MSI Raider 18 HX (A2XWIG-420US003) vs ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97)
Comparison summary
- MSI Raider 18 HX is hands-down better laptop for gaming though ROG Strix G18 gives you more bang for your buck.
- For performance Raider 18 HX has a bit better performing processor. It also offers more memory.
- ROG Strix G18 has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in Raider 18 HX.
- For graphics performance Raider 18 HX has a superior graphics card.
- Raider 18 HX has a higher resolution screen (Quad HD Plus).
- ROG Strix G18 is thinner and more compact in size.
MSI Raider 18 HX (A2XWIG-420US003)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97)
Compare specifications
| MSI Raider 18 HX (A2XWIG-420US003) | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97) |
|---|---|
| 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 5070 Ti |
| Screen size | |
| 18″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD Plus (3200 x 1800 pixels) | WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| - | 6.63 lbs (3.01 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.91 x 12.09 x 1.26 inches | 15.71 x 11.73 x 0.93 inches |
| (40.41 x 30.71 x 3.2 cm) | (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 | |
| June 3, 2026 | July 20, 2026 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $3,749.99 | $3,199.99 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $3,749.99 | $3,199.99 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Laptop Dimensions
MSI Raider 18 HX (A2XWIG-420US003)
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97)
Compare MSI Raider 18 HX / ASUS ROG Strix G18 vs other gaming laptops:
MSI Raider 18 HX (A2XWIG-420US003) summary
MSI Raider 18 HX is an impressively priced Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5080 video card that is superb great for gaming. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has an impressive Intel processor plus decent RAM for its price. Quad HD Plus resolution is impressive for the 18″ 240 Hz screen. Your 2000gb SSD storage is ok.
msi Raider 18 HX Gaming Laptop, Intel Ultra 9-285HX, 64 GB DDR5 RAM, 2 TB PCIe SSD, 18" QHD+ (2560x1600) 240Hz, Nvidia G-Force RTX 5080, RGB Backlit Keyboard, W11 Home, Core Black + Traix Mousepad
【Instant Gratification】Unthrottled Raw Power via MSI Overboost Ultra: Unleash the full potential of elite hardware. MSI Overboost Ultra technology pushes maximum combined power (TGP) to both the Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 5080 graphics simultaneously. Enjoy instant, blisteringly high framerates (FPS) in the most demanding titles right out of the box with zero manual tweaking.
【Processor & Operating System】Flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX & Windows 11: Command massive workloads with the powerhouse Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX processor, featuring advanced high core and thread counts to handle the heaviest computing tasks imaginable. Operating seamlessly with Windows 11, its integrated NPU accelerates next-generation AI productivity and gaming workflows like never before.
【Display】Massive 18" WQXGA Pro-Grade Gaming Screen: The expansive 18-inch 2560x1600 (16:10) display offers a vast field of view to spot enemies faster in competitive esports. Boasting an ultra-high refresh rate and stellar color accuracy, it completely eliminates motion blur and screen tearing for an immersive, buttery-smooth visual experience.
【Graphics】Next-Gen NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Supremacy: Built on the latest, ultra-efficient graphics architecture, the dedicated RTX 5080 laptop GPU crushes modern games at Max/Ultra settings across 2K and 4K resolutions. Harness massive AI TOPS capabilities to fully experience real-time Ray Tracing and advanced AI-driven DLSS for mind-blowing visual fidelity.
【Tech Specs】2x Thunderbolt 5 w/ DisplayPort & Power Delivery 3.1 (Right Side) 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Left Side) 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Right Side) 1x Full-Size SD UHS-III Card Reader (Left Side) 1x Audio Combo (1/8"") (Right Side) 1xHDMI v2.1 (Rear) Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 & Bluetooth 5.4
ASIN: B0H3PX859C
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97) summary
ASUS ROG Strix G18 is a superb value gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU that is impressive 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, however less RAM than the competition for its price. WQXGA resolution is outstanding for the 18″ 240 Hz display. Your 2000gb SSD storage is ok. It is quite easy to carry at only 6.63 lbs (3.01 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix G18 Gaming Laptop Intel Ultra 9 275HX RTX 5070 Ti 32GB 2TB
SUPER AI PERFORMANCE - Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX with a dedicated AI NPU, this ASUS gaming laptop delivers exceptional multitasking for AAA gaming, streaming, content creation, and local AI workloads. Combined with 32GB DDR5 5600MHz memory and a 2TB PCIe SSD, it minimizes loading times and keeps demanding applications running smoothly
ADVANCED TRI-FAN COOLING 3.0 - ROG Intelligent Cooling combines three dedicated fans, full-width rear vents, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU for superior heat dissipation. Compared with conventional dual-fan designs, the third fan improves airflow to maintain stable performance during long gaming sessions
IMMERSIVE 18-INCH FHD NEBULA DISPLAY - Experience stunning visuals on the 18-inch 2560×1600 Nebula Display featuring a 240Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and 100% sRGB color coverage. This ASUS G18 gaming laptop built for competitive gaming, creative workflows, and immersive entertainment with crisp details and fluid motion
NEXT-GEN RTX 5070 Ti GRAPHICS - Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU built on the latest Blackwell architecture, this gaming laptop delivers ultra-smooth gameplay, realistic ray tracing, and AI-enhanced graphics with DLSS 4. Experience faster rendering, higher frame rates, and outstanding performance for modern AAA games, streaming, and creative workloads
BUILT FOR WORK AND PLAY - Pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, the Strix G18 is ready for gaming and productivity alike. Features including a per-key RGB keyboard, 1080p FHD IR camera, Dolby Vision, Smart Amp, and Hi-Res Audio create a premium experience for creators, professionals, and gamers. With dual Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and an included USB hub, enjoy lightning-fast transfers
ASIN: B0H9LRG1BN