The 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a behemoth. Even seasoned tech reviewers are taken aback by its sheer size. It’s a statement piece, a testament to uncompromising power, and a laptop that makes no apologies for its impracticality. This isn’t a portable gaming companion; it’s a full-fledged desktop replacement designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.
The lid of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18: Specifications and Pricing
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 comes in two high-powered configurations, both featuring cutting-edge components. The core specifications include a 24-core Intel Core i9-14900HX, 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, a 16-inch 240Hz mini-LED display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution, and up to 4TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage in RAID 0. The differentiating factor is the GPU: either an Nvidia RTX 4080 or an RTX 4090.
The RTX 4090 model (reviewed here) with 2TB of storage retails for $3,900. The RTX 4080 variant with 1TB of storage is available for $3,000. These prices are competitive within the premium gaming laptop market.
| Feature | Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.91 x 11.57 x 15.71 inches |
| Weight | 6.83 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop GPU |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-5600 |
| Display | 16-inch 2560 x 1600, Mini-LED, 240Hz |
| Storage | 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
| Touch | N/A |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Thunderbolt 4, 1x 2.5G LAN port, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | 720p |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| Battery | 90 watt-hour |
| Price | $3,900 |
Design and Aesthetics
The side of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
At 6.83 pounds and nearly an inch thick, the Strix Scar 18 is undeniably hefty. The 18-inch 16:10 display necessitates a large chassis, making it less than ideal for portability. However, this size translates to a spacious keyboard and an immersive viewing experience. The plastic shell over a metal body provides structural rigidity, minimizing keyboard flex, though some screen wobble is present.
A light strip on the back of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
The RGB lighting is a standout feature. A diffused strip wraps around the front, complemented by lighting beneath the semi-transparent keyboard deck. This creates a captivating visual effect, emphasizing the gaming-centric nature of the machine.
Port Selection and Placement
Ports on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
The Strix Scar 18 offers a comprehensive array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C with Power Delivery, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, a 2.5G LAN port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. While the selection is robust, the port placement could be improved. The concentration of ports on the left side, coupled with the centrally located power connector, can lead to cable clutter.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Keyboard on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
The keyboard is a highlight, featuring ample key spacing, long travel, a dedicated number pad, and dedicated media keys. The trackpad, however, is surprisingly small for a laptop of this size, leaving room for improvement.
Display Quality and Performance
An HDR demo on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
The mini-LED Nebula HDR display is a true marvel. The 1600p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and 3ms response time are impressive, further enhanced by G-Sync, Pantone validation, DisplayHDR 1000, and Dolby Vision support. The over 2,000 dimming zones deliver exceptional HDR performance, achieving peak brightness levels exceeding 1,100 nits and a remarkable contrast ratio. The color accuracy is also outstanding, covering nearly 100% of both DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts.
An HDR demo on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
CPU and GPU Performance Benchmarks
The Intel Core i9-14900HX delivers strong performance, although it doesn’t significantly outperform its 13th-gen predecessor. Benchmarks show competitive results against other high-end CPUs. The RTX 4090, however, shines, achieving top-tier scores in various benchmarks and gaming tests.
asus rog strix scar 18 review 2024 cinebench multi
Multi-core performance for the ROG Strix Scar 18 in Geekbench 6.
Single-core performance for the ROG Strix Scar 18 in Geekbench 6.
Single-core performance for the Strix Scar 18 in Cinebench R24.
GPU performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop in Cinebench R24.
Performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Gaming Performance and Thermals
The Strix Scar 18 excels in gaming, consistently delivering high frame rates at 1600p resolution with maxed-out settings. Even demanding titles with ray tracing run smoothly, thanks to the powerful RTX 4090 and DLSS 3.5. Impressively, the cooling system manages to keep the components cool without excessive fan noise.
Forza Horizon 5 running on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
Performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 in 3DMark Time Spy.
Performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 in 3DMark Fire Strike.
Gaming performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
Performance for the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop in games with ray tracing.
Battery Life
Despite its powerful components, the Strix Scar 18 offers surprisingly decent battery life, lasting over four and a half hours in a web browsing test. This is attributed to the MUX switch and Nvidia Advanced Optimus, allowing the laptop to switch to integrated graphics when unplugged.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 laptop.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a no-compromise gaming laptop, delivering top-tier performance, a stunning mini-LED display, and impressive thermal management. Its size and price make it a niche product, best suited for users seeking a true desktop replacement. However, if you prioritize ultimate performance and an immersive gaming experience and are willing to accept the trade-offs of its size and cost, the Strix Scar 18 is a compelling choice.
