MSI has launched the Katana 15 HX C14, a gaming laptop notable for supporting both DDR5 and older DDR4-3200 memory, as manufacturers grapple with a broader DRAM crisis that has driven up laptop prices, especially for memory and SSDs. The move is aimed at keeping entry-level gaming laptops more affordable as component costs, particularly for DDR5, continue to climb.
The laptop is offered in two regional variants, each with dual SO-DIMM slots supporting either DDR4 or DDR5 memory. As a price comparison, a 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 kit costs around $200, while a comparable DDR5-6000 kit costs over $400. MSI lists support for up to 96GB of memory but has not specified standard DDR4 capacity; both Tom's Hardware and Wccftech note this figure is questionable since no 48GB DDR4 SO-DIMM modules currently exist.
Inside, the Katana 15 HX C14 can be configured with up to an Intel Core i9-14900HX, a 24-core, 32-thread 14th-generation Raptor Lake Refresh chip that supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, enabling MSI's dual-memory configuration strategy. On the graphics side, the laptop offers up to an Nvidia RTX 5070 laptop GPU (listed by Wccftech as 8GB), which supports DLSS 4.5, real-time ray tracing, GDDR7 memory, and other AI-related features. MSI states the system is tuned for up to 170W of combined CPU and GPU power, backed by a cooling system with dual fans, three heat pipes, and four exhaust outlets.
Display options include a 15.6-inch IPS panel available in QHD (2560x1440) at up to 165Hz or FHD (1920x1080) at up to 144Hz, with Wccftech noting these display choices may correspond to the different memory configurations. The laptop also includes dual PCIe Gen 4x4 M.2 slots for additional storage. Design-wise, it features a black chassis with textured slash patterns inspired by traditional Japanese blades, red logo accents, a thickness of 22.9mm, and a weight of 4.62 pounds.
Additional features include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, a 4-zone RGB keyboard with 1.7mm key travel, a 240W power adapter, USB Type-C with Power Delivery 3.0, a 60Whr battery, and DTS-enhanced dual 2W speakers. MSI has confirmed the Katana 15 HX C14 will be available globally, though pricing has not yet been announced.