At a look

Expert’s Rating

Pros

• Robust construct high quality
• Superb 4K 120Hz Mini-LED show
• Excellent mechanical keyboard 
• Extraordinary CPU and GPU efficiency
• Lots of connectivity

Cons

• Large and heavy
• Attractive however mediocre touchpad

Our Verdict

 MSI’s mighty Titan 18 HX is a efficiency powerhouse with gobs of RAM and storage.

Price When Reviewed

$5,399.99

Best Prices Today: MSI Titan 18 HX

$5399

$5399

Modern Windows laptops can show extraordinarily highly effective, however few take efficiency so far as MSI’s Titan 18 HX. This is an 18-inch flagship laptop computer that goes all-in on the newest, quickest {hardware} and makes zero concessions for weight and portability. It’s a brick—however wow, this brick actually flies. 

Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops accessible proper now.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Specs and options

The MSI Titan 18 HX’s specs make its efficiency intent clear. It equips an Intel Core i7-14900HX processor with 24 cores and 32 threads alongside Nvidia RTX 4090 cellular graphics. That’s backed up by an unbelievable 128GB of DDR5 reminiscence and a 4TB stable state drive. Many laptops have a couple of of those elements, but it surely’s uncommon to see them collectively in a single machine.

• CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX
• Memory: 128GB DDR5 5600MHz
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 4090 cellular
• Display: 3840×2400 16:10 Mini-LED 120Hz
• Storage: 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe stable state drive
• Webcam: 1080p HDR with IR digicam
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C 4.0 with USB Power Delivery 3.1 and Displayport Alternate Mode, 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen2, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm combo audio, 1x SDcard reader, 2.5G Ethernet
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition 
• Battery capability: 99.9 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 15.09 x 12.09 x 1.26 inches
• Weight: 7.93 kilos
• MSRP: $5,399.99

MSI at present presents simply two configurations of MSI Titan 18 HX. Most retailers have the mannequin I reviewed, which carries an MSRP of almost $5,400. Though costly, it’s a greater worth than final yr’s mannequin, as each the RAM and stable state cupboard space has doubled. There’s additionally a variant unique to Microcenter which has half as a lot RAM and retails for about $5,000.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

I loved the MSI Titan 18 HX’s predecessor, the Titan GT77 HX 13V, once I reviewed it final yr. But I did have one drawback: it didn’t really feel like a flagship. 

Fortunately, the MSI Titan 18 HX solves that.

I’m nonetheless unsure the laptop computer appears to be like like a flagship, because the matte black exterior stays easy, but it surely advantages from stable supplies and building. Most contact factors are metallic. The show permits some flex, however not overmuch, and the decrease chassis appears like a slate of granite. I used to be capable of finding flex within the keyboard tray solely after urgent so arduous that my fingers harm. 

I believe a laptop computer just like the Titan 18 HX will take much less lumps in its life than most, because it’s too giant and heavy for most individuals to hassle with transferring regularly. Still, it feels able to dealing with a lifetime of journey if the large 18-inch show—a weak spot on any giant laptop computer—is protected.

Speaking of weight, the Titan 18 HX ideas the scales at almost eight kilos and measures over 15 inches broad, in addition to 12 inches deep. It’s not precisely a briefcase PC but it surely’s definitely among the many heavier laptops offered right now and gained’t slot in a typical backpack’s laptop computer compartment. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is roughly comparable in dimension (although a bit extra slim), but it surely weighs over a pound much less.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Titan 18 HX’s keyboard is price speaking about. It has Steelseries-branded keyboard with Cherry mechanical key switches and a customizable per-key RGB-LED backlight. 

Key really feel is superb, although it’d take adjustment. The laptop computer’s peak, alongside its vital key journey in every key, makes typing really feel much more much like a desktop keyboard than most laptops. Each keystroke is obtained by a crisp, snappy bottoming motion and reasonable audible suggestions. 

