"Pull the cord, squeeze the glass": review of the ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) gaming laptop from ASUS

In a world where a kilogram laptop can cover most of the work issues of the average user, it is quite difficult to justify the existence of a 3.5-kilogram alternative to a desktop. However, for certain cases when really high power requires mobility, manufacturers have their own offers. The ROG Strix SCAR 18 of the 2025 model range has received not only a slight redesign and newer components. An additional interesting feature of the new product is a very convenient solution for replacing memory and seasonal cleaning. Our editorial team got hold of such a model and now we will talk about it in more detail.

Specifications of ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025)

Package contents

Flagship gaming models continue to come with a nice set of accessories, so the laptop comes with two power supply options (more powerful and more portable), the ROG Strix Impact mouse, and a large backpack the size of a laptop.

For the past few years, previous models have been equipped in the same way. ASUS has similar delivery options for other laptops. And it is really convenient, especially the portable power supply, which can slightly reduce the weight of the backpack. And the backpack itself is absolutely not superfluous for such a large laptop.

Design and usability

This year, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 has undergone more changes than it seems at first glance. The chassis has become, as I think, more "adult". The translucent elements and removable panels have been removed from the top case, the design of the cooling slots has been updated, and the backlighting along the contour has been given a more modern look. It's not that the previous model was completely clumsy, but the updated version, subjectively, seemed noticeably nicer.

The AniMe Vision matrix backlight is also not new for ROG laptops, but previously it was more often used on Zephyrus models. Now it has reached the flagship. Here it is a diagonal "ribbon" on the outside of the display unit. The element is purely image-related and will entertain not the owner, but his surroundings more (or vice versa, constant flickering will interfere). However, it adds some non-standard element to the appearance. Customization options are also provided, so the owner can make the laptop more personalized and personal. A kind of unusual replacement of stickers.

However, such changes did not radically affect the size of the laptop. The dimensions of the new chassis are 399×298×23.5-32 mm, and the weight is 3.48 kg. This is more than its predecessor. True, a little weight there, or a couple of new millimeters here, with such dimensions will not play a special role. But this is also not the laptop with which it is convenient to work outside the workplace. And the latter is also desirable to have something larger, because the laptop is really large. It is unlikely that it will be convenient to travel with it often.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the increase in dimensions was another interesting update to the case. At first glance, the lower part of the top case is quite typical for laptops of this class. However, one of the large "legs" seems to be separated by a small latch. By releasing it and pulling the cover towards you, you can lift it and gain access to the RAM, drives, cooling, etc. This way, you can much more easily get rid of the dust that has accumulated inside and replace certain components if necessary. A truly original update.

It is worth noting that the mechanism is even equipped with a fuse (optical sensor). The system will deprive itself of power as soon as the user opens the lid. And it will be able to return to work only after connecting the power supply. So the manufacturer took care of protection against inexperienced owners who try to look into the top case with the system running.

Among the minor remarks — the cover (mostly plastic, aluminum on top) of the laptop still collects traces of use, which are difficult to remove. On the black case, and the model is supplied only in this version, hand marks are clearly visible, which are not always removed with one "wave" of microfiber. And, in fact, that's all. For the most part, using the new model left a pleasant impression, if you do not pay attention to the really rather large dimensions. But it would be unfair to reproach the flagship gaming model for this.

As the manufacturer notes, this time the design is inspired by "the shapes of sports cars" and "embodies speed and aerodynamics." And if you recall the love of street racers for neon, then certain associations will still appear. However, in my opinion, the design did not affect the global concept. However, the appearance clearly speaks for itself - this is definitely a gaming model, on which the manufacturer did not spare any effort.

Display

The standard largest offering of gaming laptops today is 18 inches. This is not the first attempt by ASUS to release such a laptop, and not the first ROG Nebula HDR matrix. The name remained the same as last year, but the screen has received its own updates. And in general, there is something to talk about here.

Most of the standard parameters have not been changed, so we have a resolution of 2560x1600 pixels, an aspect ratio of 16:10, a matrix response speed of 3 ms and a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. There are no options with 4K or touch matrices, but let's face it - other points are more important for a gaming laptop.

The matrix also promises 100% of the DCI-P3 color space with the ability to choose other display options, there is color temperature adjustment, and a standard set of image modes for different scenarios. The latter, in my opinion, is still unnecessary, because by default the picture is great for games, work and entertainment. Personally, I didn't want to make any adjustments. And I'm almost sure that the vast majority of users won't change these modes either, because some of them are too radical. Although, everything is subjective.

