ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 2023 Gaming Laptop Review

At times, truly remarkable items emerge for appraisal, and the ROG Strix SCAR 16 (2023) gaming laptop stands as one such instance. Certainly, the fresh ROG Strix SCAR 16 comes with a price tag so exorbitant that it’s unlikely to find a place within every gaming enthusiast’s abode. However, for those inclined toward a premium gaming experience on a laptop, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 presents itself as the optimal selection.

The technical specifications eloquently attest to its prowess – accommodating a comprehensive array of features. Even including a facet that, to be candid, caught the reviewer off guard concerning the ROG Strix SCAR 16. The laptop’s audacity extends to the installation of two 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 drives within a RAID0 configuration. It’s worth noting that this RAID0 is of the software variant, as opposed to employing a dedicated controller. Simultaneously, it must be acknowledged that suspicions regarding the flawless functionality of the RAID solution were harbored, but delving deeper into this issue is prudent.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 Technical Specifications

Appearance and Structure

The ROG Strix SCAR 16 unquestionably stands as one of ASUS‘ most prominent offerings, both in a figurative and literal sense. It amalgamates the finest components, the swiftest functionalities, the most vivid displays, and at times, even the most subdued acoustics.

Naturally, the laptop employs top-tier materials and showcases the most captivating visual design innovations. The presence of RGB LED lighting is pervasive, casting its glow from every angle, while the laptop’s chassis itself features semi-transparent elements. Thus far, these attributes contribute to an impressive package; however, certain nuances warrant consideration.

One aspect, however, involves the noticeable propensity for the case materials to develop a peculiar flaking issue. Upon any contact with the laptop, the surface inexplicably turns tacky, a phenomenon that poses inconveniences. Moreover, cleaning this residue proves to be a challenge, as even minor particles are resistant to removal. The second consideration, which falls under the reviewer’s observation, pertains to the limitation of the screen’s tilt angle. Registering at approximately 130°, it fails to provide a particularly broad range of adjustability.

The array of ports presents a considerable breadth – encompassing the familiar USB Type-A ports, along with Type-C ports featuring Thunderbolt 4 support (equipped with DisplayPort / G-SYNC functionality). In addition, a LAN port operating at 2.5 Gbit/s and an HDMI 2.1 port are also at one’s disposal. Evidently, meticulous consideration has been dedicated to the cooling system within the ROG Strix SCAR 16. Upon prying open the laptop, the reviewer was greeted by the presence of three distinct fans. While standard office computers tend to incorporate one or, in some cases, no fans, and conventional gaming setups often integrate two fans, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 sets itself apart with an ensemble of three fans.

Incidentally, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 offers comprehensive home serviceability. Users have the liberty to upgrade the RAM, tinker with the NVMe SSD modules, replace the Wi-Fi card and battery, and naturally perform fan maintenance. Accessing the laptop’s internals merely requires a Phillips screwdriver (PH2), and the process of opening the cover unfolds without the specter of needless damage.

Moreover, an intriguing feature entails the opportunity to personalize the laptop’s aesthetics by affixing a custom-designed cover adjacent to the left hinge. Although a pre-designed 3D printer file for the 16″ model is currently absent, plans for its release are on the horizon.

The ROG Strix SCAR 16 carries a notable weight, registering at 2.5 kilograms. It’s worth noting that the laptop is accompanied by a 330 W charger, adding an additional mass of 1.3 kilograms, a factor that should also be considered.

Keyboard

The keyboard on the ROG Strix SCAR 16 is notably impressive. In fact, it stands out as the finest keyboard the reviewer has encountered on a gaming laptop. This praise is not unwarranted. The keys exhibit a satisfying tactility, and it’s worth noting that they offer an informative and predictable response, even during rapid keypresses. Naturally, the keyboard on the ROG Strix SCAR 16 is fully backlit, featuring captivating color effects that add to its appeal.

The touchpad surpasses the reviewer’s expectations for a gaming laptop. Notably, it even integrates a built-in number pad, a functional addition that proves advantageous for daily tasks.

Screen

The screen of the ROG Strix SCAR 16 stands out as a truly mesmerizing feature, with any photograph falling short of capturing its genuine prowess. It encompasses an array of elements that cater to the desires of any avid gamer. The ROG Nebula HDR Display, boasting Mini LED technology, HDR capabilities reaching a peak brightness of 1100 cd/m², and an impressive 512 dimming zones, pairs with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Moreover, G-Sync support further enhances the visual experience, and a MUX Switch even finds its place among the remarkable features.

