What to know
- The ROG Strix Scar series by ASUS has long been a favorite among gamers, offering a powerful blend of performance, portability, and style.
- Battery life is comparable between the two laptops, with the Scar 16 offering a slight edge of up to 9 hours of use.
- The Scar 18 benefits from a more robust cooling system, featuring three fans and seven heat pipes compared to the Scar 16’s two fans and six heat pipes.
The ROG Strix Scar series by ASUS has long been a favorite among gamers, offering a powerful blend of performance, portability, and style. The latest iterations, the ROG Strix Scar 16 and ROG Strix Scar 18, continue this tradition with impressive upgrades and improvements. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two gaming behemoths to help you make an informed decision.
Display and Design
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- 16-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 3ms response time
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- 18-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS display
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 3ms response time
Both laptops feature high-quality IPS displays with identical refresh rates and response times. However, the Scar 18 boasts a larger 18-inch screen, providing more immersive gaming experiences.
Performance
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- Intel Core i9-13980HX processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM (upgradable to 64GB)
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- Intel Core i9-13980HX processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
- 32GB DDR5 RAM (upgradable to 64GB)
In terms of performance, the Scar 18 takes the lead with its more powerful RTX 4090 GPU. This offers a significant advantage for demanding games and content creation tasks. Both laptops are equipped with the latest Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and ample RAM, ensuring exceptional performance.
Storage
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
Both laptops come with a single 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, providing blazing-fast storage speeds. However, the Scar 18 offers the option to expand storage via an additional PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, giving you more flexibility.
Battery Life
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- 90Wh battery
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- 90Wh battery
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
Battery life is comparable between the two laptops, with the Scar 16 offering a slight edge of up to 9 hours of use. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and settings.
Cooling
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- ROG Intelligent Cooling system
- 2 fans
- 6 heat pipes
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- ROG Intelligent Cooling system
- 3 fans
- 7 heat pipes
The Scar 18 benefits from a more robust cooling system, featuring three fans and seven heat pipes compared to the Scar 16’s two fans and six heat pipes. This improved cooling allows the Scar 18 to maintain higher performance levels for extended periods.
Portability
ROG Strix Scar 16:
- Weight: 2.4kg
- Dimensions: 354 x 259 x 22.6mm
ROG Strix Scar 18:
- Weight: 2.8kg
- Dimensions: 399 x 289 x 25.4mm
The Scar 16 is more portable, weighing 0.4kg less and being slightly smaller than the Scar 18. This makes it a better choice for gamers who frequently travel or prefer a more compact laptop.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- HDMI 2.1
- DisplayPort 1.4
The Verdict
The ROG Strix Scar 16 and ROG Strix Scar 18 are both exceptional gaming laptops that offer impressive performance, features, and design.
Choose the ROG Strix Scar 16 if you:
- Prioritize portability
- Need a more compact and lightweight laptop
- Value longer battery life
Choose the ROG Strix Scar 18 if you:
- Demand the absolute best performance
- Require a larger screen for immersive gaming
- Need expandable storage options
- Prefer a more robust cooling system
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both the Scar 16 and Scar 18 are outstanding gaming laptops that will provide you with an unforgettable gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better refresh rate?
A: Both laptops have a 240Hz refresh rate.
Q: Is the Scar 18 worth the extra cost over the Scar 16?
A: It depends on your needs. If you prioritize performance, screen size, and expandable storage, the Scar 18 is worth the investment.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM in both laptops?
A: Yes, both laptops allow you to upgrade the RAM to a maximum of 64GB.
Q: Which laptop has a better webcam?
A: Both laptops have a 720p HD webcam.
Q: Do these laptops come with a pre-installed operating system?
A: Yes, both laptops come with Windows 11 pre-installed.