Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 (2021) assessment: Pushing the restrict
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 Specs
Value: $3,000
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: 32GB
Storage: twin 1TB PCI m.2 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration
Show: 1080p, 360Hz
Battery: 3:44
Measurement: 15.5 x 11.1 x 0.9~1.1 inches
Weight: 6.1 kilos
If I needed to dream up the last word gaming laptop computer, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 G733 can be the closest manifestation of what my wild, gamer-centric creativeness would create. A 17.3-inch show with a 360Hz refresh charge that reveals off the would possibly of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU made extra highly effective by an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor — that’s precisely what I’d conjure up. Asus’ newest 17-inch beast turns these desires into actuality and materializes much more thrilling and surprising qualities.
With its dream-like options, from the laptop computer’s dazzling RGB mild present and commendable optical-mechanical keyboard switches, the Strix Scar 17 comes with a price ticket that makes it a fantasy buy for many. For these prepared to empty their pockets, you’ll be handled to one of many greatest gaming laptops available on the market. One, nevertheless, with no webcam and poor battery life.
Asus pulls out all of the stops to ship a laptop computer any avid gamer would wish to name their very own, however is it well worth the value of admission? Let’s discover out.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 value and configurations
With the facility it packs, it’s hardly surprising that the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 I reviewed prices $3,000 / £2,499. The laptop computer is fitted with a 3.3-GHz AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU with 16GB of VRAM, 32GB of RAM (twin 16GB DDR4 RAM), twin 1TB PCI m.2 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration, and a 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080-pixel show with a 360Hz refresh charge.
There are different configurations listed on Asus’ itemizing web page for its ROG Strix Scar 17 G733, together with a near-identical model of the laptop computer I obtained, besides with a 2560 x 1440-pixel show with a 165Hz refresh charge. There are two extra with the identical WQHD show panel proven: one with an RTX 3070 and the opposite with an RTX 3060. These laptops, nevertheless, don’t have a price ticket. By way of availability, the 1080p mannequin seems to be the one accessible laptop computer.
A $3,000 price ticket is steep, even when in comparison with the $2,500 Alienware m17 R4 that boasts related specs. Fortunately, its value isn’t an exorbitant $3,600 just like the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR (2021). Regardless of the case, it’s an funding that can have potential consumers double-checking the ROG Strix Scar 17’s price, particularly when you’ll be able to nab an Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 for almost half the worth.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 design
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 is unashamedly a gaming laptop computer, and it proudly wears its coronary heart on its matte-black chassis.
It seems to be like a premium gaming rig by and thru, with its modern black aluminium lid that’s, to my gleeful shock, fingerprint-proof. You’ll additionally discover two of Asus’ signature design traits: a reflective ROG emblem (that lights up in RGB) and a dot matrix sample protecting half of the lid. I’m a fan of the latter, because it completely aligns with the laptop computer’s customizable armor caps situated on the hinge. It’s the little issues.
Talking of which, the swappable caps are available in three designs included within the field: Spangle Silver, Rubber Gray, and Translucent Black. It’s a pleasant contact, and every brings a delicate aspect to the laptop computer’s swish design. I caught with silver, simply so as to add one other layer of shade.
Open the lid, and also you’ll be greeted to a large show with skinny bezels and a mesmerizing RGB-lit keyboard that spans the deck. A set of media keys might be discovered alongside the highest of the deck, too. The laptop computer’s chassis typically sticks to its modern soft-touch black paint, however Asus added a definite clear plastic that covers half of the keyboard deck. The way in which it transitions from black to see-through is seamless, and I really like the economic visible Asus goes for. If you happen to’re a fan of the Nothing ear (1) earbuds or the old-school clear Nintendo Recreation Boy, you’ll be eager on the ROG Strix Scar 17.
The translucent design continues alongside the aspect of the laptop computer’s base, simply above the RGB LED lightbar that wraps across the entrance aspect on the bottom. This strip makes me really feel just like the laptop computer may take off as customizable lighting results (because of the Asus’ Aura Sync software program) make the laptop computer beam with numerous hues or “beep” and “boop” like a UFO.
Measuring 15.5 x 11.1 x 0.9~1.1 inches and coming in at 6.1 kilos (Asus claims it’s 5.9 kilos), Asus’ 17-inch heavyweight continues to be significantly lighter than its competitors. The Alienware m17 R4 (15.7 x 11.6 x 0.7~0.9 inches) weighs 6.6 kilos, whereas the Razer Blade Professional 17 (15.5 x 10.2 x 0.8 inches) weighs an analogous 6.1 kilos. The Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR (15.6 x 10.6 x 0.8 inches) weighs 5.5 kilos, making it one of many lightest laptops in its class by far.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 ports
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 packs all of the ports you’d want, with its shining star being a USB 3.2 Sort-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 and USB Energy Supply. With one slot, you’ll be able to connect with exterior displays (with Nvidia G-Sync assist) and cost the laptop computer with out the 240W AC adapter — it’s good for highly effective equipment corresponding to docking stations.
