ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025) GU605CX / MSI Raider A18 HX A9WIG-082US

The processor’s Intel AI Boost NPU delivers up to 13 TOPS of AI processing; some Windows AI features use this unit instead of the graphics card.

The processor’s stacked extra cache, called 3D V-Cache, keeps frequently used game data close, which helps frame rates especially in large open-world games.

120 W is the upper power limit including Dynamic Boost: the extra 20 W is shifted to the GPU when the processor load is low and is not always available. The RTX 5070 Ti version of the same chassis is limited to 115 W, and the RTX 5060 and 5070 versions to 105 W.

175 W is the highest GPU power MSI gives in this chassis; CPU and GPU together can draw up to 260 W (OverBoost Ultra). The desktop RTX 5080 is a separate card.

Advanced Optimus switches the internal display between the processor’s integrated graphics and the RTX 5090 without a restart. The MUX switch connects the display directly to the RTX 5090, removing the integrated graphics from the path in games.

240 Hz shows up to 240 frames per second in games; G-Sync matches the display refresh rate to the graphics card’s frame rate to prevent tearing. Pantone Validated means the display colours are verified against Pantone reference colours. ASUS does not give brightness or response time on this page.

The Mini LED backlight dims zones individually for high HDR brightness and deeper blacks; DisplayHDR 1000 is the tier certifying 1,000-nit peak brightness. Because of the high resolution, refresh is limited to 120 Hz.

The coating is used to reduce reflections from lamps and windows in bright rooms.

Memory cannot be upgraded later; the capacity chosen at purchase is permanent.

Both slots come filled; reaching 96 GB means fitting two 48 GB modules.

The second M.2 slot allows an extra SSD. ASUS gives no separate PCIe generation for the free slot.

The second M.2 slot runs at Gen4; an added SSD there tops out at Gen4 speed.

Both USB-C ports support an external display and charging; the 10 Gbps USB-C port also carries G-SYNC to an external display. ASUS does not state the USB-C charging power.

The USB4 ports are listed as compatible with Thunderbolt 4 accessories, but MSI does not state separate Thunderbolt certification; PD 3.1 allows USB-C charging, while full gaming power needs the 400 W adapter.

ASUS’s Middle East page also lists a 100 W USB-C adapter in the box and notes that the adapter can vary by region and model.

99.9 Wh is just under the limit for laptop batteries allowed on planes.

The force-cancelling woofer layout uses opposing drivers to reduce bass vibration passing into the chassis.

The IR camera enables face sign-in with Windows Hello.

The RTX 5060 and 5070 versions are 1.64 cm and 1.85 kg; the RTX 5070 Ti, 5080 and 5090 versions are 1.74 cm and 1.95 kg.

UHS-III gives faster reads than UHS-II with compatible cards; the full-size slot reads camera cards without an adapter.

The IR camera enables Windows Hello face sign-in; the physical shutter blocks the camera.

The weight excludes the 400 W adapter.