Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG upgrade (CSODIMM and SSDs)

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

Hey All,

Just got the Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG and been playing around (I am leaving attached some quick bench tests out of the box if anyone is interested).

Questions:
1. Laptop came with 6400MHz 64Gb SODIMM. Different online sources point out both Titan and Raider are already compatible with CSODIMM which include a clock driver (CKD) on the DIMM itself (better for signal stability specially at frequencies higher than JEDEC). If wanting to upgrade RAM from the 64GB to 128Gb, I have looked online and soon 64GBx2 DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kits like this will be available. BUT, officially MSI rates max RAM on the laptops at 96GB (as in 2x48Gb):
1.1 - Was the 96Gb max defined when using SODIMMs only? Is the real max 128Gb using 2x64GB CSODIMMs? Why would the laptop not be able to recognize 128Gb on 2 slots? (Intel is maxed at 192Gb and I believe there is no BIOS constraint..)
1.2 - If I bought the 128GB DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kit from Crucial above, would it work out of the box? Likely I would need to at least enable XMP memory profile (to custom) in Memory Overclocking Menu (Advanced BIOS), but would I need to set anything else in BIOS?
1.3 - What's the best way to remove the metallic box around the 2 RAM slots without scratching the board if using a screwdriver to pull it up? I see an arrow there (in the image) - should a screwdriver be inserted there to pull the box up? If so, I would need to remove that plate with 6 screws in the first place - is this what is expected to upgrade RAM?

2. Laptop comes with a 2TB Samsung SSD whose model I cannot find online - but given the DiskMark speeds seems to me that needs to be something gen 5 already. Nevertheless, I ordered a gen5 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro to replace it:
2.1 - To replace the gen 5 SSD, do I only need to remove the 2 SSD screws and the 2 screws above on the SSD cooling pipe plate? Is it that simple?
2.2 - I imagine it is ok to also replace the OEM thermal pad with a custom one? I ordered a GELID SOLUTIONS GP-Ultimate thermal pad which should be better.
2.3 - I do currently also have two 4TB Samsung 990 Pro SSDs from a previous laptop. If I wanted to test this laptop Super Raid 5 by combining the 9100 (gen5) + 990Pro (gen4) and/or 9100 (gen5) + 2x 990Pro (gen 4), which two other gen 4 slots should I use (and their order of best and worst in speeds if the case)?
2.4 - I imagine the RND4K speeds will suffer a lot.. but I do have the 990 Pro drives anyway and would like to check out that RAID0 system. I imagine the two other gen 4 SSD slots that allow RAID are 2 PCIe 4.0 lanes both connected to the intel cpu? I hope there's no other motherboard chipset involved that would drop a lane speed.
2.5 - What are those black SSD covers on gen4 slots? They only have glue on both ends and don't seem to be heat-conductive anyway. Do they have any purpose at all? I have a 1mm SSD copper heatsink and would like to place them on top of the gen4 SSDs, but I would need to remove the black SSD covers for that purpose.
2.6 - I guess it is fine to use the OEM gen 5 2TB Samsung SSD in the remaining gen 4 slot? I expect the speeds to only be gen4 slower.

Thanks in advance for the time and partial or full answers!

 

[drek4]

Hey All,

Just got the Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG and been playing around (I am leaving attached some quick bench tests out of the box if anyone is interested!

Thanks for sharing!

Questions:
1. Laptop came with 6400MHz 64Gb SODIMM. Different online sources point out both Titan and Raider are already compatible with CSODIMM which include a clock driver (CKD) on the DIMM itself (better for signal stability specially at frequencies higher than JEDEC). If wanting to upgrade RAM from the 64GB to 128Gb, I have looked online and soon 64GBx2 DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kits like this will be available. BUT, officially MSI rates max RAM on the laptops at 96GB (as in 2x48Gb):
1.1 - Was the 96Gb max defined when using SODIMMs only? Is the real max 128Gb using 2x64GB CSODIMMs? Why would the laptop not be able to recognize 128Gb on 2 slots? (Intel is maxed at 192Gb and I believe there is no BIOS constraint..)

It is a constraint from either motherboard and/or BIOS, they probably were not able to have stable 128GB @ 4400Mhz, so limit @ 96GB.

Arrow Lake (microprocessor) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

1.2 - If I bought the 128GB DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kit from Crucial above, would it work out of the box? Likely I would need to at least enable XMP memory profile (to custom) in Memory Overclocking Menu (Advanced BIOS), but would I need to set anything else in BIOS?

You can always give it a shot, but if the techs at MSI did not solve the enigma, do you think you would be better than them to achieve this?

1.3 - What's the best way to remove the metallic box around the 2 RAM slots without scratching the board if using a screwdriver to pull it up? I see an arrow there (in the image) - should a screwdriver be inserted there to pull the box up? If so, I would need to remove that plate with 6 screws in the first place - is this what is expected to upgrade RAM?

