The ROG Strix Scar 18 2024 is the upgrade to last year’s ROG Strix Scar 18 2023.
ROG Strix Scar is now a common name in the gaming world after successful previous models since 2022.
What makes Strix a great deal
ROG Strix Scar series is a premium gaming brand that offers powerful and unique laptops, popular with gamers and content creators.
Since ASUS started making these laptops, they have stood out for their high performance.
The only worrying part about them is that they are extremely very expensive. Nonetheless, most premium gaming laptops like Alien Ware | MSI | and Legion are all expensive.
If you are wondering if the new model is so special or a copy of last year’s version, I came to answer that question.
We will compare feature by feature and see what changed then help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, both ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) and 2023 versions, come in two models with different graphics cards
Prices
ROG Strix Scar 18 (2024) : From $2,999.99
ROG Strix Scar 18 (2023): From $3,499.99
Buy from:
Rating (4/5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a good start for the new model, the starting price is way lower than that of the 2023 model.
★
Performance.
What they both have.
Graphics Card:
- Model 1 NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 Laptop GPU (16GB GDDR6)
- Model 2 NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 Laptop GPU (12GB GDDR6)
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
Memory:32 GB and expandable to 64GB
Storage: Up to 4TB
Cooling system: Liquid metal | thin fan designs
What is different
Processor
2023 model: 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13980HX Processor
2024 model: 14th Intel® Core™ i9 Processor 14900HX
The difference in the processor model gives Strix Scar 18 (2024) an advantage over its predecessor.
Performance Benefits.
GPU(NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090)
To compete in the market. Both models have the latest NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 Laptop GPU.
This powerful graphics card features the ROG Boost technology and has 12GB of GDDR6 memory.
It assures you instant performance boosts when running demanding games and applications
HDR image effects. Being a modern-age GPU, it can handle high-resolution textures and 4K ray-tracing effects.
AI-powered.
It is equipped with AI technology that works well with AI-powered games and graphics. e.g. Death by AI.
Besides its beast-level performance capabilities, it is power efficient compared to the previous model.
But all the praise comes at a cost because it’s over $500 more expensive than its predecessor.
On the other hand, the RTX 4080 is not a bad choice especially if you have not tested the RTX 4090. To save more money and miss on some performance values but still compete, choose RTX 4080.
Good enough the new GPU is available in Rog Strix scar 18 2023. This can help to balance performance and price
Operating System
Of course, Windows 11 Pro is the latest high-end OS from Microsoft. Windows 11 Pro offers better productivity performance, and improved features such as;
- Windows Studio Effects: Improves video calls
- Auto HDR: Improves image quality by increasing color dynamics.Combining a powerful OS and GPU that produces results
Processor
The Gen 14 Intel® Core™ i9 Processor 14900HX is the key separator of the two ROG Strix Scar 18 laptops for all reasons.
- The Gen 14 processor handles more workload thanks to its efficient core max turbo frequency of 4.1 GHz versus 3.90 GHz of processor Gen 13
- It also offers a clear performance gap of up to a frequency of 5.8Ghz versus 5.4Ghz
14900HX is more costly though compared to the 13 Intel® Core™ i9 Processor 13900HX by about $100.
Cooling system.
As we all know gaming laptops are powerhouses, they generate a lot of heat to perform at their best.
To cool the system Asus introduced liquid metal as the main component in the cooling processor.
This component transfers heat away from the system at a 15X rate than traditional cooling systems according to ASUS.
As result, a cooler system performs better.
★
Design.
What do they both have?
Ports: 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack | 1x HDMI 2.1 FRL | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | 1x 2.5G LAN port | 1x Thunderbolt™ 4
Keyboard: Backlit | per- key RGB | Touchpad
Build Material: Aluminum lid and hard plastic
Weight:3.10kg
Colour: Matte Black
What is different?
There are no other significant upgrades in the new Rog Strix scar model.
Feature benefits
Ports
Both these laptops have the same number of ports and they are enough for data transfer, and media experience.
Aluminum lid and hard plastic bottom. These are gaming laptops therefore durability is not in question.
