MSI Titan 18 HX: Two minute assessment
The MSI Titan 18 HX returns in 2024, reclaiming its title because the best gaming laptop for these trying to splurge on essentially the most over-the-top desktop alternative cash should purchase.
The Titan 18 HX, like its 2023 predecessor, the MSI GT77 Titan HX, is a $5,000 desktop PC masquerading as a gaming laptop computer. Clocking in at slightly below 8 lbs/4kg, you are going to really feel this one should you ever have to truly carry it wherever, and most backpacks on the market will not even match it. This laptop computer, then, will probably be relegated to your desk with the occasional journey to a different room at most.
While it sacrifices portability, it does include some completely bonkers {hardware}, together with a 175W RTX 4090 cellular GPU, a 95W Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, as much as 128GB DDR5 RAM, and as much as 4TB SSD storage, with one in all its three M.2 SSDs slots being a PCIe 5.0 interface for the best SSD speeds potential (although it would not include a PCIe 5.0 drive, you may have to supply that your self). Throw on the planet’s first 18-inch 120Hz 4K+ mini LED show with 120Hz refresh and HDR1000 certification, and you’ve got essentially the most decadently specced gaming laptops I’ve ever examined.
And earlier than you say it, mini LED is not an OLED, I do know, however I actually choose mini LED shows on gaming laptops, and this one can get you 112% of the DCI-P3 coloration gamut, so video editors and different inventive execs may wish to pay attention to this one as nicely.
Design-wise, this laptop computer is an enchancment over its predecessor in a lot of methods, not the least of which is that it does introduce some gray into the chassis to assist break up the super-aggressive gamer black styling of the GT77 Titan HX (and even provides some gentle blue accent touches to the rear), in addition to introducing a seamless trackpad and extra refined curves into the keydeck.
The Titan 18 HX’s mechanical keyboard, in the meantime, options Cherry MX extremely low-profile switches which are a dream to kind on, and the seamless trackpad is satisfactory for primary use; however as with every gaming laptop computer, you may most likely wish to use the best gaming mouse you have got helpful whereas really gaming.
Given the laptop computer’s measurement, MSI was in a position to pack in some highly effective audio system that present a way more immersive audio expertise than you may discover on a whole lot of different laptops. Of course, you may have to show the amount as much as drown out the whine of the laptop computer’s cooling system, which might get noticeably loud underneath pressure. You can modify this within the MSI Center, although it can come at the price of efficiency.
Speaking of efficiency, gaming on this laptop computer is an absolute pleasure. The very best PC games run buttery clean at max settings, and whereas enabling ray tracing on the laptop computer’s native 3840x2400p decision on some titles would require you to make use of DLSS upscaling to get a playable framerate at 4K, that is the case with even the best graphics card in a desktop PC.
Still, for the sum of money this laptop computer will value you, you may be forgiven for asking if it is actually definitely worth the worth. If you are the sort to ask such a query, don’t be concerned, it is a simple query to reply: this laptop computer is not for you. If you need the best possible gaming efficiency in a theoretically transportable type issue and cash is not an object for you? Well, you’re precisely the particular person this laptop computer is designed to cater to, and you will not discover many, if any, higher gaming laptops available on the market than the MSI Titan 18 HX.
MSI Titan 18 HX: Price and availability
- How a lot is it? Starting at $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999
- When is it obtainable? It is obtainable now.
- Where are you able to get it? You can get it within the US, UK, and Australia
The MSI Titan 18 HX is obtainable now within the US, UK, and Australia, beginning at $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999. All configurations include an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and 4K+ mini LED show, and the US has two configurations on sale proper now. They each function an Nvidia RTX 4090 cellular GPU and 4TB storage, with the one distinction being a alternative between 64GB or 128GB RAM.
In the UK, the Titan 18 HX begins with an Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and 2TB PCIe 4.0 storage, and goes up as excessive as an RTX 4090 with 128GB RAM and 4TB storage. In Australia, the Titan 18 HX begins with an RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage, and goes as much as an RTX 4090, 128GB RAM, and 4TB storage.
In no universe is that this an inexpensive gaming laptop computer, and it is difficult to think about one other 18-inch laptop computer that goes fairly this tough on the specs. Even the Alienware m18 R2 pulls again from a full 4K show, a lot much less 4K+, and tops out at 64GB RAM. Even upping the m18 R2’s storage to 8TB with the whole lot else maxed out would not even convey you as much as the MSI Titan 18 HX’s beginning worth.
