ROG Strix G18 G835 (2025) SSD & RAM Upgrade

[syxer65]

Hello everyone,

I would like to have the best ssd and ram in my new Strix G18 (2025). I have found various information about whether the G18 (2025) supports PCie 5.0 NVMEs or not or just partial. If it supports full or partial, what do I need to consider regarding cooling, as the Gen5 NVMEs get very hot, or is the laptop's own cooling system sufficient? I would like to avoid thermal throtteling.

And regarding the RAM, it says in one place that up to 5600 is supported and in another place up to 6400. Which 6400 RAM is actually supported? And up to how many GB? And is it really faster than the 5600 or is the increase in speed rather small due to the higher latencies?

Many thanks!

[ElectroStingz · Accepted solution]

Hello,

There are 2 nvme slots in the laptop one is a direct link to the CPU [Gen5 x4], the other goes through the motherboard [Gen 4 x4], speeds differ so it's important to consider if you decide to use a Gen 5 nvme drive.

Gen 5 x4 <CPU> (16GB/s)
Gen 4 x4 <Chipset> (8GB/s)

If you need the higher speed a Gen5 nvme in the correct slot will be faster.

Heat wise, they only get hot under a sustained high data flow load but for cooling a cooling pad will help out massively, the G18 2025 has decent air intake vents near the nvme slots so get a laptop cooler placed underneath.

Memory is CPU based, the 275HX is native 6400MT/s support but you must use the correct type of memory which is CSODIMM (Clock Driver), this is still fairly new in the "SODIMM" format so choices are currently very limited. For what you can find it will be a typical spec of 6400MHz CL52. It's not bad but given time there will be higher performance low latency versions. 5600 (CL40) vs 6400 (CL52) is about 2ns difference on just that so it comes down to bandwidth, in a high volume (data flow) environment the 6400MHz memory will have greater performance. (High end gaming for sure will see an advantage).

Max memory support, ASUS list 64GB but it's also CPU based (Intel state 256GB). If they only tested 64GB then that is all they can say so the values I state are unofficial. Go for CSODIMM 2x48GB or 2x64GB if you need the extra ram but it is probably wise to wait until some performance gaming versions hit the market.

Hope this helps you make some choices.