MSI Titan 18 HX (2024)
| Manufacturer | MSI |
|---|---|
| Release date | January 2024 |
| Introductory price | USD 5399 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| CPU | Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| Memory | 64 GB (2x32) or 128 GB (4x32) DDR5-5600 MHz SODIMM (supports up to 192 GB) |
| Memory slots | 4 user accessible |
| Storage | 2 TB or 4 TB (2x2 TB) NVMe SSD Gen4x4 |
| Storage slots | 3 user accessible (2x PCIe4 x4, 1x PCIe5 x4) |
| Removable storage | SD7.0 |
| Display | Screen size: 18 inch Panel type: Mini LED or IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 3840 x 2400 or 2560 x 1600 PPI: 264 or 188 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 120 Hz or 240 Hz Brightness: 550+ or 1100+ Nits Contrast ratio: ∞:1 DCI-P3: 100 % VRR: No Screen-to-body ratio: |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 175 W w/ MUX switch |
| Sound | 4 x 2 W stereo w/ 2 x 2 W woofers, Sound by Dynaudio |
| Camera | Front: 1080p with IR sensor and physical shutter |
| Touchpad | Haptic feedback, 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) |
| Connectivity | Killer WiFi 7 BE1750 Bluetooth 5.4 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C, DP 1.4, 100W PD) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x Ethernet (2.5 Gbps) 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x SD card reader |
| Power brick | 400W AC adapter |
| Battery | 4 cell Li-Polymer 99.9 Wh |
| Keyboard | Per-key RGB backlit, Cherry Mechanical KB SteelSeries |
| Chassis | Color: Core Black Materials: Magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis Cooling: Dual 70 mm fans, vapor chamber cooling |
| Number pad | Full size |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | Yes |
| Predecessor | MSI Titan GT77 (2023) |
| Website | MSI |
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The MSI Titan 18 HX (2024) is a high-end gaming laptop designed for maximum performance and customization. It features the latest Intel 14th gen HX series mobile processors and Nvidia Geforce RTX 4090 series mobile GPUs. Available configurations vary by store and location.[1] The Titan 18 HX is positioned as MSI's flagship gaming laptop, offering top-tier performance and features.[2]
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is equipped with the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor. This high-performance CPU features 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) and 32 threads, with a maximum frequency of 5.8 GHz for P-cores and 4.1 GHz for E-cores. The processor is designed to handle demanding tasks and gaming with ease.[1]
Reviewers have praised the CPU for its exceptional performance, particularly in gaming and content creation. The CPU allows for high power limits, enabling excellent gaming performance. However, it occasionally thermal throttles under heavy load.[2] In benchmarks, the CPU performs well, with scores comparable to last year's model. For example, in Cinebench R23, it scores around 30,900 points with the current BIOS, which caps at 160W, and previously over 32,000 points at 220W.[3]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
- Geekbench 6.2:
- Multi-Core: ~17,691 points
- Single-Core: ~2,843 points[3]
Graphics
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is equipped with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, featuring 16 GB of GDDR6 memory and a maximum power limit of 175 W. This GPU is designed to deliver top-tier gaming performance and supports advanced features like Ray Tracing, DLSS, and a MUX switch for direct GPU control.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the GPU performs exceptionally well, allowing for high frame rates in most games. However, the lack of G-Sync can lead to screen tearing in some titles.[2] In benchmarks, the GPU scores impressively, with results comparable to desktop RTX 4080 GPUs. For example, in 3DMark Time Spy, it scores around 22,256 points, and in 3DMark Fire Strike, it scores around 50,532 points.[3]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Time Spy:
- Graphics: ~22,256 points[3]
- 3DMark Fire Strike:
- Graphics: ~50,532 points[3]
- Blender v3.3 Classroom OPTIX/RTX: ~10 seconds[3]
Memory
The Titan 18 HX (2024) supports up to 192 GB of DDR5-5600 MHz memory, with four SODIMM slots available for user upgrades. Pre-configured SKUs come with either 64 GB (2x32 GB) or 128 GB (4x32 GB) of RAM.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the memory performs exceptionally well, with high read, write, and copy speeds. For example, in AIDA64 benchmarks, the memory achieves read speeds of around 54,443 MB/s, write speeds of around 51,387 MB/s, and copy speeds of around 56,992 MB/s.[3]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64:
- Memory Read: ~54,443 MB/s
- Memory Write: ~51,387 MB/s
- Memory Copy: ~56,992 MB/s
- Memory Latency: ~105 ns[3]
Storage
The Titan 18 HX (2024) can be configured with either 2 TB or 4 TB of NVMe SSD storage, with the latter configuration using two 2 TB SSDs in RAID 0. The laptop also supports up to three M.2 storage slots, including one PCIe Gen 5 slot for future upgrades.[1]
