MSI’s gaming laptops are renowned for their unique blend of design and performance. The MSI Titan series first appeared last year with model –Titan GT77HX 13V.
At the CES 2024 event, MSI introduced the upgrade –Titan 18 HX A14V in two iterations as its best gaming laptop.
- Titan 18 HX A14VIG
- Titan 18 HX A14VHG
In 2023 at the same inventor’s event, MSI revealed the first of the Titan gaming laptop models in two iterations.
- Titan GT77HX 13VI
- Titan GT77HX 13VH
When I hear the word “best” I become more curious to find out why that product is labelled that way. Since it turns out that we buy laptops or other products because of certain features we love about them.
My role is to bring out the features and compare them to make it easy for you to make an informed decision on the right choice.
Prices
Titan 18 HX A14V (2024): From $4,999
Titan GT77HX 13V (2023): From $4,299
Buy from:
MSI Store
Rating (4.2/5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I will explain the features in detail to discover any improvements made.
Jump to;
★
Performance.
Let’s compare the key performance features including CPU | GPU |OS | memory and storage.
CPU(Central Processing Unit)
Titan 18 HX (2024):14th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 14900HX processor
Titan GT77 (2023): 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13980HX Processor
Which one to choose
Intel’s 14th Gen high-end processor is the common highlight in premium gaming laptops. The decision to choose one of these two will ultimately depend on your budget.
Because in terms of performance 14th Gen outperforms 13th Gen in all ways such as:
Processor speed. It is over 10% faster than the 13th Gen in both Single core and multicore tasks.
This explains why every rival manufacturer has included this processor in their top-tier PCs. Talk of Lenovo’s Legion 7i Pro or 9i, ROG Strix Scar 18, Alien ware m18 R2 and others.
Therefore, to choose based on performance with no doubt pick Intel core i9 14900 HX.
If you are on a tight budget but want the Titan laptop experience, choose last year’s model with the 13th Gen core i9 1380 HX.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
2024:
Titan 18 HX A14VIG: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090-16GB
Titan 18 HX A14VHG: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080-12GB
2023:
Titan GT77HX 13VI: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090-16GB
Titan GT77HX 13VH: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080-12 GB
Which one to choose
Both models have the same graphics card options choosing will largely depend on other features as well.
If a gamer or content creator’s main focus is graphics power, RTX™ 4090-16GB is the best option.
If your focus of buying depends on the GPU then choose the 2023 model with RTX™ 4090-16GB. But you will miss out on the screen size and resolution improvements in the 2024 design.
RTX 4090 vs RTX 4090
Effective Speed: The RTX 4090 has an effective speed of 370%, which is faster than the 290% speed of the RTX 4080. The overall GPU speed helps you accomplish more graphically in less time.
Lighting: 585 fps compared to 435 fps. This means you have clearer graphics with the RTX 4090 compared to the RTX 4080
Price: The RTX 4090 is over 600 dollars more expensive than the RTX 4080 resulting in a significant difference in the overall price.
Memory and storage
Titan 18 HX (2024): Storage-4TB | Memory-64GB
Titan GT77 (2023): Storage-4TB | Memory-64GB
Both models have the same provisions for memory/RAM and storage sufficient for typical professional requirements.
OS (Operating System)
2023 and 2024:Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro
Both models come with the option of Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro.
Of course, Windows Pro will perform better in terms of performance than Windows 11 Home.
For top performers, it is recommended to purchase Windows 11 Pro Business because it serves more than the lower versions.
Windows 11 Pro is great for strong security, simplified management, and productivity.
It offers inclusive AI-powered experiences, intelligent workflows, and more personalization,
★
Design.
The key features that make up the design are Weight | build material and colour |Keyboard | Display.
Display.
Titan 18 HX (2024):
- 18” UHD+ (3840×2400), MiniLED, 120Hz
- 18” QHD+ (2560×1600), 240Hz, IPS-Level
Titan GT77 (2023):
- 17.3″ QHD (2560×1440), 240Hz, IPS-Level
- 17.3″ UHD (3840×2160), MiniLED, HDR 1000, 144Hz, IPS-Level
The Titan (2024) emerges as a clear winner in terms of the display with an 18-inch screen.