The key format makes some tradeoffs. MSI suits a numpad with full-sized keys, which is a good addition for individuals who want it, but it surely forces the format to trim again the Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, and Control keys, in addition to a couple of others. Despite this, I discovered it a lot spacious.

Keyboard backlight management is obtainable by way of Steelseries’ personal GG software program, not software program from MSI. This might be for the perfect, as the standard of the Steelseries app is increased than these offered by MSI. The lighting of every key might be personalized individually, or house owners can select from one among almost two dozen presets. There’s a key perform and macro editor, too, which is useful if you wish to go full nerd and add customized shortcuts.

A modest touchpad sits under the keyboard. It measures simply 5 inches broad and three inches deep, which is small given the laptop computer’s dimension. The touchpad is totally flush with the floor of the palm relaxation, which makes for a lovely look but in addition makes the touchpad more durable to seek out by really feel. MSI tries to fight this through the use of haptics to simulate a bodily click on, but it surely feels as synthetic as it’s. 

That annoyance apart, the touchpad presents two perks. It’s centered within the width of the laptop computer, not under the keyboard’s spacebar, which is my desire, and it has an RGB backlight. The lighting provides additional aptitude and, just like the keyboard, might be personalized with quite a lot of colours and patterns.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

The MSI Titan HX 18 is one among a number of current laptops to ship an enormous 18-inch, 16:10 show with a Mini-LED backlight. It additionally has a decision of 3840×2400 and a 120Hz refresh price. 

Sharpness is a perk. The 18-inch 4K show packs 251 pixels per inch, which is much increased than the 163 pixels per inch in every inch of a 27-inch 4K monitor. It’s arguably a bit overkill for video games however wow, is it sharp. That sharpness can also be useful for content material creators, because it lets video editors preview 4K video on the correct decision and lets photographers and artists see extra of a giant picture file with out scaling. 

The dynamic Mini-LED backlight delivers wonderful distinction and excessive brightness as much as and barely past 1,000 nits. That’s far more than the 400 to 500 nits most OLED panels can obtain, and it’s excellent news for HDR films and video games, each of which supply vibrant, punchy visuals alongside a deep, immersive picture. These outcomes are achieved with 1,008 dimming zones that alter their brightness independently. 

That comes alongside Mini-LED’s normal draw back: blooming. Light from small, vibrant objects can appear to bleed outdoors them, and the identical is true alongside high-contrast edges. It’s hardly ever noticeable in films and video games however might be distracting on the Windows desktop (particularly for those who like to make use of Dark Mode). 

Motion readability is nice, although it is determined by your expectations. The 4K Mini-LED panel’s refresh price of 120Hz is stable for the decision however approach behind rivals that provide 144Hz, 240Hz, or extra alongside a decrease show decision. Fast-moving objects in 3D video games are normally identifiable however tremendous particulars, like small textual content, are troublesome to discern.

In brief, the show leans in direction of content material creators and PC players preferring most sharpness and element over framerate. If that sounds such as you, you’re going to find it irresistible. If not, you would possibly choose the show on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, which sticks to 2560×1600 decision however presents a 240Hz refresh price.

The wonderful show is joined with sturdy audio system that line the edges of the keyboard. Their place offers clear audio that’s not muffled by the floor the laptop computer is positioned on. A 2-watt subwoofer contained in the laptop computer joins them so as to add some bass. It all provides as much as a crisp, pleasing presentation with oomph bass-heavy tracks, although the laptop computer’s most quantity is a tad decrease than I anticipated. I nonetheless suggest headphones if you wish to immerse your self in a film or recreation, however the audio system are nice for informal listening.

MSI Titan 18 HX: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

MSI hides a 1080p webcam within the Titan’s prime bezel. It’s a totally acceptable webcam with respectable sharpness, good colour, and intelligent automated publicity. Video appears to be like clear and crisp on Zoom however falls in need of what I’d need for recording to YouTube and even Instagram. 