Reviewers have praised the storage performance, noting that the RAID 0 configuration allows for extremely high transfer rates. For example, in CrystalDiskMark benchmarks, the storage achieves read speeds of around 13,000 MB/s and write speeds of around 10,000 MB/s.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
Co-processors
The Titan 18 HX (2024) does not feature any dedicated co-processors for AI or other specialized tasks.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Titan 18 HX (2024) features a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX ultra-low profile switches for some keys, customizable per-key RGB backlighting, and a full-size number pad. The keyboard is highly praised for its layout and functionality, though it is loud and clicky.[2][3]
Reviewers have noted that the typing experience is excellent, with noticeable travel and feedback. However, the numpad and arrow keys are membrane-based, resulting in a softer and quieter feel.[3]
Touchpad
The Titan 18 HX (2024) comes with a haptic feedback touchpad with a glass surface, measuring 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.2 inches (8.1 cm). The touchpad is praised for its seamless design and even clicking all around.[2]
However, some reviewers have criticized the touchpad for its poor performance in clicking and holding to drag items in Windows. The haptic clicks feel awkward compared to a normal touchpad.[4]
Webcam
The Titan 18 HX (2024) features a 1080p webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello face unlock and a physical privacy shutter.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the webcam quality is very good, with a rating of 8.5 out of 10. However, it can have brightness issues, as shown by the color checker results.[2][3]
Microphone
The Titan 18 HX (2024) comes with a built-in microphone array. Reviewers have noted that the microphone quality is mediocre.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is available with two display options:
- 18-inch UHD+ (3840x2400) 120Hz Mini LED HDR 1000, 100% DCI-P3
- 18-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) 240Hz IPS-Level, 100% DCI-P3[1]
Reviewers have praised the display for its brightness, high contrast ratio, and excellent color accuracy. The Mini LED display, in particular, is noted for its HDR performance, with a peak brightness of over 1100 nits. However, it suffers from an obvious halo effect when moving the mouse cursor around on a dark window.[2][3][4]
Benchmarks:
- Brightness: ~481.6 cd/m² (SDR), ~1155 cd/m² (HDR)
- Contrast: ∞:1
- ΔE Color: ~3.77
- ΔE Greyscale: ~3.2
- Color Gamut: ~99.8% sRGB, ~98.1% Display P3[3]
Audio
The Titan 18 HX (2024) features a sound system by Dynaudio, with four 2W speakers and two 2W woofers. The speakers are noted for their loud volume, reaching up to 94 dB, but they lack clarity in bass and mids.[2][3]
Reviewers have noted that the audio quality is solid, with good balance, though bass is nearly absent.[3]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is equipped with a Killer WiFi 7 BE1750 module, providing high-speed wireless connectivity.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the WiFi performance is excellent, with no connectivity issues experienced when paired with a Wi-Fi 6E test router.[3]
Benchmarks:
- iperf3 transmit AXE11000: ~1096 MBit/s
- iperf3 receive AXE11000: ~1379 MBit/s[3]
Bluetooth
The Titan 18 HX (2024) comes with Bluetooth 5.4 support.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Titan 18 HX (2024) includes a full-size SD card reader. Reviewers have noted that the card reader is slow, taking around 12 seconds to move 1 GB of images, which is 2x slower than competitors.[3]
Benchmarks:
- JPG Copy Test: ~83.8 MB/s
- AS SSD Seq Read Test: ~91.5 MB/s[3]
USB
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is equipped with the following USB ports:
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A)
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C) with DisplayPort 1.4 and 100W Power Delivery[1]
Reviewers have noted that the USB ports offer excellent connectivity options and are well-arranged, with most along the rear to reduce clutter.[3]
Display Outputs
The Titan 18 HX (2024) comes with the following display outputs:
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 1.4
- 1 x HDMI 2.1[1]
Reviewers have noted that the display outputs are excellent, supporting high refresh rates and resolutions. The HDMI port can run a 4K 120Hz 12-bit display with G-Sync.[4]
Case
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The Titan 18 HX (2024) features a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis with a Core Black finish. The build quality is very high, with metal and glass components, though the design could be improved. The plastic components help keep the laptop cooler.[1][2]
Reviewers have noted that the chassis is rigid and luxurious, but the hinges could be firmer, and the surface is prone to fingerprints. The laptop is built like a tank but is quite large and heavy.[3][4]
Maintenance
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The bottom panel of the Titan 18 HX (2024) is secured by 12 Phillips screws, making it relatively easy to service. Users have direct access to four SODIMM slots, three M.2 SSD slots (two PCIe4 x4, one PCIe5 x4), and the removable WLAN module.[3]
