StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) vs MSI Raider 18 HX AI

The MSI Raider 18 HX AI is the stronger machine on raw hardware: an RTX 5080, a Core Ultra 9 285HX and up to 64GB of RAM outclass the Strix G18's RTX 5070 and Ryzen 9. The Strix G18 counters with a 240Hz 2.5K panel that suits fast shooters better than the Raider's 120Hz 4K screen, and it weighs noticeably less. Reviewers call the Raider dominant but noisy under load; owners rate the Strix G18 well at 4.5 out of 5. Buy the Raider for maximum frame rates at high resolution and heavy multitasking; buy the Strix G18 for a smoother high-refresh display and easier carrying.

  • Choose the ROG Strix G18 if you want a fast 240Hz 2.5K screen for competitive games and a lighter 18-inch chassis.
  • Choose the Raider 18 HX AI if you want the strongest GPU and CPU here, a 4K display and room for 64GB of RAM or more.

Prices

  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025): $1,899.95 at Heartland Computers (checked today)
  • MSI Raider 18 HX AI: $2,915.99 at Micro Center (last seen Nov 2)
  • Difference: the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) is $1,016.04 cheaper than the MSI Raider 18 HX AI at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 11)
ASUS
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop

4.5(324 ratings)
$1,899.95at Heartland ComputersChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Heartland Computers
Pros
  • 240Hz 2.5K panel is better for fast-paced games
  • Lighter and easier to move than the Raider
  • Ryzen 9 9955HX with 16 cores handles multitasking
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 324 owners
  • Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 confirmed
Cons
  • RTX 5070 with 8GB VRAM trails the 5080
  • 16GB RAM as listed, 32GB ceiling
  • 1TB storage fills quickly with large games
MSI
MSI Raider 18 HX AI

MSI Raider 18 HX AI

5(5 ratings)
$2,915.99at Micro CenterChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit Micro Center
Pros
  • RTX 5080 delivers more frames at high settings
  • Core Ultra 9 285HX is a top-tier CPU
  • 4K 120Hz screen suits detailed single-player games
  • 64GB RAM and 2TB storage out of the box, 96GB max
  • Strong cooling keeps performance sustained
Cons
  • Cooling is noisy under load, per reviewers
  • Heavier at 7.9 lbs
  • 120Hz refresh is slower for competitive play
  • Rated 4.0 out of 5, below the Strix

What separates them

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)MSI Raider 18 HX AI
GraphicsGeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR7GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, 16 cores, up to 5.4GHzIntel Core Ultra 9 285HX
Display18-inch 2.5K at 240Hz, matte18-inch 4K UHD+ at 120Hz
Memory16GB DDR5-5600 in two slots, 32GB max64GB DDR5, 96GB max
Storage1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD2TB SSD
Weight6.61 lbs7.9 lbs
Cooling noiseROG Intelligent Cooling, no widespread noise complaintsEffective but reviewers call it noisy
WirelessWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2Not specified in the listing

Price history

$3,949.00$1,899.95
Oct 31Nov 11
  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025): lowest $1,899.95 on Nov 11 at Heartland Computers.
  • MSI Raider 18 HX AI: lowest $2,624.39 on Nov 10 at Micro Center; $2,624.39 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Premium Electronics ShopReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $2,159.97Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $2,199.97Checked Nov 7
    Visit Walmart
  • Heartland ComputersNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,899.95Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Heartland Computers
  • Heartland ComputersNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,299.95Checked Nov 4
    Visit Heartland Computers
All 11 stores and price history →

MSI Raider 18 HX AI

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by HubitxReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $3,099.00+ $39.98 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $3,629.00Free shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Newegg
  • Micro CenterNew

