2023 ROG Strix SCAR 16/18 - BEAT THE BEST. BREAK ALL LIMITS. | ROG
2023 ROG Strix SCAR 16 - Official unboxing video | ROG
By B&H Photo's
The 16" Republic of Gamers Strix SCAR G634JZR-XS96 Notebook from ASUS is a gaming-focused system designed for users who want a system that looks and performs the part. It's powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX 24-Core processor, 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card with 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM. Thanks to the hardware, you'll be able to efficiently multitask, quickly open frequently used programs, and play graphically demanding games. Moreover, it features a 2560 x 1600 Mini-LED IPS display with a 240 Hz refresh rate, which offers a smoother gaming experience, as the display refreshes itself 240 times per second. The display also features G-SYNC, which syncs the refresh rate of your display with that of your GPU 1100 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, a 16:10 aspect ratio, a 3 ms response time, an anti-glare coating, and support for HDR.
For storage, it's equipped with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 solid-state drive. If you need more storage space or want to attach external peripherals, you can take advantage of a Thunderbolt 4 port with support for DisplayPort and G-SYNC, a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with support for DisplayPort, G-SYNC, and power delivery, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and an HDMI 2.1 port. Other integrated features include tri-band Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, a 720p webcam, microphones, speakers, a backlit keyboard, and a combo audio in/out jack. The operating system installed is Windows 11 Pro (64-Bit).
Performance
The Pinnacle of Performance
Dominate the Windows 11 Pro battlefield with the ROG Strix SCAR 16. Get the drop on the competition with a lightning-fast and crystal-clear 16" 2.5K 240 Hz Nebula HDR display Mini LED panel with over 2000 dimming zones. Powered by a 14th Gen Intel Core i9-14900HX 24-Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU with a max TGP of 175W, the SCAR 16 easily handles even the most demanding games. It also comes with a dedicated MUX Switch with support for NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, enabling you to easily harness the true power of your GPU when gaming. With 32GB of 5600 MHz DDR5 memory that can be upgraded to 64GB and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD storage that can be upgraded to 4TB, the SCAR 16 can easily game, stream, and create content all at the same time without breaking a sweat. For the ultimate gaming laptop, look no further than the Strix SCAR 16.
Power, Meet Efficiency
Power through any game or project with an Intel Core i9 14900HX 24-Core processor, featuring up to a 65W TDP and a hybrid architecture built from the ground up for Windows 11 Pro. With up to 8 Performance-cores and 16 Efficient-cores and Intel's latest Application Optimization technology increasing frames rates to up to 40% in supported titles, AAA gaming is flawless and streaming is effortless.
Graphics Unleashed
Top-tier components require power, especially when it comes to maximizing your GPU's performance. Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and Max-Q Technologies, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU is fully unleashed with a max TGP of 175W with Dynamic Boost.
NVIDIA Advanced Optimus
With NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, the laptop can automatically route frames from the discrete GPU directly to the display using a MUX switch, bypassing the integrated graphics. This pathing improves performance 5-10% compared to machines without a MUX Switch, making sure you get the absolute best gaming experience, all without needing to touch a single button. This automatic switching also preserves your machine's battery life, as it can dynamically transition between the high power discrete GPU and the lower power integrated GPU. No matter what you're doing, your machine will switch to the most optimized mode without you having to lift a finger.
Blazing Fast DDR5 Memory
The Strix SCAR 16 leverages 5600 MHz DDR5 memory modules with 17% faster speeds than the 4800 MHz kits. This ultra-fast memory makes all aspects of the laptop feel snappy, from intense gaming to light web browsing.
Better, Faster, Stronger
Take on even the largest projects with confidence and a PCIe Gen4 SSD configured in RAID 0. With raw throughput up to 7000 MB/s, massive files and large games will load in the blink of an eye.
GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptops - Beyond Fast for Gamers and Creators
AI-Powered Performance and Lifelike Graphics
Get a quantum leap in performance in games and creative apps with AI-powered DLSS 3 and enable lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing.
Accelerate Your Ideas
NVIDIA Studio takes your creative projects to the next level. Unlock RTX and AI acceleration in top creative apps, NVIDIA Studio drivers for max stability, and a suite of exclusive tools to fast-track your creativity.