On my GP68HX and Stealth14 it came off easily if you pull straight up, if ever you use a screwdriver just insert in the wedge and push slightly towards the battery,
then do the same on the opposite side away from the battery, until it comes out, make sure to unplug your battery first, should unplug it anyways, but if you discharge static,
or scrape anything on motherboard, it's bye bye Titan.

2. Laptop comes with a 2TB Samsung SSD whose model I cannot find online - but given the DiskMark speeds seems to me that needs to be something gen 5 already. Nevertheless, I ordered a gen5 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro to replace it:

Probably the OEM version of the 9100.

2.2 - I imagine it is ok to also replace the OEM thermal pad with a custom one? I ordered a GELID SOLUTIONS GP-Ultimate thermal pad which should be better.

Keep in mind, that this will void your warranty on it.

2.5 - What are those black SSD covers on gen4 slots? They only have glue on both ends and don't seem to be heat-conductive anyway. Do they have any purpose at all? I have a 1mm SSD copper heatsink and would like to place them on top of the gen4 SSDs, but I would need to remove the black SSD covers for that purpose.

If you use heatsinks, then remove them, since your upgrade would be better.

2.6 - I guess it is fine to use the OEM gen 5 2TB Samsung SSD in the remaining gen 4 slot? I expect the speeds to only be gen4 slower.

Yes!

Thanks in advance for the time and partial or full answers!

Welcome!

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

Keep in mind, that this will void your warranty on it.

What warranty is voided? The whole laptop? Because the gen5 SSD pad is replaced by a better thermal pad? makes no sense to me..

Regarding the gen4 slots to do RAID0, do you know which SLOTs below should be used in conjunction with the gen5 one?
- For a RAID0 of gen5 + 1xgen4, which gen4 SLOT to use?
- For a RAID0 of gen5 + 2xgen4, which two gen4 SLOTs to use?

Thanks!

 

[Abel Lopez]

For your reference.

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

For your reference.

View attachment 201208

That doesn't apply here. In the Titan HX 18 AI A2XW the only gen5 slot is under the cooling pipe. The other 3 SSD slots are all gen4.
I was just wondering, from those 3 gen4 SSD slots, which two slot positions are better for RAID0 - if it actually matters.

 

[Abel Lopez]

That doesn't apply here. In the Titan HX 18 AI A2XW the only gen5 slot is under the cooling pipe. The other 3 SSD slots are all gen4.
I was just wondering, from those 3 gen4 SSD slots, which two slot positions are better for RAID0 - if it actually matters.

Oh I see that, sorry for my mistake.
I think the slot's position would not affect the performance, it doesn't matter.

 

[drek4]

What warranty is voided? The whole laptop? Because the gen5 SSD pad is replaced by a better thermal pad? makes no sense to me..

No, I must have misunderstood you, if you repaste CPU & GPU and install pads on VRMs, that would void the warranty.

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

No, I must have misunderstood you, if you repaste CPU & GPU and install pads on VRMs, that would void the warranty.

So I only intended to replace the thermal pad between the gen5 SSD top and the new cooling pipe plate it is glued to.

 

[drek4]

What warranty is voided? The whole laptop? Because the gen5 SSD pad is replaced by a better thermal pad? makes no sense to me..

Regarding the gen4 slots to do RAID0, do you know which SLOTs below should be used in conjunction with the gen5 one?
- For a RAID0 of gen5 + 1xgen4, which gen4 SLOT to use?
- For a RAID0 of gen5 + 2xgen4, which two gen4 SLOTs to use?
View attachment 201195

Thanks!

Well I would use Slot 1 & 2, performance gains would be minimal, but heat dispersion, would be optimal.

 

[drek4]

So I only intended to replace the thermal pad between the gen5 SSD top and the new cooling pipe plate it is glued to.

I doubt very much, that this would be cause to affect your warranty in any way, of course, keeping in mind that you keep everything intact.

 

[RemusM]

So I only intended to replace the thermal pad between the gen5 SSD top and the new cooling pipe plate it is glued to.

As long as you don't damage anything, the warranty is still in place.

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

UPDATE on CSODIMM - running 128Gb (2x64Gb) Kingston 6400MT/s DDR5 CSODIMM 52-51-51-102 stable

Contacted MSI regarding upgrading my A2XWJG 64Gb RAM to 128Gb (when MSI officially states it to be 96Gb max) and got a very narrow and expected answer from them:
" We have mainly tested the below RAM for you refer, but the specific support list is based on the inventory of service centers or the store.
- SODIMM,DDR5 SDRAM,48GB,3200(6400)MHz,HYNIX/HMCGY8MHBVB,HYNIX/H5CGD8MHBDX021
- SODIMM,DDR5 SDRAM,48GB,2800(5600)MHz,HYNIX/HMCGY8MGBSB,HYNIX/H5CGD8MGBDXxxx
- SODIMM,DDR5 SDRAM,32GB,3200(6400)MHz,MICRON/MTC16C2085S1VC64BD1,MICRON/MT60B2G8
- SODIMM,DDR5 SDRAM,32GB,2800(5600)MHz,HYNIX/HMCG88AGBSA,HYNIX/H5CG48AGBDXxxx
- SODIMM,DDR5 SDRAM,32GB,2800(5600)MHz,MICRON/MTC16C2085S1SC56BD1,MICRON/MT60B2G8
To avoid compatibility problems, it is recommended to install the modules (brand and specification) which was tested by msi."