This port is positioned alongside the rear, together with one of many three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port that may connect with a 4K monitor or TV at as much as 60Hz, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and an influence enter. Alongside the left aspect, you’ll discover the opposite two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 show
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 launched me to the realm of excessive refresh charges, and what a world it’s. It was virtually dizzying at first after shifting from a 60Hz refresh charge on my PS5 to the laptop computer’s blazing-fast 360Hz show. Hi there, precision, it’s good to satisfy you.
Nvidia’s G-Sync know-how provides to the show’s response time, because it synchronizes the display’s refresh charge with the laptop computer’s graphics card. The three-millisecond response time the panel boasts was constructed with high-level aggressive gaming in thoughts, lowering movement blur so you’ll be able to point-and-shoot with minimal delay. Belief me, enjoying on this show is depraved.
I used to be popping off zombie heads like no tomorrow within the Again 4 Blood beta, with clean body charges catching the tons of of The Ridden operating frantically at me. To place the show panel’s “tournament-level” refresh charge to the take a look at, I booted up a spherical of Valorant. At first, the distinction between a 144Hz refresh charge and 360Hz wasn’t instantly noticeable, however I undoubtedly had a extra responsive expertise. From shifting enemies to shifting the cursor to purpose, all of it felt buttery clean.
The refresh charge is the ROG Strix Scar 17’s robust level, however the remainder of my viewing expertise was common. When watching James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, it was superior to see Polka-Dot Man fling a colourful array of lethal, erm, polka-dots. Though, I wouldn’t say the colours popped. For instance, the stand-out mild blue and pink colouring of Starro the Conqueror appeared uninteresting when contrasted with the equally uninteresting gray colors of ruined buildings. The excellent news is that the laptop computer’s brightness wasn’t a priority, and I comfortably watched reveals in a well-lit room.
In our testing, our colorimeter registered the Strix Scar’s color gamut at 77.3% of the DCI-P3 spectrum. That’s not horrible, seeing because the Alienware m17 R4 measured 80.6%, whereas the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR examined 76.9% and the Razer Blade 17 Professional obtained a rating of 84.1%. Though, it is disappointingly decrease than the 86.6% premium gaming laptop computer common.
The ROG Strix Scar 17 measured a median brightness at 261.2 nits, placing it far behind the competitors. The m17 R4 (316 nits), Aero 17 HDR (468 nits), and Blade Professional 17 (304 nits) are leaps and bounds forward, which means Asus’ laptop computer is the weakest when it comes to brightness.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 audio
I’m not one to let my laptop computer roar, as I typically go for a gaming headset to blast audio into my ears. It says lots, then, that I discovered myself letting the Asus ROG Strix Scar sing most of the time.
That’s because of the laptop computer’s spectacular audio setup. It boasts twin tweeters that fireside audio from the laptop computer’s hinge, whereas twin “Good Amp” woofers on its base bounce deep beats off no matter floor the laptop computer is positioned on. I cranked up the amount when enjoying Royal Blood’s “Storm” and felt the complete blast of drums and deep guitar riffs. Songs with heavy bass drowned out vocals, however not sufficient to the place couldn’t sing alongside to every lyric. At decrease volumes, audio can sound too quiet, particularly with songs like “Hold It Collectively” by How To Destroy Angels, with its deep bassline and delicate vocals. Total, I used to be impressed with the ROG Strix Scar 17’s audio high quality.
Asus additionally added “Two-Means AI Noise Cancelation” which cancels out extra noise when chatting in multiplayer PC video games or in convention calls. When testing this whereas enjoying the Again 4 Blood beta, I may clearly hear audio from different gamers telling me to cease my unintended pleasant hearth (apologies). Though, I didn’t discover this too completely different from different gaming laptops I’ve used, and it doesn’t examine to voice chat utilizing a gaming headset.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 keyboard and touchpad
Alienware could have launched Cherry MX mechanical key switches, however Asus’ responsive optical-mechanical keyboard is scorching on its heels.
I had a blast typing and gaming on the ROG Strix Scar 17’s comfy keyboard. Every spring-loaded key swap delivered a delicate, but pleasing click on on the actuation level. With a 0.2 response time and a 1.9mm journey distance, I discovered the spaced-out keyboard comfy and satisfying to make use of. I scored a median of 72 phrases per minute on the 10fastfingers typing take a look at, which is above my typical 70 wpm.
