ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 vs MSI Katana B14WGK-016US

Benchmark-weighted head-to-head · data updated 2026-09-10

Winner: ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97

ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 takes 8.8 weighted points vs 5.5, winning on CPU Benchmark, Storage, Refresh Rate. The MSI Katana B14WGK-016US counters in a higher tier — worth it if its strengths match your needs.

Winner

ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97

Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX · NVIDIA RTX 5070

Under $2500
4.2 (167)
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VS

MSI Katana B14WGK-016US

Intel Core i9 14900HX · NVIDIA RTX 5070

Under $2500
4.7 (29)
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Use-Case Scores

CategoryROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97Katana B14WGK-016US
Gaming7.4/106.6/10
Productivity6/106.1/10
Programming6.7/106.3/10
Engineering / 3D7.1/106.6/10
Student5.2/105.7/10
Travel / Portability4.5/105.3/10
AI Workloads7/106.5/10
Value for Money8.7/108.1/10

Detailed Specification Comparison

SpecROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97Katana B14WGK-016US
CPUIntel Core Ultra 9 275HXIntel Core i9 14900HX
PassMark Score56,48845,235
CPU Cores8P+16E8P+16E
GPUNVIDIA RTX 5070NVIDIA RTX 5070
G3DMark Score20,47220,472
RAM32 GB DDR532 GB DDR5
RAM UpgradeableYesYes
Storage2 TBSSD1 TBSSD
Display18″ IPS15.6″ IPS
Resolution2560x16002560x1600
Refresh Rate240 Hz165 Hz
Pixel Density168 PPI194 PPI
TouchscreenNoNo
Weight6.61 lbs4.96 lbs
Thickness0.91″0.98″
Amazon Rating4.2 ★ (167)4.7 ★ (29)
Value Score8.7/108.1/10

CPU Comparison

The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97's Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is ~25% faster in multi-threaded PassMark (56,488 vs 45,235). Noticeable in sustained workloads, less so in everyday browsing.

GPU & Gaming

Both GPUs land identical G3DMark scores — gaming is a wash.

Productivity & Battery

Office scores: 6/10 vs 6.1/10. Battery isn't in our dataset, but both share a similar power class, so expect comparable endurance.

Display

ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97: 18″ IPS 2560x1600 @ 240 Hz. Katana B14WGK-016US: 15.6″ IPS 2560x1600 @ 165 Hz. The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97's higher refresh rate wins for motion clarity.

RAM, Storage & Upgradeability

ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97: 32 GB DDR5 (upgradeable) + 2 TBSSD. Katana B14WGK-016US: 32 GB DDR5 (upgradeable) + 1 TBSSD.

Build & Portability

6.61 lbs / 0.91″ vs 4.96 lbs / 0.98″. The MSI Katana B14WGK-016US is 1.7 lbs lighter — significant for daily carry. Travel scores: 4.5 vs 5.3.

Value

Value scores land 8.7/10 vs 8.1/10. The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 extracts more performance per dollar.

Final Verdict

Buy the ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 — it wins the weighted spec battle. Choose the MSI Katana B14WGK-016US only if portability matter more to you.

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Also Consider

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