Regarding compatibility with 2x64Gb:
"As we said, this laptop support Max 96GB. We don't suggest you use 2*64GB memory."
" So we do not guarantee its stability, compatibility and performance.
MSI laptops doesn't support XMP memory, please don't change the Memory Overclocking Menu in BIOS settings. "

But when I enquired them about the SSD upgrade (and slots for gen4 and gen5 RAID system), they said:
"We are sorry that we haven't tested the 4TB Samsung 990 Pro SSDs. From my personal point of view (Personal opinion only, not official), you can also try to use the SSD which the store announced compatibility with your laptop. But we still need to explain that this material has not been MSI tested with your laptop, and we do not guarantee its stability, compatibility and performance."
"Yes. You are right. Sorry for our mistakes. The laptop has 1x gen5 SSD which is under the SSD cooling pipe. All the other SSDs are gen4 slots. Using multiple SSDs in RAID 0 (Gen5 SSD + 2x gen4 SSD), any 2 GEN4 SSD is OK.
There is a possibility that the SSD may not be recognized in BIOS if you're using a unapproved SSD." - they initially even gave me wrong information about where gen5 slot was, and I had to correct them..

Well, after this I was not left very confident with what they told me about just using tested hardware. After all, my 12-year old GT70 2OC (GTX 780M) is still kicking fine with the same Win8.1 on a RAID0 system of 2x Plextor SSDs. And my latest Titan GT77 HX 13V with RTX 4090 (now sold) always had a RAID0 system of 2x 2TB Samsung 990 Pro running for 2 years with no problems as well.

But coming back to RAM, in essence they told me that CSODIMM was not even tested by them - only those SODIMMs above were tested and were recommended. Nevertheless, I went looking for possible 128Gb (2x64GB) RAM upgrades online and found these:
- Crucial 128GB Kit (64GBx2) DDR5 6400MT/s CSODIMM 52-52-52-103
- Kingston ValueRAM 128GB Kit (64GBx2) 6400MT/s DDR5 CSODIMM 52-51-51-102 (KVR64V52BD8-64)
- (for lower CL - you'd need to stick with 64Gb (2x32Gb) only - and you have Kingston FURY Impact at 5600MT/s which apparently can be pushed to 6400 @CL38/40 with XMP..)

I'm an AI researcher and I deal with LLMs - so having 128Gb is important to me (as well for other computer vision training workloads). As such, I went ahead and got 2x 64Gb Kingston 6400 CSODIMMs.

To my surprise, and going against the provided MSI information above, when I opened my laptop I noticed that the OEM RAM sticks are indeed 2x32GB 6400 MICRONs but not SODIMMs - they are already CSODIMMs - which MSI kept saying were not tested and not recommended...

- So these are OEM DDR5 2x32GB 6400MHz MICRON CSODIMMs with 52-51-51-102 (as per CPU-Z) and were always stable and running fine for the brief period I had them (I'm selling this btw)

After switching the above for the Kingston 64GBx2 kit (and btw just use a suction cup to remove the metal box shielding the RAM slots - makes it so easy and avoids any scratching!), I then proceeded to stress test the 128Gb of Kingston RAM for stability for ~55 consecutive hours. I used the following:
- TestMem5 (Absolut and Usmus)
- HCI MemTest
- OCCT
- Y-cruncher (FFTv4 and VT3)

Starting with the big boy, TestMem5, I ran 6 cycles of Absolut @ anta77 (16 hours):

Then, 1usmus v3 @ 1usmus for 25 cycles (10 hours):

Followed with HCI MemTest for +25 hours of 58 instances of 2048Mb until all instances had a minimum of 500% coverage, and then started removing instances that were already above 2000% and later above 1000% until all remaining instances reached a minimum of 1000% coverage:

After all these torture tests with CPU and RAM always on max, and with 0 errors, I was pretty confident the Kingston sticks are more than stable. Still, I run 30 cycles of FFTv4 and VT3 Y-cruncher tests for 2 hours:

And finally, just the 1-hour OCCT memory test:

All in all, 0 errors, no blackouts, crashes or anything like that, and safe to say the Kingston ValueRAM 128GB Kit (64GBx2) 6400MT/s DDR5 CSODIMM 52-51-51-102 (KVR64V52BD8-64) is as stable as they come on an MSI Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG system which officially is stated to be compatible with only a max of 96Gb of RAM.

