ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 review

Akademily
11 min readJun 10, 2022

--

ROG Strix Scar 15: a full-fledged PC in the format of “accompanies our travels”

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is a full-fledged PC in the format of “accompanies our travels”. The suggested refresh rate of 300Hz is the current peak for monitors. Interactive entertainment will be able to show all the visual effects embedded in them. A particularly important parameter for training eSportsmen when traveling. The laptop could be number one in all ratings, if not for the controversial touchpad.

A traditional top model from a brand that knows what the players want.

Strengths:

  • High gaming performance in a blow mind design
  • One of the fastest screens
  • Versatile illumination
  • An extremely abundant number of hardware settings
  • Easy to disassemble and clean

Weaknesses:

  • Touchpads from the last century
  • No webcam so Big Brother can’t see anything
  • Want more than 66 Wh battery
  • Coolers periodically resemble the roar of turbines

Modern gaming laptops from the ROG series are not far behind their desktop relatives. Each new model is less prone to throttling. It means that it works qualitatively with the most demanding tasks at a decent level. The positive aspects are complemented by high mobility and freedom from anywhere in the world. Also allows gamers to express their individuality in style.

This ASUS is far from the benchmark in the portability of gaming systems. There are many questions about not the thinnest and heavy case. Plastic quite clearly conducts the heating temperature. Under heavy loads, the hum of coolers attracts attention — despite the increased space inside. The touchpad received advanced features but did not get the appropriate thoughtfulness of the application.

Cons don’t spoil the impression of a portable system at all. The text analyzes the functionality of a sample with a beneficial Intel Core i9–10980HK. An important Nvidia RTX 2070 Super and 32GB RAM support the heart of the system. All this is ampleness to cope with the triple-A on ultra. Components are a guarantee of base scores in various tests.

Enjoy a comfortable 1080p screen experience at a stunning refresh rate. The most sought-after connections and connectivity found their place in this work of art. Look out for a number of benefits such as KeyStone II. Progressive RGB lighting with numerous settings will support a bright personality. Hardware tweaks are the last straw in the preparation for the purchase.

Each prospective owner should be prepared for the price tag in the store. The simplest version of the reviewed laptop would require a starting budget of $1,649. Expected numbers for game series, but there are also more modest proposals. Similar configurations from Razer will cost much more.

Main Components Of ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 — Configuration & Prices

Budget technology is not on the agenda. Modern blockbusters have been put on the conveyor and are intended for millions of players. Graphics requirements are skyrocketing, so there is always a need for powerful configurations. The price of Scar 15 is striking and noticeably empties the wallet.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 (2022) Gaming Laptop, 15.6” 300Hz IPS FHD Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, Intel Core i9 12900H, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, Per-Key RGB Keyboard, Windows 11 Home, G533ZW-AS94

The reviewed model with top-end components (Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti) will cost $2,049 on Amazon. Installed 1TB of physical memory for everything a gamer needs to be happy. Eyes won’t be hurt by the beautiful effects of the incredible 300Hz IP panel. Don’t forget that it has an amazing response time of 3ms. The premium level corresponds to the numbers on the price tag.

Simpler models will allow paying with fewer dollars. Intel Core i9 and RTX 3060 cost $1,649 on Amazon. It hides 16GB of RAM with a simplified 300Hz screen, and a 512GB SSD. Not cheap, but an impressive video card always takes a lot of money. Especially in conditions of shortage of complex technologies.

Outstanding Design — Most notable elements

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 sticks to the aesthetics of the Republic of Gamers lineup. On the top cover is always a visible and recognizable logo. The body is black with an exceptionally deep tint. So impressive keyboard with RGB backlighting is a recognizable element of the brand. Luminous bezels are located on three edges.

The backlight of a notebook computer can be considered additional entertainment. Well suited for those who want to achieve the perfection of a bright aesthetic in their workspace. Eight special zones are available, which are configured according to the preferences of the owner. Absolutely every single key can be illuminated independently with a sufficient level of patience. The main apps are Aura Creator visualizer and Armory Crate control.

