In addition to MSI’s updated Claw handheld, the company’s gaming laptop lineup this year is heavy on 18-inch monster machines. At a private meeting leading up to CES 2025, I saw the new fleet of PCs announced at the show, and it’s now clear that gigantic screens are here to stay.
MSI has updated versions of several of its gaming laptop lines, from Titan to Stealth, and they’re brimming with the latest components. A common thread you’ll see in the details below is Nvidia’s latest GeForce RTX graphics paired with either Intel’s new Arrow Lake HX mobile processors or AMD’s “Fire Range” or Ryzen AI 300 chips. (If 18 inches sounds like more laptop than you need, some of these systems are also available in smaller sizes.)
These laptops will all drop in the first half of this year, but exact dates and prices are not yet available. See the video above for our rundown of each system and its intended audience, with more details below.
Crosshairs and Cyborgs: MSI’s Most Accessible Models
Let’s start at the bottom of the stack and work up. But first, one quick caveat to the 18-inch extravaganza: The Cyborg A17. While 17-inch laptop screens have largely been replaced by 18-inch panels, the formerly popular big-screen size still makes economic sense here at the budget-friendly tier Cyborg occupies. The screen on this model is a relatively modest full HD 144Hz panel, a fit for mainstream (and wallet-friendly) gaming.
MSI is updating the Cyborg A17 with the latest AMD Ryzen processors and Nvidia graphics, though its ceiling should top out lower than some of MSI’s high-power alternatives. The keyboard deck has a neat pattern—one of the laptop’s more interesting design aspects—that fades into a semi-translucent plastic. You can’t see many components, given the keyboard and metal plates beneath the surface, but it’s a more interesting design than others, nonetheless. The price (once we have it) will be key in determining how much value appeal this system has.
Now, on to the real big boys. The Crosshair 18 HX is MSI’s entry-level 18-incher and will arrive later in the year. It runs on the newly announced Intel “Arrow Lake HX” mobile processor platform, up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, and Nvidia’s next-generation graphics—though not to the top of the stack.
Its display has configurations up to a QHD+ (1600p) resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate, and it features a 24-zone RGB keyboard (with a dedicated Copilot key). The touchpad’s target-shaped pattern winks at the laptop’s name, and the lid features a black-on-black MSI dragon badge.
We didn’t get to see the Cyborg and Crosshair models in person ahead of the show, but MSI did bring by the rest of the 18-inch crowd for us to look at, as you’ll see below.
Enthusiast-Grade PCs: Fresh Stealth, Vector, and Raider Machines
Next is the Stealth 18 AI, which comes in two flavors depending on whether it’s an Intel or AMD model: the Stealth 18 HX AI or the Stealth A18 AI+, respectively. True to its name, the Stealth has always been MSI’s slimmest gaming line, which holds true at the 18-inch screen size. It comes in a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis and measures 6.37 pounds and just 0.94 inch at its thickest point, while its relatively compact footprint fits an 18-inch screen in a 17-inch frame.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Plenty of smaller-screen laptops beat those weight and thickness numbers, but you don’t usually touch those dimensions with an 18-inch panel aboard; I find the Stealth’s sleek design pleasant to look at and hold despite its sprawling screen. The understated style fits the concept, while a per-key RGB keyboard adds a little flair.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The Intel-based Stealth 18 also tops out at an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, while the AMD version goes up to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. Both models include Nvidia’s next-generation graphics, up to 96GB of memory, and a choice between a 4K mini LED 120Hz panel or a QHD+ 240Hz display.
For one last curve ball, MSI also updated a 16-inch version of the Stealth, the AMD-only A16 AI+. This shares many of the same design advantages as the Stealth 18 and will also pack up to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the latest Nvidia graphics.
The Vector is one of the more versatile models in MSI’s lineup. It can scale from lower to higher configurations, and it’s especially appreciated in professional settings. Like the Stealth, it comes in Intel (Vector 18 HX AI) and AMD (Vector A18 HX) versions—maxing out at the Core Ultra 9 275HX and Ryzen 9 9955HX processors, respectively—and next-generation Nvidia GPUs.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Finally, this hard-core laptop tier has the Raider 18 HX AI and the Raider A18 HX. The Raider line is generally the top option for enthusiast gamers in performance and styling. The A18 HX maxes out at a Ryzen 9 9955HX3D CPU, and the Intel model again goes up to a Core Ultra 9 275HX chip.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The chassis shows off some flashy RGB, most notably along the front edge, which has become a calling card for the Raider. The per-key RGB lighting and black and red system accents complete the look. This is all centered around the massive 18-inch 4K 120Hz panel.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
An advanced thermal system helps keep these cutting-edge parts running smoothly, including a 3D base for better airflow, dual fans, and seven copper heat pipes. One unique addition to the Raider is that one of these heat pipes is dedicated to the SSD, a speedy Gen 5 drive; the additional cooling attention should sustain fast operation.
Titan Time: MSI’s All-Out Powerhouse
Last but certainly not least, the all-powerful Titan 18. This Titan 18 HX model is MSI’s usual showcase for the best it can muster in terms of features and performance for each generation, and this edition is no different. This system is meant not only for enthusiast gamers but also for demanding professionals, engineers, video editors, and anyone who needs the most powerful parts a laptop can deploy.
Unlike the others, the Titan 18 HX comes in only one configuration. It is powered by a Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and Nvidia’s top-end graphics. Memory and storage max out at 96GB and 8TB, respectively, while the 18-inch display is a 4K 120Hz mini LED panel.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The build is equally well-outfitted: The model I saw couldn’t be powered on, but it will include full RGB lighting across the seamless haptic touchpad. The keyboard, meanwhile, is individually backlit per key and features Cherry MX mechanical switches for superior feedback. The system supports Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, Killer Wi-Fi 7, and a dedicated Gen 5 SSD heat pipe with its vapor chamber cooling system.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The elephant—or rather, the dragon—in the room is the head-turning design on the model shown here, dubbed the Titan 18 HX Dragon Edition. This is a special-edition version of the Titan 18; not all will look like this, and this one will come in limited quantities. The unique circular dragon inlay on the keyboard deck and the runes-and-dragon’s-eye paint job on the lid are exceptional, though not to everyone’s tastes. A more standard-looking Titan 18 model will also be sold.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Keep it locked to PCMag as we thoroughly test and review these monster machines throughout 2025.
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About Matthew Buzzi
Lead Analyst, Hardware