I'll follow later with some RAID0 tests with 9100 Pro and 990 Pro.

 

[ix015d202ee]

Hey All,

Just got the Titan 18 HX AI A2XWJG and been playing around (I am leaving attached some quick bench tests out of the box if anyone is interested).

View attachment 201038

Questions:
1. Laptop came with 6400MHz 64Gb SODIMM. Different online sources point out both Titan and Raider are already compatible with CSODIMM which include a clock driver (CKD) on the DIMM itself (better for signal stability specially at frequencies higher than JEDEC). If wanting to upgrade RAM from the 64GB to 128Gb, I have looked online and soon 64GBx2 DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kits like this will be available. BUT, officially MSI rates max RAM on the laptops at 96GB (as in 2x48Gb):
1.1 - Was the 96Gb max defined when using SODIMMs only? Is the real max 128Gb using 2x64GB CSODIMMs? Why would the laptop not be able to recognize 128Gb on 2 slots? (Intel is maxed at 192Gb and I believe there is no BIOS constraint..)
1.2 - If I bought the 128GB DDR5-6400 CSODIMM kit from Crucial above, would it work out of the box? Likely I would need to at least enable XMP memory profile (to custom) in Memory Overclocking Menu (Advanced BIOS), but would I need to set anything else in BIOS?
1.3 - What's the best way to remove the metallic box around the 2 RAM slots without scratching the board if using a screwdriver to pull it up? I see an arrow there (in the image) - should a screwdriver be inserted there to pull the box up? If so, I would need to remove that plate with 6 screws in the first place - is this what is expected to upgrade RAM?

2. Laptop comes with a 2TB Samsung SSD whose model I cannot find online - but given the DiskMark speeds seems to me that needs to be something gen 5 already. Nevertheless, I ordered a gen5 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro to replace it:
2.1 - To replace the gen 5 SSD, do I only need to remove the 2 SSD screws and the 2 screws above on the SSD cooling pipe plate? Is it that simple?
2.2 - I imagine it is ok to also replace the OEM thermal pad with a custom one? I ordered a GELID SOLUTIONS GP-Ultimate thermal pad which should be better.
2.3 - I do currently also have two 4TB Samsung 990 Pro SSDs from a previous laptop. If I wanted to test this laptop Super Raid 5 by combining the 9100 (gen5) + 990Pro (gen4) and/or 9100 (gen5) + 2x 990Pro (gen 4), which two other gen 4 slots should I use (and their order of best and worst in speeds if the case)?
2.4 - I imagine the RND4K speeds will suffer a lot.. but I do have the 990 Pro drives anyway and would like to check out that RAID0 system. I imagine the two other gen 4 SSD slots that allow RAID are 2 PCIe 4.0 lanes both connected to the intel cpu? I hope there's no other motherboard chipset involved that would drop a lane speed.
2.5 - What are those black SSD covers on gen4 slots? They only have glue on both ends and don't seem to be heat-conductive anyway. Do they have any purpose at all? I have a 1mm SSD copper heatsink and would like to place them on top of the gen4 SSDs, but I would need to remove the black SSD covers for that purpose.
2.6 - I guess it is fine to use the OEM gen 5 2TB Samsung SSD in the remaining gen 4 slot? I expect the speeds to only be gen4 slower.

Thanks in advance for the time and partial or full answers!

I've been wondering a lot of the same regarding your questions. I got the model with 96GB RAM ... but, it's tied up in "shipping delays", so I don't have the thing in my grubby paws yet.
You're doing a very similar setup to what I've planned where I have 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro + 2x 4TB 990 Pro SSDs I'll use for the MSI Super Raid that's suppose to get (up to) 18,000 MB/sec. I'm also adding a 8TB WD Black. I have all the drives sitting here still in their boxes, never opened, just waiting for delivery of the machine.
I'm still undecided about using the Super Raid drives as OS, or the 8TB WD Black. I'm leaning toward thinking that the 8TB WD Black would be better for heat management because the super raid drives won't be under constant load, and will only get to work rendering, doing local AI, and also some gaming, but, only whenI use apps/assets/games loaded on the super raid drives, only when I want to use them as opposed to having the super raid drives under constant load with OS.
I'm doing the low profile heat sinks on the SSDs too. Additionally a Llano Laptop Cooler will be this machine's little throne to sit on for extra cooling because probably really need a LOT of extra cooling
4 years of Platinum service warranty with accidental protection was on offer through the outlet I picked.
I've read some very dissatisfied anecdotes regarding MSIs support. Thus, the 3rd party warranty I purchased lets someone else deal with them.
I also won't be using the keyboard or track pad. Using real external wireless keyboard, and real wireless mouse is just cleaner for the machine, keeps the machine in better repair, plus these things according some of the reviews DO get HOT, and I won't have to bother about any thermal discomfort this way.
Hmmm. What else? I'm planning on getting one of the new Thunderbolt 5 docks to drive 2 or 3 monitors, and also very very very tempted to get (when they're not sold out) a Morefine G1 External GPU with RTX4090M 16GB (mobile 4090 GPU) because laptop GPUs are always a little bit nerfed, and RTX 5090 + external RTX 4090 might, maybe, perhaps, increase performance, but, also help with heat managment where the integrated RTX 5090 doesn't have to work so hard all by itself, and GPU loads are distributed between external 4090M and internal 5090 ... IF the two GPUs will play nice with each other.