Again, I am unable to stress this sufficient, solely these with the deepest pockets want contemplate this one.
MSI Titan 18 HX: Specs
This is definitely essentially the most obscenely configured gaming laptop computer I’ve ever laid arms on, and I would not be stunned should you might nonetheless play the newest AAA video games at max settings at 4K for the remainder of the last decade. The {hardware} will doubtless bodily fail on you earlier than this factor is rendered out of date in terms of gaming or high-end efficiency.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | MSI Titan 18 HX (Base) | MSI Titan 18 HX (Review) | MSI GT77 Titan HX (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,999.99 / £4,379.98 / AU$6,999 | $5,399.99 / £5,499.98 / AU$9,999 | $5,299.99 (about £4,400 / AU$7,690) |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-14900HX | Intel Core i9-14900HX | Intel Core i9-13980HX |
| GPU | Nvidia RTX 4080 | Nvidia RTX 4090 | Nvidia RTX 4090 |
| RAM | 64GB DDR5 | 128GB DDR5 | 128GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 2 x 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 2 x 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | 2 x 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
| Display | 18″ UHD+(3840×2400), 120Hz Refresh Rate, Mini LED, IPS-Level, DisplayHDR 1000 Certified, 100% DCI-P3 | 18″ UHD+(3840×2400), 120Hz Refresh Rate, Mini LED, IPS-Level, DisplayHDR 1000 Certified, 100% DCI-P3 | 17.3-inch IPS, 4K 144Hz Mini LED, HDR 1000, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Ports | 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort (1 with PD3.1), 1 x SDCard reader, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 1 x Kensington lock | 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort (1 with PD3.1), 1 x SDCard reader, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 1 x Kensington lock | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x Thunderbolt 4 w/ DP, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Battery | 99.9 WHr | 99.9 WHr | 99.9 WHr |
| Dimensions | 15.9 x 12.08 x 1.26 ins | 403.86 x 306.83 x x 32mm | 15.9 x 12.08 x 1.26 ins | 403.86 x 306.83 x x 32mm | 15.63 x 12.99 x 0.91 inches | 397 x 329.95 x 23.11 mm |
| Weight | 7.93 lbs | 3.86kg | 7.93 lbs | 3.86kg | 7.28 lbs | 3.30 kg |
MSI Titan 18 HX: Design
- Gorgeous mini LED show
- Improved chassis aesthetics
- Ports galore
- Low-profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches
The MSI Titan 18 HX introduces a number of enhancements over final yr’s Titan, whereas usually protecting the pretty Decepticon-like aesthetic that the Titan is thought for.
Starting with the sheer measurement of the factor, it is barely larger than its predecessor, a feat I did not assume potential. It additionally provides about 0.5 lbs to its weight, making it by far the heaviest laptop computer I’ve utilized in no less than a decade or extra.
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Opening it up, you may discover a low-profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches for some severely clean typing. The trackpad has gone seamless, as nicely, providing a glassy however responsive floor in your palms and fingertips to glide over. The trackpad itself is responsive, with good suggestions, although a gaming mouse or controller is advisable for higher-level precision.
The Titan 18 HX comes loaded with 4x2W up-firing audio system on both facet of the keyboard, in addition to 2x2W subwoofers for further bass, all of which work collectively to create some very wealthy sound, no less than so far as laptop computer audio system go.
The IR webcam additionally will get an improve over final yr’s mannequin, now at full HD versus 720p, and incorporates a bodily privateness shutter, which you all the time like to see on a laptop computer.
The show although is the massive function right here with a speedy 120Hz refresh charge on a 3840x2400p mini LED panel that’s shiny and vibrant. It additionally has VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification for a incredible coloration distinction with deep blacks, and covers 112% of the DCI-P3 coloration gamut based on our assessments.
In phrases of ports, having a chassis this massive means you may cram in a whole lot of ports, and the Titan 18 HX doesn’t disappoint. You get three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports with DP output (with one that includes PD3.1 certification for quick charging gadgets), one HDMI 2.1 port that may push 120Hz video at 4K, an SDCard slot, an RJ45 ethernet port, and a 3.5mm combo jack. You even get a Kensington lock slot for good measure.
