Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 assessment: Highly effective, trendy, and competitively priced

The discharge of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series cell GPUs has, after all, spawned a brand new era of high-end gaming laptops designed round them. Asus’ ROG Strix Scar 16 is among the many extra inexpensive choices on this new line-up—although I’m unsure most individuals would name the laptop computer’s $3,299.99 MSRP “inexpensive.” Even so, the Scar 16’s pricing and efficiency make it an excellent worth. The Scar 16 additionally presents a couple of extras like a giant touchpad and top-tier audio, that rivals are inclined to skip.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Specs and options

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is a part of a brand new wave of laptops powered by Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics and Intel Core Extremely HX processors.

This configuration is a step down from probably the most succesful, because it has an Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX (as a substitute of 285HX) and RTX 5080 (as a substitute of RTX 5090). Nonetheless, these chips are only a step down from the highest and nonetheless highly effective when in comparison with most laptop computer {hardware}.

• Mannequin quantity: G635LW
• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX
• Reminiscence: 32GB DDR5-5600
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 5080 (Max 175W with Dynamic Increase)
• NPU: Intel AI Increase as much as 13 TOPS
• Show: 16-inch 2560×1600 240Hz Mini-LED IPS-LCD
• Storage: 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p 30fps digital camera with Home windows Howdy assist
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 5 with DisplayPort / Energy Supply and G-Sync, 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL, 3x USB-A Gen 2 (10Gbps), 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack, 1x 2.5G Ethernet LAN port
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Facial recognition
• Battery capability: 90 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 13.94 x 10.55 x 1.21
• Weight: 6.17 kilos
• Different options: Aura Sync gentle options (gentle bar, emblem, RGB keyboard), AniMe imaginative and prescient LED lid
• Working System: Home windows 11 Professional
• Worth: $3,299.99 MSRP

Asus’ pricing is cheap. The Strix Scar 16 I reviewed retails at an MSRP of $3,299.99. That’s according to comparable laptops just like the Gigabyte Aorus Grasp 16 ($3,099.99) and the MSI Vector HX AI 16 ($3,519.99).

As talked about, Asus additionally sells this mannequin of the Strix Scar 16 with an Nvidia RTX 5090, however selecting that improve bumps the value by $1,000 to $4,299.99.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Design and construct high quality

Asus has invested a whole lot of effort into the design of its high-end gaming laptops just lately, and the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 reaps the dividends.

At first look, it appears moderately primary. The laptop computer is constructed from black matte plastics that don’t stand out. Flip it on, although, and also you’ll instantly discover the Asus “AniMe Matrix” LED gentle panel constructed into the lid. You’ve in all probability seen it earlier than, however in the event you haven’t, discuss with this video. Mainly, the AniMe Matrix is a monocolor white LED show that may present easy info (just like the time) or animated pictures. I like it.

The laptop computer additionally advantages from RGB-LED lighting parts round its perimeter, the ROG emblem, and the keyboard. This design is typical for a laptop computer within the Scar 16’s worth bracket, however it appears good. The laptop computer additionally helps Asus Aura Sync RGB-LED gentle syncing, which might sync lighting themes throughout a number of supported units.

Appears apart, the Scar 16’s construct high quality is par for the class. The plastics really feel good, with the inside offering a little bit of a soft-touch texture, and the chassis is inflexible. Nevertheless, you’ll nonetheless discover flex in the event you choose the laptop computer up from one nook whereas it’s open or when opening the show lid.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Keyboard, trackpad

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 has a spacious keyboard and lacks a numpad. That second level is essential. A lacking numpad will disappoint some house owners but additionally permits a extra spacious structure that’s correctly centered. Personally, I favor laptops and not using a numpad on this measurement class, however your opinion might differ.

Key really feel is sweet, if not superb. There’s good key journey and a agency response, however the bottoming motion is just a little vaguer and rubberier than I’d favor. I’m nitpicking right here, although. It’s a wonderfully gratifying keyboard, and I had no downside utilizing it for hours at a time.

The touchpad is the place the Scar 16 outmaneuvers most rivals. It’s large, measuring about six inches broad and 4 inches deep. Many rivals, together with the MSI Vector 16 HX and Gigabyte Aorus Grasp 16, have smaller touchpads. A spacious touchpad is best for multi-touch gestures and customarily permits a extra responsive really feel.

You’ll additionally discover “NumLK” printed on the touchpad. Press it, and the touchpad floor turns right into a numpad. It’s higher than nothing, I suppose, however I wouldn’t wish to must depend on it.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Show, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 has a 16-inch show with 2560×1600 decision, a most refresh price of 240Hz, and a Mini-LED backlight behind an IPS-LCD show. It contrasts sharply in opposition to the OLED shows present in some rivals.

First, the positives. The Scar 16’s Mini-LED panel is splendidly vivid, appears wonderful in HDR, and has a large coloration gamut. Distinction efficiency is spectacular, too, although you will note blooming (within the type of halos round vivid objects) that doesn’t happen on an OLED show.