Anyway, good luck with yours. I'm keeping watch on this thread to see how your setup turns out!

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

I've been wondering a lot of the same regarding your questions. I got the model with 96GB RAM ... but, it's tied up in "shipping delays", so I don't have the thing in my grubby paws yet.
You're doing a very similar setup to what I've planned where I have 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro + 2x 4TB 990 Pro SSDs I'll use for the MSI Super Raid that's suppose to get (up to) 18,000 MB/sec. I'm also adding a 8TB WD Black. I have all the drives sitting here still in their boxes, never opened, just waiting for delivery of the machine.
I'm still undecided about using the Super Raid drives as OS, or the 8TB WD Black. I'm leaning toward thinking that the 8TB WD Black would be better for heat management because the super raid drives won't be under constant load, and will only get to work rendering, doing local AI, and also some gaming, but, only whenI use apps/assets/games loaded on the super raid drives, only when I want to use them as opposed to having the super raid drives under constant load with OS.
I'm doing the low profile heat sinks on the SSDs too. Additionally a Llano Laptop Cooler will be this machine's little throne to sit on for extra cooling because probably really need a LOT of extra cooling
4 years of Platinum service warranty with accidental protection was on offer through the outlet I picked.
I've read some very dissatisfied anecdotes regarding MSIs support. Thus, the 3rd party warranty I purchased lets someone else deal with them.
I also won't be using the keyboard or track pad. Using real external wireless keyboard, and real wireless mouse is just cleaner for the machine, keeps the machine in better repair, plus these things according some of the reviews DO get HOT, and I won't have to bother about any thermal discomfort this way.
Hmmm. What else? I'm planning on getting one of the new Thunderbolt 5 docks to drive 2 or 3 monitors, and also very very very tempted to get (when they're not sold out) a Morefine G1 External GPU with RTX4090M 16GB (mobile 4090 GPU) because laptop GPUs are always a little bit nerfed, and RTX 5090 + external RTX 4090 might, maybe, perhaps, increase performance, but, also help with heat managment where the integrated RTX 5090 doesn't have to work so hard all by itself, and GPU loads are distributed between external 4090M and internal 5090 ... IF the two GPUs will play nice with each other.

Anyway, good luck with yours. I'm keeping watch on this thread to see how your setup turns out!

yeah you stacking up as well lol
So all the tests above are done already with an IETS GT600v2 under the laptop so it's always cooled - even under stress tests, fans would only come out once in a while - it was a bit noisy during those test days tho with IETS on max lol - but I understand the Llano v12 is even louder. Anyway, those are the only two gaming laptop coolers that matter in the entire market. I only went for the IETS because of 3-way adjustable laptop holders which is nice specially with these super deep laptops (and still a lot of holes are covered by the foam - I actually cut my foam to have more holes open under the laptop while still keeping it sealed), and the higher elevation which allows me to stand it right next to my Asus PG27UCDM oled (DP 2.1) - I only use these two screens as I move a lot. And yeah I always use a Asus ROG Azoth and the standard MX Master 3S.

If you can save the 9100 Pro +2x 990 pro Raid0 system for the actual downstream stuff the better. I'd probably then have the OS in the WD Black too. But let's be honest, that's starting to be very finicky. If you just train models in MsHybrid mode and no external screens attached, the igpu will deal with laptop built-in screen loads, and you'll have the entire RTX 5090 VRAM available and at 0% - coupled with closing any unnecessary background programs is more than enough - bottleneck will still be the RTX anyway.

Regarding eGPU, I was waiting to see what they would come up with. So far only the Asus ROG XG Mobile 5090 (Thunderbolt 5) interests me - that will give another RTX 5090 mobile and more importantly 24Gb VRAM as well, but it will be super expensive.. (on the flip side, there should be stock available) I will need to check when it comes out. You can definitely do some distributed data/model parallelism with two RTX 5090s with 24Gb each.

