The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15, a flagship gaming laptop from Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) lineup, represents a powerful and stylish solution tailored for gamers and performance enthusiasts. Packed with cutting-edge hardware and a distinctive design, this laptop aims to deliver top-tier gaming experiences and computational prowess. With Intel’s 12th-gen processors, a high-refresh-rate display, and an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, the Scar 15 positions itself as a force to be reckoned with in the gaming laptop market. However, as with any device, it comes with its share of strengths and compromises. Whether you’re a serious gamer, content creator, or someone seeking powerful computing capabilities, this review aims to provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about this gaming powerhouse.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15.6″, i9 12900H and RTX 3070 Ti
240Hz IPS QHD Display / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / Intel Core i9 12900H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Per-Key RGB Keyboard / Windows 11 Home
+ 240Hz QHD Display
+ Stunning Customizable RGB
+ Great Speakers
+ Decent Cooling
+ Huge Portable Performance
– No Built in Webcam (Requires Phone App)
– Short Battery Life vs Battery Size
– Material gets dirty very easily
– Heavy, especially with the power brick you will need
MSRP: $1,999 USD
Design and Aesthetic
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s design makes a bold statement, emphasizing its gaming-centric identity. The laptop’s exterior is a testament to its intended purpose, featuring an attention-grabbing aesthetic that resonates with gaming enthusiasts. The lid proudly displays the iconic Asus logo, which is customizable to emit various colors, enhancing the laptop’s visual appeal. Adding to its gaming aura, the ROG stamp on the laptop lid contributes to its aggressive and eye-catching design. Notably, the lid is crafted from metal, imparting a premium feel and durability. The rest of the laptop’s body is primarily constructed from plastic, striking a balance between sturdiness and weight considerations.
Personalization and Material Mix: One standout feature of the design is the inclusion of customizable accent pieces, enabling users to tailor the laptop’s appearance to their individual taste. These accent pieces provide options like transparent panels that offer a glimpse into the laptop’s internals, adding a personal touch to the design. While the customization options are commendable, it’s important to acknowledge that the laptop’s surfaces can be prone to accumulating fingerprints and smudges over time.
Dimensions and Port Placement: In terms of dimensions, the laptop’s thickness is well-managed, measuring slightly slimmer than some of its competitors. This slim profile contributes to enhanced portability, making it more convenient for users on the move. However, it’s worth noting that the laptop’s weight increases when the power brick is factored in, potentially making it feel slightly heavier when carrying it around.
Strategic Port Arrangement: Asus has made strategic choices in terms of port placement, aiming to provide convenience for users. The left side of the laptop houses two USB ports, an audio jack, and a dedicated keycap dish. The majority of the ports, however, are located at the back, including power, HDMI, USB Type-C (with Thunderbolt 4 support), and Ethernet, among others. While the laptop boasts an array of ports, it’s important to consider that the positioning of certain ports at the back might pose accessibility challenges, particularly if users frequently switch peripherals.
Build Quality and Special Features: Despite some minimal lid flex, the overall build quality of the laptop feels robust. The hinges allow for easy one-handed operation, enhancing the laptop’s user-friendliness. The inclusion of RGB lighting on the keyboard deck, as well as the illuminated ROG logo and customizable hinge faceplates, contributes to the laptop’s distinct gaming identity and adds a touch of personalization.
Limitations: It’s essential to address certain limitations of the design. Notably, the absence of a built-in webcam might be a drawback for users who require video conferencing capabilities. Additionally, the laptop’s dimensions and the lack of Windows Hello support might limit its appeal for individuals seeking an all-encompassing productivity machine.
Cooling and Noise Management: Regarding cooling, the laptop’s design features a substantial cooling system with exhaust vents on three sides. This design approach effectively dissipates heat, contributing to enhanced performance and longevity. Importantly, the laptop manages fan noise quite well, especially when operating in performance modes that strike a balance between temperature control and noise levels.
