Asus is also joining the 18-inch bandwagon with its most powerful machines, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and the Asus ROG Strix G18.
These two laptops may have different names but are very similar, with only a few notable aesthetic and spec differences. The updated thermals allow these laptops to use the latest Raptor Lake chips from Intel for improved performance.
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Pricing and Availability: How much does the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 cost in the UAE?
Asus is set to release the ROG Strix Scar 18 in Q1 2023, while the Strix G18 variants will be made available in Q2 2023.
Asus has not provided the full pricing information for these laptops, but according to our sources, the Scar 18 models will start at £3,399 and ship with the top-end Intel Core i9-13980HX with the Nvidia RTX 4090.
The Strix G18 is more in the mid-range and is priced more affordably, starting at £1,799. However, you can expect the prices to go up as the specs approach the more powerful Intel Core i9 and the Nvidia RTX 4070 and RTX 4080.
Device Specs
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 | ASUS ROG Strix G18 | |
| Dimensions | 399 x 294 x 23.1 mm | 399 x 294 x 23 mm |
| Weight | 3.10 kg | 3.00 kg |
| Screen Size | 18-inch ROG Nebula IPS DisplayNvidia G-Sync Support | 18-inch ROG Nebula IPS DisplayNvidia G-Sync Support |
| Screen Refresh Rate | 240 Hz3ms Response Time | 240 Hz3ms Response Time |
| Display Resolution | QHD+ 2560 x 1600 pixels | QHD+ 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13980HX | Intel Core i9-13980HX |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090175W TGP | Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070140W TGPNvidia GeForce RTX 4080175W TGP |
| Memory | 32GB Dual-Channel DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM | 16GB Dual-Channel DDR5-4800 SO-DIMM |
| Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD in Raid0 Configuration | 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Battery | 90 WHr Li-ion | 90 WHr Li-ion |
| Camera | FHD Camera with Windows Hello IR Support | FHD Camera with Windows Hello IR Support |
| Available Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C1 x Thunderbolt 4 (supports display and power)1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack1 x 2.5G LAN port1 x DC-in | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C1 x Thunderbolt 4 (supports display and power)1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack1 x 2.5G LAN port1 x DC-in |
| Audio | 4-Speaker SystemDolby Atmos | 2-Speaker SystemDolby Atmos |
| Connectivity Options | Up to Wi-Fi 6EUp to Bluetooth 5.2 | Up to Wi-Fi 6EUp to Bluetooth 5.2 |
Design and Build
Both the Strix Scar 18 and the Strix G18 have similar design profiles. Highlighted by an all-aluminium chassis with a matte finish, the laptops are stylish and elegant but keep their gaming design DNA. The G18 does scream more ROG compared to the Scar 18. Nearly identical in size, the Strix G18 is lighter by just a hair.
The thinner bezels around the edges are more pronounced on this iteration of the Strix laptops.
Asus’ build quality is always impressive, especially with their higher-tier models like these Strix machines. The Scar 18 has a rear-glowing RGB panel that you can customize with your keyboard lights.
The G18, on the other hand, comes with two distinct colour combinations. One is the unassuming all-grey look, while the other has more of a lime-green accent.
- Elevate your laptop for improved ergonomics
- Adjustable height for personalized comfort
- Compatible with laptops and tablets of all sizes
- Non-slip base for stable support
- Stick on design
Display
For 18-inch laptops, using the bigger 16:10 aspect ratio is a welcome change. The added screen real estate and thinner bezels are noticeable.
Regarding displays, the higher-end Strix Scar 18 comes with the Nebula Mini LED panel. It can get bright with a 1,100 nits peak brightness with 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage.
Unfortunately, the Nebula Mini LED is not available on the G18. You do get to choose between a lower-end FHD+ IPS panel with 300 nits of brightness and 100% sRGB colour support. A better QHD+ IPS panel is also available that peaks with up to 500 nits of brightness and 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
The Scar 18’s screen is locked in at a 240Hz refresh rate, while the G18 can only reach 165Hz.
Similar to other 18-inch laptops, the lack of a 4K display is noticeable. However, it may not be the resolution of choice for many gamers.
Performance and Hardware
The ROG Strix Scar 18 and the G18 max out with the Core i9-13980HX. The Scar 18 is the top tier of the two models, so we’ll likely see only Core i9s. As for the graphics cards, the Scar 18 will choose between the RTX 4080 12GB and the RTX 4090 16GB.
The Strix G18 will come with mid-tier specs; you can expect it to run Core i9s and Core i7s. The model will also come with more alternatives on the graphics front, with RTX 4060, RTX 4070, and RTX 4080 as possible options.
Since both models have expanded chassis and improved thermals, you can enjoy max TGP on the graphics cards for better performance.
Features to Look Out For
One of the most notable features of these massive 18-inch machines is their updated cooling systems. In the past, laptops usually come with dual-fan systems to dissipate heat.
However, with the added space, the Scar 18 and the G18 come with a triple-fan design. You will also find seven heat pipes that will help soak up all the CPU and GPU heat.
Since Asus always goes out with gaming laptops, the Scar 18 and G18 have per-key RGB lighting. This feature allows you to customize the looks of your laptop depending on the game you’re playing or your mood.
There are also dedicated hotkeys for gaming just above your keyboard, giving you quick access to various controls. You can customize these programmable keys to act as additional function keys or macros.
Battery and Charging
Both models are equipped with massive 90Wh batteries designed for extended use. You can browse the web and do light work away from the wall outlet for hours before recharge.
Charging is also quick with the power brick, enabling you to get to 50% in 30 minutes. However, the Scar 18 and G18 have rapid USB Type-C charging technology to give you more flexibility.
Wrap Up
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 and the Strix G18 are solid gaming laptops and desktop replacements. The hardware that they come with provides top-end performance that can match that of any desktop.
There’s a lot more that we can unpack between these two devices. We have not seen the full picture, as Asus has not yet announced AMD variants of these models.