Upgradeable components:
- 4x DDR5-5600 SODIMMs
- 3x M.2 2280 PCIe SSDs
- WLAN module[3]
Cooling System
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The Titan 18 HX (2024) is equipped with a dual 70 mm fan and vapor chamber cooling system. The system intakes air from the sides and bottom grilles and exhausts air through the back grilles.[3]
Heat
Surface temperatures vary depending on the configuration. The laptop can get very hot under load, with CPU temperatures reaching 85 to 95 degrees Celsius.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
- Maximum upper side: ~41 °C
- Maximum bottom: ~50 °C
- Idle upper side: ~30 °C
- Idle bottom: ~34 °C[3]
Noise
The Titan 18 HX(2024) can be quite loud under load. The fan noise can reach up to 63 dB(A) when gaming with Cooler Boost on. Balanced mode is quieter at 53 dB(A), but performance is reduced. The fans are audible even when sitting completely idle and get louder in higher performance modes. Extreme performance mode is noticeably louder compared to most other laptops, and the fan noise is described as "insane" with the fans maxed out.[2][3][4]
Benchmarks:
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Titan 18 HX (2024) ships with a 400 W AC adapter, which is the highest wattage charger ever included with a gaming laptop. The laptop consumes a lot of power, especially under load, pulling up to 270 W during gaming and almost 340 W in some scenarios. The new 400 W AC adapter is more compact and efficient.[1][2][3]
Battery Life
All Titan 18 HX (2024) SKUs come with a 99.9 Wh Li-Polymer battery. The battery life is considered poor, lasting less than 4 hours in video playback tests. Charging takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.[1][4]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Browsing (150 nits): ~240 minutes
- Load: ~60 minutes
- Video Playback (1080p): ~240 minutes
- Gaming (Witcher 3): ~60 minutes[4][3]
Biometrics
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The Titan 18 HX (2024) supports Windows Hello face recognition through its IR sensor integrated within the 1080p webcam. There is no fingerprint reader.[1][3]
Software
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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Pro. The laptop comes preinstalled with several MSI software utilities, including MSI Center, SteelSeries GG, MSI True Color, and Nahimic.[1][2]
Preinstalled Software
MSI Center
The MSI Center program acts as the primary control center for the Titan 18 HX. It allows users to manage performance profiles, system updates, and other settings.[2]
SteelSeries GG
The SteelSeries GG software is used to customize the per-key RGB lighting on the keyboard and manage other SteelSeries peripherals.[2]
MSI True Color
MSI True Color allows users to adjust the display settings, including color profiles and brightness.[2]
Nahimic
Nahimic is an audio software that enhances the sound quality and provides various audio effects.[2]
Linux Support
The Titan 18 HX (2024) has limited Linux support. While the keyboard, touchpad, camera, speakers, and ethernet work, the Wi-Fi is not recognized. Keyboard shortcuts for volume adjust, screen brightness, and max fan work, but the keyboard brightness shortcut does nothing, and the keys were not lit up at all. The touchpad and lid logo were stuck on red lighting.[4]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Titan 18 HX (2024) comes with a 400 W AC adapter and paperwork. There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[3]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The Titan 18 HX (2024) is considered one of the most powerful and expensive gaming laptops available. It offers high CPU and GPU performance, a stunning display, and excellent build quality. However, it is not significantly better than last year's model and has some crucial flaws, such as loud fan noise, poor battery life, and a high price tag. It is suitable for advanced users who want maximum performance and customization options.[2][3][4][5]
Problems Summary[2][3][4][5]
- No G-Sync or Advanced Optimus support.
- Loud fan noise under load.
- Poor battery life.
- High price.
- Touchpad performance issues.
- Halo effect on Mini LED display.
- Heavy and large size.
- Plastic components prone to fingerprints.
Links
i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 128 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD: Gizmosliptech
i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 128 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD: Notebookcheck
i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 128 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD: Jarrod's Tech
i9-14900HX, RTX 4090, 128 GB RAM, 4 TB SSD: Ultrabookreview
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 "Titan 18 HX (2024) Specifications". MSI. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 "MSI Titan 18 HX Review". Gizmosliptech. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 3.31 3.32 3.33 3.34 3.35 3.36 "MSI Titan 18 HX A14VIG Review". Notebookcheck. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 "MSI Titan 18 HX Review". Jarrod's Tech. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "MSI Titan 18 Review". Ultrabookreview. Retrieved 2024-07-19.