Optimized Power and Performance
NVIDIA Max-Q is an advanced suite of AI-powered technologies that optimize your system for peak efficiency. This enables blazing-fast laptops that are thin, quiet, and have amazing battery life.
Get a quantum leap in performance in games and creative apps with AI-powered DLSS 3 and enable lifelike virtual worlds with full ray tracing.
Accelerate Your Ideas
NVIDIA Studio takes your creative projects to the next level. Unlock RTX and AI acceleration in top creative apps, NVIDIA Studio drivers for max stability, and a suite of exclusive tools to fast-track your creativity.
Optimized Power and Performance
NVIDIA Max-Q is an advanced suite of AI-powered technologies that optimize your system for peak efficiency. This enables blazing-fast laptops that are thin, quiet, and have amazing battery life.
Further With AI, Faster on RTX
Discover the RTX AI advantage. Built for the era of AI, GeForce RTX GPUs feature specialized AI Tensor Cores that deliver cutting-edge performance and revolutionary capabilities. Harness exclusive AI features and transform the way you work and play. From enhanced creativity and ultra-efficient productivity to blisteringly fast gaming, the ultimate in AI power on Windows PCs is on RTX, today and tomorrow.
Game, Stream, Create
The SCAR series is built from the ground up for gamers - and, of course, game developers. The Strix SCAR 16 can run all of the latest game engines, enabling you to unlock your creativity and try your hand at making the next great game. Whether you're a digital artist, streamer, video editor, or dabble with animation and game development, the Strix SCAR 16 has all the horsepower you need to take your creations to the next level. Featuring an Intel Core i9-14900HX 24-Core Processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Series Laptop GPU, complex projects on popular development tools like Unity and Autodesk render in a snap. You have what it takes to be the best on the battlefield, but are you ready to design the next one?
Cooling
ROG Intelligent Cooling
To accommodate such powerful components, the Strix SCAR 16's chassis and motherboard were both designed to accommodate ASUS' high-performance, full-width heat sink, with the copper fins even closer to the exhaust vents for more efficient cooling. This unique heat sink is built from three different sections, surrounding the motherboard with densely packed fins for a total surface area of 174,183mm2. This design maximizes the available pathing for hot air to escape the machine and drastically increases overall cooling.
Finally, most gaming laptops have a dual-fan cooling system, but the SCAR 16 was able to push the performance envelope even further with the introduction of a third fan that helps keep the GPU and VRAM cool. Paired with seven heatpipes and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, the SCAR 16's cooling system is a marvel of engineering.
Finally, most gaming laptops have a dual-fan cooling system, but the SCAR 16 was able to push the performance envelope even further with the introduction of a third fan that helps keep the GPU and VRAM cool. Paired with seven heatpipes and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, the SCAR 16's cooling system is a marvel of engineering.
Full-Surround Vents
Hot air needs somewhere to go, so ASUS redesigned the SCAR 16's exhaust vents to give it the best flow possible. In addition to making the entire rear of the machine an exhaust vent, the SCAR 16 retains its side vents, giving it ample opportunity to move hot air out of the system. ASUS even moved the heat sinks closer to the vents themselves, giving hot air a straight-line path out of the machine so any recirculation is avoided.
Full-Width Heat Sink
The SCAR 16 features 374 heat sink fins, with each stack lined with thin copper as slim as 0.1mm. This allows for higher density and lower air resistance, providing a total of 174,183mm2 of surface area - an increase of 62.59% from the 2022 Strix G15. The improved full-width design is double the size of a typical laptop heat sink and covers the entire rear of the machine.
Tri-Fan Technology
At the heart of every great laptop is a great cooling solution. ASUS' Frost Force Technology directs air through precisely calculated cutouts in the chassis, sending airflow directly towards internal components to keep them cool in all conditions. A third auxiliary fan also helps to send additional heat from the GPU directly to the heatsinks, keeping the machine cool during long video renders or gaming sessions.
Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal
The Strix SCAR 16 features Thermal Grizzly's Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal, which improves the substance's heat transfer even further. Compared to traditional thermal pastes, this indium- and gallium-based compound offers higher conductivity, in addition to CPU and GPU reductions of up to 15°. Used exclusively by ROG, this material offers high thermal transfers for a laptop.
Up to 7 Comprehensive Heatpipes
The SCAR 16's comprehensive thermal design includes an extended heat spreader that absorbs heat from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and VRM. With 7 heatpipes and an increase in total coverage from 29 to 33% of the motherboard compared to the last generation, this extensive thermal solution helps sustain and extend the overall performance, reliability, and lifespan of the system.
0 dB Ambient Cooling
Enjoy truly silent cooling under light workloads with 0 dB Technology. In the Silent operating mode, the cooling system switches off all fans during everyday tasks to dissipate heat passively. This lets you concentrate on your work and immerse yourself in movies with less distraction. If CPU or GPU temperatures increase, the fans automatically switch on again
Dust Filter
First introduced on the 2022 Zephyrus G14, the ROG Strix SCAR 16 features a dust filter on its intake vents. Dust and fibers can collect inside the machine, trapping heat and causing degraded performance over time. A filter helps keep dust out, allowing the CPU and GPU to breathe easier for years of smooth and stable operation.
0.1mm Ultra-Thin Fin
Thermal energy is dissipated by four heat sinks, each lined with ultra-thin copper fins as slim as 0.1mm. These fins are half the size of typical solutions, allowing for higher density for heat dissipation and lower air resistance to allow for smoother flow. With up to 374 heat sink fins totaling 174,183mm2 of surface area, heat flows out of the system incredibly efficiently, letting your components boost higher, for longer.
CoolZone Keyboard
Extended gaming sessions can heat up internal components and make the keyboard warm to the touch. To keep your fingers cool, small vents around the WASD keys let the fans draw cool air into the chassis from above.
Scenario Profiles
ASUS' Silent, Performance, and Turbo modes are just the beginning. Scenario Profiles allow your system to automatically switch between those modes based on the application you're running, alongside other vital system settings. Switch between lighting configurations automatically, disable the Windows key and touchpad during games, and automate to your heart's content. Armoury Crate makes adjustments in an instant to best fit the task at hand.
Display
ROG Nebula HDR Display
For gamers who demand the absolute best motion and image clarity, the Strix SCAR 16 offers an incredible Nebula HDR Display with a 240 Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and 1100 nits of peak brightness for stunning HDR gameplay. The 16", 16:10 aspect ratio Mini LED panel boasts over 2000 discrete dimming zones, capable of displaying incredibly deep blacks for content that jumps right off the screen, whether you're watching a movie or playing a fast-moving arena shooter.
Dolby Vision Technology
Scene to scene, frame to frame, Dolby Vision makes media look better. The technology improves on standard high dynamic range (HDR) 4K video, dynamically adjusting visuals to make every image in front of you richer, brighter, and livelier. Creators can film and edit their streams, videos, and other content in a format commonly used by industry professionals.
Pantone Color Validation
Each IPS-level display is factory calibrated to ensure that colors are accurate to the Pantone palette. Artists, designers, and content creators can add high quality content to their portfolios and enjoy richer gaming visuals on the same machine.
100% DCI-P3 Color Coverage
While the sRGB color space is the standard for most digital visuals, it only represents about 75% of the DCI-P3 spectrum used for professional filmmaking. Displays with complete DCI-P3 coverage offer a wide color gamut and rich color, and let you see films and other media exactly the way they were meant to be seen.
NVIDIA G-SYNC
Nothing breaks in-game immersion like stuttering and tearing. GPUs render frames at variable rates, but displays usually refresh at a constant clip, so they can get out of sync, causing visible hitching and artifacts that pull you out of the action. With NVIDIA G-SYNC, the refresh rate of the display synchronizes with the GPU's frame rate to eliminate visual tearing, minimize stuttering, and reduce input lag. Get ready to experience gameplay that looks and feels more natural than ever.
DisplayHDR 1000
Supports HDR technology across a range of luminance, up to 1000 nits, to deliver a wider color range and higher contrast than traditional monitors. The brightest whites and darkest blacks bring out details like never before. This monitor delivers contrast performance that passes DisplayHDR 1000 certification. TO ensure color accuracy, each ROG monitor is factory pre-calibrated.