The matrix is also equipped with Mini LED backlighting. This is not the first time, and the approach has not been fundamentally changed this time. There are over 2,000 dimming zones and three operating modes, for each of which the manufacturer offers its own operating scenarios, as in the previous model:

• One Zone Backlight Mode — standard mode like any other screen;
• Multi Zone Balance — offered for everyday work;
• Multy Zone Strong - should be suitable for gaming and watching movies.

When HDR is enabled, the screen automatically switches to the last mode. And, to be honest, without a direct comparison, it is difficult to say whether there are significant changes in the operation of these modes compared to the previous ones. However, enabling any Multi Zone option is felt in the image. For everyday work, these did not suit me very much, although the halos around bright objects seem smaller than last time. However, for example, when watching movies, especially with dark scenes, there is really an improvement. So if such things are in the usage scenario, I still advise you to try experimenting with these functions. Story games can also look more interesting.

In addition, the peak brightness during HDR playback has increased to 1,200 cd/m². The manufacturer also added Ambient Contrast Ratio film, an additional layer of display coating that should reduce glare. And here too, it is difficult without a direct comparison with its predecessor, but from my own experience, I was completely satisfied with the matte finish.

Ports

One of the advantages of large top cases is more available ports. Due to the peculiarities of the cooling system, they are placed only on the sides of the laptop, and on the right you can find a proprietary power port, Ethernet (2.5 Gbps), HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, two Thunderbolt 5 and combined audio. On the other side - two more USB-A 3.2 Gen 2.

Yes, without excess, but everything a gamer needs can be connected without hubs. The pair of USB-A ports on the right side are located far enough away from the user so as not to interfere too much during games. And the remote ports with potentially inconvenient wires (HDMI and Ethernet) on the left side also withstand the distance well to create as little interference as possible.

Security

ROG Strix SCAR 18 of the new model line pleased with the appearance of a system for quick identification of the owner. This is implemented using face scanning with a webcam and IR sensors. A year ago, the flagship model did not offer this. And the new one offers it and it works quickly and without significant delays in different lighting conditions.

Personally, I still think that at least the top models could offer some variability, and it's not the first time that a fingerprint scanner has been literally begging for a power button. But now this is in no way a complaint, because there is at least facial recognition. However, users who cover the camera with funny (or not) stickers are unlikely to mind a fingerprint sensor.

Keyboard and trackpad

There have been no significant changes to the keyboard. The ROG Strix SCAR 18 has remained with a full-size keyboard with a narrowed NUM block, and the key travel is 2 mm. The layout has not been touched, so with "blind" typing, there is still complete order. It would still not hurt to minimally separate the navigation block, which is "mounted" between the NUM and the main keyboard, especially since there is enough space for this. But you can get used to everything quickly.

It's also comfortable to play. Additionally, the manufacturer provides five additional programmable keys, there is a relatively new Copilot launch button, and synchronized RGB lighting with different mode options. Also, the keyboard is not very loud and under normal conditions will not be very distracting.

But the trackpad has been noticeably enlarged. Now its dimensions are approximately 150×99 mm. It is indeed quite large, and due to the position shifted to the left on the top case (centered to the main keyboard), the trackpad is at hand. This does not affect normal operation, but can lead to random activations during games, which will not help shooter fans in any way.

However, it is very convenient for everyday tasks, responds well to touch and recognizes gestures. No additional settings or manipulations were required for comfortable work. And during games it can be easily turned off with the Fn+F10 hotkey.

Camera and sound

The webcam has also not undergone any major changes. The same 2 MP will provide Full HD resolution, and everything else relies on AI. This way, you can reduce the amount of digital noise, automatically crop the image, "blur" the background, and so on. The usual set. And the image is sufficient for online calls, although not the best at the moment.

The microphones also have no updates. By default, they will pick up the slightest sounds. However, through MyASUS you can select the noise cancellation option and the artificial intelligence will leave only the owner's voice in the conversation. It still works very well and does not require additional manipulations after turning it on.

In previous years, the ROG division could also please with a good improvement in the sound of the speakers. The new ROG Strix SCAR 18 does not fit the rear, but more surround sound was expected from such a model. Here they left the system of four speakers, but it seems to me that in the previous version they were more effective.