    Availability unknown

    $2,915.99Checked Nov 2
    Visit Micro Center
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $3,099.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 20 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)MSI Raider 18 HX AI
colorGrayBlack
Refresh rate240Hz120Hz
Weight3.00 Kg (6.61 lbs)7.9 lb
Resolution2560 x 16003840 x 2160
Operating SystemWindows OSWindows OS
Processor BrandAMD CPUIntel CPU
Graphics ProcessorNVIDIA GPUIntel GPU, NVIDIA GPU
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Available PortsUSB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, 3.5 mm JackHDMI, Ethernet
Drive Capacity16 GB drive2 TB drive
Screen Size18 inches18 inches
Installed Memory16 GB RAM64 GB RAM
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)MSI Raider 18 HX AI
Max Supported RAM32 GB Supported96 GB Supported
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
With Backlit KeyboardYesYes
Processor Speed5.2 GHz CPU2.1 GHz CPU
Windows VersionWindows 11 Home, Windows 11 ProWindows 11, Windows 11 Home
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9Intel Core Ultra 9
SSD Size2 TB1 TB
Hard Drive TypeSSDSSD
Graphics Card NvidiaGeForce RTX 5070 Ti, GeForce RTX 5070GeForce RTX 5080

What reviewers say

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025)

  • 4.5 / 5324 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 324 ratings, the Strix G18 draws praise for its big, bright 240Hz screen and strong CPU performance. Owners flag its size and weight and note the fans get loud in heavy games.

What people mention
  • DisplayPraisedOwners like the 18-inch 2.5K 240Hz panel for its smoothness and clarity.
  • PerformancePraisedThe Ryzen 9 and RTX 5070 combo is described as fast for games and multitasking.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 6.61 lbs it is seen as a laptop that mostly stays on a desk.
  • Fan noiseCriticisedReviewers say the cooling gets audible during demanding games.
Reviews
  • Best 17-Inch Laptops - The reviews on this page have been selected by our editors, but have been optimized by our commerce team
  • Best 17-Inch Laptops
  • Best Laptops
  • The Most Popular Gaming Laptops - The reviews on this page have been selected by our editors, but have been optimized by our commerce team
  • The Most Popular Gaming Laptops
  • The Best Laptops for 2026

Questions and answers

Which is better for competitive gaming?
The Strix G18. Its 240Hz refresh rate shows more frames per second than the Raider's 120Hz, which matters in fast shooters.
Which has the better GPU?
The Raider. Its RTX 5080 sits above the Strix's RTX 5070, so it renders higher settings and resolutions with more headroom.
Which is better for video editing and 3D work?
The Raider, thanks to 64GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD and the stronger CPU and GPU. The Strix G18 can do the work but starts with less memory and storage.
Is the Raider worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want maximum performance, a 4K screen and heavy multitasking. If you mainly play fast games and carry the laptop around, the Strix G18 is the more balanced pick.
Which runs quieter?
The Strix G18. Reviewers specifically criticize the Raider's cooling as noisy under load.
Which is easier to carry?
The Strix G18 at 6.61 lbs versus 7.9 lbs for the Raider. Both are large 18-inch laptops, so neither is light.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop vs Acer Predator Helios Neo 18 AI PHN18-72-90S4 Gaming Laptop
  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop vs MSI Katana 15 HX 15.6" QHD+ 165Hz Gaming Laptop (Core i9-14900HX, RTX 5070, 32GB, 1TB)
  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop vs Acer Nitro V 16 AI
  • MSI Raider 18 HX AI vs ASUS ROG Strix G16 G615JMR-DS94 Gaming Laptop
  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop vs Alienware 18 Area-51 Gaming Laptop
  • ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2025) Gaming Laptop vs OMEN MAX Gaming Laptop 16-ak0047nr
  • MSI Raider 18 HX AI vs Alienware 16X Aurora Gaming Laptop
  • MSI Raider 18 HX AI vs Acer Nitro V 16 AI

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best gaming laptops
  • Best gaming laptops for performance and value
  • Best RTX 5070 gaming laptops
  • Best 18-inch laptops
  • Best latest-generation gaming laptops
Memory TypeDDR5DDR5
SeriesASUS ROG StrixMSI Raider
Dedicated Graphic CardYesYes
Processor Model9955HX285HX
RAM32 GB64 GB
GraphicsNVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU—
Video memory8GB GDDR7—
Display size18-inch—
Display resolution2.5K (2560 x 1600, WQXGA) 16:10 aspect ratio—
Memory16GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM x 2—
Storage1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD—
WirelessWi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) (Triple band) 2*2 Wireless C…—
BluetoothBluetooth® 5.2—
Battery90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion—
With No-Glare ScreenYes—
Biometric SecurityFacial Recognition—
Energy StarYes—
Battery Life9 hours battery life—
BrandASUS—
  • Best value gaming laptops