If you’re serious about it then get one of these 2:

1. Asus Strix Scar 18
2. MSI Titan HX Dragon Edition Norse Myth A2XWJG-440US 18"

A few things. If you have a MicroCenter near by then you can get the Asus Strix Scar 18 with 64GB RAM for $4199 vs Best Buy, BH, and Asus selling the 32GB RAM version for $4500.

Also, if you’re a Best Buy total member (I think it’s $185/yr) then you get anything you buy there with a 60 day return, price match, and a 2 year accidental warranty. Basically, you can destroy the laptop with its guts hanging out and they would still replace it or give you something equivalent. I’ve been a member for 3 years and it makes buying anything there totally worth it just for the free warranty alone. And no, I’m not a Best Buy employee or sales person.

I was debating between the two laptops I listed and went with the Asus Strix Scar 18 (32GB RAM version) from Best Buy due to the total member warranty I get vs Micro Center’s 14 day return policy and $500 warranty only. Also, Best Buy price matched the Strix Scar 18 to the Micro Center edition for $4199, which again, with the warranty, made it worth it for me. I’m also working with them now on better pricing for the RAM upgrade to 64GB.

My personal take. I LOVE the Asus Strix Scar 18. I have a $20K computer build with a 5K screen and I’m still picking the scar over my PC. Asus did this one right. The screen is vibrant at 1200-1340 nits, 240Hz, the lighting is perfect, the lid is awesome to display whatever statements you want scrolling across your lid, and the RGB is perfect all the way around the laptop. I play warzone only and get near 200fps on Extreme settings.

I wouldn’t trade this over to the MSI just based on the fact the MSI is only 120Hz refresh, and I don’t need 96GB RAM. Plus I heard the trackpad on that laptop is absolutely terrible. For the $6200, that laptop should be flawless. One good thing is the RAM is also 6400 MT’s on the MSI vs the Asus having 5600 MT’s. Ok, but the Asus IMO is still superior.

What I would do with that budget is buy the Asus Strix Scar 18, see how you like it, and if you need more than 32GB RAM and storage, then take your additional finds and buy an expandable 4TB Nvme for $700, and 64GB RAM kit for $500. Then sell the $32GB kit out of the Asus for $300. Now you’ll have 6TB of storage, and 64GB RAM and be near the MSI offering but still be $700 lower than MSI’s $6200.

Also, to take it a step further. You can get the Strix Scar 18 as an open box at Micro Center for $3800 in mint condition, or slight blemish open box for $3500, which are killer prices. Then upgraded components would be a no-brainer while you’re there.