Driving all this visual splendor is a GeForce RTX 4080 12 GB laptop graphics card, boasting a clock speed of 2330 MHz and a power consumption of 175 W (which can escalate to 2280 MHz Boost Clock + 50 MHz OC and 150 W + 25 W Dynamic Boost).

While extensive discourse could be dedicated to the screen, encapsulating such a captivating image within words and images proves challenging. It’s crucial to emphasize that the screen of the ROG Strix SCAR 16 emerges as one of the brightest, if not the brightest, displays available. Its proficiency in rendering HDR content is exceptional, with 512 dimming zones substantially contributing to its capabilities. This assessment extends to comparison with desktop monitors as well.

Battery

Initial expectations leaned toward the ROG Strix SCAR 16 having limited endurance on a single charge; however, reality proved less dire. In the PCMark 10 Modern Office test, the laptop managed to endure for nearly 3 hours—a commendable feat given its classification. Even in game mode, the laptop can stretch to over an hour, unless the screen brightness is set exceptionally high.

The provided 330W charger is undeniably substantial, with notably thick cables accompanying it. The charger’s weight was previously discussed. If one ever finds themselves in need of a makeshift bludgeon, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 Charger could serve as an unexpectedly fitting choice.

Software

The ROG Strix SCAR 16 comes bundled with the familiar MyASUS application (for updates and battery settings), Armory Crate (for performance tuning, RGB LED control, microphone operation, and updates), and the somewhat assertive and intrusive McAfee antivirus software.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 Performance

Undoubtedly, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 emerges as the most impressively equipped laptop to grace the reviewer’s experience. The collaboration of the Intel Core i9-13980HX with the GeForce RTX 4080 yields a considerable surge in power, while managing to maintain a level of quietude that surpasses initial expectations. Although the fans’ presence is discernible, their operation is characterized by a subdued hum, as opposed to an overtly conspicuous whir.

At this juncture, it is pertinent to highlight a probable issue concerning the software RAID0 configuration, which seemingly led to occasional sluggishness in the laptop’s performance. This phenomenon notably manifested during app installation and restoration processes. Nonetheless, in the course of regular usage, the laptop exhibited flawless and even surprisingly swift operation.

Additionally, a disconcerting suspicion arose that the robust RTX 4080 exhibited a degree of coil whine, a phenomenon recognized as GPU coil whine. This flaw was noticeable during game initialization and throughout the loading process.

In synthetic performance benchmarks, the recorded results stand as the most exceptional ever demonstrated by laptops. The ROG Strix SCAR 16 showcases remarkable performance, exhibiting results in 3DMark tests that approach the levels typically associated with desktop systems. While the comparison might lean toward exaggeration, there’s no denying the considerable power that the ROG Strix SCAR 16 embodies.

In-game performance evaluations were conducted at a full screen resolution of 2560 x 1600, with graphics settings set to Ultra. Once again, it becomes evident that the ROG Strix SCAR 16 adeptly manages games with impeccable proficiency.

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 Review Conclusion

In the final analysis, it can be confidently asserted that the ROG Strix SCAR 16 stands as the epitome of gaming laptops for both the reviewer and prospective users. The introductory price of the ROG Strix SCAR 16, featuring 32 GB RAM, 1 TB storage (comprising 2x 1 TB NVMe SSDs), and an RTX 4080 graphics card is $2,899.

This particular model extends the option to include an RTX 4090 graphics card, while also allowing for the augmentation of RAM and SSD storage, thereby substantially elevating the overall cost of the ROG Strix SCAR 16. The reviewer harbors the personal belief that opting for the RTX 4090 video card might prove to be an extravagant expenditure, given that both the RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 function within the same 175 W threshold in this laptop.

The semi-transparent design might not cater to everyone’s aesthetic preferences, although the reviewer found the material’s susceptibility to smudging to be a more pronounced concern. While accommodating the considerable array of RGB LED lighting might necessitate some patience, it’s worth noting that they can be deactivated entirely at the user’s discretion.

The ROG Strix SCAR 16 boasts an exceptionally impressive screen, warranting an extensive search to discover a desktop display that’s as exquisitely equipped, brilliantly luminous, and swiftly responsive. Naturally, desktop computers could feature larger screen sizes.

Moreover, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 merits special recognition once more – while not flawless, its display exhibits reduced glare and consequently, diminished irritation. In terms of cooling, desktop computers unsurprisingly benefit from more efficient and significantly quieter cooling solutions.