ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 2025, Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32GB, 4TB SSD + 2TB SSD, RTX 5070, Eclipse Gray

6TB of NVMe storage puts this in the 99th percentile, and the 24-core Ultra 9 275HX isn't far behind at 96th. The RTX 5070 and 240Hz display make it VR-ready and smooth for gaming. Just know it weighs 3.42kg and scores in the 1st percentile for compactness, so this is a desk machine, not a travel buddy.

Let's talk about what this thing can actually do. The Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is a 24-core monster with a 5.5GHz max turbo and 36MB of smart cache. That's a 96th percentile CPU, which means it's one of the best on the market right now. Paired with 32GB of DDR5 5600MHz RAM (87th percentile), you're looking at a machine that chews through video renders, code compilation, and memory-hungry multitasking without breaking a sweat. HIDevolution also went the extra mile with Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut on the CPU and Gelid GC Extreme on the GPU, which should help keep those boost clocks sustained.

The RTX 5070 with 8GB of GDDR7 is a solid 86th percentile GPU. It's not the absolute top of the charts, but it's a standout for 1440p gaming and VR. The 240Hz refresh rate on that 18-inch WQXGA panel means you'll actually see the frames this GPU can push in esports titles. The 6TB of storage across two PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives is the real flex though. 99th percentile. You could install your entire Steam library and still have room for a few 4K video projects.

Against the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, the Strix G18 trades blows on raw specs but gives up some portability. The Legion Pro is a more refined package overall, but this ASUS config has the storage advantage with 6TB versus what you'd typically find in a stock Legion. The Apple MacBook Pro M4 Max is in a different league for efficiency and build quality, but it can't touch this machine's storage capacity or upgradeability. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 and Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro are both far more portable, but they're not in the same performance class. The MSI Prestige is aimed at creators who need something lighter, and it shows in the spec sheet. If you want maximum performance per dollar and don't care about weight, the Strix G18 is compelling. If you need to carry your laptop daily, look elsewhere.

At $2,924 USD, this is a serious investment. But when you break down what you're getting, the price per performance ratio starts to make sense. The 6TB of storage alone would cost you a few hundred bucks to add aftermarket, and HIDevolution has already done the thermal paste upgrades for you. The 4TB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage in a 99th percentile configuration, paired with a 96th percentile CPU, means you're paying for top-tier components that won't feel outdated in two years. The single US listing at $2,924 is the only price point we're seeing, so there's not much room for comparison shopping on this specific config.

The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 is a desktop replacement that doesn't apologize for its size. The storage situation is the headline here, 6TB of NVMe SSD split across two drives, which lands in the 99th percentile of our database. That's the kind of number that makes you wonder why you ever deleted a game to make room. The CPU isn't far behind either, that 24-core Ultra 9 275HX sits in the 96th percentile, and the RTX 5070 with 8GB of GDDR7 is a strong showing at the 86th percentile.

But here's the thing. This laptop weighs 3.42kg and scores in the 1st percentile for compactness. That's not a typo. One. Percent. This is a machine that lives on a desk, not in a backpack. The 18-inch 2560x1600 240Hz display is gorgeous and lands in the 88th percentile, but you're paying for that screen real estate with your spine if you try to carry it anywhere.

If you need a laptop that actually fits in a bag, this is not your machine. The 1st percentile compactness score and 3.42kg weight make it one of the least portable options in our entire database. The reliability score at the 60th percentile is also just average, and with only 4 reviews giving it a 25th percentile social proof score, you're taking a bit of a leap of faith on long-term durability. If you're a student or commuter who needs something to carry between classes or meetings, get a MacBook Pro or a Legion Pro and call it a day. This ASUS is for people who want a desktop replacement that happens to have a screen attached.

The ASUS ROG Strix G18 G815LP-XS97 is a powerhouse with a storage configuration that's genuinely best-in-class. The 99th percentile storage score and 96th percentile CPU make this a creator's dream machine, and the 240Hz display keeps gamers happy too. The 78/100 user sentiment score reflects real enthusiasm for the RAM expandability and VR readiness, but the cooling questions and thin social proof are worth noting. At $2,924, you're getting a lot of hardware for the money, but you're also accepting a 3.42kg brick that scores dead last for compactness. If you want a desktop replacement that never leaves your desk, this is a strong buy. If you need a laptop that actually goes in a lap, keep scrolling.