ROG Strix Scar 18 RTX 5090 Review
- The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 emerges as a top-tier gaming laptop, packing considerable power and innovative features.
- With the ROG Strix Scar 18, Asus has introduced several notable advancements. The most prominent is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, boasting 24 GB of dedicated memory and...
- The "18" in the name signifies its large 18-inch display, making it unsuitable for standard 15-16 inch laptop backpacks.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 Review: A Gaming Beast Unleashed
Table of Contents
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 emerges as a top-tier gaming laptop, packing considerable power and innovative features. This review delves into its performance, design, and unique attributes.
Pros & Cons
- Pros:
- Extraordinary graphics and processor performance
- Stunning Mini LED display
- easy access for SSD and memory upgrades
- Cons:
- Bulky design
With the ROG Strix Scar 18, Asus has introduced several notable advancements. The most prominent is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, boasting 24 GB of dedicated memory and a sustained 175W performance.
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Graphics | GeForce RTX 5090,24 GB,175 W |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR5 |
| Display | 18″ 2560 × 1600,miniLED,240Hz,glossy (brightness 1794 nits,dE 1.08) |
| Storage | 2 TB (WD PC SN8000S) |
| Ports | 2× USB-C Thunderbolt 4.0,3× USB 3.2, audio, HDMI 2.1, 2.5 Gb LAN |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, 2×2, Bluetooth 5.3 (Intel Wi-Fi BE200) |
| Battery | 90 Wh |
| Dimensions | 39.9 × 29.9 × 3.2 cm |
| Weight | 3.3 kg (adapter 0.8 kg) |
Design and Build
The “18” in the name signifies its large 18-inch display, making it unsuitable for standard 15-16 inch laptop backpacks. Weighing in at 3.3 kg (4.1 kg with the power adapter), portability is a consideration. A smaller, lighter 16-inch Strix Scar is available, but the 18-inch model caters to those seeking maximum screen real estate.
Lighting and Aesthetics
asus has focused on enhancing the lighting effects. The keyboard features per-key RGB backlighting, complemented by a programmable RGB strip along the base. Notably, the laptop lid includes an LED display capable of showing animated graphics, custom text, or battery status via 810 white LEDs.
Port Placement
The port layout emphasizes gaming needs. Two USB 3.2 ports are located on the right side to minimize interference. The left side houses the power connector, 2.5GB LAN,HDMI,another USB port,audio jack,and two Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C ports. The rear is dedicated to cooling exhaust. Air intake occurs along the sides, preventing overheating and maintaining a cool keyboard surface even during prolonged use.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The inclusion of a numeric keypad, without compromising key spacing, is a welcome addition. This design choice results in a slightly offset, exceptionally large touchpad measuring 15 × 9.9 cm.
Internal Access
A standout feature of the Strix Scar 18 is its tool-free access to internal components. The bottom cover is secured by a simple latch, allowing users to access two SSD slots and memory slots for upgrades. Three fans cool the graphics card, processor, and other internal components.
While adding SSDs or memory is straightforward, cleaning the cooling system requires more extensive disassembly, including removing the heatsinks from the processor and graphics card. asus uses liquid metal for thermal conductivity, so professional servicing is recommended for repasting. The easy access encourages users to purchase a base configuration and upgrade storage or memory independently.
Display Quality
Asus opted for a Mini LED display instead of OLED, prioritizing brightness. The 2560 × 1600 resolution with a 240 Hz refresh rate matches the capabilities of OLED, but the Mini LED panel excels in brightness. In SDR mode, the display can exceed 1,000 nits with full-area backlighting. With zone backlighting enabled, peak brightness reaches 1,800 nits. The display covers the DCI-P3 color space with accuracy, enhancing the gaming experience.
The display supports HDR, but the zone backlighting implementation is less precise than OLED. Enabling HDR may also negatively impact the perceived quality of standard SDR content. However, the display’s exceptional brightness makes it suitable for outdoor use.
Performance
The ROG Strix Scar 18 features the GeForce RTX 5090 with a 175 W power limit, sustained even under prolonged load. It is paired with the Intel Core i9 275HX processor, a 24-core CPU with a high power draw.The processor can reach peaks of 150 W, but typically operates at 55 W during gaming.
