ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 15 review
The Asus ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 15 ranks as the #777 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 62. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #121-ranked performance among 138 laptops. Consider the Asus ASUS TUF Gaming A15 or Asus ASUS E410, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is a powerhouse of a gaming laptop, boasting impressive performance and sleek design. However, its worthiness depends on individual priorities. While it excels in content creation and gaming, the absence of a webcam might be a significant drawback for some users. The battery life is decent, but not exceptional. The laptop's cooling system and liquid metal thermal paste do an excellent job managing heat, but the keyboard deck can get quite warm during intense usage. Overall, this laptop is ideal for those seeking top-notch performance in gaming and content creation, despite a few quirks.
Build
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15's build is a mixed bag. While the laptop's metal chassis and RGB-lit keyboard deck are premium-feeling, the fingerprint-prone plastic lid and mediocre cooling vents in the rear detract from the overall experience. The laptop's dimensions and weight are respectable, but the hinges could be more robust for smoother screen adjustments. The liquid metal cooling system is a highlight, keeping temperatures under control even during intense gaming sessions. Overall, the Scar 15's build is solid, if not spectacular. Consider discovering the power of Asus ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The display on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is a highlight of the laptop. It boasts a stunning 15.6-inch QHD (1440p) panel with crisp colors and sharp text. The viewing angles are impressive, making it suitable for both solo use and collaborative work. In terms of performance, the display's refresh rate can be set to up to 300Hz, ideal for gaming enthusiasts. Overall, the display is a significant upgrade over many other laptops in its class, offering excellent visuals and smooth performance. You might prefer Asus ASUS E510, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 15 delivers exceptional performance. In benchmark tests, it scored the highest multi-core speed I've seen on a laptop, with single core clock speeds beating even my Intel i9 desktop. Content creation tasks such as Photoshop and After Effects performed well, and gaming at both 1080p and QHD was seamless. Mozilla Firefox compile times were also impressive, completing in just 14 minutes. Heat management is good, with temperatures staying below 80°C for extended periods. Overall, the STRIX SCAR 15's performance makes it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators looking for a powerful laptop. For a superior performance, Asus ASUS TUF Dash F15 FX517 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The battery life of the ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 15 is a notable aspect of its performance. With a large 90Wh battery, this laptop boasts an impressive runtime of around 4 hours and 50 minutes in my tests. This is quite good compared to other gaming laptops on the market. Charging time was also satisfactory, taking about 2 hours to fully recharge from empty. The inclusion of a swappable Wi-Fi 6e card adds to the device's convenience, but its impact on battery life remains to be seen. Overall, the battery and charging system of this laptop are a welcome addition for those who need a reliable power source on-the-go.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options. It features two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a single HDMI output. The laptop also includes an SD card reader, a headset jack, and Wi-Fi 6E capabilities with a swappable wireless card. Additionally, it has two Ethernet jacks for wired internet access. These multiple connectivity options make it ideal for content creators and gamers who require seamless communication and data transfer. You may find Asus ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 boasts an impressive feature set. It comes with a stunning QHD display, customizable RGB keyboard, and dual fans for excellent heat management. The laptop also offers great performance, thanks to its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. Additionally, it features a large 90Wh battery and Wi-Fi 6e connectivity for seamless online experiences. If you’re after a better features, Razer Blade 14 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG STRIX SCAR 15 offers great performance, with impressive multi-core speed and single-core clock speed scores in benchmark tests. Heat management is also commendable, staying around 80°C for extended periods before cooling down. The system's liquid metal thermal compound helps keep temperatures in check. However, some users may find the laptop's propensity to accumulate fingerprints a nuisance, requiring frequent cleaning. Overall, the SCAR 15 appears to be well-suited for gaming and content creation, with few software quirks holding it back from achieving greatness.
Pros
1. The laptop performs very well both at 1080p and QHD, making it perfect for QHD gaming.
2. It scored very well in content creation tasks like Photoshop, virtual effects, and After Effects.
3. Heat management is great, with temperatures staying around 80°C and resting afterwards.
4. Fan noise is manageable, reaching up to 52 decibels on turbo mode but can be reduced with performance or silent profiles.
5. The keyboard deck temperature stays comfortable, never getting too warm.
6. Sound quality is good, with clear highs, some mid, and a bit of bass.
7. Battery life is decent, lasting around 4 hours and 50 minutes.
8. Cooling system uses liquid metal, helping to maintain lower temperatures.
Cons
1. The laptop's body attracts fingerprints easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
2. Getting inside the laptop can be difficult due to the careful prying required.
3. No webcam is a major drawback for some users.
4. Coil whine and loud fans on turbo mode may be disturbing.
5. Keyboard deck noise reaches up to 43 decibels, which might not be ideal for all situations.
6. Batter life could be longer, even though it's better than some competing products.
7. The laptop tends to stay hotter for longer periods compared to other models.
8. Accumulated fingerprints may become a nuisance over time.
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