But why would you want the Morefine G1 External GPU with RTX4090M 16GB? Unfortunately we don't have OCuLink in these laptops - MSI please read this! Titans need to have OCuLink ports! - and it only has Thunderbolt 4 USB-C.. that will limit a lot given the max 40Gbps.. I mean even Thunderbolt 5 is technically limited to PCIe 4.0 x4 = 64Gbps (same as OCuLink, but OCuLink has no overhead as its connected directly to PCIe)

 

[ix015d202ee]

yeah you stacking up as well lol
So all the tests above are done already with an IETS GT600v2 under the laptop so it's always cooled - even under stress tests, fans would only come out once in a while - it was a bit noisy during those test days tho with IETS on max lol - but I understand the Llano v12 is even louder. Anyway, those are the only two gaming laptop coolers that matter in the entire market. I only went for the IETS because of 3-way adjustable laptop holders which is nice specially with these super deep laptops (and still a lot of holes are covered by the foam - I actually cut my foam to have more holes open under the laptop while still keeping it sealed), and the higher elevation which allows me to stand it right next to my Asus PG27UCDM oled (DP 2.1) - I only use these two screens as I move a lot. And yeah I always use a Asus ROG Azoth and the standard MX Master 3S.

If you can save the 9100 Pro +2x 990 pro Raid0 system for the actual downstream stuff the better. I'd probably then have the OS in the WD Black too. But let's be honest, that's starting to be very finicky. If you just train models in MsHybrid mode and no external screens attached, the igpu will deal with laptop built-in screen loads, and you'll have the entire RTX 5090 VRAM available and at 0% - coupled with closing any unnecessary background programs is more than enough - bottleneck will still be the RTX anyway.

Regarding eGPU, I was waiting to see what they would come up with. So far only the Asus ROG XG Mobile 5090 (Thunderbolt 5) interests me - that will give another RTX 5090 mobile and more importantly 24Gb VRAM as well, but it will be super expensive.. (on the flip side, there should be stock available) I will need to check when it comes out. You can definitely do some distributed data/model parallelism with two RTX 5090s with 24Gb each.

But why would you want the Morefine G1 External GPU with RTX4090M 16GB? Unfortunately we don't have OCuLink in these laptops - MSI please read this! Titans need to have OCuLink ports! - and it only has Thunderbolt 4 USB-C.. that will limit a lot given the max 40Gbps.. I mean even Thunderbolt 5 is technically limited to PCIe 4.0 x4 = 64Gbps (same as OCuLink, but OCuLink has no overhead as its connected directly to PCIe)

I honestly didn't know about the Asus ROG XG Mobile 5090. I was stuck thinking the upcoming DC510 was the Asus TB5 docking station solution. I saw that the Morefine egpu was limited to TB4, but, I liked that it was an all in one package compared to other eGPU solutions I've seen where one needs to supply their own full-sized desktop GPU and PSU. The Morfine is also tiny which would be convenient for travel, and as an all in one package size and integration had me sold. Hauling around, and juggling 25lbs of laptop, cooler, and other associated kit can be bit of a bother when items add bulk even if it's only a brief walk from parking to office or maybe an elevator. That XG Mobile 5090 looks like it solves the bulk problem, looks even more portable than the Morefine, and the TB4 bandwidth pinch is no longer a thing. I'm sold on the XG mobile 5090 now ... whenever I can find one available. lol.
The Asus ecosystem is pretty nice this year. The z13 flow is tempting. I forget the specific RAM type, but it's soldered in, so not upgradable, but, there's a 128GB version, and the z13 flow allows reallocation of system RAM into V-RAM. Could run 32GB or 64GB for system RAM depending needs, and the left over 96GB or 64GB even split goes over to VRAM.
Pair the z13flow with the XG Mobile 5090, and the Titan could, maybe, possibly stay on the desk most of the time. There'd be loss of the MSI super-raid while out in the wild, but, I think i could somehow manage to survive, and carrying two tablet sized devices would be more discrete, and abundantly more convenient.
I still think I'll get another docking station with TB5 as I typically run several monitors while doing market day-trading. The more screen real estate I have to spread out graphs the better. After market close, or when I call it quits for the day, most the extra screen space gets turned off. I am, however, in love with the LG Ultra Gear 45GX950A that finally shipped last week. I might go in for a 2nd with Titan in the middle whenever that finally ships and have a little space ship setup with new 5k2k LGs to left and right. The B version (not out yet) can morph from flat screen to curved, but, no telling what ghastly price tag that will wear after tariffs get tacked on. The outlet I bought the Titan from has already added $600 to the Titan's price. Thankfully I ordered before this weird market volitility and locked in pre-tariff pre-order price. I otherwise would have waited for the Titan to ship and go on a review circuit before ordering, but, I saw the price hikes coming, and had to click that "buy" button.

Anyway, thanks for referring me to the XG Mobile 5090. I'm sure I've seen it in passing, while browsing and comparing various products for whatever the Titan setup's final form takes but, it only ever registered as a "tablet" Now I know!
You know of any good drive cloning software? I haven't cloned a drive in ... I can't remember, and I'll want to pop this WD-Black in an external to clone the OEM drive before replacing it.
I'll then shelf the OEM drive in case warranty issues happen in future and require shipping of Titan. It'd also serve well for troubleshooting as a near virginal OEM installation in seeing whether a problem still occurs with virginal OS vs a well-used and lived-in OS instance.