Then again, rivals with an OLED show can have a deeper, extra immersive picture, thanks each to their unimaginable distinction and lack of blooming. OLED additionally supplies superior movement readability resulting from its decrease pixel response occasions, which scale back movement blur. The Scar 16’s Mini-LED remains to be crisp, however fast-moving objects have extra element on an OLED show, like that discovered within the Lenovo Legion Professional 7i.

The Scar 16 helps G-Sync, which is a vital level. G-Sync permits the show to synchronize its refresh price with a sport’s body price to attain higher movement readability and eradicate ugly picture artifacts like display tearing.

Oh, and one ultimate notice. The Scar 16 has a semi-gloss panel, whereas most OLED laptops have a shiny panel.

The Scar 16’s audio is intelligent. It packs tweeters right into a soundbar hidden in a hump alongside the show hinge. They’re sufficiently subtle that it took me a couple of half-minute to determine the place, precisely, the audio was coming from. These tweeters are paired with downward-firing subwoofers. The result’s a loud, well-balanced sound system that’s genuinely entertaining.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 has a 1080p webcam and a dual-array microphone. Neither is outstanding, however each do the job. The webcam is crisp in good lighting, and the microphone picked up my voice with good quantity and readability whilst I spoke softly.

Biometric login is supported via Home windows Howdy facial recognition. It really works nice, as with most laptops which have the function (and it’s very frequent lately). The laptop computer doesn’t have a fingerprint reader.  

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

The star of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16’s connectivity is a pair of Thunderbolt 5 ports on the laptop computer’s left flank. These ports assist USB-C, have excessive knowledge charges (80Gbps bi-directional/120Gbps uni-directional) and DisplayPort, so that they’re an amazing possibility for connecting to high-speed storage or a show. Additionally they assist Energy Supply, however it will not be adequate to totally energy the laptop computer when it’s underneath excessive load.

These ports are joined by three USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an HDMI 2.1-out, a 2.5G Ethernet LAN port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. These are typical ports for a laptop computer on this class.

Sadly, the Scar 16’s port configuration is sub-par. The left flank homes many of the ports, together with the Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI ports. That decreases versatility, because it means you’ll have to snake cords across the laptop computer in case your peripherals occur to be to the laptop computer’s proper. Among the ports are very far ahead, too, so that you’re going to see cable muddle.

To be truthful, most 16-inch gaming laptops have the identical downside. Nonetheless, inserting no less than some ports on the laptop computer’s rear could be higher, and it’s one thing to bear in mind when contemplating how the Scar 16 will slot in your setup.

Wi-fi connectivity is robust, although typical, with assist for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 (the newest model of every customary). All of the aggressive laptops I might discover supply the identical wi-fi connectivity, however it’s nonetheless good to see.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Efficiency

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 has an Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU with a complete of 24 cores (8 efficiency cores and 16 environment friendly cores). That’s paired with Nvidia’s RTX 5080, which, on this case, is given entry to the utmost supported graphics energy (175 watts counting Dynamic Increase). The CPU and GPU are supported by 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 stable state drive.

IDG / Matthew Smith

We kick issues off in PCMark, a holistic system check. Right here the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 reached a wonderful rating of 8,383.

That’s extraordinarily quick, defeating most laptops examined final yr by a large margin. Nevertheless, because the graph reveals, new rivals with comparable {hardware} scored a hair higher.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Handbrake is a video encoding and transcoding program. Our benchmark converts a two-hour-long movie from MP4 to MKV format utilizing the CPU. It tends to be a long-duration check, however the Scar 16 with Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX chewed via it in simply seven minutes.

Whereas that is behind the Scar 16’s rivals, the margins listed here are so slim that they’re not significant. That’s excellent news for the Scar 16, because it’s inexpensive than the opposite Intel Core Extremely 9 HX laptops we examined.

IDG / Matthew Smith

It’s a unique story in Cinebench R23, nonetheless, the place the Scar 16 reached a rating of 30,717. Whereas the Scar 16 remains to be quicker than many cell CPUs, it falls noticeably behind the Lenovo Legion 7i Professional and MSI Raider 18 HX AI.

General, the Scar 16’s CPU efficiency is excellent however clearly a step behind the leaders. That’s not an enormous downside, although, as a result of the Scar 16 can also be extra moderately priced, and it’s nonetheless lots quick for a variety of duties, from gaming to video enhancing and far more.

In fact, for a lot of consumers, the Scar 16’s CPU efficiency is only a nice-to-have. It is a laptop computer constructed and offered for gaming. So, how does the Nvidia RTX 5080 carry out?

IDG / Matthew Smith

3DMark’s Time Spy and Port Royale benchmarks peg the Scar 16 off to a stable, although anticipated stage of efficiency. It trades blows with the 2 various RTX 5080 gaming laptops we’ve examined to this point. Whereas there are some small variations in efficiency, they’re primarily tied in these benchmarks. We’ll want to take a look at video games to seek out important variations.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Shadow of the Tomb Raider, which we run with out the usage of DLSS or raytracing, is an effective illustration of high-end titles from the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 console era. In fact, the Scar 16 with RTX 5080 has no downside on this title and averaged 189 frames per second at 1080p and highest element. With that stated, the Lenovo Legion Professional 7i leapt far forward on this sport.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Metro Exodus is a cross-generation title. We don’t run it with DLSS or raytracing enabled, however we do use the intense preset at 1080p decision, which lives as much as its title. Even the mighty RTX 5080 doesn’t fairly beat a median of 100 fps.

