ROG put it right in their name ROG is dedicated to gamers. ASUS’ goal with every product they develop is to give PC gamers the greatest experiences possible. Even within ROG, ROG Strix has the most horsepower.
Esports gaming Laptops
All ROG laptops are designed for gaming, but the Strix models have the fastest CPU, GPU, and display refresh rates. The Strix G16, G17, G18, SCAR 16, SCAR 17, and SCAR 18 models let you choose the best top-tier esports device for your needs and budget.
The Strix G and SCAR offer top performance in a slim and sturdy chassis for esports Laptops fans. However, the two product lines differ significantly:
- With Intel 14th Gen processors, larger 16:10 screens, and improved thermals, the 16- and 18-inch Strix models differ from the 17-inch model, which has AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Strix SCAR offers RTX 4090 laptop GPUs.
- With its transparent keyboard deck per-key RGB and swappable Armor Caps, the Strix SCAR offers even more customization. The Strix G comes with two color options out of the box but has fewer RGB flourishes.
- While Nebula displays are available on all Strix G machines as of late, Nebula HDR displays with a Mini LED backlight are also available on Strix SCAR machines.
- Compared to the more expensive Strix SCAR, the Strix G line is more reasonably priced
- The 2024 Strix family is specifically mentioned in every note above. For earlier model years that might still be on sale when you read this, the design and specifications may differ.
These are the main differences, but let’s dig deeper to find the best model for you.
SCAR 16, 17, 18: Highest competitive gaming power
A gamer is competitive. A laptop that can consistently deliver high framerates and a display that maximizes performance is needed for Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Valorant. Whether you’re playing around or trying to advance, seeing your opponent before they do can make the difference between winning and losing.
ROG used the best silicon and rock-solid 240Hz displays in the Strix SCAR 16 and 18 to maximize every frame. Even more options are available for the Strix SCAR machines, such as their Nebula HDR display, which employs Mini LED to produce an incredible HDR experience.
The true power of the SCAR is found under the engine. The Strix SCAR 16 and 18 can easily drive high framerates thanks to their ability to turbocharge their CPUs up to 5.80GHz, thanks to an Intel Core i9 Processor 14900HX. With 16 dedicated Efficient-cores, this 24-core CPU cooled by Thermal Grizzly’s top-tier Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal is also no slouch if you run other apps while gaming, such as OBS or Discord.
With their latest Intelligent Cooling improvements, ROG engineers were able to fit up to an NVIDIA RTX 4090 Laptop GPU at a max TGP of 175W in the 16-inch and 18-inch SCAR chassis albeit with some dark magic. The technological wizardry doesn’t end there. All SCAR models come equipped with dual PCIe Gen 4 SSD slots and up to 64GB of lightning-fast 4800MHz DDR5 memory, both of which are completely upgradeable in the future.
The sleek, cyberpunk-inspired design of all of this gear features distinctive ROG elements, such as the recognizable “Fearless Eye” emblem. Straight out of the box, the Strix SCAR 16 and SCAR 18 are incredibly stunning thanks to RGB lighting on the lid, back, bottom, and keyboard deck with full per-key illumination. Come on, you want to try one out, we know you do.
2023 ROG Strix SCAR 16 | 2023 ROG Strix SCAR 18 | 2024 Strix SCAR 16 | 2024 Strix SCAR 18 | |
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CPU | Up to Intel Core i9-13980HX | Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX | ||
GPU | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 | |||
Display | Nebula HDR 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 | Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 Full HD+ 165Hz 100% sRGB | Nebula HDR 2.5K 40Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 | Nebula HDR 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 |
Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5-4800 | Up to 64GB DDR5-5600* | ||
Storage | Up to 4TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | |||
I/O | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with DP + PD) 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 1 x HDML 2.1 FRL 1 x 2.5Gbps LAN 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1 x Power DC input | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with DP + PD) 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 1 x HDML 2.1 FRL 1 x 2.5Gbps LAN 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1 x Power DC input | ||
Battery | 90Wh | |||
Size | 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04cm 2.5kg | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.08 cm 3.1kg | 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04 cm 2.6kg | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.08 cm 3.1kg |
Availability (US) | ASUS Newegg B&H Photo Micro Center | Amazon Adorama Micro Center MichaelElectronics2 | ASUS Newegg Amazon Best Buy B&H Photo | ASUS Newegg Amazon Best Buy |
Availability (CA) | Canada Computers | Amazon Canada Computers | ASUS Amazon Memory Express |
The updated Strix SCAR 17 from ROG also features a 16:9 display and slightly less RGB than the previous generation, but it is powered by AMD’s Dragon Range processors, up to a Ryzen 9 7945HX and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 for excellent next-generation performance.