Overall, this is among the best-looking MSI gaming laptops I’ve seen this yr, and its wealth of options, ports, and extra make it a standout machine earlier than we even get to its efficiency.
MSI Titan 18 HX: Performance
- Best-in-class efficiency
- Able to hit 60 FPS at 2400p on most video games with out upscaling
- Upscaling can get you 60 FPS or higher in video games with ray tracing turned on
This gaming laptop computer completely places among the best gaming PCs to disgrace with its efficiency. Its 2400p decision understandably taxes the {hardware} when enjoying high-end video games at its native decision at max settings, however in titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 6, the Titan 18 HX is definitely in a position to clear 60 FPS at 4K on its highest settings, and that is not even factoring in any graphics upscaling.
Turn upscaling on, the place obtainable, and you’ll push the boundaries of the show’s refresh charge on most video games. If you consider ray tracing, although, you may get within the neighborhood of 60 FPS or larger with acceptable upscaling, and on video games like Cyberpunk 2077, it is an absolute necessity if you wish to max the whole lot out and get a better-than-just-playable body charge.
Looking at its rivals, although, among the many different 18-inch gaming laptops we have examined in our labs thus far this yr, none can match what the MSI Titan 18 HX brings to the desk by way of efficiency. The reality its rivals are all restricted to 1600p QHD+ shows signifies that in order for you absolutely the bleeding fringe of what laptop computer gaming can ship by way of 4K visible spectacle, the Titan 18 HX is actually your solely choice.
MSI Titan 18 HX: Battery life
- Terrible battery life, however it’ll not often be on battery energy anyway
- Charging to full will take you a few hours
Understandably, battery life is just not this laptop computer’s biggest energy, however to name it a weak point is a bit unfair. This is just not the form of laptop computer you may use unplugged for any size of time, as you’d one of many best ultrabooks or a MacBook Pro.
This is a desktop alternative, so regardless that its two hours and 40 minutes of battery life whereas browsing the net is a reasonably humorous knowledge level for a $5,000 laptop computer, you may by no means really use the Titan 18 HX this manner exterior of extraordinarily uncommon situations. Its bulk will make it troublesome to convey it wherever interval, a lot much less someplace that does not have an obtainable wall outlet.
Still, in comparison with different 18-inch gaming laptops, the Titan 18 HX’s battery efficiency nonetheless falls about 20% beneath the category common of three hours and 27 minutes. That means it would not get a complete go from me on battery life, however it’s hardly an element anybody ought to realistically contemplate for a laptop computer like this.
Should you purchase the MSI Titan 18 HX?
| Value | This is the costliest gaming laptop computer available on the market proper now, one thing even best-in-class efficiency cannot absolutely negate. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Specs | These are the strongest specs I’ve ever seen on a gaming laptop computer. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | The aesthetic enhancements over the 2023 Titan HX are welcome, however the 4K+ mini LED show steals the present right here. | ★★★★☆ |
| Performance | What else is there to say? This is the most effective performing gaming laptop computer we have examined. | ★★★★★ |
| Battery Life | Its efficiency comes on the worth of horrible battery life. Lucky for you, you may virtually by no means run it on battery energy anyway. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Total | While it is exhausting to present this laptop computer an ideal rating given its worth and laughable battery life, so far as desktop replacements go, that is the most effective there’s. You’ll simply must pay by way of the nostril for the privilege. | ★★★★★ |
Buy the MSI Titan 18 HX if…
Don’t purchase it if…
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How I examined the MSI Titan 18 HX
- I spent a couple of month testing the Titan 18 HX
- I used our customary suite of benchmark assessments
- I primarily performed video games on the Titan 18 HX, although I additionally used it for basic computing and content material creation
I spent a couple of month with the MSI Titan 18 HX, utilizing it as an on a regular basis work machine at residence whereas gaming at evening as soon as work was finished. I additionally used it for content material creation work with Adobe Photoshop.
This is a gaming laptop computer, at the start, so I examined it with our customary battery of gaming benchmarks and different benchmarks that test for CPU, GPU, and general system efficiency.
I’ve been reviewing laptops for TechSwitch for almost half a decade now, and as a lifelong PC gamer, I understand how video games ought to run on given {hardware}, and the way a lot that {hardware} ought to value you to maximise the worth to the buyer. I even have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, so I’m in a position to actually dig in and analyze the nitty-gritty of the {hardware} in a manner many different evaluations cannot.