The ASUS ROG Strix and MSI Katana are budget-friendly gaming laptops that prioritise upgrade potential over soldered components. Both allow you to upgrade RAM and add secondary SSDs, making them solid long-term investments for gamers and creators who want to extend their laptops’ performance lifespan.
This guide compares RAM capacity, SSD options, charger wattage, and port connectivity to help you choose the best upgradeable gaming laptop for your budget and workflow.
Quick Verdict Table
| Upgrade Path | ASUS ROG Strix | MSI Katana |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Upgrade | 2–3 SO-DIMM slots (up to 96GB) | 2 SO-DIMM slots (up to 64GB) |
| SSD Options | 2x M.2 slots (NVMe) | 2x M.2 slots (NVMe) |
| Charger Wattage | 140W–240W (configuration dependent) | 90W–180W (varies) |
| Charger Type | Proprietary or USB-C (check model) | Proprietary DC connector |
| Ports | USB-C Thunderbolt optional, USB-A, HDMI 2.1 | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1 |
| Best For | Maximum RAM, high-end gaming | Budget gaming, dual SSD flexibility |
RAM Upgrade Capacity
Both laptops support user-replaceable RAM, but capacity ceilings differ significantly.
ASUS ROG Strix typically includes 2–3 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots. Some high-end configurations max out at 96GB (2x 48GB modules), while entry-level models support 64GB. Check your specific SKU for slot count.
MSI Katana includes 2 DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, maxing out at 64GB (2x 32GB modules). This is still substantial for gaming and most creative workloads.
For gaming at 1440p/1080p, 16GB is adequate. For content creation (streaming, video editing, 3D rendering), 32GB is recommended. 64GB+ is overkill for most gamers but useful for professionals running virtual machines or heavy workloads. Both are user-upgradeable — factor in the cost of future RAM modules when deciding (DDR5 SO-DIMM: £60–£150 per module).
SSD & Storage Flexibility
Both gaming laptops include two M.2 2280 NVMe slots, giving you excellent storage flexibility.
ASUS ROG Strix typically ships with one fast SSD (NVMe) and leaves the second M.2 slot empty or secondary. You can add a second drive for game libraries, video editing scratch space, or backup storage.
MSI Katana similarly includes 2x M.2 slots, though stock configurations often max out one drive. Adding a second SSD is straightforward.
Both accept standard NVMe drives (Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850X, Kingston Fury Beast, etc.). Upgrading from 512GB + empty to 512GB + 2TB costs approximately £100–£250. Having dual drives is huge for gamers — you can run your OS on a fast NVMe while storing game libraries on a secondary drive.
Charger & Power Specifications
Gaming laptops require more power than ultrabooks, and charger wattage affects gaming performance under load.
ASUS ROG Strix chargers vary by SKU: high-end models may ship with 240W chargers (substantial power delivery), while mid-range models use 140W–180W. Some newer models support USB-C PD at high wattages, while others use proprietary ASUS connectors. Check your specific model’s charger type before purchasing.
MSI Katana typically includes 90W–180W chargers depending on GPU and CPU configuration. Most use proprietary DC barrel connectors, meaning you’re locked into MSI chargers for replacements.
Higher wattage = better sustained gaming performance (GPU/CPU can run at full power during gaming sessions). Lower wattage may throttle performance under heavy load. Replacement chargers cost £50–£120.
Ports & Connectivity
ASUS ROG Strix includes 2–3x USB-C ports (some with Thunderbolt), multiple USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.1. Some configurations include dedicated Thunderbolt 4, which is excellent for external GPUs or high-speed storage.
MSI Katana includes 1–2x USB-C ports, multiple USB-A, and HDMI 2.1. Thunderbolt support depends on the specific model — check before purchase if external GPU expansion is important.
For gaming laptops, HDMI 2.1 is valuable — it supports 4K 120Hz or 1440p 240Hz output to external displays. Both laptops support this. Thunderbolt is useful for creative professionals connecting external SSDs or docking stations.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ASUS ROG Strix if: You want maximum RAM upgrade capacity (up to 96GB on some models) and prefer higher-wattage chargers for sustained gaming performance. You may get Thunderbolt support depending on your SKU.