The design and build of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 cater boldly to the gaming community. The laptop’s striking aesthetics, customizable accents, and robust cooling system underscore its gaming prowess. The laptop achieves a commendable equilibrium between durability and portability, aligning with the demands of modern gamers. Nonetheless, certain design choices might not align with the requirements of non-gaming use cases. The laptop’s construction quality reflects attention to detail, making it a fitting choice for those who prioritize both style and substance in their gaming laptops.
| Processor | Intel Core i9 12900H |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5, 4800Mhz |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 SSD (Space for 1x Extra) |
| Battery | 90Wh |
| Display | 15.6 Inch LCD, 16:9 Ratio, 1440p, 240Hz Refresh Rate |
| Size | 13.94″ x 10.2″ x 1.07″ (LxWxH) |
| Weight | Laptop 5.08LBs, Power Brick 2.0 LBs |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Type C, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (Charging Available), HDMI 2.1, Ethernet Port, DC-in, Aux Port |
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s keyboard is a standout feature that combines both gaming and productivity aspects. Sporting a traditional membrane design, the keyboard offers a tactile typing experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. With a key travel distance of around 1.9 millimeters, users can enjoy a satisfying typing and gaming experience. The per-key RGB lighting adds a layer of customization, allowing users to tailor the keyboard’s appearance to match their preferences. Beyond aesthetics, the RGB lighting serves functional purposes, such as creating personalized visual cues or integrating seamlessly with gaming setups.
Enhanced Functionality: From a functionality perspective, the keyboard boasts dedicated media buttons and extra controls for managing the laptop’s settings. These convenient shortcuts include features like microphone mute, fan speed adjustments, and direct access to the Asus Armory Crate software. Strategically positioned, these shortcuts contribute to a seamless user experience, particularly during intense gaming sessions.
Touchpad Usability and Versatility: The touchpad on the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is generously sized and centrally positioned beneath the keyboard. Its smooth glass surface facilitates comfortable navigation and precise cursor control. However, some users might notice a slight delay between finger movements and cursor responsiveness, leading to occasional latency.
Dual-Purpose Touchpad: An innovative touchpad feature is its dual-purpose nature. While it functions conventionally as a touchpad for cursor control, it can also be activated as a numeric keypad. This dual functionality caters to gamers and users needing numeric input without sacrificing valuable keyboard space. Activation involves pressing and holding the designated key to toggle between touchpad and numeric keypad modes. While the keyboard and touchpad offer a positive experience overall, there are areas for potential enhancement. Some users might prefer physical keys for the numeric keypad rather than the touchpad activation method. Additionally, the touchpad’s latency issue might affect performance for specific tasks.
The keyboard and touchpad of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 strike a harmonious balance between gaming prowess and productivity versatility. The keyboard’s tactile feedback and customization options elevate both gaming and typing encounters. The touchpad’s innovative dual-purpose design caters to diverse user needs, despite potential latency concerns. Together, these input devices contribute substantially to the laptop’s usability and accommodate a wide array of user preferences.
Display and Audio
The display of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 offers an immersive visual experience that enhances gaming and multimedia activities. The combination of a 15.6-inch IPS panel and a QHD resolution of 2560×1440 delivers a balance between visual clarity and performance demands.
Smooth Motion with High Refresh Rate: One standout feature of the display is its impressive 240Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate ensures smoother motion and reduced motion blur during fast-paced gaming sequences, providing a competitive edge in gaming scenarios that require quick reactions.
Color Accuracy and Vibrancy: The display’s color accuracy is noteworthy, catering to both gaming and content creation tasks that demand precise color reproduction. The vibrant and accurate colors contribute to an engaging gaming experience and allow content creators to work with confidence in their visual projects.
Fast Response Time: Complementing the high refresh rate, the display boasts a fast 3ms response time. This feature minimizes ghosting effects and enhances the overall visual experience, particularly in scenes with rapid movement.
Slim Bezel Design: The laptop’s display design includes slim bezels on three sides, creating an immersive viewing area that draws users into their gaming and multimedia content. The bezel design adds to the laptop’s modern aesthetics.
Brightness: While the display offers impressive visuals, its maximum brightness of approximately 330 nits might not be ideal for outdoor use in direct sunlight. Users who intend to use the laptop in various environments should consider this limitation.
Audio: The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s audio components contribute to an immersive and rich audio experience that enhances both gaming and multimedia activities.
