ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G834JZR-I9642G Review: A Gaming Beast with Power and Style
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G834JZR-I9642G Review: A Gaming Beast with Power and Style
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G834JZR-I9642G is a powerful gaming laptop designed for hardcore gamers who demand the absolute best in performance and features. This behemoth packs an Intel Core i9 14900HX processor, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, a 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and a 12GB NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics card. With its 18-inch 240Hz WQXGA display, the Scar 18 promises an immersive and smooth gaming experience.
In this review, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall experience of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18. We will explore its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if this gaming laptop is the right choice for you.
Features
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G834JZR-I9642G comes equipped with a wide array of features designed to elevate your gaming experience. These include:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i9 Processor 14900HX 2.2 GHz (24 cores, 32 Threads) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 Laptop GPU, 12GB GDDR6 |
| Display | ROG Nebula HDR Display, 18-inch, 2.5K, 240Hz, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR |
| Memory | 64GB DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM (Max Capacity: 64GB) |
| Storage | 1TB + 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0) |
| I/O Ports | See detailed ports description |
| Keyboard and Touchpad | Backlit Chiclet Keyboard Per-Key RGB, Touchpad |
| Camera | 720P HD camera |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling technology, Hi-Res certification, Built-in array microphone, 4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology |
| Network and Communication | Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) 2*2 + Bluetooth® 5.3 Wireless Card |
| Battery | 90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion |
| Power Supply | ø6.0, 330W AC Adapter / TYPE-C, 100W AC Adapter |
| AURA SYNC | Yes |
| Device Lighting | Aura Sync Light Bar, Aura Sync logo, Aura Sync Rear Glow |
| Weight | 3.10 Kg (lbs) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 39.9 x 29.4 x 2.31 ~ 3.08 cm (15.71″ x 11.57″ x 0.91″ ~ 1.21″) |
Performance
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 delivers phenomenal performance, as expected from its powerful hardware configuration. The Intel Core i9 14900HX CPU and the NVIDIA RTX 4080 GPU easily handle demanding AAA titles and resource-intensive applications.
I tested the laptop with a range of games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Horizon Zero Dawn, all running smoothly at high settings. The 240Hz refresh rate of the display provides an incredibly smooth gaming experience, with minimal tearing or stuttering. The high resolution of the screen also results in sharp and detailed visuals, making it great for immersion in graphically demanding games.
In addition to gaming, the Scar 18’s powerful hardware allows for seamless multitasking and efficient content creation. I was able to comfortably work with multiple demanding programs simultaneously without any noticeable lag or performance issues.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i9 14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics card
- Stunning 18-inch, 240Hz WQXGA display with Nebula HDR and Dolby Vision HDR
- Ample 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for seamless multitasking and fast load times
- Excellent cooling system keeps the laptop running cool even under heavy load
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad for both gaming and productivity
- Impressive audio system with Dolby Atmos and AI noise-canceling technology
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky design, not ideal for portability
- Battery life is relatively short, especially under heavy load
- High price point compared to other gaming laptops
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 G834JZR-I9642G is a top-tier gaming laptop that excels in performance, features, and visual quality. However, its size, weight, battery life, and high price tag might make it less appealing for some users. If you are a hardcore gamer who values performance and immersion above all else and have the budget to match, this laptop is an excellent option. But if you prioritize portability and battery life, there are other gaming laptops on the market that might be a better fit.