The webcam is paired with an IR sensor that permits assist for Windows Hello facial recognition login. It’s a standard characteristic for an costly Windows laptop computer, however nonetheless appreciated, and it really works as nicely right here as anyplace. Windows detected my face within the blink of an eye fixed and labored as nicely in a darkish room as one which’s brightly lit.

A bodily privateness shutter is offered to impede the 1080p webcam. It doesn’t embrace an digital cut-off, although, so it’s nonetheless doable to report video and audio whereas the digicam is roofed.

The built-in microphone array works nicely. It captured my voice with ease even once I spoke in a near-whisper or once I confronted away from the webcam. Despite that, the array rejected repetitive ambient noise from an area heater in the identical room. Audio from the microphone array tends to sound hole on essential listening, as true of most laptop computer microphone arrays, but it surely’s stable for video conferencing and voice chat

MSI Titan 18 HX: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

MSI takes an all-the-things method to connectivity with the Titan 18HX. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, each of which assist USB 4 and DisplayPort alternate mode, and three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports for older units. HDMI 2.1 offers extra video-out. The laptop computer additionally has a full-sized SD card reader, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a 2.5G Ethernet port.

That’s a heaping serving to of connectivity, and it’s well-distributed throughout the laptop computer’s flanks. Ports might be discovered on each side and the rear of the laptop computer. My solely grievance is the situation of the Thunderbolt 4 ports, each of which cluster on the correct flank and are positioned nearer to the center of the laptop computer than its rear. You’ll must take care of an inconvenient twine when a USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 dock is related. 

Network connectivity is powerful, as nicely, with assist for the newest Wi-Fi 7 normal and Bluetooth 5.4, and a pair of.5G Ethernet. That’s pretty much as good because it will get for a laptop computer offered in 2024. While Wi-Fi efficiency can range between networks and places, I discovered the Titan HX 18 carried out remarkably nicely, attaining obtain speeds on the most of my dwelling Gigabit web service when related over Wi-Fi 6E. This was true even when the laptop computer was a pair rooms away from my router. 

MSI Titan 18 HX: Performance

The MSI Titan 18 HX spares no expense relating to its internals. The laptop computer has Intel’s Core i9-14900HX, a 24-core, 32-thread processor with a most Turbo Boost clock pace of 5.8GHz. That’s paired with Nvidia’s RTX 4090 cellular graphics, 128GB of DDR5 reminiscence, and a 4TB PCIe NVMe stable state drive. It’s a formidable listing of specs, and it delivers nice efficiency.

IDG / Matthew Smith

We begin off in PCMark 10, a holistic system benchmark that assessments a number of points of a laptop computer’s {hardware}. Here the MSI Titan 18 HX achieves a superb rating of 8,872. That’s a sliver behind final yr’s mannequin, which achieved 8,890, but it surely beats most comparable laptops we’ve examined, and it’s the second-best rating we’ve obtained in PCMark 10 when testing a laptop computer in its default energy profile.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Next up is Cinebench R20, a closely multithreaded however short-duration benchmark. The Intel Core i9-14900HX’s excessive thread is at dwelling within the beefy MSI Titan 18HX, which presents each the facility and cooling to let it carry out at its greatest. The result’s a improbable rating of 12,022. Intel’s many-core design clearly pays dividends right here.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Handbrake is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, although with a for much longer length that assessments a laptop computer’s capability to vent warmth over time and hold the processor operating at excessive clock speeds. The cumbersome Titan once more does extraordinarily nicely right here, although it doesn’t run away from the pack. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and Acer Predator Triton 17X reached near-identical efficiency.

