Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) review: "an iterative update that doesn't quite top the performance charts"

GamesRadar+ VerdictAn iterative update that doesn’t quite top the performance charts, the new Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 has gone all in on its display. The result is one of the most immersive experiences available on a gaming laptop today but you’re certainly paying for it.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck AmazonPros+Excellent Mini LED display+Still fantastic performance overall+Tactile keyboard+Relatively low temperaturesCons-Low power speakers-Performance sometimes behind previous model

GamesRadar+ Verdict

GamesRadar+ Verdict

An iterative update that doesn’t quite top the performance charts, the new Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 has gone all in on its display. The result is one of the most immersive experiences available on a gaming laptop today but you’re certainly paying for it.TODAY’S BEST DEALS$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck Amazon

An iterative update that doesn’t quite top the performance charts, the new Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 has gone all in on its display. The result is one of the most immersive experiences available on a gaming laptop today but you’re certainly paying for it.

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck Amazon

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

$2,999.99at ASUS$3,999at ASUSCheck Amazon

$2,999.99at ASUS

$2,999.99at ASUS

$3,999at ASUS

$3,999at ASUS

Check Amazon

Check Amazon

Pros+Excellent Mini LED display+Still fantastic performance overall+Tactile keyboard+Relatively low temperatures

Excellent Mini LED display

Still fantastic performance overall

Tactile keyboard

Relatively low temperatures

Cons-Low power speakers-Performance sometimes behind previous model

Low power speakers

Performance sometimes behind previous model

Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.

Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy.

Last year’sAsusROG Strix Scar 18 wowed us in testing, posting some blitzing benchmark results while packing a massive 18-inch form factor to truly take over the desktop. 2024’s iteration sits a little differently. The newer model has seen few upgrades, the biggest being the addition of Asus’s Nebula HDR Mini LED display up top. Minor alterations include Intel’s newer 14th generation i9 processor and some design switch ups, but overall this is an iteration on last year’s model. With some performance dips it might not be the best buy for those chasing framerates, but that screen could still sway anyone upgrading to 18-inches this year.

I took the 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 out for a spin, using the machine exclusively for one week and then alongside the new Zephyrus G14 for another, to see exactly where the latest beast sits among thebest gaming laptopson the market.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyKey SpecsSpecsTestedAlso AvailablePrice$3,899.99$2,999 - $3,999Display18-inch QHD+ Nebula Mini LED HDR-ProcessorIntel i9-14900HX-GPUNvidia RTX 4090Nvidia RTX 4080RAM32GB DDR564GB DDR5Storage2TB SSD1TB - 4TB SSDConnectivityWiFi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3-Ports1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x 2.5G LAN, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (with DisplayPort), 1x 3.5mm audio-Dimensions39.9 x 29.4 x 2.3cm-Weight3.1kg-

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Key SpecsSpecsTestedAlso AvailablePrice$3,899.99$2,999 - $3,999Display18-inch QHD+ Nebula Mini LED HDR-ProcessorIntel i9-14900HX-GPUNvidia RTX 4090Nvidia RTX 4080RAM32GB DDR564GB DDR5Storage2TB SSD1TB - 4TB SSDConnectivityWiFi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3-Ports1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x 2.5G LAN, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (with DisplayPort), 1x 3.5mm audio-Dimensions39.9 x 29.4 x 2.3cm-Weight3.1kg-

Design

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 lid with RGB on

Much has been left unchanged from the original 18-inch Strix, but there are a few hints that this is a new iteration. You’re still getting the all-black metal lid and translucent plastic body all with a softer matte finish, as well as the RGB front and rear panels.

The rear of the lid still carries that RGB ROG eye logo, which isn’t too egregious in its aesthetic overall, especially if you keep those LEDs on low. A diagonal stripe across the back of the lid repeats ‘Republic of Gamers’ rather than stamping the same logo as it did in the original model, which makes for a cleaner, bolder design overall. Of course, there’s still ample grill space, with more ridged diagonal cuts to the fan portion on both the inside and outside of the main hinge.

The 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 takes this design language a step further, bleeding those sharp lines into the main deck as well. Whereas the previous model kept its translucent plastic free from additional iconography, Asus seems to have thrown everything it’s got at this base plate. A mix of dots, lines, rectangles and letters are splattered across the top right of the main plate - and it does nothing for the visible internals inside.

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 keyboard on a wooden desk

As I found in myreview of the previous model, I’m not a fan of this aesthetic. The translucent plastic feels cheap against a backdrop of super durable all-metal designs like that of theRazer Blade 18, especially when it drips over to the sides of the machine in an even more transparent form. This time around the effect is even messier. Yes, these smaller details are soft, they’re not going to cause a distraction, but with more and more gaming laptops moving towards a ‘less is more’ approach to their aesthetics this feels like a step back in time.

That 18-inch form factor remains here as well, with the 2024 Strix Scar 18 packing the same dimensions as the previous model. These kinds of machines are rarely built to be slim, but the Scar does have size in its favor here. The 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.3cm footprint and 3.1kg weight won’t beat last year’s Blade 18 in its relatively skinny form factor (39.9 x 27.5 x 2.1cm) but they both share the same weight. Plus, theAlienware M18from 2023 is bulkier at 41 x 31.9 x 2.5cm and weighing 4.23kg.