As for the laptop computer’s 5.1 x 3.1-inch Precision touchpad, there was loads of room to carry out multi-finger actions, from zooming out and in to scrolling with ease. The pad felt conscious of the contact, and I used to be in a position to simply press down and double-tap with satisfying clicks.
The per-key RGB lightning is the cherry on prime, including a mesmerizing splash of shade. Via Asus’ unique Armoury Crate software program, I modified the Aura Sync lighting results at a click on of a button. I acknowledged it was a gamer’s dream laptop computer for a motive, and the RGB results alone stand testomony. The varied results embody respiratory, strobing, a twinkling starry night time impact and rainbows. Nonetheless, Asus goes the additional distance by including a music impact that’s visualized on keycaps, together with in-game lighting results that mirror the motion on display with suitable PC video games.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 gaming, graphics and VR
The ROG Strix Scar 17 is constructed for gaming. A look at its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU with 16GB of VRAM will let you know what sort of gaming expertise you’re in for. A premium one, simply to make issues clear.
I may lastly see first-hand what all of the fuss was about with Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Version after turning it as much as Extremely settings on the 1080p show with ray-tracing enabled. Paddling by the Volga river within the sport’s first open-world part was a deal with, with the moon’s reflection rippling throughout the river’s floor whereas the creepy Tsar Fish loomed beneath. It averaged round 78 frames per second on Extremely settings, and 67.8 fps with RTX On, which is rattling clean for a sport of that caliber.
After we ran the Murderer’s Creed Odyssey benchmark, the ROG Strix Scar 17 scored 72 fps, far surpassing the 60-fps premium gaming laptop computer common. The Alienware m17 R4 (with an RTX 3080 GPU) took the lead by reaching 78 fps, whereas the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR (additionally with an RTX 3080 GPU) scored the identical 72 fps. The Blade Professional 17 (with an RTX 2080 Tremendous Max-Q GPU) topped out at 64 fps.
We additionally examined Murderer’s Creed Valhalla, which the ROG Strix Scar 17 ran at 71 fps. The m17 R4 (76 fps) received this spherical by an analogous margin because it did on the Odyssey benchmark.
On the Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark, the ROG Strix Scar 17 reached a powerful 92 fps, however couldn’t catch as much as the m17 R4’s 103 fps. Nonetheless, it blazed previous the 73 fps class common, together with the Blade Professional (75 fps) and the Aero 17 HDR (78 fps).
Working the Far Cry: New Daybreak benchmark, the ROG Strix Scar 17 obtained a 90 fps common, which lagged behind the m17 R4’s 105 fps. It soared well past the 85-fps common, whereas the Blade Professional 17 managed to remain above at 87 fps. The Aero 17 HDR got here second place although, with a powerful 101 fps.
Whereas operating Pink Useless Redemption 2, the ROG Strix Scar 17 scored 75 fps, which far surpasses the 61-fps common and the Aero 17 HDR (69 fps). Lastly, in Borderlands 3, the Scar 17 pumped out 86 fps, which topped the Blade Professional 17’s 71 fps. Nonetheless, it couldn’t sustain with the m17 R4 (102 fps) or the Aero 17 HDR (77 fps).
Is the ROG Strix Scar 17 VR-ready? We put it to the take a look at by operating VRMark Blue, and the laptop computer scored 3,263. That is nicely above the two,619 common, however lower than what the m17 R4 achieved (3,710). To place that into perspective, the high-specced Blade Professional 17 reached a low 2,734.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 efficiency
The Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 packs an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU with twin 16GB DDR4 RAM and twin 1TB PCI m.2 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration. That’s one of the vital sought-after laptop computer CPU specs for energy customers, delivering the height of AMD processing energy. In different phrases, it will possibly do every little thing you want it to, together with photograph and video modifying, gaming and multitasking. I may simply swap between hiding from the Youngsters of the Forest in Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Version and the 50 Google Chrome tabs I had open, which included YouTube movies detailing the perfect routes for protagonist Artyom to take. The Asus and its AMD chip went above and past what I threw at them.
Asus’ 17-inch laptop computer additionally had a very good exhibiting throughout our artificial exams, beginning with Geekbench 5.3. The ROG Strix Scar 17 scored 8,231 on the general efficiency take a look at, beating the 7,333 premium laptop computer common. When in comparison with different laptops in its league, the Alienware m17 R4, powered by a tenth Gen Core i9-10980HK, scored 8,051. Fitted with an Intel Core i9-11980HK CPU, the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR achieved a good higher 9,484, whereas a Razer Blade Professional 17 with an Intel Core i7-10875H netted 5,776.
On the Handbrake video transcoding take a look at, the ROG Strix Scar 17 transcoded a 4K video to 1080p in 6 minutes and 11 seconds, blazing previous the 8:24 common. The m17 R4 transcoded a 4K video to 1080p in 6 minutes and 44 seconds, whereas the Aero 17 took simply 5:59. The Blade Professional 17 fell beneath the typical with a time of 9:33.
Lastly, throughout our File Switch take a look at, the ROG Strix Scar 17’s formidable twin 1TB SSDs managed a switch charge of 1,449 MBps when duplicating 25GB of multimedia content material, which is nicely above the 876.7 MBps premium gaming laptop computer common. As for the m17 R4’s twin SSDs, Alienware’s laptop computer fell quick with a switch charge of 711.4 megabytes per second whereas the Blade Professional 17 (512GB PCIe m.2 SSD) did higher with 925.1 MBps. Nonetheless, the Aero 17 HDR (512GB System SDD 1TB storage SSD) delivered a blistering switch charge of 1,729 MBps.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 battery life
Battery life isn’t a gaming laptop computer’s robust go well with, particularly if it’s attempting to energy demanding specs on a show with a speedy 360Hz refresh charge. Oh, and all of the RGB LEDs lighting up the ROG Strix Scar 17 in a flurry of colours doesn’t assist both.
In our Laptop computer Magazine Battery Take a look at, which consists of steady internet browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness, the ROG Strix Scar 17 lasted 3 hours and 44 minutes, which isn’t horrible when in comparison with its competitors. The Alienware m17 R4 lasted solely 2:50, which is nicely beneath the 4:29 premium gaming laptop computer common. The Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR scored a a lot larger 4:34 whereas the Razer Blade Professional 17 was the final laptop computer standing at 4:41.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 warmth
Whereas the ROG Strix Scar 17 can run scorching, I by no means felt temperatures have an effect on my gaming periods or turn out to be too uncomfortable that I wanted to chill the laptop computer down by cranking up fan speeds. That is as a result of 4 fan retailers that enhance airflow, together with the CPU’s liquid steel thermal compound to switch warmth.
After gaming for quarter-hour, the underside reached 102 levels Fahrenheit, which is nicely above our 95-degree consolation threshold. The middle of the keyboard reached 105 levels whereas the touchpad reached 86.5 levels. Its hottest floor was 113 levels, which was situated on the bottom of the laptop computer reverse the facility button.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 webcam
If you happen to’re trying to soar on a fast video name for work or to meet up with family and friends over Zoom, you’ll be met by a disappointing “We will’t discover your digital camera.”
The ROG Strix Scar 17 doesn’t include an built-in webcam — a typical theme with Asus laptops. Whereas it’s considerably excusable on its incomparably priced Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, the exclusion of a webcam on a $3,000 laptop computer doesn’t add up. I get that Asus sacrificed a digital camera to profit from its dashing show, but when the Alienware m17 R4 and Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR can discover a technique to match a 720p webcam, then the ROG Strix Scar 17 ought to, too. The dangerous information is you’ll should spend extra on an exterior webcam. The excellent news? The very greatest webcams blow laptop computer webcams out of the water.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 software program and guarantee
The ROG Strix Scar 17 boasts Asus’ signature software program: Armoury Crate. Throughout the app, you’ll be able to configure efficiency, monitor the warmth of your elements, change fan pace, modify show shade, and customise the RGB lighting. There’s additionally the MyAsus app, which supplies you entry to your guarantee info, updates for elements and numerous battery choices.
The ROG Strix Scar 17 comes with a one-year restricted guarantee. See how Asus carried out in our Tech Assist Showdown and Greatest and Worst Manufacturers rating.
Backside line
With the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 in entrance of me, I now know my dream gaming laptop computer exists. It options all of the bells and whistles any of the perfect gaming laptops attempt for, from its Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU and AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU to its 360Hz refresh charge show and clicky optical-mechanical keyboard. It’s the present pinnacle of gaming, so what extra may you ask for?
Effectively, a extra inexpensive price ticket, for one. All that energy comes at a value, nevertheless it also needs to include a webcam and a brighter and extra vivid show panel. Battery life may additionally see enhancements, although this shouldn’t be a difficulty for these getting the ROG Strix Scar 17 as a desktop alternative.
Whereas I could name Asus’ 17-inch beast my dream laptop computer, different choices available on the market surpass it when it comes to gaming specs and value. The Alienware m17 R4 delivers larger efficiency in a number of demanding PC video games, and there are extra inexpensive fashions obtainable at round $2,499 ($500 lower than the Asus). Nonetheless, should you’re in search of a gaming laptop computer that by no means fails to impress, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 received’t disappoint.
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