house or office: it's 0.4 kg lighter.
- You prefer the newer model: it came out in 2026.
Choose the MSI Raider 18 HX AI if…
- You play games: its RTX 5080 plays the latest games at maximum settings.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 64 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 4 TB of storage.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe MSI Raider 18 HX AI leads on performance and ports and wireless; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is ahead on performance.
It is better for gaming, has more memory and has more storage, and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop |
| Graphics memory | 12 GB | 16 GB |
| Graphics power (TGP) | 140 W | 175 W |
| AI engine (NPU) | 13 TOPS | — |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 64 GB | 96 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Upgradeable (slots) |
| Storage | 1 TB | 4 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 | PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 + PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 |
| Storage slots | 2 | 2 |
Screen
Each laptop has its strengths on the screen.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a smoother screen, while the MSI Raider 18 HX AI has a sharper screen.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 18" | 18" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 4K (3840 x 2400) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | Mini-LED |
| Refresh rate | 300 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | — |
| Colour range | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 (Typical) |
| HDR | None | VESA DisplayHDR 1000 |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is lighter, while the MSI Raider 18 HX AI has a bigger battery.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 90 Wh | 99.9 Wh |
| Charger | 280 W | 400 W |
| Charges via | Barrel (rectangle connector) + USB-C PD up to 100W | — |
| Fast charging | None | — |
| Weight | 3.2 kg | 3.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 399 x 298 x 23.5-32 mm | 404 x 307.5 x 24-32.05 mm |
| Materials | — | Metal, Plastic |
| Colour | Gray | Core Black |
| Colours available | — | Core Black |
Ports and wireless
The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has USB-A and an SD card reader, and the ASUS ROG Strix G18 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x 3.5 mm combo audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps), 2x Thunderbolt 5 (DisplayPort, power delivery charging, G-SYNC, up to 120Gbps), 1x 2.5G LAN (RJ45) | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2x Thunderbolt 5 (DisplayPort, Power Delivery 3.1), 1x HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz), 1x 2.5 GbE RJ-45, 1x 3.5 mm mic-in/headphone-out combo, 1x SD card reader |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 5 | Thunderbolt 5 |
| Card reader | None | SD |
| Ethernet | 2.5G LAN | 2.5 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi card | — | Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p + IR | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | — | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | Backlit chiclet, per-key RGB, Num-key, Copilot key | Per-key RGB (SteelSeries), Copilot key, numpad |
| Login | Face | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | Yes | Yes |
| Touchpad | — | Silky Smooth Touchpad |
| Speakers | 2-speaker system, Smart Amp, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res certification (headphone) | 4x 2 W speakers + 2x 2 W woofer, Sound by Dynaudio, Nahimic 3 |
| Microphones | Built-in array microphone, AI noise-canceling | Array microphone |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Firmware TPM, BIOS administrator and user password | Fingerprint, fTPM 2.0, Webcam shutter, Kensington lock |
Software and model
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the MSI Raider 18 HX AI doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR) | MSI Raider 18 HX AI |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Update promise | None | — |
| Model number | G815LR-TT281W | A2XWIG-014US |
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |