When it comes to gaming laptops, ASUS has long been a dominant force in the industry. The ASUS ROG Strix G18 and Scar 18 are two of the latest heavyweights in the gaming laptop arena, each bringing their own strengths to the table. In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare these titans to help tech enthusiasts, gamers, and laptop buyers make an informed decision.
Review Overview
ASUS’s ROG series is renowned for its top-tier performance, sleek design, and gamer-centric features. Both the Strix G18 and Scar 18 promise to deliver exceptional gaming experiences, but there are some key differences to consider. This post will cover everything from design and display to CPU performance and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which model suits your needs best.
Key Differences
While both laptops come from the same lineage, they are designed for slightly different uses. The Strix G18 is geared more towards all-around gamers, while the Scar 18 is aimed at professional gamers and e-sports enthusiasts. The differences lie in their specifications, build, and features.
Case
The aesthetics and build quality of a gaming laptop can enhance the overall user experience. Both models sport robust designs, but each has its unique flair.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The Strix G18 features a more subdued, matte finish with RGB lighting accents. Its build is sturdy, providing durability without compromising on portability.
ASUS Scar 18
In contrast, the Scar 18 boasts a more aggressive design with customizable RGB lighting across the chassis. It feels slightly heavier, emphasizing its premium build quality, making it a little less portable but exuding a sense of durability and strength.
Display
The display can make or break a gaming experience. High refresh rates and crisp visuals are essential for any gamer.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The G18 offers an impressive 18-inch QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The visuals are vibrant, and the high refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, making it an excellent choice for casual and competitive gamers alike.
ASUS Scar 18
The Scar 18 steps it up with an 18-inch QHD display boasting a 240Hz refresh rate. This ultra-high refresh rate is ideal for e-sports and fast-paced games where every millisecond counts, providing an edge in competitive play.
Battery
Battery life is a crucial factor, especially for those who use their laptops for more than just gaming.
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
For developers, battery life during programming sessions is vital. Both laptops offer decent performance, but the G18 edges out slightly due to its more efficient power management.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
When it comes to casual use, such as web browsing, both models perform admirably. The Strix G18 provides around 8 hours of battery life, while the Scar 18, with its higher performance components, averages about 7 hours.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
Under full brightness and demanding tasks, the Scar 18 understandably consumes more power but still delivers around 4 hours of usage. The Strix G18, on the other hand, manages to stretch to about 5 hours, making it the better option for longer sessions away from a power source.
CPU
The heart of any gaming laptop is its CPU. Both models are equipped with high-end processors, but there are some distinctions.
CPU Performance Comparisons
The Strix G18 features the Intel Core i9-13900HX, while the Scar 18 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX. Both CPUs offer incredible performance, but the Ryzen 9 edges out in multi-core tasks due to its higher core and thread count.
Web Browsing Performance
For everyday tasks like web browsing, both CPUs perform exceptionally well. However, the Intel i9 in the G18 is slightly more efficient in handling single-threaded applications, making web pages load just a tad faster.
Photo and Video Editing
Creative professionals will appreciate the rendering speeds of both laptops. The Scar 18’s Ryzen processor performs better in multi-threaded tasks like photo and video editing, making it the preferred choice for content creators.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
Exporting high-resolution videos is a demanding task. The Scar 18’s superior multi-core performance takes the lead here, reducing export times significantly compared to the Strix G18.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks provide a standardized way to measure performance. Here, we’ll look at some key benchmarks for both models.
3D Marks
In 3DMark benchmarks, which test graphical performance, the Scar 18’s advanced GPU and higher refresh rate contribute to slightly better scores compared to the Strix G18.
Cinebench
Cinebench benchmarks the CPU performance. The Scar 18, with its Ryzen processor, scores higher in multi-core tests, while the Strix G18 performs better in single-core tests.
Userbenchmark
Userbenchmark provides a comprehensive overview of overall system performance. Both laptops score highly, with the Scar 18 slightly edging out due to its superior multi-core performance.
Graphics Card
Graphics performance is crucial for gaming and creative tasks. Both laptops come with high-end GPUs.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The Strix G18 is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, offering excellent performance for most modern games and creative applications.
ASUS Scar 18
The Scar 18 features the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, providing top-tier performance that can handle even the most demanding games and professional applications with ease.
RAM and Storage
Sufficient RAM and fast storage are essential for smooth performance and quick load times.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The G18 comes with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, offering plenty of speed and storage for most users.
ASUS Scar 18
The Scar 18 ups the ante with 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB NVMe SSD, ensuring it can handle the most demanding applications and large game libraries without breaking a sweat.
Sound
Audio quality enhances the immersive experience of gaming and multimedia consumption.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The G18 features dual speakers with Smart Amp technology, delivering clear and crisp audio ideal for gaming and media consumption.
ASUS Scar 18
The Scar 18 goes a step further with a quad-speaker setup featuring Dolby Atmos support, providing a rich and immersive sound experience that sets it apart.
Connectivity
Having the right connectivity options is essential for a seamless user experience.
ASUS ROG Strix G18
The G18 offers a comprehensive range of ports, including multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, HDMI, and an Ethernet port, ensuring you can connect all your peripherals with ease.
ASUS Scar 18
The Scar 18 also boasts a wide range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 support, making it more future-proof and versatile for connecting high-speed peripherals.
Conclusion
Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and the Scar 18 depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Strix G18 is an excellent all-around gaming laptop, offering great performance, battery life, and value. On the other hand, the Scar 18 is tailored for professional gamers and content creators who need the absolute best in performance and features.
Both models showcase ASUS’s commitment to delivering top-quality gaming laptops. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a premium gaming experience. To explore more about these laptops or get personalized advice, visit our website or reach out to our expert team. Happy gaming!
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the ASUS ROG Strix G18 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18, two powerful gaming laptops:
| Feature | ASUS ROG Strix G18 | ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-13650HX / i9-13900HX (13th Gen) | Intel Core i9-13980HX (13th Gen) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) | 32GB / 64GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD | 1TB / 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 / 4070 / 4080 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 / 4090 |
| Display | 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3 | 18-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 240Hz, 100% DCI-P3, Mini LED (optional) |
| Battery | 90 WHr, Up to 8-9 hours | 90 WHr, Up to 8-9 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home / Pro | Windows 11 Home / Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 3.1 kg (6.83 lbs) | Approx. 3.1 kg (6.83 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2 x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack | 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2 x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Cooling System | ROG Intelligent Cooling with Liquid Metal | ROG Intelligent Cooling with Liquid Metal and Vapor Chamber |
| Keyboard | RGB Backlit Keyboard with Per-key RGB | Per-key RGB Backlit Keyboard with customizable zones |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera | 1080p FHD IR Camera with Windows Hello |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio |
| Build Quality | Aluminum and Plastic chassis | Aluminum and Magnesium alloy chassis |
| Price Range | Starts around $2,200 | Starts around $3,000 |