TUV Rhineland Certification
Displays emit light across a broad spectrum that unfortunately includes some less desirable wavelengths. Nebula Display protects your eyes by reducing blue light before it leaves the screen, preventing eyestrain during long gaming or content creation sessions.
Nebula HDR Engine
The Nebula HDR engine is a purpose-built local dimming algorithm that produces stunning highlights with unparalleled depth. Trained on an instruction set of more than 150 videos and over 2000 still photos, the algorithm can dynamically adjust the HDR lighting needed to minimize blooming around individual dimming zones by 25%.
Designed to Win, Built for Victory
The Republic of Gamers was built by those who love to play video games. All ROG designs come with gamers in mind, including the chassis, lighting integration, software controls, and macro functions. These ROG exclusive design features not only give you a competitive advantage, but they make sure you never blend in with the crowd.
Software
Endless Customization
When you want to tweak settings, monitor temperatures, or tinker with your laptop, Armoury Crate is your command center. Real-time monitoring allows you to see what your GPU, CPU, and memory are doing. RGB can be adjusted on a game-by-game basis with Aura Sync. Fan and power profiles allow you to change the acoustics, power delivery, and thermal characteristics of the laptop on the fly. And exclusive game deals keep your library topped off at all times.
Performance Modes
More than just simple fan curves, Armoury Crate's performance modes serve to transform your machine from a silent, power sipping web browser to a full gaming battlestation with maximum horsepower. And for those that require even more granular control, Manual Mode removes all limiters and lets you make a custom profile that suits your exact needs.
Macro Keys
Armoury Crate also supports full customization of the dedicated hotkeys. By default, they act as volume control, microphone mute, and a quick launch for Armoury Crate, but with a few adjustments, you can make them work for you. Create a function key for quick toggle when needed, a macro for complicated button combinations, or even a quick launch button for the application of your choice. Make your machine uniquely yours.
Game Visual
ROG GameVisual software offers six expertly tuned graphic modes designed to optimize your visual experience for specific game genres. First Person Shooter (FPS) mode, for example, enhanced visibility in dark environments, allowing you to get the drop on enemies lurking in the shadows. Use GameVisual to get the best experience for every game in your library.
Aura Creator
Customize the RGB lighting on Aura-compatible peripherals to suit your gaming style. Aura Core's easy-to-use control panel allows you to alter a brilliant spectrum of lighting effects and colors, in addition to swapping preset lighting modes, you can also activate Aura Sync to match colors and effects across multiple devices.
Aura Wallpaper
Armoury Crate 5.0 allows you to synchronize an animated desktop wallpaper with your laptop's RGB lighting. Choose between multiple ROG-themed wallpapers and RGB effects to give your rig a completely unified look. Additional wallpapers can be downloaded directly from Armoury Crate and the application can easily be controlled from the Windows system tray.
Scenario Profiles
Automatic switching between Silent, Performance, and Turbo modes is just the beginning for Scenario Profiles. You can also define application-specific preferences for other vital system settings, like the lighting configuration, whether the Windows key or touchpad are enabled, and which GameFirst VI and Sonic Studio III profile to use. Armoury Cate makes adjustments in an instant to best fit the task at and, and you can configure each profile exactly how you want.
Control
Keyboard - Press the Attack
The difference between victory and defeat can be separated by a single keystroke, so the SCAR 16 has a professional esports grade keyboard designed to secure the win. Built to last, the Strix SCAR's keyboard switches are rated to last over 20 million presses, and n-key rollover guarantees your system will never miss a command even if you're pressing multiple keys at once. 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, but 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.
Dedicated Hotkeys
Dedicated gaming hotkeys sit just above the left side of the keyboard for quick access to the volume and mic mute controls, operating modes, and Armoury Crate. They are also fully customizable, and can be programmed to launch apps, set as a function key, or used as a macro. The Strix SCAR 16 has all the tools you need for victory.
Overstroke Technology
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.
