The top Gen 5 SSD laptop of 2025 is the MSI Raider A18 HX. The laptop boasts an extremely capable Ryzen 9 9955HX CPU, an RTX 5080 GPU, a scorching-fast 2TB Gen 5 SSD, and 64GB of RAM. The whole lot together provides unparalleled performance when gaming, editing, streaming, and even when running intensive AI/ML models locally
In this article, we’ll dive into three of the top gaming laptops for 2025 that come equipped with Gen 5 SSDs:
– Gigabyte AORUS MASTER 18
– Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10
– MSI Raider A18 HX
Each of these machines boasts high-end components, including RTX 5080 graphics, and packs a serious punch. However, they cater to different types of users.
Gigabyte AORUS MASTER 18 – A Powerhouse with an 18" Mini-LED Display
The AORUS MASTER 18 is designed for gamers who crave raw power and a large display.
At its core, it features the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, which can hit speeds of up to 5.4GHz, making it one of the fastest laptop CPUs available today. When paired with the RTX 5080 GPU, it delivers impressive frame rates for 4K gaming.
One of the most impressive aspects of this laptop is its display. The 18-inch Mini-LED screen boasts a resolution of 2560×1600 and a refresh rate of 240Hz. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum and is Pantone Validated, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. Plus, with HDR 1000 support, both games and movies come to life with stunning clarity and brightness.
When it comes to storage and memory, the AORUS MASTER 18 is built to last. It comes equipped with a 2TB Gen 4 SSD and has a Gen 5 slot available for future upgrades. You’ll also find 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600MHz, with the option to expand up to 128GB—ideal for gamers who also dabble in editing or streaming.
Cooling is a priority here, with multiple fans and heat pipes working together to maintain performance during those marathon gaming sessions. Weighing in at 7.7 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, but that’s a small price to pay for the impressive screen and cooling capabilities.
In summary, the AORUS MASTER 18 is perfect for gamers seeking desktop-level power in a portable format. It’s also an excellent choice for content creators who require precise color accuracy and robust hardware.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 strikes a fantastic balance between power, display quality, and portability.
At its core, it’s powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, boasting an impressive 24 cores. With a boost speed of up to 5.4GHz on the performance cores, it ensures smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. Paired with the RTX 5080 GPU running at 175W, it offers exceptional gaming performance and impressive ray tracing capabilities.
One of the standout features is its 16-inch OLED display. It boasts a resolution of 2560×1600 and a swift 240Hz refresh rate. Supporting HDR 1000 True Black and covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space, the colors are vibrant and deep, making it ideal for both gaming and creative tasks.
For storage, it comes equipped with a 1TB Gen 5 SSD, which means you’ll enjoy faster load times compared to the older Gen 4 drives. The RAM is a robust 32GB DDR5 running at 6400MHz, providing ample power for gaming, streaming, or editing without any hiccups.
The design is sleek and lighter than most 18-inch laptops, measuring just over an inch thick, making it more portable than the AORUS MASTER 18. The cooling system keeps everything stable, without the bulkiness of the AORUS setup.
The Legion Pro 7i is perfect for gamers seeking strong performance without the heft. It’s also an excellent choice for professionals who appreciate the OLED quality for design work, video editing, and everyday tasks.
The MSI Raider A18 HX is all about delivering extreme power for high-end gaming.
The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX is a flagship mobile processor with 16 cores and 32 threads.
It delivers top-tier performance for gaming, 3D rendering, and demanding creator workloads.
When paired with the RTX 5080 GPU, this beast can effortlessly tackle 4K gaming and demanding workloads. With OverBoost Ultra, you can push the total power draw up to a whopping 260W.
The laptop boasts an impressive 18-inch UHD+ Mini-LED display, offering a stunning 3840×2400 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It covers the entire DCI-P3 color space and is HDR 1000 certified, making it a dream for creators who crave exceptional detail and color precision.
For storage, you get a lightning-fast 2TB Gen 5 SSD, ensuring quick load times and speedy file transfers. The RAM is a massive 64GB DDR5 running at 6400MHz, with the option to expand up to 96GB. This setup is perfect for serious gaming, 3D rendering, and handling large video editing projects.
Cooling is managed by Cooler Boost 5, featuring dual fans and seven heat pipes. While the system is on the larger and heavier side, it maintains stable performance even under heavy loads. Plus, the Mystic Light with a new matrix lightbar adds a stylish touch for gamers who love their RGB effects.
The Raider A18 HX isn’t meant for casual users. It’s a powerhouse workstation laptop designed for dedicated gamers, streamers, and creators who demand top-tier performance and don’t mind the bulk.
Which Gen 5 SSD Laptop Should You Choose?
All three laptops have Gen 5 SSDs and RTX 5080 graphics, but they target different users.
Gigabyte AORUS MASTER 18 – Best for gamers who want a massive screen and future-proof upgrades. Its 18″ Mini-LED display and 240Hz refresh rate make it perfect for competitive play. The expandability up to 128GB RAM and 6TB SSD storage is unmatched.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 – Best for balanced use. The 16″ OLED screen gives rich colors for both gaming and creative work. It’s thinner and easier to carry, making it a strong option for professionals who also game.
MSI Raider A18 HX – Best for extreme users. With the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and 64GB RAM, it pushes desktop-level power. Its UHD+ Mini-LED screen is made for creators who need high detail. Gamers who stream or edit will find it the strongest choice.
If you want a desktop replacement, pick the AORUS.
If you want balance and portability, pick the Legion.
If you want the most power no matter the size, pick the Raider.
Q&A – Gen 5 SSD Laptops Explained
What Sets Gen 5 SSDs Apart from Gen 4 and Gen 3?
Gen 5 SSDs boast significantly more bandwidth, allowing them to transfer data nearly twice as fast as Gen 4. When you compare them to Gen 3, the difference is even more pronounced. This upgrade translates to quicker installations, faster data transfers, and a smoother gaming experience.
Do You Really Need a Gen 5 SSD in a Laptop?
Not everyone will find it necessary. Gamers will appreciate the reduced load times, while creators will enjoy faster rendering and file transfers. However, casual users might not notice a substantial difference.
Top Laptops Featuring Gen 5 SSDs in 2025
This year, the top contenders are the Gigabyte AORUS MASTER 18, Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10, and MSI Raider A18 HX.
How Much Faster is a Gen 5 SSD in Real-World Use?
Booting up Windows is noticeably quicker, games load maps in a flash, and large projects render and save much faster. It’s not just about the specs—everyday use feels more responsive.
Gen 5 SSD Laptops for Gamers vs. Creators – Which One Should You Pick?
Gamers should consider the AORUS or Legion, as both deliver fast frame rates and smooth gameplay. On the other hand, creators will find the Raider more beneficial, thanks to its Ryzen 3D CPU and UHD+ display.
Are Gen 5 SSD Laptops Worth the Extra Cost?
Absolutely, if you’re a gamer or creator handling demanding tasks. The speed advantage is significant now and helps keep your laptop relevant for longer. For lighter usage, though, it might not be worth the extra investment.
Future-Proofing: Will Gen 5 SSDs Remain Relevant for the Next 5 Years?
Definitely. As game sizes continue to expand and software demands increase, Gen 5 SSDs provide the speed necessary to keep laptops functional for years to come.