Features

A selection of last year’s Asus gaming laptops were treated to a new Mini LED ‘Nebula HDR’ display, though the Strix 18 wasn’t one of them. This year that’s all changed. I’m a massive fan of this screen, and have been since I first laid eyes on it atop the Asus ROG Zephyrus M16, and I always considered it a little strange that brands were dropping the qualities of their displays on these bigger, more expensive, beasts. Asus bucked that trend this year with a full 2,304 dimming zones in its Mini LED panel. The result is a particularly crisp picture with super bright HDR shining through and excellent motion handling. All that thrown up on 18-inches of screen made for the best gaming laptop viewing experience I’ve had so far.

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop screen open on a black table

The trackpad was a pleasant surprise. I generally only use these scrollers for quick navigation through settings when I’m not fully set up for a gaming session, but the smooth feel and tactile press felt far more responsive than other pads I’ve used.

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 side showing transparent plastic and ports on a wooden table

Most 18-inch gaming laptops are looking to act as a full desktop replacement, and that means providing you with all the ports you could need in one go. For the most part, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 achieves this goal - you’re getting two USB-As for your mouse and keyboard, a USB-C for an additional accessory or hooking up to a dock (as well as a Thunderbolt 4), and a 2.5G LAN connection as well. That’s all well and good for a casual everyday setup, but if you’re adding macro pads,gaming headsets,PC steering wheels, orjoysticksto your experience you’ll need something a little more prepared. TheAlienwareM18, for example, doubles your USB-A and Thunderbolt 4 selection compared to Asus.

Performance

The 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 hasn’t made too many moves under the hood. There aren’t any new mobile graphics cards to take advantage of right now, and Intel’s gaming-focused Raptor Lake Refresh 14th generation range of processors is itself a minor iterative upgrade over last year’s 13th generation. With the same RTX 4080 or, in the case of our testing, RTX 4090 GPUs running the show, things aren’t going to be drastically different here.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyBenchmark TestsBenchmarkPerformance ModeTurbo ModeTime Spy19,33820,666Fire Strike31,92933,092Cinebench25,01729,990PC Mark 108,6048,882

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Benchmark TestsBenchmarkPerformance ModeTurbo ModeTime Spy19,33820,666Fire Strike31,92933,092Cinebench25,01729,990PC Mark 108,6048,882

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 3D Mark

There were no thermal concerns during these benchmark tests, aside from the traditionally noisy fans, and results were consistent across multiple runs after regular reset and update processes. That’s not to diminish the real power of this machine - after all, these are scores that smaller gaming laptops can only dream of. You’re never going to be left in the dark here, this is a completely future-proofed rig that still manages to post numbers that would have had us laughing just a few years ago.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyIn-Game Benchmarks (Turbo Mode)Benchmark1080pQHD+Shadow of the Tomb RaiderHigh: 208 | Highest 205High: 196 | Highest: 190Total War: Three KingdomsHigh: 225 | Ultra: 174High: 145 | Ultra: 104ReturnalHigh: 163 | Epic: 112High: 132 | Epic: 111Rainbow Six ExtractionHigh: 255 | Ultra: 221High: 214 | Ultra: 184Hitman 3High: 158 | Ultra: 151High: 149 | Ultra: 142

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In-Game Benchmarks (Turbo Mode)Benchmark1080pQHD+Shadow of the Tomb RaiderHigh: 208 | Highest 205High: 196 | Highest: 190Total War: Three KingdomsHigh: 225 | Ultra: 174High: 145 | Ultra: 104ReturnalHigh: 163 | Epic: 112High: 132 | Epic: 111Rainbow Six ExtractionHigh: 255 | Ultra: 221High: 214 | Ultra: 184Hitman 3High: 158 | Ultra: 151High: 149 | Ultra: 142

In-game benchmarks tell a similar story. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is rock solid at over 200fps in 1080p, only slightly dropping below that threshold in native 1600p resolution. These scores beat last year’s model, with the exception of the High / 1080p benchmark which performed particularly well on the previous generation. It also trounces both the Alienware M18 R1 andAsus ROG Strix Scar 16at these QHD+ resolutions as well.

(Image credit: Future)

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 2024

Total War: Three Kingdoms is more stressful on a system, but the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 still managed to hold on. Machines tend to drop off their 1080p heights pretty quickly once you get to QHD numbers here, but like last year the 2024 model holds the line, beating theRazerBlade 18 and Strix Scar 16. Performance mirrors that of the 2023 model pretty closely, just edging out ahead at the very top of QHD Ultra settings.

(Image credit: Future)

Total War Three Kingdoms Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 2024

Unfortunately I don’t have data for Returnal, Rainbow Six Extraction, or Hitman 3 across the Razer Blade 18 or Asus ROG Strix Scar 16. However, comparing the 2024 model’s performance against that of the previous generation and the M18 R1 reveals an interesting improvement in QHD performance. While Returnal doesn’t natively benchmark at the 1600p these machines run at, that High 1440p performance exceeds Ultra 1080p numbers in the case of the 2024 model. However, both models lag behind the Alienware M18 R1 in this 1440p performance still.

