ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) G615LM-BS73-CB (Core Ultra 7 255HX, RTX 5060) / MSI Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XES

ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) G615LM-BS73-CB (Core Ultra 7 255HX, RTX 5060): G615LM-BS73-CB: Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX, GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 8 GB, 16 GB DDR5-5600 (single module), 512 GB SSD, 16-inch FHD+ 165 Hz display, Eclipse Gray. The G615LM name is also sold elsewhere with a Core Ultra 9 275HX and a 2.5K 240 Hz panel; the G615LP (RTX 5070), G615LR (RTX 5070 Ti) and G615LW (RTX 5080) are different configurations.

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.

SpecificationASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) G615LM-BS73-CB (Core Ultra 7 255HX, RTX 5060)MSI Katana 17 HX B14WGK-032XES
Release year20252025
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 255HX; 20 cores / 20 threads, 2.4 GHz base, up to 5.2 GHz, 30 MB cache; Intel AI Boost NPU (up to 13 TOPS) ASUSIntel 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
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU; 8 GB GDDR7; ROG Boost 1610 MHz at 115 W (100 W + 15 W Dynamic Boost)

115 W is the highest total power the GPU can draw: 15 W of Dynamic Boost is added to the 100 W base limit when the processor is lightly loaded. 1610 MHz is the 1560 MHz boost clock plus a 50 MHz factory overclock. GPUs in the stronger G615 versions go up to 140 W.

ASUS		NVIDIA 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
Display16-inch FHD+ 16:10 (1920 × 1200) IPS-level, anti-glare; 165 Hz; 3 ms; 100% sRGB

165 Hz means smooth motion up to 165 frames per second; the 3 ms response time describes how fast pixels change colour. The family also includes 2.5K 240 Hz versions; this SKU uses the FHD+ panel.

ASUS		17.3-inch FHD (1920 × 1080), 144 Hz, IPS-level panel

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

MSI
Memory16 GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM; two SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB, dual-channel capable

This SKU has a single 16 GB module; adding a second module lets the memory run in dual channel. Memory speed may vary with what the processor supports.

ASUS		32 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
Storage512 GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD; two M.2 PCIe slots

Both SSD slots use the screwless Q-Latch retainer. ASUS says both slots are PCIe Gen 5 ready; the bundled SSD is PCIe 4.0.

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

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

MSI
Ports3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbit/s); 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbit/s, DisplayPort, power delivery, G-Sync); 1 × Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, power delivery); HDMI 2.1 FRL; RJ45; 3.5 mm audio

G-Sync support is listed on the USB-C port, so that is the port to use for variable refresh on an external monitor.

ASUS		3 × 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
WirelessWi-Fi 7 (802.11be) triple band 2 × 2; Bluetooth 5.4 ASUSIntel Wi-Fi 6E AX211; Bluetooth 5.3 MSI
CoolingEnd-to-end vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink, tri-fan; Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU

According to ASUS, liquid metal is applied to the GPU only on RTX 5080 and RTX 5070 Ti versions, so this RTX 5060 version has none on the GPU. Hot air exits behind the hinge.

ASUS		—
Service accessTool-less bottom access to RAM, SSD and fans

The rest of the motherboard is covered by a screwed-down protective frame.

ASUS		—
Battery and power90 Wh, 4-cell lithium-ion; 280 W adapter (20 V, 14 A)

Whether the adapter is included can vary by country and model.

ASUS		—
Keyboard, camera and audioBacklit 4-zone RGB keyboard with Copilot key; 1080p IR camera for Windows Hello; 2-speaker system with Smart Amp, Dolby Atmos; Aura Sync light bar ASUS4-zone RGB gaming keyboard with Copilot key; HD 720p 30 fps webcam; 2 × 2 W speakers, Nahimic 3, Hi-Res Audio Ready MSI
Operating systemWindows 11 Home ASUS—
Size and weight35.4 × 26.8 × 2.28–3.08 cm; 2.65 kg ASUS398 × 275.6 × 27.8 mm; 2.7 kg (with battery) MSI
Graphics mode—Discrete 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
Battery and adapter—4-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
Software and security—No 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
Warranty—3-year limited warranty (MSI Spain) MSI