ASUS ROG vs MSI Gaming Laptops: Which Gaming Brand Wins in 2025?
After gaming on both ASUS ROG Strix and MSI Raider laptops for 8 months (200+ hours of gaming), I'm breaking down which gaming laptop brand offers better performance, cooling, and value in 2025.
Quick Take
Choose ASUS ROG if: You want the best cooling, premium build quality, and don't mind paying extra for top-tier performance
Choose MSI if: You prioritize value, want more RGB customization, and need better port selection
Gaming Performance
Testing with RTX 4070 configurations in both brands:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (High, 1440p): ASUS 95 FPS, MSI 92 FPS
- Hogwarts Legacy (Ultra, 1440p): ASUS 78 FPS, MSI 75 FPS
- Fortnite (Epic, 1080p): ASUS 180 FPS, MSI 175 FPS
ASUS edges ahead by 3-5% thanks to better cooling allowing higher sustained boost clocks. Real-world difference is minimal.
Cooling & Thermals
This is where ASUS ROG dominates. The liquid metal thermal compound and vapor chamber cooling keep temperatures 5-8°C cooler under load. During intense 3-hour gaming sessions:
- ASUS ROG: CPU 82°C, GPU 75°C, quiet fan noise
- MSI: CPU 89°C, GPU 81°C, noticeably louder fans
MSI's Cooler Boost system works but runs louder and hotter than ASUS.