MSI Crosshair A17 HX and MSI Katana 17 HX stand out as powerhouse contenders from MSI’s lineup. Both devices promise top-notch performance and excellent displays meant for serious gamers. Most buyers find themselves in a conundrum when comparing these two laptops, due to similar specs and close pricing.
This article provides a thorough comparison of the two, diving into their specs, features, and more to help you purchase the right gaming laptop that suits your needs.
MSI Crosshair A17 HX vs MSI Katana 17 HX: What are the differences?
The MSI Crosshair A17 HX is a premium gaming laptop (Image via MSI)
The MSI Crosshair A17 HX and MSI Katana 17 HX are both high-end 17-inch gaming laptops that target enthusiasts who demand desktop-like power in a portable form factor. In India, both devices are priced in roughly the same ballpark, with the Crosshair listed at ₹1,79,990, and the Katana listed at ₹1,77,990 on Flipkart and Amazon, respectively.
Here are the detailed specifications:
Features
MSI Crosshair A17 HX
MSI Katana 17 HX
Display
17”, QHD+, 240Hz
17.3″, FHD, 144Hz
17.3″, QHD, 240Hz
Processor
AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX
Intel Core i9-14900HX
GPU
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070
RAM
16GB DDR5
Max: 96GB, 2 Slots
16GB DDR5
Max: 96GB, 2 Slots
ROM
1TB SSD
1TB SSD
Battery
90Wh
75Wh
Price
₹1,79,990
₹1,77,990
Also read: MSI Crosshair 16 Core Ultra 7 vs. ASUS TUF F16 Core i7: Which is the better laptop?
Performance
The MSI Katana 17 HX is a high-end gaming laptop (Image via MSI)
When it comes to performance, both laptops house top-end processors. The MSI Crosshair A17 HX features the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX, delivering strong multi-core performance. In terms of GPU, it comes in configurations featuring the Nvidia RTX 5060 and the RTX 5070, handling demanding gaming titles and content creation workloads with ease.
The MSI Katana 17 HX is equipped with the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, offering just as much power for everyday performance and gaming. Graphics-wise, it features three GPU configurations: the RTX 5050, the RTX 5060, and the RTX 5070.
Both laptops feature 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB storage, making them excellent choices for most users. You can still upgrade the RAM and storage to higher capacities using the additional slots.
For most gamers and power users, both machines will comfortably run current AAA games at high settings. Depending on how demanding they are, most games run at 70-80 FPS even at high graphics settings, making both equally impressive for gaming.
The main difference comes down to the CPU. While both chips offer roughly similar performance, the Katana’s Intel i9 leads by a small margin, making it the more performant choice.
Also read: MSI Crosshair A16 vs ASUS ROG Strix G16: Which gaming laptop is better?
Display
Both laptops sport large 17-inch displays with a 240Hz refresh rate, offering an immersive experience with smooth visuals. The difference lies in the visual resolution, with the Crosshair A17 HX featuring a QHD+ display compared to an FHD or QHD screen on the Katana 17 HX. While both are great for gaming and multimedia, the Crosshair’s display is a cut above.
Battery life
Gaming laptops generally don’t excel in battery longevity, and neither of these models is an exception. The MSI Crosshair A17 HX houses a 90Wh battery unit, whereas the MSI Katana 17 HX features a 75Wh battery. You can expect a little over three hours with light use, but with gaming, both laptops last only around one-to-two hours.
Final verdict
All in all, the MSI Crosshair A17 HX wins for most gamers with its superior display, bigger battery, and performant build. While it costs slightly more, it offers a better 1440p gaming experience with its high-end specs. However, those on a tighter budget can still opt for the MSI Katana 17 HX, which offers excellent Intel performance and flexibility in display choices.
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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan