Joined in 2023 
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63 About this deal
All these add up… and there are many good rivals out there reaching for your money. The Acer Predator Helios 16, the Alienware m16, the Razer Blade 16, the MSI GE68 Raider, or the Lenovo Legion Pro 7 are just some of those options worth at least a look, each with their own strong points and quirks. Update: Here’s our detailed review of the 2023 Asus ROG Scar 18 model, and here’s our review of the more compact Asus ROG Scar 16 series. And here’s our review of the 2023 ROG Scar 17 update, with AMD and Nvidia hardware. The 2023 ROG Strix Scar 16 and Scar 18 models are exclusive Intel 13th-gen Raptor Lake Core HX platforms with Nvidia graphics. Wireless options abound in this Strix machine, with both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to networks and peripherals.
As far as availability goes, that’s going to vary between regions, but I’d expect the ROG Strix Scar 16 G634 and Scar 18 G834 models around February-March in most markets. It’s early to discuss exact prices, but given our experience with the previous models, I expect to see the i9 + RTX 4090 configurations go for 4000++ USD/EUR. Both the CPU and the GPU perform at 60-70% of their capabilities on Turbo, which are excellent results given how quietly the laptop runs. Gaming performanceSpec-wise, this 2023 ASUS Strix ROG Scar 16 is built on the latest Intel and Nvidia hardware available to date. Before we go any further, just know one thing for sure: This powerhouse will take your gaming binges and competitions off the charts! The SCAR has a full-sized keyboard, with dedicated media controls and dedicated hotkeys that are tuned for volume and Armoury Crate controls by default and can be customized for different functions or macros. And with per-key RGB and full Aura Sync customization, the SCAR will always have the looks to match your mood.
Armed with an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, we expected impressive performance from the Scar 16, and it didn't disappoint. It was right in line with the 16-inch Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 in almost every test, which used a slightly lower-end 13th Gen Intel CPU. Naturally, all of the 13th Gen systems, including the ROG Strix Scar 16, jumped ahead of 12th Gen systems, like the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE and the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 7. This is clear in tests like HandBrake, where 13th Gen systems were more than a minute faster, and Cinebench, where scores were nearly doubled. Furthermore, this panel is 240Hz refresh with fast response times (3-7 ms GtG), both must-have features on a modern gaming laptop – it’s not quite as fast as a standard IPS panel of this generation, though, due to the technical particularities of the mini LED technology. On top of these, GSync is supported on the main display with the 2023 ROG laptops, for smooth images without any tearing in games.
Here’s a brief comparison of these results on the i9 + RTX 4080 175W Scar 16 configuration next to the i9+ RTX 4090 175W variant of the 2023 ROG Scar 18 and i9 + RTX 3080Ti 175W configuration in the Lenovo Legion 7i, one of the fastest laptops of the 2022 generation. Power through any game or project with an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, featuring up to a 65W TDP and a hybrid architecture built from the ground up for Windows 11. With up to 8 Performance cores and 16 Efficiency cores, AAA gaming is flawless and streaming is effortless. The Strix SCAR 16 is ready to go the distance. Featuring a 90Wh battery, the laptop can easily browse the web for hours away from the wall before needing a recharge. For flexibility on the go, USB Type-C charging is supported up to 100W. When charging using the supplied 330W power adapter, the SCAR 16 can recharge from zero to 50% in just 30 minutes. We have the mini LED on our sample, which seems to be the most widespread of the two. This miniLED panel is branded as “ROG Nebula HDR” on Asus laptops, and it’s the same panel from BOE that Asus also offer on the Zephyrus M16 and the Flow X16 models. Exclusive ROG Overstroke technology registers keypresses earlier in the stroke, enabling a more responsive experience for serious gaming and work. Triggering earlier means faster, effortless inputs with greater accuracy.
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