2025
The first thing you notice about the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is the AniMe lights. The pixelated LEDs (also found on devices like the ROG Phone 9), flowing in a rhythm from a back strip like a scar streaked dashingly across a warrior’s eye, let you know what you’re in for before you even crack open the lid. The Strix Scar 18 is a fine gaming laptop with plenty of enticing qualities and one major flaw. But what makes it so appealing isn’t the dancing lights that are only attractive to moths or gamers; it’s what’s underneath the chassis that makes this 18-inch laptop so damn accessible.
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 It will distract you with all the gamer lights, but the Strix Scar 18 has some great thermals and repairabilty features that puts it over the top. See at Amazon Pros Solid performance for specs and price
Solid performance for specs and price Repairability enhanced with toolless bottom panel
Repairability enhanced with toolless bottom panel Thermal design keeps heat away from hands
Thermal design keeps heat away from hands Nice, glare-resistant display Cons Keyboard flex is a concerning design flaw
Keyboard flex is a concerning design flaw Smudge-prone palm rest
Smudge-prone palm rest Like most gaming laptops, battery life sucks
Like most gaming laptops, battery life sucks Higher MSRP compared to last-gen model
Higher MSRP compared to last-gen model
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