MSI Raider 18″ vs ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97)
Comparison summary
- MSI Raider 18″ is hands-down winner for gaming while also being better priced.
- For performance Raider has a bit better performing processor. It also contains more memory.
- ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in Raider.
- Raider has a higher resolution screen (Quad HD Plus).
- For graphics performance ROG Strix SCAR 18 has a better performing graphics card.
MSI Raider 18″
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97)
Compare specifications
| MSI Raider 18″ | ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 64gb | 32gb |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5080 | GeForce RTX 5090 |
| Screen size | |
| 18″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD Plus (3200 x 1800 pixels) | Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| - | 6.28 lbs (2.85 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.71 x 11.73 x 0.93 inches | |
| (39.9 x 29.79 x 2.36 cm) | |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Hard drives | |
| 2000gb SSD | 2000gb SSD |
| Release date | |
| August 12, 2026 | May 31, 2025 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $4,099.00 | $4,499.99 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $4,099.00 | $4,499.99 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Compare MSI Raider 18″ / ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 vs other gaming laptops:
MSI Raider 18″ summary
MSI Raider is a superb value Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5080 GPU that is exceptional well-suited for playing games. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has an outstanding Intel processor and a decent amount of memory for its price. Quad HD Plus resolution is outstanding for the 18″ 240 Hz display. Your 2000gb SSD storage is reasonable.
msi Raider 18" QHD+ 240Hz Gaming Laptop, Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7, 64GB DDR5, 3TB Storage (2TB SSD+1TB Docking Station), Backlit Keyboard, Copilot, Wi-Fi 7, Win 11, Black
【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD from Snow Bell, and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【18" QHD+ 240Hz Display】From expansive open worlds to fast-paced gameplay, every visual comes to life with sharp details, vibrant colors, and smooth motion on the high-resolution display, delivering an immersive viewing experience.
【Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX Processor】Experience powerful performance for demanding gaming and intensive tasks with a 24-core processor, providing fast and responsive performance for smooth gameplay, seamless multitasking, streaming, and content creation.
【64GB DDR5 RAM】Handle demanding games and intensive workloads with high-speed memory, enabling smooth multitasking, responsive performance, and efficient data processing for gaming, streaming, and content creation.【2TB PCIe SSD】Enjoy fast boot times and responsive application loading with high-speed solid-state storage, providing ample space for games, files, and digital content while keeping access to your data quick and convenient.
【NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 16GB GDDR7 Graphics】 Delivers smooth gaming, detailed visuals, and reliable performance for demanding games and creative tasks.【Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard】 Customizable RGB lighting for gaming and low-light use.【Copilot Key】 Quick access to AI-powered tools.【Wi-Fi 7】 Fast, reliable wireless connectivity with low latency for gaming, streaming, and browsing.
【Windows 11 Home】 15.91" x 12.09" x 1.26", 7.94 lbs. 【Ports】 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 5, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x RJ45, 1x Headphone/Mic Combo, 1x SD Card Reader. FHD IR Camera with Shutter. Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth 5.4.【Bonus Docking Station Set】1x 7-in-1 Docking Station w/ 1TB Storage, 1x 32GB MicroSD Card w/ Adapter, 1x Type-C Data Cable, 1x 3-in-1 Charging Cable, 1x Suede Cleaning Cloth.
ASIN: B0HDXMCHKK
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97) summary
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is a fine value gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2025. It has the GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card which is impressive great for playing games. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a superb Intel CPU, however not that much RAM for its price. Only Quad HD resolution is mediocre for the 18-inch 240 Hz display. Your 2000gb SSD storage is acceptable. It is easy to carry at only 6.28 lbs (2.85 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 18” ROG Nebula HDR 16:10 2.5K 240Hz/3ms, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32GB DDR5, 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win 11 Pro, G835LX-XS97
BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE – Achieve unrivaled performance with Windows 11 Pro an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU at 175W TGP.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask seamlessly with 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory and store all your game library on 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD, with raw throughput up to 7,000MB/s.
TOP-TIER ROG NEBULA HDR DISPLAY – Experience breathtaking visuals for gaming, creating, and entertainment, with Mini LED technology, 2,000+ dimming zones, dual ACR layers, a 240Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 color for vibrant, lifelike imagery.
STATE-OF-THE-ART ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – ROG’s advanced thermals keep your system cool, quiet and comfortable. State of the art cooling equals best in class performance. Featuring an end-to-end vapor chamber, tri-fan technology and Conductonaut extreme liquid metal applied to the chipset delivers fast gameplay.
SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE – Express yourself with the customizable AniMe Vision, showcasing text, animations, or your own creations on the lid of your laptop. The full-surround RGB light bar creates a striking 360° glow, while Stealth Mode turns off all lighting for a sleek, professional look around the base.
UPGRADE WITH TOOL-FREE ACCESS - Forget about a screwdriver, and customize RAM, SSD, and fans by sliding a latch on the bottom half of the device. A removable frame protects other hardware and offers deeper access for advanced users.
MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS – A MUX Switch boosts gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU. Advanced Optimus improves battery life by automatically switching between the iGPU and dGPU depending on the task, without restarting.
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: B0DW1WX8H2