Speaker Configuration: The laptop features a speaker setup consisting of dual tweeters and dual woofers. This configuration delivers impressive audio quality with a noticeable emphasis on bass, which adds depth to gaming sound effects and music.
Enhanced Gaming Experience: The emphasis on bass-rich audio enhances the gaming experience, allowing users to feel the impact of in-game explosions and other dynamic audio elements. This audio profile immerses users further into their gaming worlds.
Trade-offs in Audio Quality: While the speakers offer a satisfying level of audio quality, the emphasis on bass might result in some trade-offs in treble and midrange clarity. Users who prioritize well-balanced audio might notice slight compromises in these aspects.
Absence of Integrated Webcam (Big Drawback): A significant drawback in the audio department is the lack of an integrated webcam. The laptop does not include a built-in webcam for video conferencing and streaming purposes, which could inconvenience users who rely on these features.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s display and audio components significantly enhance the laptop’s gaming and entertainment capabilities. The high refresh rate and color accuracy of the QHD display contribute to an engaging visual experience, while the speaker setup delivers immersive audio with a bass-rich profile. However, potential buyers should be aware of the absence of an integrated webcam, which might impact users who require video conferencing and streaming capabilities.
Performance
At the core of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s performance is the Intel Core i9 12900H processor, equipped with an impressive 16 cores and 20 threads. This processing powerhouse handles demanding tasks effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for resource-intensive applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and virtualization.
Impressive Benchmark Performance: Benchmark tests highlight the laptop’s exceptional multi-core and single-core performance. Outshining competing laptops with similar configurations, the ROG Strix Scar 15 showcases its prowess in both multi-threaded and single-threaded tasks, demonstrating the capabilities of the Intel Core i9 processor.
Next-Level Graphics with RTX 3070 Ti: Teaming up with the processor is the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. Delivering substantial graphics processing power, this GPU enhances gaming experiences with high-quality visuals and smooth gameplay. Gaming benchmarks reflect the laptop’s ability to handle modern titles at QHD resolutions while maintaining impressive frame rates.
Smooth Multitasking with High-Speed DDR5 RAM: Equipped with 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at a blazing 4800MHz, the laptop ensures seamless multitasking and efficient performance. This generous memory capacity enables users to effortlessly switch between applications and handle memory-intensive tasks without any slowdowns.
Blazing-Fast Storage with PCIe 4.0 SSD: The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD provides lightning-fast read and write speeds, reducing load times for games, applications, and files. This high-speed storage solution contributes to overall system responsiveness and a seamless user experience.
Efficient Heat Management with Liquid Metal Thermal Compound: Heat management is crucial for sustained high performance, and the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 employs liquid metal thermal compound. This advanced cooling solution enhances heat dissipation, leading to lower temperatures and improved thermal performance compared to traditional thermal paste.
Customizable Performance and Fan Noise Levels: Users can tailor the laptop’s performance and fan noise levels to their preferences with different performance modes. The “Turbo” mode offers maximum performance but increases fan noise, while the “Performance” and “Silent” modes strike a balance between performance and noise.
Versatility for Gaming and Content Creation: The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s performance capabilities excel in various tasks, catering to both gaming enthusiasts and content creators. The combination of the powerful Core i9 processor, high-performance RTX 3070 Ti GPU, ample DDR5 memory, and speedy PCIe 4.0 SSD creates a laptop that excels in multitasking, gaming, and productivity. The cooling system’s use of liquid metal thermal compound ensures efficient heat management, enabling sustained high performance. Whether for intense gaming or resource-intensive content creation, the laptop delivers the power needed to meet modern computing demands.
Battery Life
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 prioritizes a balance between performance and mobility, including its battery life. While gaming laptops aren’t typically known for their extended battery durations, the Scar 15 manages to strike a reasonable equilibrium given its robust hardware.
Ample 90 Watt-Hour Battery: Equipped with a substantial 90 watt-hour battery, the Scar 15 outshines many gaming laptops in terms of battery capacity. This larger battery enables the laptop to provide commendable battery life for a gaming-centric device, particularly when compared to laptops boasting similar configurations.