(Image credit: Future)

Returnal Asus ROG Strix Scar 18

Rainbow Six Extraction is our go-to for low pressure first person shooter framerates, and the 2024 Scar 18 is miles ahead of the Alienware M18 here. That performance was still ever so slightly behind last year’s version, but I did notice some evening out in QHD+ numbers here again.

(Image credit: Future)

Rainbow Six Extraction Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 2024

Hitman 3 can humble a gaming laptop, especially when we get to QHD+ Ultra settings. Numbers here are pretty close, though - with 1080p performance only slightly nudging ahead of higher resolutions. Everything is far closer here, you’re more likely to get similar framerates at the top end of QHD settings as you would in FHD from this model compared to both the previous generation and the Alienware M18 R1.

(Image credit: Future)

Hitman 3 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 2024

Should you buy the 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18?

(Image credit: Future)

Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop open on a black table

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 remains an absolute powerhouse, even if some performance indicators are lagging behind last year’s release. This is a premium gaming laptop, though, and if you’re not fussed about that Mini LED display it’s well worth checking out the 2023 model for some additional savings. That’s going to be a serious sacrifice if you do plan on using your laptop’s built in display, though. The Nebula HDR panel on here is a sight to behold - but whether it’s enough to carry this iteration through to the setups of gamers willing to invest this much cash remains to be seen.

Swipe to scroll horizontallyAsus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) vs. The CompetitionSpecsAsus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024)Alienware M18 R1Razer Blade 18 (2023)Price as tested$3,899.99$3,199.99 / £3,428.99$4,499.99 / £5,199.99Configuration as testedIntel i9-14900HX | Nvidia RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 2TB SSDIntel i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDIntel i9-13950HX | RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDBase price$2,999$1,699.99 / £1,798.99$2,899.99 / £2,899.99Base configurationIntel i9-14900HX | Nvidia RTX 4080 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDIntel i7-13700HX | RTX 4060 | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSDIntel i9-13950HX | RTX 4060 | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSDDisplay18-inch QHD+ Nebula Mini LED @ 240Hz18-inch QHD+ IPS @ 165Hz18-inch QHD+ IPS @ 240HzPorts1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x 2.5G LAN, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (with DisplayPort), 1x 3.5mm audio1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x mini-Display, 1x HDMI 2.13x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (Thunderbolt, PD, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 2.5Gb RJ45 Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm audioWeight3.1kg4.2kg3.1kgTime Spy19,33821,02916,367Fire Strike31,92934,04026,844

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Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) vs. The CompetitionSpecsAsus ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024)Alienware M18 R1Razer Blade 18 (2023)Price as tested$3,899.99$3,199.99 / £3,428.99$4,499.99 / £5,199.99Configuration as testedIntel i9-14900HX | Nvidia RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 2TB SSDIntel i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDIntel i9-13950HX | RTX 4090 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDBase price$2,999$1,699.99 / £1,798.99$2,899.99 / £2,899.99Base configurationIntel i9-14900HX | Nvidia RTX 4080 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSDIntel i7-13700HX | RTX 4060 | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSDIntel i9-13950HX | RTX 4060 | 16GB RAM | 1TB SSDDisplay18-inch QHD+ Nebula Mini LED @ 240Hz18-inch QHD+ IPS @ 165Hz18-inch QHD+ IPS @ 240HzPorts1x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DisplayPort, power delivery), 1x 2.5G LAN, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (with DisplayPort), 1x 3.5mm audio1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio, 1x mini-Display, 1x HDMI 2.13x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (Thunderbolt, PD, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort), 2.5Gb RJ45 Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm audioWeight3.1kg4.2kg3.1kgTime Spy19,33821,02916,367Fire Strike31,92934,04026,844

How we tested the 2024 Asus ROG Strix Scar 18

I used the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 for all daily work and play over the course of one week, while testing alongside the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 for another week. In that time I tested with the laptop docked to a QHD+ external display for a little of the time, but primarily using the machine on a desk for both gameplay and work. I stress tested across Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Returnal, Rainbow Six Extraction, and Hitman 3, as well as using industry benchmarks from 3D Mark, PCMark 10, and Cinebench. I also tested across We Happy Few and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey in that time as well. For more information onhow we test gaming laptops, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you’re between brands, check out thebest Alienware laptopsor thebest Razer laptops. Or, if you’re after something a little cheaper take a look at the latestgaming laptop dealson the shelves.

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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

Nemesis board game models and tokens laid out on a board

1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

1

Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

2

Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

3

Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

4

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

5

Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

Shadow brandishes a gun in Sonic The Hedgehog 3

1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

1

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

2

Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

3

Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

4

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

5

Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Nicola Coughlan as Joy in Doctor Who Christmas special Joy to the World

1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

1

Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

2

Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

3

Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

4

Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

5

Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”

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