Ports offer almost all modern standards. However, not everyone will like the lack of Thunderbolt 3. A very dubious decision with the location of USB-C. All other connectivity is unquestionable. It is convenient to introduce into the workplace for everyday activities or use as needed.

The screen is the most advanced and visible part of a portable machine. Players are no longer surprised by Full HD but it’s not only about it. The strong point is the screen with 300Hz (240Hz in a simplified proposal). For the eyes of eSportsmen, a response time of 3 ms is much more important. It will be easier to endure training and game relaxation.

Forza Horizon 5, Ghostrunner, and Riders Republic look super decent at the best settings. There are no annoying graphic artifacts with tearing that spoil the magic of the adventure. It also works great in slow-paced titles like Deathloop and Marvel’s Avengers. Representatives of the indie segment don’t even increase the speed of the fans. Players will be able to get lost in Little Nightmares II and Inscription for days.

Special Port, Keys And Trackpad

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 — A special advantage is KeyStone II. This is a removable key that works with the reader. Master settings store for lighting effects, fans, key sounds, quick start for programs, etc. There is also access to an encrypted virtual disk. The user will be able to use it as a secure repository.

This technology is significant for personalization adherents or works with sensitive data. Not the most requested feature, of course. In any case, the offer is not very expensive. It will be necessary to evaluate. And if not, there are no serious overpayments.

The usual high-quality keyboard with the most necessary hotkeys. Some functions and multimedia are fixed with certain combinations. Several of them are for Armory Crate and for controlling coolers. It is clear that the sounds and sensations are not like mechanical ones.

Unfortunately, it cannot be called ideal. Navigation keys and a few more are located to the right than they should. The entire keyboard zone has shifted to the left. Each change is tangible for new users who have migrated from other companies’ products. Getting used will take some time.

Reactive RGB settings are user-friendly, but it’s worth remembering the layout first. Trying to play with color early will increase the number of misses in low light. The multi-color variation feature will wait in the wings in the Aura Creator app.

ASUS Strix Scar trackpad is both unusual and extremely strange. The numeric keypad is activated by holding the owner’s finger at a certain point. Allows the user to assign hotkeys for use in programs and games. A more important advantage is saving space and dimensions of the laptop.

However, not all is well. This control zone clearly lacks stability. There is no pronounced responsiveness and accuracy. The correctness of actions is difficult to understand because there is no feeling of resistance. Working and playing while traveling will be even harder.

Efficiency: Benchmark Score

Test data ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15:

  • 3D Mark Time Spy: 7983
  • 3D Mark Time Fire Strike: 17785
  • 3D Mark Time Night Raid: 40011
  • GeekBench 5: 1250 (Single-Core) | 7862 (Multi-core)
  • Cinebench 20: 3256
  • Cinebench 15: 1679 pts
  • x265 HD Benchmark 64-bit: 51.55 s.
  • Uniengine Superposition (Extreme 1080p): 5202
  • Uniengine Superposition (Medium 1080p): 16283
  • PCMark 8 (Home): 5508
  • PCMark 8 (Battery): 2 hrs 19 min
  • Battery life (Video): 2 hrs 13 min
  • Red Dead Redemption 2: 89 fps
  • Marvel’s Avengers: 80 fps
  • Shadow of Tomb Raider: 106 fps
  • Rocket League: 220 fps
  • Fortnite: 105 fps

Games:

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is incredibly powerful with its CPU Comet Lake and RTX 2070 Super. GPU can easily cope with 1440p resolution and active ray tracing. Limiting the resolution to 1080p improves the quality of effects in interactive stories. Therefore, the basic configuration is enough, which is ready to be challenged by modern titles.

The most complete overview is possible when considering the top model. It competes quite well with desktop computers. The screen of the device displays the maximum of its capabilities. Various software optimizes functions for the needs of the player and for entertainment.

