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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated February 26, 2024·
If you prioritize gaming or demanding tasks and don't mind a heavier laptop, the ASUS ROG Strix may suit you with its robust performance. On the other hand, if you need something easier to carry around that still handles most tasks well, the MSI Stealth with its lighter build and good performance might be preferable. Remember, a lighter laptop often comes with some reductions in power or cooling efficiency, so consider what you'll be using the laptop for the most. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)
- Very good for general use
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Good battery life
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Stealth GS66
- Very good overall build quality
- Good portability
Key differences
General Use
8.7
7.7
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
422.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
280.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
5.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good for general use, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its higher-performing CPU and RAM, excels in screen quality, ensuring a smooth experience for general use and demanding tasks, though it's less portable and has a shorter battery life than the MSI Stealth GS66, which still maintains competent performance for everyday tasks, benefits from greater portability, and longer battery life, but it may not handle intensive tasks as efficiently. Both laptops feature adequate storage, decent keyboards and speakers, while operating noise and heat management are managed well enough to not detract significantly from their general use capabilities.
Gaming and AI
8.7
7.8
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18, with its top-tier GPU and high refresh rate, offers superior performance and smooth visuals critical for gaming and 3D applications, while the MSI Stealth GS66, though also capable with a strong GPU and refresh rate, prioritizes a balance between power and portability, potentially sacrificing some performance for a sleeker design and easier handling. The latter's screen quality and CPU are commendable but aren't as focused on peak performance as the ASUS.
Engineering and Design
9.2
8.2
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is excellent for engineering and design, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is very good.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 comes equipped with top-tier CPU, GPU, and ample RAM, coupled with a high-quality screen, making it a powerhouse for engineering tasks and design work that require robust performance and clear visuals. The MSI Stealth GS66, while also strong in performance with a commendable GPU and CPU, offers slightly more portability and quieter operation, which might be preferable for users who prioritize a balance between performance and mobility.
Content Creation
8.8
7.7
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good for content creation, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
8.5
7.5
9.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) is very good for software development, while the MSI Stealth GS66 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
8.7
8.1
18.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
422.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
280.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a better screen than the MSI Stealth GS66 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS ROG Strix G18 offers a vibrant display with sharp resolution and high brightness, making it deeply satisfying for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. When it comes to engineering and design, its broad color gamut covers a wide spectrum, ensuring accurate color reproduction essential for professional creative work. However, its lower refresh rate may lead to less fluid motion in fast-paced gaming and 3D applications, where the MSI Stealth GS66's balanced approach provides a more modest color range but still lacks in providing the smooth visuals sought by enthusiasts in these areas.
Battery
8.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Stealth GS66 has 5.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Poor
Good
18.0in
SIZE
15.6in
6.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The MSI Stealth GS66 has good portability, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Stealth GS66 to have very good build quality, while the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,249
$2,300
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) has a price of $2,249 and the MSI Stealth GS66 costs $2,300.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) and the MSI Stealth GS66 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) | MSI Stealth GS66 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,249 | $2,300 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | April 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 11.6'' x 1.06'' | 14.2'' x 9.7'' x 0.71'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.61 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.71" | 14.17" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.57" | 9.65" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-14900HX | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 18" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 360Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 422 nits | 280 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.3/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 4 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)
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NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | March 2023
"With the ROG Strix G18, Asus has made an almost consistently good debut in the still quite new 18-inch laptop segment. The base unit case shows a few signs of weakness in the area of stability and is something which has an effect on the perceived quality of the input devices (the chassis tends to rattle a bit). Nevertheless, thanks to generous port features (incl. Thunderbolt 4), a striking design, and extensive lighting (keyboard, LED strip on the front), gamers get a fitting gaming platform."
MSI Stealth GS66
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | February 2022
"The MSI Stealth GS66 is powerful enough for QHD. The Core i7-12700H and the GeForce RTX 3070 Ti found in the 12UGS model that we tested run all modern games smoothly in the native QHD resolution. The 15-inch display is very fast with its 240 Hz refresh rate, and it also offers a great color space (almost 100% DCI-P3) on top of that, which should please gamers as well as content creators, although we would have still wished for a higher brightness. Case, input devices, and connectivity (Thunderbolt 4) are at a good level. However, among other things, the GS66 loses points due to the high temperature development in 3D mode and its poor webcam."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024) or the MSI Stealth GS66
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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