Let us know how it goes with your own 9100 +2x 990 super raid setup. It'll be nice to see what can be expected.

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

I honestly didn't know about the Asus ROG XG Mobile 5090. I was stuck thinking the upcoming DC510 was the Asus TB5 docking station solution. I saw that the Morefine egpu was limited to TB4, but, I liked that it was an all in one package compared to other eGPU solutions I've seen where one needs to supply their own full-sized desktop GPU and PSU. The Morfine is also tiny which would be convenient for travel, and as an all in one package size and integration had me sold. Hauling around, and juggling 25lbs of laptop, cooler, and other associated kit can be bit of a bother when items add bulk even if it's only a brief walk from parking to office or maybe an elevator. That XG Mobile 5090 looks like it solves the bulk problem, looks even more portable than the Morefine, and the TB4 bandwidth pinch is no longer a thing. I'm sold on the XG mobile 5090 now ... whenever I can find one available. lol.
The Asus ecosystem is pretty nice this year. The z13 flow is tempting. I forget the specific RAM type, but it's soldered in, so not upgradable, but, there's a 128GB version, and the z13 flow allows reallocation of system RAM into V-RAM. Could run 32GB or 64GB for system RAM depending needs, and the left over 96GB or 64GB even split goes over to VRAM.
Pair the z13flow with the XG Mobile 5090, and the Titan could, maybe, possibly stay on the desk most of the time. There'd be loss of the MSI super-raid while out in the wild, but, I think i could somehow manage to survive, and carrying two tablet sized devices would be more discrete, and abundantly more convenient.
I still think I'll get another docking station with TB5 as I typically run several monitors while doing market day-trading. The more screen real estate I have to spread out graphs the better. After market close, or when I call it quits for the day, most the extra screen space gets turned off. I am, however, in love with the LG Ultra Gear 45GX950A that finally shipped last week. I might go in for a 2nd with Titan in the middle whenever that finally ships and have a little space ship setup with new 5k2k LGs to left and right. The B version (not out yet) can morph from flat screen to curved, but, no telling what ghastly price tag that will wear after tariffs get tacked on. The outlet I bought the Titan from has already added $600 to the Titan's price. Thankfully I ordered before this weird market volitility and locked in pre-tariff pre-order price. I otherwise would have waited for the Titan to ship and go on a review circuit before ordering, but, I saw the price hikes coming, and had to click that "buy" button.

Anyway, thanks for referring me to the XG Mobile 5090. I'm sure I've seen it in passing, while browsing and comparing various products for whatever the Titan setup's final form takes but, it only ever registered as a "tablet" Now I know!
You know of any good drive cloning software? I haven't cloned a drive in ... I can't remember, and I'll want to pop this WD-Black in an external to clone the OEM drive before replacing it.
I'll then shelf the OEM drive in case warranty issues happen in future and require shipping of Titan. It'd also serve well for troubleshooting as a near virginal OEM installation in seeing whether a problem still occurs with virginal OS vs a well-used and lived-in OS instance.

Let us know how it goes with your own 9100 +2x 990 super raid setup. It'll be nice to see what can be expected.

lol even my OEM partitions are gone. I never keep them.. I like a clean Windows install. I'd have to google for a good drive cloning software - so your google search is as good as mine.

still need to do some SSD tests, but I'll post later for sure

 

[ronvessGL76]

"lol even my OEM partitions are gone. I never keep them". Absolutely & without a 2nd thought, It's junk, stuffed in the trunk. My MSI AMD Raider A18HX came with 3 version of MS Office in more than 30 different languages, all removed/deleted. MSI News flash ! AMD laptops are known to run Office apps in slow-mo.
Well the whole MSI/OEM software suite I do have it saved for a little while until I have the need to use for the drives. But it is all JUNK, so why save it.
MSI News flash ! AMD laptops are known to run Office apps in slow-mo.
Well now your ^ on the MSI watch list. This csodimm memory is barely even out. Amazon = nothing. The 64x2 are not even found on Crucial website, but some how your links work.
My question is what processors does it work in? The premise for it sounds good.
I just installed 96 GB of Crucial DDR5 that is running way under the JEDEC rating, as the processor slows so does it.
Who knows, maybe this AMD Raider will just burn up & I'll get a Titan AMD with a 5090, what are they now with tariffs, 15 g's.
And maybe, just maybe the keyboard RPG will really work on the Titan, my Raider one has to turn off all the lights & dim the display to see the lighting. There it is. Are you sure?
I thought I saw it, oh well. Yeah, I removed all SteelSeries/MSI Mystic junk, a burned out flashlight on it's last leg is brighter than this wannabe RPG keyboard. Per key lighting, only in a wet dream.