However, if we are talking about a laptop that will "live" at a workplace (or several such places) with external sound, and the owner will play games with headphones, then this is unlikely to be a problem. And for, say, following a YouTube video, a TV series, or listening to podcasts, such speakers will be more than enough.

Productivity and software

If last year the flagship models did without the new Intel Ultra series processors, this year they have the second generation and, of course, received the latest NVIDIA video accelerators. This had a bad effect on the cost. The editorial team ended up with the most expensive version, which at the time of preparing the review officially costs in Ukraine… 283,999 UAH. Very expensive. But this is an option to which there is literally nothing to add, and if you look at the basic version, then with less memory and simpler graphics (RTX 5070 Ti) the cost will drop to 177,999 UAH.

And the test ROG Strix SCAR 18 can please with a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor (8 powerful cores up to 5.4 GHz, 16 energy-saving cores up to 4.6 GHz, 24 threads, 36 MB cache, up to 80 W), discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 video (24 GB GDDR7, up to 1,647 MHz, up to 175 W), Intel AI Boost NPU (13 TOPS), 64 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM (maximum for this model) and two PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives of 2 TB each in RAID 0 mode. So there really is nothing to add to such a model, unless there is a need or desire to replace something.

Support for 2.5 Gbps via Ethernet remains unchanged, but wireless communication interfaces have improved, where the user now has access to Wi-Fi 7 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.4 support.

And although for owners of last year's models the increase in performance is unlikely to be critical, it will still be felt well by those buyers whose laptops have been waiting for an upgrade for a long time. The flagship ROGs are still not just one of the most powerful laptops, but can also compete with desktops in terms of performance. At the same time, they will suit not only gamers, but also users who have demanding tasks such as video processing, working with artificial intelligence, large data sets, etc. A kind of "portable desktop".

And with games, no problems are expected. Moreover, such a configuration easily allows you to keep FPS values close to the refresh rate in competitive shooters, which will still help players with their own performance (or at least allow you to enjoy spectacular graphics and at the same time maintain the dynamics of the gameplay). With story games, as expected, these figures are lower, but the graphic effects there are also "heavier".

The internal chassis design updates for easier access to replaceable components did not affect stability. Both synthetic tests and practical gaming sessions left no unpleasant impressions. The system does without throttling for a long time, and the work surface remains without noticeable heating in the work area. Ironically, of course, but in winter this was a pleasant drawback, which gaming laptops have gotten rid of relatively recently.

And one more thing for which I would like to thank the engineers is the absence of hot air on the sides of the top case. Although there are relatively small holes for air circulation on the sides, they will not heat up objects nearby, because all the heat is discharged behind the display. On the sides and bottom, the laptop only takes air in. And there, three fans (Tri-Fan), a long evaporation chamber, Conductonaut Extreme on the processor and video accelerators, as well as a multi-level radiator, are already involved in cooling. There has been no miracle with the noise level yet, and it is still more pleasant to play with headphones (which remains a common feature of all gaming laptops).

The proprietary performance settings also include three main operating modes: Silent, Performance and Turbo. You can redirect the system control to the OS, or configure the necessary parameters yourself. Of course, all this will accordingly affect the performance and autonomy indicators. However, if we are talking about basic work, then with such "hardware" the user will not notice the transition from the most powerful to the simplest mode (unless, again, the sound of the cooling system will make it clear).

The proprietary ARMORY CRATE utility managed to be updated before the new ROG models appeared. Despite the changes in the application design, its basic logic remained familiar. More settings have been "moved" from the main screen to the System Setting section, but in general, it will be easy to understand the new structure. The standard MyASUS utility also remains, there is Aura Creator, ScreenXpert, CapCut, etc. Everything is quite standard for ASUS.

Battery life

The 90 Wh battery was left over from its predecessor. Traditionally, large laptops do not have incredible autonomy, and in general they do not. Although in synthetic tests they can still show relatively good results. This year's ROG Strix SCAR 18 almost did not improve the result of its predecessor in the office test, setting the same time - 5 hours 46 minutes, and withstood the same hour in the gaming test. A two-hour movie in energy saving mode cost more than 40% of the charge. So everything is typical here.

The kit includes two power supply options: 380 and 100 W. Maximum performance, of course, will be available only in the first case. It also uses not USB-C, but the new proprietary ASUS Slim Power Jack port. It can fully charge the battery in 1 hour 35 minutes. However, the portable power supply lags behind in this parameter by only 10 minutes and is a good option for working on the road or in places where maximum performance is not required.