Large Touch Pad
Improve everyday comfort and usability with a 10% larger touchpad that features a glass coating for a more premium feel. More space means greater precision along with more comfortable hand movements and gestures while you're navigating. Despite still being a 15" chassis, the SCAR 16 also now includes a touchpad-based NumberPad, giving you even more options when using your device.
Design
Showstopping Design
The Strix SCAR 16 continues to embody the distinct style of ROG. With sharp chassis designs, unique RGB accents, and a distinct gaming vibe, a Strix laptop will always stand out from the crowd. The Strix SCAR features a rear glow RGB panel, which paired together with per-key RGB illumination on the keyboard and the light bar make the laptop a beacon of gaming power from any angle.
Look Beyond the Wall
Continuing to push the boundaries of material design, the Strix SCAR features a unique ROG semi-translucent keyboard deck. The SCAR gives you a peek at the powerful internal components that make it a flagship gaming machine while once again trailblazing in the realm of design.
Don Your Armor
The Strix SCAR 16's customizable Armor Caps are one of its signature design elements. Magnetically secured, these bundled caps allow you to make sure the SCAR 16 reflects your personality and can grow with you over time. You can also create your own unique 3D printed Armor Caps.
Laser Etched Styling
The Strix SCAR needs a chassis that reflects its immense power. ASUS introduced an Anti-Fingerprint coating, leaving the SCAR looking dark and clean at all times. By using a high-powered laser polish pass on the coating, the ROG's signature slash stands out proudly in contrast, making sure the laptop makes a bold statement wherever it goes.
Stun at Every Angle
Thoughtful details set this laptop apart from the competition. ASUS 360° design philosophy puts subtle but distinctive elements across every part of the machine. The dot matrix design splashed across the lid cuts down to meet cross-hatched vents beneath the base. An expansive rubberized grip holds the laptop firmly in place and makes it easier to carry. Typographic elements around the trim subtly show off your ROG pride.
Audio
Studio Quality Sound
Dolby Atmos-powered speakers include two tweeters and two downward firing woofers to create an authentic sound stage for your games. Hi-Res audio ensures you hear your music in the same quality it was recorded. Two Way AI Noise Cancelation processes both incoming and outgoing audio to filter any errant background noises, making sure that your calls, chats, and streams come through without distraction.
Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation
ASUS' advanced Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation technology runs on the CPU, which frees up the GPU to hit higher fps. It works with any input device and also with downstream connections, letting you remove noise from both your own mic input and from incoming feeds. Noise-canceling settings can even be customized per program, filtering specific apps like voice chat without affecting game audio you want to remain untouched.
Quad Speakers With Dolby Atmos
Two tweeters and two woofers powered by Smart Amp offer richer sound with 2.8x more volume, 3x more powerful bass, and up to 3x the dynamic range of alternatives. This quad-speaker setup delivers immersive surround sound optimized by Dolby Atmos technology to deliver balanced, multidimensional audio across the full spectrum without losing clarity or detail.
Battery
All Day Endurance
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-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.
Connectivity
Stay Connected - 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
In modern multiplayer games, a stable internet connection is imperative. The Strix SCAR 16 is ready to join the fight with a dedicated 2.5GbE RJ45 port, as well as the latest Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) wireless standard. On Wi-Fi 6E supported networks, enjoy access to the newest wireless band, free from clutter and interference from your home's other wireless devices, ensuring you never lag out again.
Battlestation Ready
When you need to plug into the big screen, the dedicated GPU powers an HDMI 2.1 port for the latest TVs and monitors, increasing the total bandwidth from 18 to 48 Gb/s and supports up to 4K/120 Hz and 8K/60 Hz content. Two USB-C ports allow for plenty of connectivity, with one for DisplayPort and power delivery and a second with Thunderbolt 4 support.
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Microsoft simplified the design and user experience with Windows 11. It has a modern, clean design with a new Start Menu position. Snap Layouts, Groups, and Desktops allow you to multitask with ease. Microsoft has also integrated some of their apps, such as Microsoft Teams. The redesigned Microsoft Store makes it easier to look for supported apps. The Pro version of Windows 11 includes all the features that Windows 11 Home offers plus many designed specifically for business users, including Hyper-V virtualization, BitLocker disk encryption, and remote desktop access.