Now it’s time to maneuver on to graphics efficiency. Nvidia’s RTX 4090 is the one possibility within the MSI Titan 18 HX, and it operates at its peak energy draw of 150 watts (or 175 watts underneath dynamic increase). The outcomes proceed to impress.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Titan will get off to an incredible begin in 3DMark Time Spy, the place it achieves an excellent rating of 19,693. That’s a brand new report for a laptop computer in its default efficiency profile and it simply crushes most rivals, together with some which can be themselves wonderful performers, just like the Acer Predator Triton 17X.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Next up is Shadow of the Tomb Raider, a console title from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One technology. It can nonetheless tax built-in graphics and entry-level discrete graphics, however laptops of this caliber tear by way of it at almost 200 frames per second. The MSI Titan HX 18 doesn’t win right here, but it surely additionally doesn’t lose: it precisely ties the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, and its loss to the Acer Predator Triton 17X is simply three frames per second.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Metro Exodus, a extra demanding recreation from the identical console technology that’s obtained updates acceptable to the newest gaming PCs, performs extraordinarily nicely, too. It hit a median of 87 frames per second at 1080p decision and the Extreme element setting, which lives as much as its identify. That ties the previous MSI Titan GT77 HX 13V and beats a number of different laptops. 

All of the benchmark outcomes above have been recorded with the laptop computer within the Balanced energy profile however, like most such laptops, MSI offers a high-performance profile. It delivered a small however significant increase that in some circumstances allowed the Titan 18 HX to set new efficiency data for a laptop computer. This was true in 3DMark Time Spy, the place the laptop computer scored 20,915.

If there’s a draw back, it’s shared with the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18: the brand new laptop computer isn’t a lot faster than final yr’s mannequin. The Titan 18 HX defeats the Titan GT77 HX 13V in most benchmarks, and it additionally defeats the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 general, however the margin is usually slim. 

But the MSI Titan 18 HX chalks up loads of wins and even in these conditions the place it did fall behind rivals, it nonetheless nipped at their heels. Don’t neglect the RAM, both. Most folks don’t want 128GB of reminiscence however for those who do, you do, and the Titan is fairly priced for a laptop computer with RAM within the triple digits. 

MSI Titan 18 HX: Battery life

MSI offers a 99.9 watt-hour battery to energy the laptop computer when it’s away from a socket. That’s the most important you’ll discover accessible in any laptops resulting from FAA laws on the scale of batteries allowed on flights. Even so, it’s hard-pressed to maintain the thirsty Titan glad.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Titan endured a bit greater than 4 hours of use within the Balanced energy profile with Hybrid graphics (which depends on Intel built-in graphics when the mighty RTX 4090 isn’t required) turned on. That’s not a horrible consequence for a high-performance laptop computer, but it surely’s not nice, both. Turning Hybrid graphics off minimize battery life additional to only a smidge over two hours.

Charging isn’t straightforward, both, because the laptop computer has hefty energy necessities and ships with hefty 400-watt energy brick. One of the laptop computer’s two Thunderbolt 4 ports helps USB Power Delivery, but it surely doesn’t present sufficient energy to totally deal with the laptop computer underneath load, so the facility brick is required for the perfect efficiency and quickest charging instances. 

None of this comes as a shock. The Titan is a giant, power-hungry laptop computer, and pays for it with portability. I don’t suggest it as a journey companion except you completely want the efficiency it may ship. 

MSI Titan 18 HX: Conclusion

The MSI Titan 18 HX is a flagship laptop computer that delivers nice construct high quality, a superb keyboard, a improbable 4K Mini-LED Display, and robust general efficiency. It defeats different flagship laptops, just like the Asus ROG Strix Scar, and barely outperforms 2023’s Titan GT77 HX 13V in some, although not all, benchmarks. The new Titan 18 HX additionally doubles the RAM and stable state storage present in final yr’s mannequin at the same value. 

There are a couple of downsides. It’s a big laptop computer with brief battery life and, regardless of higher efficiency, it’s arguably not pretty much as good value-for-money because the cheaper Asus ROG Strix Scar 18, which is $1,000 much less however only a tad slower in our benchmarks.

Still, I feel most consumers taking a look at a laptop computer on this value and weight class anticipate it to push the boundaries in efficiency, options, and high quality directly. That’s precisely what the Titan 18 HX does.