The cooling system can dissipate 230 W of heat without excessive noise or keyboard heat.Peak dissipation can reach 300 W, explaining the inclusion of a 380 W power adapter.This configuration delivers top-tier laptop performance.
AI and Gaming
The RTX 5090 offers incremental performance gains over the RTX 4090. The primary advantage lies in its AI capabilities. The new DLSS, utilizing transformers, provides improved performance with minimal impact on frame rates.In supported games,the RTX 5090 can significantly boost frame rates by calculating additional images,resulting in a smoother,sharper gaming experience.
With this laptop, users can maximize graphics settings, enable DLSS, and enjoy smooth gameplay on the QHD+ display.
ROG Strix Scar 18 Sets New Performance benchmark for Gaming Laptops
The ROG Strix Scar 18, model year 2025, has emerged as a frontrunner in the gaming laptop arena, delivering unprecedented performance in real-world testing. Its capabilities are further enhanced by DLSS (Deep Learning super Sampling) technology, which allows for smoother gameplay by rendering graphics at lower resolutions and upscaling, or even generating additional frames.
While configurations vary, potential buyers face a meaningful price difference between models equipped with the RTX 5080 and the top-tier RTX 5090. Many users may find the RTX 5080 sufficient for their needs, negating the need for the absolute highest performance.However, for those demanding the ultimate in mobile gaming power, the ROG Strix Scar 18 presents a compelling option, especially for users prioritizing portability and space efficiency.
Beyond its graphics prowess, the laptop boasts a high-quality display and user-friendly access for hardware upgrades, including storage and memory.An animated LED display is also a prominent design feature.
Performance Benchmarks
The following data reflects performance across a range of benchmarks:
| Benchmark | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DMark | |||
| Night Raid | 23 070 | 22 985 | |
| Fire Strike | 38 210 | 37 244 | 36 548 |
| Time Spy | 22 666 | 18 950 | 20 035 |
| Port Royal | 15 870 | 15 439 | 13 353 |
| Storage | 1 058 | 1 918 | |
| PCMark 10 | |||
| Total | 8 895 | 8 251 | 8 971 |
| Essentials | 11 061 | 10 106 | 11 107 |
| Productivity | 9 087 | 10 072 | 10 834 |
| Creation | 18 998 | 14 973 | 16 279 |
| Unigine | |||
| Heaven Extreme [FPS] | 322,8 | 326,5 | 293,5 |
| Valley Extreme HD [FPS] | 216,2 | 218,5 | 224,9 |
| superposition FHD Extreme | 89,3 | 94,9 | 88,0 |
| Superposition 4K | 143,0 | 125,3 | 117,5 |
| Other | |||
| VRay5 CPU/CUDA/RTX | 26416/3312/4179 | 16172/3174/4085 | 21334/2603/3586 |
| CB R23 | 37708/2068 | 20650/1996 | 31782/2132 |
| Cinebench 2024 Multi | 2 032 | 1 125 | |
| Cinebench 2024 single | 118 | 115 | |
| procyon NPU/GPU/CPU | 1519 f32/3400 f16/4033 int | 1516 f32/3416 f16/4139 int | |
| Geekbench CPU | 20312/2958 | ||
| Geekbench GPU | 228 918 | ||
| blender Classroom OptiX | 00:11.01 | 00:10.77 | 00:09.79 |
| Blender Classroom GPU | 00:16.68 | 00:18.69 | 00:17.53 |
| Blender Classroom CPU | 02:43.37 | 04:21.29 | 03:15.29 |
| Tomb Raider Shadow | 209 | 143 | 179 |
| Crystal disk mark | |||
| sequencing. reading [MB/s] | 6 784 | 6 870 | 11 045 |
| follow. zápis [MB/s] | 6 323 | 4 943 | 8 537 |
| 4kb reading [MB/s] | 2 049 | 3 646 | 4 602 |
| 4kb enrollment [MB/s] | 2 553 | 3 398 | 4 417 |
| Stamina | |||
| Film | 6:20 | 8:25 | |
| Office without wi-fi | 4:07 | 8:38 | |
The ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) redefines expectations for gaming laptop performance, offering a blend of power and portability for discerning users.