The selection of the materials is intentional for their strength and lightweight.
3.1kg of weight is that much considering the components in these laptops.
Keyboard:
A backlit keyboard with per-key RGB lighting improves the appeal of your device.
- Whether you are in a dark room, a bright office, or outdoors, you can always see your keys.
With per-key RGB lighting, you can choose from millions of colours and effects to create a unique keyboard layout.
You can also sync your keyboard with other RGB devices like your mouse, headset, or speakers.
- Keep in mind that the more devices you add the more the battery life is affected.
The only problem with RGB keyboards is that they consume a lot of power from the battery.
★
Display:
What they both have.
Screen Size: 18’’
Aspect ratio: 16:10
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
Response time: 3ms
ROG Nebula Display: Yes | Dolby Vision HDR: Yes |Pantone Validated: Yes | MUX Switch + NVIDIA® Advanced Optimus: Yes
What is different
Display Panel
Strix Scar 18 2023: IPS
Strix Scar 18 2024: Mini LED
Resolution:
Strix Scar 18 2023: QHD+
Strix Scar 18 2023:2.5k
Display feature benefits.
Screen size:
A bigger screen means better productivity due to the ease of multitasking and eye comfort due to bigger clearer images.
The downside comes in the higher price | cost to repair | high battery consumption | and overall weight.
High refresh rate
Picture yourself in a game battle just about to catch the enemy then the screen lags.
That is why a higher refresh rate is a no-brainer for a gaming pc.
Strix Scar 18 has one of the highest refresh rates -240 Hz with a response in 3 microseconds.
From game frame to frame or animation, it’s as quick as a click.
This feature is also useful for professional gamers, video and photo editors.
Screen certification
The displays on both these devices are Pantone and Dolby Vision certified which means accurate colours are displayed
Display panel and resolution
The difference in naming these displays may create a marketing difference but not a user experience.
This is because both 2.5k LED and QHD+ have the same resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
The difference is that the mini-LED is stronger and cheaper to repair.
Over all the mini-LED on the 2024 model is a better choice in terms of value.
★
Battery Life:
Battery capacity: 90WHrs
Power Supply: 330W AC Adapter | TYPE-C, 100W AC Adapter
Feature benefits
A good battery is one of the most difficult components to have in a gaming laptop.
A high-capacity battery can provide longer gaming sessions without plugging in.
The battery capacity of these laptops is 90WHrs, which is impressive for a gaming device.
This means you can enjoy your favorite games for up to 5 hours at high-intensity use.
The battery life will majorly depend on the settings and applications you use.
With two power input systems (AC Wired adapter and USB-C) you can easily power the laptops on the go.
Audio and Connectivity.
What they both have
Built-in array microphone
4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier
Wi-Fi 6E
What’s different
Bluetooth
2024 model: 5.3 version
2023 model: 5.2 version
Benefits
Laptop speakers are not always depended on, especially for professional gamers but they have to be good enough.
The Strix Scar laptops in the same come with a set of 4 Dolby Atmos-certified speakers.
Speakers come with a smart Amplifier and an array microphone with noise cancellation for communication.
Gamers and content creators are fond of having the best peripherals or accessories like; Headphones, mice, keyboards, controllers and speakers.
These devices require the best Bluetooth version for better synchronization and performance.
Same as last year’s model Wi-Fi 6E is still the best Wi-Fi extension. It’s smoother, faster, and offers more stable wireless connections than old versions.
Conclusion
From the comparison above, I believe you can make the right decision on what model you can buy.
If you are running on a tight budget the 2023 model isn’t bad at all. More so if you want the best model
But if you’re okay with spending more cash the 2024 model with a new processor, will be worth it.
Besides the lowest model is cheaper for the 2024 series with the compromise of some features.
Please check the in-depth review from Lenovo’s Legion:
Legion 7i Pro (2024) Vs Legion 9i (2024)
The New Alienware m18 R2 (2024) Vs m18
Join the conversation
I can’t wait to know what you guys think of these two models.
Share with us your opinion in the comment section below.
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