MSI Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XES / ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) G814JIR-N6074X

MSI Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XES: Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XES (9S7-17L791-032, Spain): Core i7-14650HX, RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 8 GB, 32 GB DDR5, 1 TB SSD, 17.3-inch FHD 144 Hz display, no operating system (Free DOS). QHD 240 Hz, Windows and other memory SKUs in the same B14WGK family, and the Katana 15 HX, are separate configurations.

ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) G814JIR-N6074X: G814JIR-N6074X: Core i9-14900HX, RTX 4070 Laptop GPU 8 GB (140 W = 115 W + 25 W Dynamic Boost), 2 × 16 GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM, 2 TB SSD, 18-inch 240 Hz IPS-level display, Windows 11 Pro. The G814JVR (RTX 4060) and G814JZR (RTX 4080) are separate SKUs in the same chassis; the 2023 G814JI and the 2025 Strix G18 are separate generations.

SpecificationMSI Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XESASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) G814JIR-N6074X
Release year20252024
ProcessorIntel Core i7-14650HX; 16 cores (8 performance + 8 efficiency), 24 threads, 30 MB cache, up to 5.2 GHz; Intel HM770 chipset

MSI states that the CPU and GPU can run at full power together on this model (Full Power CPU & GPU).

MSI
Intel Core i9-14900HX: 24 cores, 32 threads, 2.2 GHz base, up to 5.8 GHz, 36 MB cache ASUS
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU; 8 GB GDDR7; up to 2347 MHz boost clock; up to 115 W maximum graphics power with Dynamic Boost

Graphics power (TGP) decides how fast the same GPU runs in different laptops; MSI notes the value may vary by scenario. 8 GB of video memory can be a limit at high texture settings.

MSI
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, 8 GB GDDR6; ROG Boost 2225 MHz at 140 W (115 W + 25 W Dynamic Boost)

140 W is the top of NVIDIA’s allowed power range for the RTX 4070 Laptop GPU; the 25 W Dynamic Boost share moves to the GPU when CPU load is low. The GPU is soldered to the board.

ASUS
Graphics modeDiscrete graphics mode (MUX design)

A MUX switch connects the display directly to the NVIDIA GPU, removing the integrated graphics pass-through in games; switching modes may need a restart.

MSI
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Display17.3-inch FHD (1920 × 1080), 144 Hz, IPS-level panel

“IPS-level” is MSI’s term for panels with IPS-like wide viewing angles.

MSI
18-inch ROG Nebula, 2560 × 1600 (16:10), IPS-level, 240 Hz, 3 ms; 100% DCI-P3; G-Sync; Pantone Validated; anti-glare

240 Hz shows motion more smoothly and with less blur in fast games; G-Sync matches the refresh to the frame rate to reduce tearing.

ASUS
Memory32 GB (2 × 16 GB) DDR5; up to DDR5-5600; 2 slots, max 96 GB

Two modules run in dual channel. MSI notes actual speed varies with the module combination and CPU.

MSI
32 GB (2 × 16 GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM); 2 SO-DIMM slots, dual channel

Because both slots are filled, upgrading means replacing the installed modules; memory speed depends on the processor’s support.

ASUS
Storage1 TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD; 1 M.2 slot

With the single M.2 slot already used, adding capacity means replacing the SSD.

MSI
2 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD; 2 M.2 PCIe slots in total (including the one in use) ASUS
Ports3 × USB-A 3.2 Gen 2; 1 × USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort and Power Delivery 3.0); 1 × HDMI 2.1 (8K 60 Hz / 4K 120 Hz); Gigabit Ethernet; headphone/mic combo jack

There is no USB4 or Thunderbolt; the USB-C port carries data at up to 10 Gbit/s.

MSI
1 × Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gb/s, DisplayPort); 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort, charging, G-SYNC); 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A; HDMI 2.1 FRL; RJ45 LAN; 3.5 mm combo audio

USB-C charging is supported only on the USB 3.2 Gen 2 port; the Thunderbolt 4 port does not take charge. There is no SD card reader.

ASUS
WirelessIntel Wi-Fi 6E AX211; Bluetooth 5.3 MSIWi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax, tri-band) 2×2 ASUS
Keyboard, camera and audio4-zone RGB gaming keyboard with Copilot key; HD 720p 30 fps webcam; 2 × 2 W speakers, Nahimic 3, Hi-Res Audio Ready MSI—
Battery and adapter4-cell 75 Wh; 240 W adapter

The adapter must be connected for full performance in games; on battery the GPU and CPU run at lower power.

MSI
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Size and weight398 × 275.6 × 27.8 mm; 2.7 kg (with battery) MSI39.9 × 29.4 × 2.31–3.08 cm; 3.00 kg ASUS
Software and securityNo operating system (Free DOS); fTPM 2.0

Windows must be installed separately. fTPM 2.0 provides the security module Windows 11 requires in processor firmware.

MSI
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Warranty3-year limited warranty (MSI Spain) MSI—
MUX and graphics switching—MUX Switch + NVIDIA Advanced Optimus

The MUX switch connects the display directly to the NVIDIA GPU; Advanced Optimus switches without a restart.

ASUS
Keyboard, camera and lighting—Per-key RGB backlit keyboard (with number pad); 720p HD camera; Aura Sync light bar

The camera has no IR sensor for Windows Hello face recognition.

ASUS
Audio—2 speakers with Smart Amp; Dolby Atmos; Hi-Res (headphones); microphone array with AI noise cancelling ASUS
Battery and power—90 Wh, 4-cell lithium-ion; 280 W adapter with round (ø6.0) plug; a 100 W USB-C adapter is also listed

Which adapter is in the box varies by country. Performance is limited when charging over USB-C.

ASUS
Operating system and security—Windows 11 Pro; firmware TPM; BIOS administrator and user passwords ASUS