📖 Looking for the individual review? Check our MSI Katana 15 HX full review with benchmarks, temperature, and detailed analysis of the B14WGK-016US model.
🔍 Introduction: Two Models, One Line
The MSI Katana 15 HX series offers two popular configurations on Amazon:
- B14WGK-016US: Intel i9-14900HX + RTX 5070 + 32GB RAM - See price on Amazon
- B14WFK-810US: Intel i7-14650HX + RTX 5060 + 16GB RAM - See price on Amazon
Both models share the same chassis, QHD+ 165Hz display, and Cooler Boost 5 cooling system, but differ significantly in performance and price. This comparison will help you decide which is best for you.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Specification | B14WGK-016US (RTX 5070) |
B14WFK-810US (RTX 5060) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i9-14900HX 1.6-5.8GHz, 24 cores |
Intel i7-14650HX 1.6-5.2GHz, 16 cores |
| GPU | RTX 5070 8GB GDDR7 | RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5 5600MHz | 16GB DDR5 5600MHz |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 15.6" QHD+ 165Hz | 15.6" QHD+ 165Hz |
| Weight | 4.96 lbs (2.25 kg) | 5.29 lbs (2.40 kg) |
| Amazon Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (82 reviews) | ⭐ 4.5/5 (82 reviews) |
| ASIN | B0DZFVBQLK | B0FRVZ7CLY |
| Price Difference | +$147 more expensive | Cheaper |
⚡ Performance Differences: CPU
B14WGK: Intel i9-14900HX
- ✅ 24 cores (8P + 16E)
- ✅ 32 threads
- ✅ 5.8GHz max boost
- ✅ 36MB Intel Smart Cache
- ✅ ~30% faster in multitasking
B14WFK: Intel i7-14650HX
- ⚪ 16 cores (6P + 8E)
- ⚪ 24 threads
- ⚪ 5.2GHz max boost
- ⚪ 24MB Intel Smart Cache
- ⚪ Good enough for gaming
💡 CPU Verdict: The i9-14900HX is ~30% more powerful for multithreaded tasks (video editing, streaming, rendering). For pure gaming, the i7-14650HX is enough since games prioritize the GPU.
🎮 Performance Differences: GPU (Most Important)
FPS Comparison in Demanding Games (1440p)
| Game | Settings | RTX 5070 (B14WGK) |
RTX 5060 (B14WFK) |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Ultra + RT + DLSS | 95 FPS | 65 FPS | +46% |
| Hogwarts Legacy | Ultra + RT + DLSS | 72 FPS | 50 FPS | +44% |
| Path of Exile 2 | Ultra | 145 FPS | 105 FPS | +38% |
| Call of Duty MW3 | Ultra | 120 FPS | 85 FPS | +41% |
| Valorant | Low (Competitive) | 400+ FPS | 350+ FPS | +14% |
| Fortnite | Competitive | 320 FPS | 240 FPS | +33% |
🔥 GPU Verdict: The RTX 5070 delivers ~40% more FPS in demanding games with Ray Tracing. This is the most significant difference between both models. If you play AAA titles at 1440p, the RTX 5070 is worth every extra dollar.
💾 RAM: 32GB vs 16GB - Does It Matter?
✅ 32GB DDR5 (B14WGK)
- ✅ Gaming + Chrome + Discord: No issues
- ✅ Streaming 1080p/60fps while gaming
- ✅ Smooth 1440p/4K video editing
- ✅ Extreme multitasking without lag
- ✅ Future-proof (2026+ games)
⚠️ 16GB DDR5 (B14WFK)
- ⚪ Gaming: Enough for most
- ⚠️ Streaming: Limited (720p/30fps)
- ⚠️ Video editing: Only basic 1080p
- ⚠️ Multitasking: Close background apps
- ⚠️ Upgradeable: You can expand later
💡 Recommendation: Both models have 2 SO-DIMM DDR5 slots and support up to 64GB max. If you choose the B14WFK with 16GB, you can upgrade later by adding another 16GB module (~$50-70 USD).
🌡️ Temperature and Cooling
Both models share the same Cooler Boost 5 dual fan system:
Conclusion: The B14WGK runs slightly hotter due to the more powerful RTX 5070, but nothing concerning. Cooler Boost 5 handles both configurations well.
💰 Price Analysis: Is the Difference Worth It?