Choose MSI Katana if: You want a more affordable entry point with solid upgrade paths (64GB RAM, dual SSDs). MSI’s chargers and ports are simpler, though potentially less flexible than ASUS’s higher-end options.
Full Specifications Comparison
| Specification | ASUS ROG Strix | MSI Katana |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7/i9 H-series | Intel Core i5/i7 H-series |
| Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 40-series (4070–4090) | NVIDIA RTX 40-series (4050–4070) |
| RAM (Stock) | 16GB or 32GB DDR5 | 16GB or 32GB DDR5 |
| Max RAM | 64GB–96GB (SKU dependent) | 64GB (2x 32GB) |
| Storage (Stock) | 512GB or 1TB NVMe | 512GB or 1TB NVMe |
| SSD Slots | 2x M.2 2280 | 2x M.2 2280 |
| Display | 15.6″–16″ IPS (1440p/4K), 144Hz–240Hz | 15.6″ IPS (1440p), 144Hz–165Hz |
| Charger | 140W–240W (proprietary or USB-C variant) | 90W–180W (proprietary DC) |
| Ports | 2–3x USB-C (Thunderbolt optional), 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1 | 2x USB-C, 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1 |
| Weight | 2.35–2.6 kg (15.6″–16″) | 2.25 kg (15.6″) |
| Battery | 90Wh–99Wh | 80Wh |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much RAM can I upgrade to on each laptop?
ASUS ROG Strix supports 64–96GB DDR5 depending on your model (check your specific SKU for slot count). MSI Katana supports up to 64GB (2x 32GB SO-DIMM slots). Both are user-upgradeable without warranty impact.
Can I add a second SSD to either laptop?
Yes. Both ASUS ROG Strix and MSI Katana include 2x M.2 2280 NVMe slots. Adding a second SSD is straightforward and typically costs £100–£200 depending on capacity (500GB–2TB).
Which charger is more powerful?
ASUS ROG Strix typically ships with 140W–240W chargers (higher-end), while MSI Katana uses 90W–180W. Higher wattage means better sustained gaming performance during heavy GPU/CPU load. Check your specific model’s charger rating.
Are the chargers proprietary?
Most ASUS and MSI gaming laptop chargers are proprietary DC barrel connectors, meaning replacements must match your specific model. Some newer ASUS models support USB-C PD — check before purchase if charger flexibility matters.
Which is better for content creation?
ASUS ROG Strix offers higher RAM ceiling (96GB on some models) and potentially Thunderbolt connectivity, making it better for video editing and 3D work. MSI Katana is more budget-friendly but maxes at 64GB RAM.
Do both support high-refresh external displays?
Yes. Both include HDMI 2.1, supporting 4K 120Hz or 1440p 240Hz output. Some ASUS models also have Thunderbolt, which supports DisplayPort for additional monitor connectivity via docks or adapters.
Where to Buy
Looking for compatible components? Check current prices and availability:
Recommended Products
These are the products we recommend based on this guide. All links go to Amazon UK where you can check current prices and availability.
| Product | Why We Recommend It | Amazon UK |
|---|---|---|
| Corsair Vengeance DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Top-rated DDR5 kit for gaming & productivity | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston Fury Impact DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2×16GB) 5600MHz | Excellent DDR5 alternative with XMP support | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 16GB 5600MHz | Affordable single-stick DDR5 | View on Amazon UK |
| G.Skill Ripjaws DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB 5600MHz | High performance DDR5 for enthusiasts | View on Amazon UK |
| Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe M.2 2280 | Fastest consumer NVMe — ideal for gaming & editing | View on Amazon UK |
| WD Black SN850X 2TB NVMe | Excellent Gen4 speed with heatsink option | View on Amazon UK |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe | Great value Gen4 SSD | View on Amazon UK |
| Kingston NV2 1TB NVMe | Budget-friendly with solid reliability | View on Amazon UK |
Prices and availability may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