The stunning picture at ultra in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Each and every frame is great in Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Multi-effects projects like Halo Infinite and Bright Memory: Infinite looks smooth at all speeds. Similar to the results shown by PC.

The first problems arose in Marvel’s Avengers at a maximum refresh rate of 300Hz. There were a number of visual defects that did not recur on subsequent launches. Many have heard about the issues of this game, so the expected fears happened.

Where to store all this fun? It’s time to talk about solid state drives. Two SSDs working in RAID 0 mode and hold 2TB of information. There is a lot of space and enough for a hundred AAA. For owners who ignore the latest parts of Call of Duty.

Armory Crate — Hot Management:

The following settings are available to the user in Armory Crate:

  • Windows®
  • Silent
  • Tablet / Vertical
  • Turbo
  • Performance
  • Manual

Coolers can be directly controlled to improve hot air removal. Adherents of the new AAA should switch to the fastest mode more often. In silent fan mode, the processor heats up to 194°F (90°C). The graphic card is not far behind 158°F (70°C). Not the scariest numbers for laptops.

The user accesses heat management by selecting Turbo or Performance mode. In this case, the temperature will drop to 158°F (70°C) for the CPU. Degree normalization goes up to 140°F (60°C) for the GPU. Lower rates will avoid visual defects. Actually, even the system will slow down less.

Fans raise power, which significantly affects the noise level. Hot air is redirected to all ducts. Headphones will help to overcome disturbing buzz. Heating begins to be felt from the side and when touching the base. There is some inconvenience, but it is not as obvious as with other machines.

Energy Inside — Battery Life

Unfortunately, the battery is disappointing. Although it corresponds to the situation with other game models. It runs for under 150 minutes in video test and also in PCMark 8. Short stutters were observed with an interval of ~15 seconds on a low battery during video testing. ASUS TUF A15 is better because it can work more than 11 hours.

Users can turn a blind eye to time indicators. It’s hard to mention the battery’s capabilities when it drains so quickly. Still, the presence of the voracious RTX 2070 Super has an impact on the result. Long distance travel requires an external charger.

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15: Sum Up

Worth Considering If:

1. Requires an almighty rig for games. This beast lives up to expectations in many ways. RTX 2070 Super and 16GB RAM are installed even in a simplified configuration. These components do an excellent job with ultra in the vast majority of titles.

2. An eSportsman lives inside the future owner. Full HD display shows in the most requested Hz. This is exactly what players need in very dynamic and competitive projects. A stunning picture without defects familiar from other examples. This means that it is easier to find the opponent first.

3. RGB backlighting and custom options matter. The user is offered five applications for personalizing the working tool. This is a way to have fun and adjust to the current mood. As an option, improve the interaction with the keyboard.

Not Worth Considering If:

1. There is a budget cap. The starting price of $1,649 in the base configuration also requires a balanced decision. Perhaps a different brand or model would be a better fit. Not the worst alternative would be ASUS TUF Gaming.

2. Interested in something even more compact on all sides of the dimensions? Strix Scar 15 isn’t that bad, but there are better options out there. Other proposals may be from a different device class or have technical issues.

3. Worried about the time of work in isolation from the power grid. With not-so-serious loads, it works for ~2.5 hours. Not the worst but there are better ones.

Final Grade: Overall Score Of 8.4

This ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is not far behind PC performance. А number of tweaks and innovations are offered for a better one. The incredible FHD panel is above reproach. Still hard to recommend due to the weird touchpad and noisy hot air exhaust system.

Read more:

Acer Predator Helios 300 review

Razer Blade 15 Review

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 Review

Razer Blade 14 Review

Review on MSI GS66 Stealth

Read more: https://best.kevin.games/gaming-laptops/asus-rog-strix-scar-15

--

--

Akademily
Akademily

Written by Akademily

We conduct reviews, guides and comparative tests of gaming laptops, monitors, graphics cards, keyboards, mouses, headsets and chairs to help you buy the best ga

No responses yet