ROG Strix SCAR 18: RTX 5090 Mobile Gaming Performance
The ROG Strix SCAR 18,equipped with the mobile RTX 5090,delivers an exceptional gaming experience,showcasing the capabilities of the GeForce RTX 50 series graphics. While performance differences exist between desktop and mobile versions of the RTX 5090, the laptop provides a high-end gaming solution.
Design and Configuration
The ROG Strix SCAR 18 features a design similar to its 16-inch counterpart. The primary difference lies in the absence of a dedicated numeric keypad on the 16-inch model, which instead integrates touch-numeric keys into the touchpad. While some users may prefer a centered touchpad, others, especially gamers, might find the dedicated numeric keypad beneficial.
Pricing and Performance Expectations
Entry-level ROG Strix SCAR configurations start above $100,000. Given the relatively small price difference between the 16-inch and 18-inch models, performance between the two is expected to be similar. The series targets users seeking top-tier performance regardless of cost.
Future RTX 50 Series Mobile GPUs
The RTX 5070 is expected to arrive in laptops later this year, with possibly weaker models like the 5060 following. As with the most powerful new-generation cards, improvements are expected in resolution and image processing through artificial intelligence. However, a fast base performance remains crucial for a good gaming experience.
Mobile vs. Desktop RTX 5090
The performance gap between the desktop RTX 5090 and the mobile RTX 5090 is significant. The mobile RTX 5090’s performance is estimated to be closer to that of a desktop RTX 5070,albeit with more memory.
Okay, here’s a breakdown of the features and specifications of the ROG Strix Scar 18 2025, and a summary of the key aspects found in the text snippets you provided:
Rog Strix Scar 18 (Overview of the Laptop)
Display: 18-inch mini LED display
Resolution: 2560 × 1600 (QHD+)
Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
Brightness: Exceeds 1,000 nits in SDR mode, up to 1,800 nits with zone backlighting.
Color: Covers DCI-P3 color space accurately.
Supports HDR.
Processor: Intel core i9-275HX (24-core CPU)
Graphics Card: GeForce RTX 5090
Power Limit: 175W sustained.
Cooling:
Three fans.
Liquid metal thermal conductivity (for processor and graphics card)
can dissipate 230W of combined heat,maxing out at 300W.
RAM: (Mentioned in the table)
Storage: Tool Free access to two SSD slots
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 (intel Wi-Fi BE200)
Ports:
Right side: Two USB 3.2 ports.
Left side: Power connector, 2.5GB LAN, HDMI, one USB port, audio jack, two Thunderbolt-enabled USB-C ports.
Battery: 90 Wh
Dimensions: 39.9 × 29.9 × 3.2 cm
Weight: 3.3 kg (laptop), 4.1 kg (with adapter)
Design Features:
Per-key RGB backlighting on the keyboard.
Programmable RGB strip along the base.
LED display on the lid with 810 white LEDs (for animations,custom text,or battery status).
Numeric keypad included.
Large touchpad (15 x 9.9 cm).
Internal Access: Tool-free access to SSD and memory slots. Cleaning the cooling system requires more disassembly.
AI and Gaming: The RTX 5090 provides AI capabilities, primarily DLSS with transformers, and results in a smoother, sharper gaming experience.
Key Advantages:
High Brightness Display
Great cooling allowing more power and performance from the components.
RTX 5090, delivering top-tier performance.
Key Takeaways and Summary of Overall Impression:
The ROG Strix Scar 18 targets gamers who prioritize top-tier performance,especially with the RTX 5090.
It features a high-quality, shining Mini LED display with a high refresh rate to provide a superior gaming experience.
It benefits from advanced cooling design,enabling sustained high performance.
The inclusion of DLSS technology is mentioned as a key point.
User-pleasant access to internal components (SSD and RAM) is praised, although cleaning the cooling system is noted as needing more extensive disassembly.
the text specifically focuses on performance, design feature (notably the LED display and lighting), and user experience aspects. The size and weight of the laptop are considerations for portability.
Performance Benchmarks (Additional Details)
The second provided excerpt includes a table of benchmark results. Key features:
The table presents 3DMark and PCMark 10 results.
There are results for different tests within each benchmark.
Each test has 3 data points,representing different units.
Benchmarks that were looked at include:
3DMark
Night Raid
Fire Strike
Time Spy
Port Royal
Storage
PCMark 10
Total
* Essentials