Strix G16, G17, and G18: Outstanding capabilities for gamers who compete
ROG also have the new Strix G16 and Strix G18 available for esports enthusiasts on a slightly smaller budget. The Strix G line offers high-end performance for a more economical package with fewer bells and whistles than the Strix SCAR, which offers the best of the best.
For instance, the Strix G16 and G18 lack the Nebula HDR option but have the same superb 2.5K 240Hz screens as the SCAR. Comparably, they both support the same Intel Core i9 processor, 14900HX, but they only support 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM* and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 laptop GPU. Even with enough high-end components to make some desktop owners green with envy, that still makes for a beastly machine, powering fast and stable framerates in all of the newest AAA and eSports titles you’ve been waiting to play.
There are also some physical distinctions between the SCAR line and the Strix G16 and G18. The RGB logo, rear light bar, and transparent keyboard deck have been replaced with vivid color accents that stand out against the black chassis of the Strix G16 and G18 laptops. Eclipse Gray conceals the full potential of your laptop for a more subdued appearance while striking Volt Green makes sure you stand out from the crowd.
2023 ROG Strix G16 | 2023 ROG Strix G18 | 2024 ROG Strix G16 | 2024 ROG Strix G18 | |
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CPU | Up to Intel Core i9-13980HX | Intel Core i9 processor 14900HX | ||
GPU | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 | |||
Display | Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 Full HD+ 165Hz 100% sRGB | Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 Full HD+ 165Hz 100% sRGB | Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 | Nebula 2.5K 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 |
Memory | Up to 32GB DDR5-4800 | Up to 32GB DDR5-5600* | ||
Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | |||
I/O | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with DP + PD) 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 1 x HDML 2.1 FRL 1 x 2.5Gbps LAN 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1 x Power DC input | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2 (with DP + PD) 2 x Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 2 1 x HDML 2.1 FRL 1 x 2.5Gbps LAN 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1 x Power DC input | ||
Battery | 90Wh (RTX 40 Series) or 64Wh (RTX 3050 6GB) | |||
Size | 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04 cm 2.5kg | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.08 cm 3.1kg | 35.4 x 26.4 x 2.26 ~ 3.04 cm 2.5kg | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.08 cm 3.0kg |
Availability (US) | ASUS Newegg Micro Center Walmart | ASUS Best Buy HIDevolution | ASUS Newegg Amazon Best Buy B&H Photo | ASUS Newegg Amazon Best Buy B&H Photo |
Availability (CA) | Amazon Newegg Best Buy Canada Computers Memory Express | Best Buy | ASUS Amazon Canada Computers Memory Express |
ROG also updated the venerable Strix G17 in 2023, keeping the 16:9 display and design from the previous generation while improving the internals to include an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU for a very good machine for the money.
2023 ROG Strix G17 | ||
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CPU | Up to AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX | |
GPU | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 | |
Display | QHD 240Hz/3ms 100% DCI-P3 Full HD 144Hz | |
Memory | Up to 32GB DDR5 4800MHz | |
Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD | |
I/O | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 and PD 3.0 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with DisplayPort 1.4 1 x LAN RJ-45 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm combo audio jack 1 x Power DC input | |
Battery | 90Wh | |
Size | 39.5 x 28.2 x 2.34 ~ 3.08cm 2.8kg | |
Availability (US) | ASUS Adorama Best Buy Micro Center Walmart | |
Availability (CA) | ASUS Canada Computers Memory Express |
With Strix, you can play with assurance
Numerous factors are involved in a successful match. Matchmaking, teammates, connection speed but hardware also matters a lot. You can be sure that your laptop isn’t limiting you, regardless of the Strix machine you select. The Strix family was created from the ground up to provide the quickest gaming components with the most advanced thermal solutions, giving every gamer an advantage over their rivals. Which one are you going to choose?