Battery Life Under Standard Usage: Engaging in typical tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption yields around four to five hours of battery life. This performance is laudable for a laptop of its caliber, considering the potent hardware components and high-resolution display it houses.
Variability Based on Usage Patterns: It’s important to acknowledge that battery life can fluctuate based on usage habits and settings. More demanding activities like gaming or content creation naturally drain more power and consequently lead to shorter battery life. Conversely, opting for the “Silent” mode or adjusting power settings can extend battery life when required.
Performance Focus vs. Battery Life: While the Scar 15’s battery life is competitive within the gaming laptop category, it’s crucial to remember that the laptop’s primary emphasis lies in its performance capabilities. Gamers and power users who prioritize multitasking and gaming performance may find the battery life acceptable for occasional portable usage. However, individuals seeking prolonged battery life for extended work or entertainment sessions away from power sources might need to consider using the laptop within proximity to a charging outlet.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15’s battery life aligns reasonably well with its high-performance hardware and gaming-centric design. While it may not cater to all-day usage under heavy loads, its enlarged battery capacity and optimizations allow for respectable battery performance during everyday scenarios. Users should evaluate the laptop’s battery life based on their specific requirements and usage habits, aligning expectations with their intended purposes.
Pricing and Value
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 2022 comes with a price tag of $2,049.99, positioning it in the upper echelons of gaming laptop costs. This price aligns with the laptop’s focus on delivering cutting-edge gaming performance and premium components.
High-End Components: The investment reflects the inclusion of top-tier hardware, including Intel’s 12th Gen Core i9 processor, an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, and a generous 32GB of DDR5 memory. These components establish the Strix Scar as a powerhouse suitable for both gaming and content creation.
Value Proposition: Evaluating the laptop’s value proposition revolves around the offered hardware. The 1440p 240Hz display stands out, catering to competitive gamers who prioritize fluid visuals and rapid response times. The combination of ample RAM and a fast SSD contributes to seamless multitasking and rapid loading times, making the laptop an appealing choice for performance-driven gamers.
Drawbacks: However, the value assessment isn’t devoid of considerations. Notably, the absence of a built-in webcam, a standard feature in modern laptops, represents a significant drawback. Users who rely on video conferencing or streaming might find this omission challenging to overlook.
Additionally, the laptop’s battery life presents a trade-off. While it excels in gaming performance, the battery tends to deplete swiftly under heavy load, potentially limiting its suitability for users seeking extended usage away from power sources.
Balancing Priorities: In essence, the value of the Asus ROG Strix Scar 2022 hinges on individual priorities and use cases. For those who prioritize uncompromising gaming performance, a high-refresh display, and premium hardware, the investment might be well-justified. However, prospective buyers should carefully weigh these advantages against the higher price tag and the laptop’s limitations, including the absence of a built-in webcam and relatively modest battery life.
Is the Asus ROG Strix G15 2022 Right For You?
Determining whether the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is the right choice for you involves considering your specific needs, preferences, and usage patterns. Here are some factors to help you make an informed decision:
1. Gaming Performance: If you’re a passionate gamer seeking top-notch gaming performance anywhere you go, the Strix Scar 15’s powerful hardware configuration, including the Intel Core i9 processor and RTX 3070 Ti graphics card, ensures a smooth gaming experience with high frame rates and immersive visuals.
2. Content Creation: If you’re a content creator who juggles demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and design work, the laptop’s robust processor and ample memory make it a capable choice for handling resource-intensive applications.
3. Competitive Gaming: Gamers who prioritize competitive gameplay will appreciate the laptop’s 1440p 240Hz display, offering a balance between resolution and refresh rate for responsive and fluid visuals in fast-paced games.
4. Multitasking: The combination of a fast SSD and generous RAM capacity allows for efficient multitasking, making the laptop suitable for users who switch between applications frequently.
5. Aesthetics and Customization: If aesthetic customization is important to you, the laptop’s customizable RGB lighting and accent pieces offer a personalized touch to match your setup.
6. Web Conferencing and Streaming: Consider whether the absence of a built-in webcam aligns with your needs. If you rely on video conferencing or streaming, this could be a potential drawback, necessitating an external webcam.
