MSI Raider 16 Max HX (Raider) vs ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G835LWG-DB96)
Comparison summary
- MSI Raider 16 Max HX is hands-down better laptop for gaming but ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 is a better deal.
- Raider 16 Max HX has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in ROG Strix Scar 18.
- ROG Strix Scar 18 has a higher resolution screen (4k).
- For graphics performance Raider 16 Max HX has a better performing graphics card.
- ROG Strix Scar 18 features a bigger display. For portability Raider 16 Max HX is lighter. Its also thinner and more compact in size.
- Raider 16 Max HX has a bigger SSD.
MSI Raider 16 Max HX (Raider)
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G835LWG-DB96)
Compare specifications
| MSI Raider 16 Max HX (Raider) | ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G835LWG-DB96) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 32gb | 32gb |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5090 | GeForce RTX 5080 |
| Screen size | |
| 16″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD Plus (3200 x 1800 pixels) | 4k (3840 x 2160 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| 5.73 lbs (2.6 kg) | 8.16 lbs (3.7 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 14.29 x 10.62 x 1.14 inches | 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.38 inches |
| (36.3 x 26.97 x 2.9 cm) | (39.9 x 29.79 x 3.51 cm) |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Hard drives | |
| 2000gb SSD | 1000gb SSD |
| Release date | |
| October 30, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $4,599.00 | $4,299.99 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $4,599.00 | $4,299.99 |
| Buy on Amazon.com Price updated 15 h agoIn stock | Buy on Amazon.com Price updated 16 h agoIn stock |
Laptop Dimensions
MSI Raider 16 Max HX (Raider)
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G835LWG-DB96)
Compare MSI Raider 16 Max HX / ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 vs other gaming laptops:
MSI Raider 16 Max HX (Raider) summary
MSI Raider 16 Max HX is attractively priced gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5090 video card which is outstanding great for gaming. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has an exceptional Intel CPU, though not that much RAM for its price. Quad HD Plus resolution is reasonable for the 16-inch 240 Hz monitor. The 2000gb SSD storage is acceptable. It is quite heavy at 5.73 lbs (2.6 kg).
msi Raider 16 Max HX Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus 5090 AI Gaming Laptop | 32GB DDR5+2TB SSD, 16" OLED 240Hz, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, SteelSeries per-Key RGB KB, Numeric Keypad, Ethernet, Win 11 Pro
【Fast Multitasking & Massive Storage】 Equipped with 32GB DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking and ultra-smooth performance, plus a lightning-fast 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD for instant system boot-up, quick file loading, and efficient data storage.
【Extreme Gaming Power – RTX 5090 Laptop】 Dominate any game or creative task with the latest Intel Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor (24 Cores, up to 5.8GHz) and GeForce RTX 5090 graphics (24GB GDDR7). Designed for gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and professional graphic design software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Blender, and AutoCAD.
【16” OLED Display – Built for Creators】 Experience stunning visuals on the 16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) OLED, and 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy. Perfect for content creation, streaming, and immersive AAA gaming with true-to-life colors and crisp details.
【Advanced Cooling & Long Battery Life】 Stay cool and powerful with MSI’s Cooler Boost Titan system featuring dual fans and seven copper heat pipes. The massive 91.8Whr battery delivers extended playtime and productivity — ideal for gaming sessions, editing, or streaming on the go
【Full Connectivity & Smart Design】 Enjoy strong wireless performance with Wi-Fi 7 and versatile ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and SD Card Reader. includes a SteelSeries per-Key RGB keyboard, and Windows 11 Pro for the ultimate modern laptop experience.
【Bundle】Thunderobot 7 in-1 USB-C Hub — High-speed data transmission and stable expansion.
ASIN: B0HKK67HGM
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G835LWG-DB96) summary
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 is an excellent value Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5080 GPU that is brilliant well-suited for gaming. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a great Intel processor, but not as much memory for its price. 4k resolution is great for the 18″ 240 Hz screen. Your 1000gb SSD storage is reasonable but could be higher. It is quite bulky at 8.16 lbs (3.7 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2026) Gaming Laptop, 18” ROG Nebula HDR 4K 240Hz/3ms, Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win11 Home, G835LWG-DB96
BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE – Achieve unrivaled performance with Windows 11 Home an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 290HX Plus, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask seamlessly with 32GB of DDR5-6400MHz memory and store all your game library on 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD.
TOP-TIER ROG NEBULA HDR DISPLAY – See every frame on the world's first 4K 240Hz Mini LED laptop panel. Motion stays 16x sharper during fast-paced gameplay through Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB), colors remain vivid even in bright rooms, and 2,000+ dimming zones deliver true color and deep, cinematic blacks.
ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING ENGINEERED FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE – ROG's advanced thermals keep your system cool, quiet, and comfortable. Featuring a 20% larger end-to-end vapor chamber, Tri-Fan Technology with 91% more airflow than the previous gen, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both CPU and GPU for sustained peak performance.
UPGRADE WITH TOOL-FREE ACCESS – No screwdriver needed. Customize your RAM, SSD, and fans instantly with a tool-less latch design.
DUAL THUNDERBOLT 5 CONNECTIVITY – Turn your SCAR 18 into a true battle station with dual Thunderbolt 5 ports offering up to 3x the bandwidth of Thunderbolt 4. Connect to the latest docks, external displays, and high-speed peripherals with ease.
STUDIO-QUALITY AUDIO – Immerse yourself in rich, multidimensional sound with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos and Smart Amp technology. Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation keeps your comms crystal clear whether you're streaming, in voice chat, or on a call.
SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE – Express yourself with the customizable AniMe Vision lid display, showcasing text, animations, or your own creations. The full-surround RGB light bar creates a striking 360° glow, while Stealth Mode turns off all lighting for a sleek, professional look.
NEXT-GEN WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY – Stay ahead of the competition with Wi-Fi 7, delivering download speeds up to 2.4x faster than Wi-Fi 6, paired with 2.5G LAN for the most stable and responsive connection possible.
3-MONTH PC GAME PASS INCLUDED – Enjoy a free 3-month pass and access over 100 high-quality games. With new games added regularly, there’s always something fresh to play.
ASIN: B0H4279K5T