B14WGK-016US (RTX 5070)
See price at:
AmazonFor $147 extra you get:
- ✅ i9 vs i7: +30% CPU performance
- ✅ RTX 5070 vs 5060: +40% FPS
- ✅ 32GB vs 16GB: Double RAM
- ✅ Better future resale value
B14WFK-810US (RTX 5060)
See price at:
AmazonYou save $147, but sacrifice:
- ⚠️ 30% less CPU performance
- ⚠️ 40% less FPS in games
- ⚠️ Half the RAM (16GB)
- ⚠️ Lower resale value
🎯 Price Verdict: The $147 USD difference (~9% more) gives you 30-40% more performance. It's an excellent investment if your budget allows. The B14WGK has a better price/performance ratio long-term.
🤔 Which Model Should You Choose?
✅ Choose B14WGK-016US (RTX 5070) If:
- You play demanding AAA titles (Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy)
- You want 1440p gaming @ 60-100+ FPS on Ultra
- You use Ray Tracing frequently
- You stream + game simultaneously
- You edit 1440p/4K video
- Your budget allows $1,650-1,700
- You want a "future-proof" laptop for 3-4 years
💰 Choose B14WFK-810US (RTX 5060) If:
- Your max budget is $1,500-1,550
- You mainly play at 1080p
- You don't use intensive Ray Tracing
- Casual gaming or less demanding titles
- No professional video editing
- 16GB RAM is enough (expand later)
- You prioritize savings over max performance
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which has better battery?
Both have 75Wh Lithium Polymer with ~2 hours of gaming. The B14WFK lasts ~15-20 minutes longer in light use due to less powerful components, but the difference is minimal.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM on B14WFK?
Yes, it has 2 SO-DIMM DDR5 slots and supports up to 64GB. Comes with 1x16GB, so you can add another 16GB module to reach 32GB (cost ~$50-70 USD).
3. Which is lighter?
B14WGK weighs 4.96 lbs (2.25kg) vs B14WFK 5.29 lbs (2.40kg). ~150g difference in favor of the more powerful model.
4. Is the display identical?
Yes, 100% identical: 15.6" QHD+ (2560x1440) 165Hz matte LCD. Both have the same panel.
5. Which has better WiFi?
B14WGK has WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.4, while B14WFK has WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3. Minimal difference.
6. Are the SSDs upgradeable?
Yes, both have 1 available M.2 NVMe slot for expansion. You can add a second SSD.
📈 Final Summary: Our Recommendation
Winner: B14WGK-016US (RTX 5070)
Score: 9.2/10
For most gamers, the B14WGK-016US offers the best value. For just $147 more (~9%), you get:
- ✅ 30% more CPU performance (i9 vs i7)
- ✅ 40% more FPS in games (RTX 5070 vs 5060)
- ✅ Double RAM (32GB vs 16GB)
- ✅ Better future-proofing (3-4 years 1440p gaming)
The small price increase is well justified by the performance boost. It's a smart investment you'll pay once but enjoy for years.
Buy B14WGK on AmazonBudget Alternative: B14WFK-810US (RTX 5060)
Score: 8.0/10
If your budget is very tight, the B14WFK is still an excellent gaming laptop:
- ✅ Solid 1080p/1440p gaming in most games
- ✅ i7-14650HX is enough for gaming
- ✅ RAM expandable to 32GB later
- ✅ Save $147 to invest in peripherals
Good option if you prioritize savings or mainly play at 1080p. Keep in mind you sacrifice ~40% performance in demanding games.
See B14WFK on Amazon🎯 Ready to decide?
Both models are available on Amazon with international shipping
📚 Related Guides MSI Katana 15 HX
Discover everything about the MSI Katana 15 HX ecosystem
MSI Katana 15 HX B14WGK-016US Full Review
Detailed analysis of the MSI Katana 15 HX with i9-14900HX and RTX 5070. Full specs, benchmarks, and gaming performance.
Read Review →How does the MSI Katana 15 HX perform in demanding games (Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy and more)
Real benchmarks, FPS, and performance analysis in the most demanding AAA games of 2025.
See Benchmarks →Best configurations to maximize MSI Katana 15 HX performance
Optimize BIOS, Cooler Boost 5, and MSI Center for the best possible performance.
See Guide →Where to buy MSI Katana 15 HX at the best price (Amazon, Newegg, MSI Store)
We compare prices, offers, and availability at the main online stores so you can save.
See Prices →💡 Already decided which model to buy? Explore all our guides to get the most out of your MSI Katana 15 HX