Which one to choose?
For gamers and fast-paced content viewers: The QHD+ (2560×1600), with its 240Hz refresh rate is the best choice.
For designers and color-oriented professionals: The UHD+ (3840×2400) MiniLED with its higher resolution could be more appropriate.
If budget is your primary concern, opting for last year’s model remains a viable option.
Keyboard
2024 & 2023: Cherry Mechanical Per-Key RGB Gaming Keyboard by SteelSeries
Both laptop models are built with the impressive cherry mechanical keyboard designed by SteelSeries. By no surprise, if a laptop claims to be made for gaming, then one of the most important features to be focused on is a strong mechanical keyboard.
I’ve not come across a customer’s review complaining about this keyboard. RGB per key and sturdy perfectly suited for gaming tasks.
Build material | Weight and colour
Titan 18 HX (2024): 3.6 kg:
Titan GT77 (2023): 3.3kg
Both laptop models are built with an Aluminium alloy and mainly come in black. Aluminium is a premium material seen across all high-end gadgets due to its strength, endurance and lightweight.
The two gaming beasts weigh just 3.6 kg and I consider this as a common figure across similar laptops like the ROG Strix Scar 18. Just like the 2023 model, the black colour was maintained.
There is no upgrade from last year’s model in this category.
Ports.
2x Thunderbolt™ 4 |3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A | 1x RJ45 | 1x SD Express Memory Card Reader | 1x HDMI™ | 1x Mini DisplayPort | 1x Audio combo jack
Just like in last year’s model, all necessary ports are retained. I would not ask for more ports where there is an SD card slot too.
Cooling system
- 2Fans |4Exhausts
The same cooling architecture that appeared in the 2023 model model was brought back, and I have not found any bad reviews about it.
★
Battery.
Titan 18 HX (2024): 400W adapter | 99.9 Battery (Whr)
Titan GT77 (2023): 330W adapter | 99.9 Battery (Whr)
The battery capacities remained the same this year however, this year’s adapter boasts a 70W increase. The first charge adaptor is an upgrade but I anticipated a larger battery capacity announcement.
Because gaming laptop batteries barely go beyond 5 hours, we hope to see improvements in that.
Audio and connectivity.
2x 2W Speaker | 2x 2W Woofer
Once again, there have been no changes in the sound system this year which is okay. However, for an enhanced gaming experience, investing in an external sound system is recommended.
Wi-fi + Bluetooth 5.4
Wi-Fi extension and Bluetooth were upgraded this year, this will contribute to better online gaming experiences, seamless streaming, and reliable connectivity.
Summary of Changes
Key Improvements 2024:
- Display: Larger 18-inch screen with two options: UHD+ MiniLED (better for colour accuracy) and QHD+ 240Hz (better for fast-paced games).
- Performance: The latest 14th Gen Intel Core i9 processor offers faster performance across all tasks.
- GPU: Both models offer RTX 4080 and 4090 options, but the 4090 in the 2024 model is slightly faster.
- Ports: Same ports as the 2023 model, but the power adapter is upgraded to 400W.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are upgraded for better online gaming and streaming.
No Changes:
- Keyboard: Both models have the same impressive Cherry mechanical keyboard.
- Build quality: Both models are made from Aluminium alloy and come in black.
- Audio: Same sound system as the 2023 model.
- Battery: Same battery capacity as the 2023 model.
Choosing the Right Model:
- For the best performance and display: Choose the Titan 18 (2024).
- For a more affordable option with a still powerful GPU: Choose the Titan GT (2023), especially if you prefer the 17.3-inch screen.
- For the best possible color accuracy: Choose the Titan 18 (2024) with the UHD+ MiniLED display.
- For the fastest refresh rate for fast-paced games: Choose the Titan 18 (2024) with the QHD+ 240Hz display.
Compare also with these gaming laptops:
The New Asus Duo Laptop Can Double Your Productivity
Join the conversation
I wish to know if you are impressed with this year’s Titan Upgrade.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
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