 

[joao.sousa.domingo158102d7]

"lol even my OEM partitions are gone. I never keep them". Absolutely & without a 2nd thought, It's junk, stuffed in the trunk. My MSI AMD Raider A18HX came with 3 version of MS Office in more than 30 different languages, all removed/deleted. MSI News flash ! AMD laptops are known to run Office apps in slow-mo.
Well the whole MSI/OEM software suite I do have it saved for a little while until I have the need to use for the drives. But it is all JUNK, so why save it.
MSI News flash ! AMD laptops are known to run Office apps in slow-mo.
Well now your ^ on the MSI watch list. This csodimm memory is barely even out. Amazon = nothing. The 64x2 are not even found on Crucial website, but some how your links work.
My question is what processors does it work in? The premise for it sounds good.
I just installed 96 GB of Crucial DDR5 that is running way under the JEDEC rating, as the processor slows so does it.
Who knows, maybe this AMD Raider will just burn up & I'll get a Titan AMD with a 5090, what are they now with tariffs, 15 g's.
And maybe, just maybe the keyboard RPG will really work on the Titan, my Raider one has to turn off all the lights & dim the display to see the lighting. There it is. Are you sure?
I thought I saw it, oh well. Yeah, I removed all SteelSeries/MSI Mystic junk, a burned out flashlight on it's last leg is brighter than this wannabe RPG keyboard. Per key lighting, only in a wet dream.

The Kingston ValueRAM 64GB 6400 DDR5 CSODIMM (KVR64V52BD8-64) can be bought on Amazon - actually that's the only place I found it, but they run out of stock or it's being sold at a higher price. I bought my 2 sticks on amazon.es at €262, but now it's at €305. Amazon.de also had it at €260, but they run out of stock. I guess the RAM is really good. You just got to wait.

BUT, "CSODIMM memory is designed to be compatible with Intel Core Ultra 200H/HX series processors and other DDR5-enabled platforms" - I'm not sure the latest AMD Ryzen 9 are included.. Looking at the specifications of the Raider A18 HX A9WJG, MSI states "Up to DDR5-5600 Max 96GB" - if it's only 5600MHz then it would be SODIMM RAM only. CSODIMM provides 6400MHz. So it's possible they are not compatible with AMD processors.. Would need to be confirmed by someone else.

Regarding my laptop, I did a clean Windows install, but I included all MSI drivers (or the latest Intel and Nvidia) in the Support website page. Keyboard lighting (Steelseries GG) and everything else is working flawlessly on my end.. you might have some driver problem.

 

[ronvessGL76]

Driver problem, you never know. But right now ,nope. I use the MSI/AMD/OEM driver for iGPU. Nvidia 566.36 for my 4090 cause I believe the claims that are out there.
No MSI Center, way to many errors, I use YAMDCC for fan control = no errors. Right now it is a lean mean gaming machine for the "OS" .
Crucial T700 2TB for the "OS" drive cause the T705 is for Desktops. I might get the T700 4 TB version because the Samsung 4TB is claiming it had 150/200 improper shutdowns while the Crucial T700 is only claiming 5, both installed & only used in the same laptop. No way I did 150/200 improper shutdowns, so I do not trust the Samsung 990 Pro.

Yeah, I didn't find much out there on csodimm specs yet & what it works in. It's the new kid on the block that little is known about.

Mine is MSI AMD Raider A18HX A7VIG 4090, it was a stripped down/bare bones, cause I did not like the pricing/components used on their upgrades.
Some of the problems (WMI-Activity) are related to polling the sensors using Windows "OS".
YAMDCC polls directly thru the EC & that's why it has no errors showing up in the Event Viewer.
Nvidia is creating errors here too (WMI-Activity) why is polling the system when it's not even being used? This has been a known issue for a long time.
I have shut it down, (Nvidia) then what happens is the orange power light comes on = not a fix.
I have come across some iGPU/GPU tuning software that might give me some answers but I haven't installed it yet.
My last AMD computer was a long time & now forgotten, but I do have faith that I will find the answers I need.

I've disabled throttling, set power plan to Ultimate Performance, minimum processor state 99%/maximum processor state 99%/processor performance boost to aggressive at guarantee.
This is for gaming mode. Watch your temps, your gonna run hot. llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad with 2 IETS GT102 exhaust fans say I have this covered with the internal fans set to max.

I will be installing games tomorrow, GPU overclocking/CPU under volting will come. 1st I have to see what temps I currently have with how I have it setup.

 

[Owner of Vector 16 HX AI]

Just so you guys know, there is one eBay store (in California, USA) selling a few pieces of (non-kit) CSODIMM 6400MHz DDR5 CL52 ram. I shared links here.

I bought two sticks of the 24GB CSODIMMs (48GB total) for my MSI Vector 16 AI HX laptop and will see how it goes. The seller was responsive and answered my questions, confirming these are indeed CSODIMMs and that I can return them if they don't work for any reason.

It was encouraging to hear that CSODIMMs worked on the Titan laptop in this post by @joao.sousa.domingo158102d7. The Vector and the Titan are similar technology, being of the same generation.