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Updated March 22, 2024·
If you prioritize high-end gaming or demanding engineering software, the MSI Titan 18 HX offers top-notch performance but comes with a heftier price tag and may not be as easy to carry around. On the other hand, the Gigabyte Aero 17 costs less and is more portable, making it a better fit for everyday use and less resource-intensive tasks, though it may not handle extreme workloads as effectively as the Titan. You'll also find the Aero may have better battery life, beneficial for long periods away from power outlets. 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 Gigabyte Aero 17
- The Gigabyte Aero 17 has no clear advantages over the MSI Titan 18 HX.
Advantages of the MSI Titan 18 HX
- Best in class for engineering and design
- Excellent for gaming and AI
- Very good for software development
- Excellent for content creation
- Excellent speakers
- Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.1
8.8
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
368.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
5.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
10.0/10
6.6/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX and Gigabyte Aero 17 are both very good for general use, though the MSI Titan 18 HX is somewhat better.
The Gigabyte Aero 17 offers a balance with strong CPU performance, ample RAM, and high-quality screen, making it well-suited for general tasks, while still being relatively easy to carry and offering decent battery life. The MSI Titan 18 HX, though less portable due to its size and with a shorter battery life, provides top-tier CPU power and RAM capacity for more demanding operations, plus a high-quality screen for an enhanced visual experience.
Gaming and AI
7.9
9.4
7.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX is excellent for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 is good.
The Gigabyte Aero 17 provides solid performance for gaming and 3D applications, thanks to its capable GPU and high screen refresh rate, ensuring smooth gameplay and effective rendering. However, the MSI Titan 18 HX outshines with an even more powerful GPU and comparable refresh rate, delivering exceptional performance for the most demanding games and 3D tasks, while its superior CPU and screen quality further enhance the overall experience.
Engineering and Design
8.8
9.9
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
7.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
The MSI Titan 18 HX is best in class for engineering and design, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 is very good.
The MSI Titan 18 HX outshines the Gigabyte Aero 17 with superior processing power and graphics capabilities, crucial for complex engineering software and tasks, along with a higher quality screen that ensures precise design work. However, the Aero 17 offers relatively better portability and a quieter operation, which could be appealing for users who prioritize a balance between performance and convenience.
Content Creation
8.4
9.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
16.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
The MSI Titan 18 HX is excellent for content creation, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 is very 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
7.9
8.9
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
128.0 GB
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
10.0/10
The MSI Titan 18 HX is very good for software development, while the Gigabyte Aero 17 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
9.2
9.2
17.3in
SIZE
18.0in
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2400
Mini LED
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Mini LED
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
368.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The MSI Titan 18 HX has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aero 17 for general use, content creation, and software development.
If the Gigabyte Aero 17 offers superior screen resolution and brightness with adequate color range, that would make it suitable for general use and particularly appealing for engineering and design tasks which demand precise color reproduction; however, a lower refresh rate diminishes its appeal for gaming and 3D work where fluid motion is crucial. In contrast, while the MSI Titan 18 HX also provides high-resolution, bright displays with wide color gamuts, making it an excellent choice for both general use and professionals in engineering and design, gamers and 3D artists would likely find the screen less than ideal because of a refresh rate that isn't optimized for their fast-paced, high-frame-rate needs. Therefore, the tradeoff lies in choosing a laptop that excels in color accuracy and visual details versus one that prioritizes smooth, rapid motion.
Battery
5.5 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Gigabyte Aero 17 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The MSI Titan 18 HX has 4 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
Fair
Poor
17.3in
SIZE
18.0in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
7.9 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.2in
The Gigabyte Aero 17 has only fair portability, while the MSI Titan 18 HX has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,071
$4,800
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Gigabyte Aero 17 has a price of $2,071 and the MSI Titan 18 HX costs $4,800.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The MSI Titan 18 HX and Gigabyte Aero 17 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Gigabyte Aero 17 and the MSI Titan 18 HX compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gigabyte Aero 17 | MSI Titan 18 HX |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,071 | $4,800 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2022 | February 1, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.6'' x 9.5'' x 0.92'' | 15.9'' x 12.1'' x 1.26'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.73 lbs | 7.93 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.6" | 15.9" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.5" | 12.08" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i9-14900HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 128 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 4 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 2048 GB | 4096 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 5.5 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 99 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 18" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | Mini LED | Mini LED | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2400 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 368 nits | 401 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.7/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Gigabyte Aero 17
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Mike Wobker | May 2021
"Not only is the Aero 17 a very good laptop for gamers but also for content creators. With the upgrade to the Intel Core i9-11980HK, Gigabyte particularly improved the system performance. In addition, the hardware package is rounded by the extremely fast SSD and 32 GB of working memory in dual-channel mode. Compared to the predecessor, the battery life is reduced only moderately, and the 4K display also basically keeps its good qualities."
MSI Titan 18 HX
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | January 2024
"With no new Nvidia GPU this year for laptops, MSI had to refresh everything surrounding the graphics card to make up for it. Users are getting a new 18-inch chassis design, new 14th gen Intel HX CPU, new AC adapter, larger keys, and a new 120 Hz HDR1000 mini-LED 4K display to accompany the high price tag. Most of these changes are a step up from last year's GT77, but users are ultimately getting the same gaming performance out of both models."
Get a great deal on the Gigabyte Aero 17 or the MSI Titan 18 HX
About Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
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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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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