The story for the Scar 16 is a much less excessive model of the Shadow of the Tomb Raider outcomes. The Scar 16 is a bit behind, and the Lenovo Legion Professional 7i runs forward. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t name this a giant loss for the Asus.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Now let’s try Cyberpunk 2077, a current-generation title that’s always up to date to embrace the newest options. I ran the sport at 1080p in each the Extremely preset and the ray-traced Overdrive preset. All types of picture upscaling and body era have been disabled.

These are the sort of outcomes I prefer to see, as a result of they make my job straightforward. The Scar 16 as soon as once more finally ends up a bit behind the competitors, however not a lot in order that it’s more likely to take the Scar 16 out of competition. That’s very true within the Overdrive preset, the place the decrease common framerates amongst all examined programs scale back the obvious gaps between them.

I additionally tried the Scar 16 in Overdrive mode with the DLSS Transformer Mannequin and DLSS Body Era in use, with DLSS High quality chosen. That boosted the Scar 16’s efficiency fairly a bit, to a median of 63 frames per second. So, it’s solely attainable to take pleasure in Cyberpunk with ray tracing on the Scar 16.

General, the Scar 16’s efficiency is exactly what I anticipated getting into. The Scar 16 is a bit inexpensive than different laptops with Nvidia RTX 5080 that PC World has reviewed to this point. It’s additionally a lot smaller than some, just like the MSI Raider 18 HX AI, which weighs about two kilos extra. Given its worth and measurement, it’s cheap to anticipate the Scar 16 could be just a little slower than the alternate options, and that’s what occurred.

Thankfully for Asus, the Scar 16’s efficiency drawback is just not important sufficient to matter in lots of conditions, and particularly in gaming. The Lenovo Legion Professional 7i posted higher sport efficiency total, however it’s additionally $300 dearer, so the selection between them actually comes all the way down to your funds and choice.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Battery life, portability

Gaming laptops just like the Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 aren’t often nice for battery life, however there’s purpose to have hope for the Scar 16. It helps Nvidia Optimus and doesn’t require a reboot between hybrid and full-GPU mode; you possibly can simply flip it on or off within the settings. Superior Optimus can also be in use by default and may mechanically flip the Nvidia GPU off when it’s not required.

IDG / Matthew Smith

And but, the Scar 16 didn’t do nicely in our customary battery check, which loops a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Metal. It appeared that the Nvidia GPU was engaged anyway. The Intel Core Extremely 9 isn’t notably power-efficient, which I think had some influence on the outcomes.

In the true world, I discovered the Scar 16’s battery life to be extraordinarily variable.

I believe an excellent 5 – 6 hours could be attainable in a light-load scenario, however two to 4 hours is extra typical. Observe, too, that the situation I’m describing remains to be a modest workload; I’m looking the online with a couple of tabs open, enhancing images, and writing in Phrase. Enjoying a sport will drain the battery much more rapidly. 

In any case, the Scar 16 isn’t moveable, in any case, weighing over six kilos and measuring as much as 1.21 inches thick. These are regular figures for a gaming laptop computer, however greater than I wish to pack day-to-day. The laptop computer’s giant 380-watt energy brick doesn’t assist issues.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 16: Conclusion

The Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 is a stable 16-inch gaming laptop computer for consumers trying to snag Nvidia’s cell RTX 5080. Nvidia’s GPU performs fairly nicely right here, solely barely lagging the efficiency of bigger 18-inch programs. It’s an identical story for the Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU, which, although a step down from the 285Hx, remains to be extraordinarily quick in any multi-core check.

Asus’ design is a bonus as nicely, with a gorgeous “AniMe Matrix” show throughout the laptop computer’s lid and respectable construct high quality. On the draw back, the laptop computer’s battery life wasn’t nice regardless of the inclusion of Nvidia Optimus to modify off the GPU in some conditions. I additionally assume the location of the bodily ports, which line the edges of the laptop computer, is inconvenient.

Priced at $3,299.99, the Scar 16’s pricing is mid-pack amongst its direct rivals, although most land inside a pair hundred {dollars}. I believe the Scar’s design presents some benefits over the Gigabyte Aorus Grasp 16 and MSI Vector 16 HX AI (like a big touchpad).

The Lenovo Legion Professional 7i is the Scar 16’s most troublesome opponent. It has an OLED show, which I favor, and carried out a bit higher total. Nevertheless, the Lenovo is $3,599.99. At MSRP, I’d in all probability nonetheless go along with the Lenovo, however a $100 or $200 low cost on the Scar 16 might push me in that path.

General, the Scar 16 is a well-priced, high-end gaming laptop computer that delivers robust CPU and GPU efficiency.