7. Battery Life Expectations: Evaluate your usage patterns to determine if the laptop’s battery life meets your requirements. While it offers reasonable battery performance for a gaming laptop, heavy use and gaming sessions may require access to a power source.
8. Budget Considerations: Assess your budget and whether the investment aligns with your priorities. The laptop’s premium hardware and gaming-oriented features come at a higher price point, making it essential to consider whether the features justify the cost.
9. Portability: If you frequently travel or require a laptop for on-the-go productivity, the Strix Scar 15’s weight and battery life might impact its suitability as a portable device.
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators seeking uncompromising performance and a premium gaming experience. It excels in gaming, multitasking, and content creation tasks, backed by its powerful hardware. However, the decision ultimately depends on your individual priorities, considering factors like gaming performance, productivity needs, aesthetics, and budget constraints.
Conclusion
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is a testament to the advancements in gaming laptop technology, offering a compelling blend of power, performance, and design tailored for both gamers and content creators. Its bold aesthetic, customizable features, and premium build quality underscore its identity as a gaming powerhouse.
The laptop’s robust performance is driven by the Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 3070 Ti GPU, ample DDR5 memory, and lightning-fast SSD. These components ensure seamless multitasking, high frame rates in games, and efficient content creation capabilities. The 1440p 240Hz display delivers fluid visuals, making it an excellent fit for both competitive gaming and content creation tasks that demand precision.
While the laptop’s cooling solutions keep temperatures in check during demanding tasks, its efficient thermal management contributes to sustained performance without excessive throttling. The keyboard’s tactile feel, per-key RGB customization, and dedicated controls enhance both gaming and productivity experiences. Similarly, the immersive audio quality adds depth to gaming sessions and multimedia consumption.
However, the laptop is not without its limitations. The absence of an integrated webcam might be a deal-breaker for users reliant on video conferencing or streaming. Additionally, the Strix Scar 15’s battery life, though reasonable for its category, may require access to a power source during extended use.
Ultimately, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 caters to enthusiasts who prioritize high-end gaming and productivity capabilities. Its premium price point reflects the investment in cutting-edge hardware and features that enhance gaming experiences and creative workflows. If you’re seeking exceptional performance, customization, and a visually striking laptop, the Strix Scar 15 stands as a compelling choice in the realm of gaming laptops.
TL;DR
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is a high-performance gaming laptop that balances power and design. Its Intel Core i9 processor, RTX 3070 Ti GPU, and fast SSD ensure smooth gaming and content creation. The 1440p 240Hz display and immersive audio enhance the experience, while the keyboard’s customization and tactile feel add to usability. The laptop’s value hinges on its premium hardware, but drawbacks include the absence of an integrated webcam and relatively short battery life. If performance and gaming prowess are priorities, the Strix Scar 15 delivers, but consider your specific needs before investing.
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
FEATURES
PORTABILITY
OVERALL RATING vs SIMILAR
GREAT CHOICE, BUT BE PREPARED FOR THE WEIGHT (ABOUT 7.5LBs TOTAL)
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15.6″, i9 12900H and RTX 3070 Ti
240Hz IPS QHD Display / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti / Intel Core i9 12900H / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD / Per-Key RGB Keyboard / Windows 11 Home
+ 240Hz QHD Display
+ Stunning Customizable RGB
+ Great Speakers
+ Decent Cooling
+ Huge Portable Performance
– No Built in Webcam (Requires Phone App)
– Short Battery Life vs Battery Size
– Material gets dirty very easily
– Heavy, especially with the power brick you will need
MSRP: $1,999 USD
Alternative Options
Downgrade
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15.6″, i9 12900H and RTX 3060
300Hz IPS FHD Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, Intel Core i9 12900H, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, Per-Key RGB Keyboard, Windows 11 Home
MSRP: $1,700 USD
Upgrade
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15.6″, Ryzen 9 5900HX and RTX 3080
300Hz IPS Type FHD Display / NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 / AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX / 16GB DDR4 / 1TB SSD / Opti-Mechanical Per-Key RGB Keyboard / Windows 11
MSRP: $2,500 USD
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