Overview
- The ROG Strix Scar 18 boasts an expansive 18-inch display, while the ROG Strix Scar 17 settles for a more compact 17.
- Battery life is not a primary concern for gaming laptops, but the ROG Strix Scar 18 has a slight advantage over the Scar 17.
- With its larger 90Wh battery, the Scar 18 can last for up to 6 hours on a single charge, compared to the 5 hours of the Scar 17 with its 80Wh battery.
In the fierce battleground of gaming laptops, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar series reigns supreme. With its latest iterations, the ROG Strix Scar 18 and ROG Strix Scar 17, ASUS has raised the bar once again. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these gaming powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision about your next gaming companion.
Display: Size Matters
The most striking difference lies in their screen size. The ROG Strix Scar 18 boasts an expansive 18-inch display, while the ROG Strix Scar 17 settles for a more compact 17.3-inch screen. The larger display on the Scar 18 offers a more immersive gaming experience, especially for titles that benefit from a wider field of view.
Performance: Unmatched Power
Under the hood, both laptops pack a punch with the latest 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processors. However, the ROG Strix Scar 18 can be configured with the top-of-the-line i9-13980HX, while the Scar 17 tops out at the i9-13950HX. This slight advantage in CPU performance gives the Scar 18 a marginal edge in demanding tasks and games.
Graphics: The Heart of Gaming
When it comes to graphics, both laptops rely on the mighty NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. The ROG Strix Scar 18 offers the RTX 4090, the most powerful mobile GPU currently available. The ROG Strix Scar 17, on the other hand, is equipped with the RTX 4080, which is still a formidable performer. With these graphics cards, you can expect butter-smooth gameplay and stunning visuals in even the most graphically intensive titles.
Cooling: Keeping the Heat at Bay
Gaming laptops are notorious for overheating, but ASUS has implemented robust cooling solutions in both the ROG Strix Scar 18 and Scar 17. The Scar 18 features a liquid metal cooling system that helps dissipate heat more efficiently. However, the Scar 17 is no slouch either, employing a vapor chamber cooling system to keep temperatures under control.
Memory and Storage: Room for Expansion
Both laptops offer ample memory and storage options. The ROG Strix Scar 18 comes with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of NVMe SSD storage. The ROG Strix Scar 17 offers slightly less, with a maximum of 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. However, both laptops provide the flexibility to upgrade your memory and storage as needed.
Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
The ROG Strix Scar 18 and Scar 17 share a similar design philosophy, with sharp angles and aggressive lines. However, the Scar 18 features a more futuristic aesthetic, with a transparent base that showcases the internals of the laptop. Both laptops have RGB lighting, customizable with the Armoury Crate software, allowing you to personalize your gaming experience.
Connectivity: Staying Connected
In terms of connectivity, both laptops offer a wide range of ports. The ROG Strix Scar 18 and Scar 17 both have Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI ports, USB-A ports, and an Ethernet port. Additionally, the Scar 18 features a microSD card reader, while the Scar 17 has a Kensington lock slot.
Battery Life: Endurance on the Go
Battery life is not a primary concern for gaming laptops, but the ROG Strix Scar 18 has a slight advantage over the Scar 17. With its larger 90Wh battery, the Scar 18 can last for up to 6 hours on a single charge, compared to the 5 hours of the Scar 17 with its 80Wh battery.
Summary: The Ultimate Choice
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 and ROG Strix Scar 17 are both exceptional gaming laptops that cater to different needs. If you prioritize maximum performance, immersive gaming, and a futuristic design, the ROG Strix Scar 18 is the clear choice. However, if you prefer a more compact size, while still enjoying impressive performance and features, the ROG Strix Scar 17 offers a compelling value proposition.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The ROG Strix Scar 18 has a larger 18-inch display, while the Scar 17 has a 17.3-inch display.
2. Which laptop has more powerful hardware?
The ROG Strix Scar 18 can be configured with more powerful CPU and GPU options than the Scar 17.
3. Which laptop has better cooling?
Both laptops have robust cooling systems, but the Scar 18 features a more advanced liquid metal cooling system.
4. Which laptop has more memory and storage?
The ROG Strix Scar 18 offers up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, while the Scar 17 has a maximum of 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
5. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The ROG Strix Scar 18 has a slightly longer battery life than the Scar 17, thanks to its larger battery capacity.