Unleash Pure Performance with the Asus Strix Scar 15 (RTX 3080, Ryzen 9 5900HX)

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Display
• Performance and Specifications
• Keyboard and Touchpad
• RGB Lighting and Customization
• Additional Features
• Ports and Connectivity
• Thermals and Battery Life
• Speaker Quality
• Pros and Cons

Introduction

In this review, we will take a close look at the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 laptop. This laptop stands out with its sleek design and impressive performance. We will discuss its design, display, performance, keyboard, customization options, and additional features. We will also cover its ports, thermals, battery life, and speaker quality. By the end of this review, you will have a clear understanding of whether the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is the right choice for you.

Design and Display

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is undeniably a visually stunning laptop. With its sleek design and RGB lighting, it truly stands out. The implementation of the RGB strip underneath the display creates a unique lighting effect that adds to the overall aesthetic. The laptop also features a light-up RGB rear logo and bright backlight on the keys. While the display is vibrant and bright, it falls slightly short in terms of contrast ratio compared to some other gaming laptops.

Performance and Specifications

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 packs a powerful punch in terms of performance. It comes with a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, which delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. The laptop consistently boosts up to 79.8 watts of power under CPU-only load and 60 watts under dual load. The GPU, an RTX 3080, pulls 130 watts under GPU-only load and 114.9 watts under dual load. This laptop offers exceptional overall performance, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is a standout feature. The optomechanical keyboard provides a satisfying clickiness without being too loud. The layout of the keyboard is well-designed, with easy-to-access arrow keys and dedicated home, end, and page buttons. However, the number pad mode can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental touches. The Glass touchpad is smooth, precise, and well-sized, offering a comfortable user experience.

RGB Lighting and Customization

One of the standout features of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is its RGB lighting and customization options. The laptop offers a Music-activated RGB mode, which syncs the lighting to the music you're listening to. The aura creator software allows you to customize each individual light, providing a personalized lighting experience. You can create custom RGB profiles and set up Scenario profiles for different applications. The customization options add to the overall appeal and versatility of the laptop.

Additional Features

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 comes with several additional features that enhance its user experience. It includes the Keystone, which enables the use of the Shadow Drive, an encrypted drive that remains Hidden unless the Keystone is inserted or the password is entered. This feature provides added security for sensitive data. The laptop also offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. These additional features contribute to the overall functionality and convenience of the laptop.

Ports and Connectivity

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 boasts a solid selection of ports. It features a three and a half millimeter combo audio jack, an HDMI 2.0 port connected to the AMD integrated GPU, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and one USB-C 3.2 port. The USB-C port is particularly useful when connecting to an external monitor for maximum performance. It's worth noting that the laptop does not have a full-size SD card slot, which may be a drawback for some users.

Thermals and Battery Life

The thermals on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 are impressive for a 15-inch laptop. The thermals remain well below 80 degrees Celsius, even during intense gaming Sessions. The multiple heat pipes and fan profiles contribute to effective cooling, ensuring that the laptop remains cool to the touch. The laptop offers different fan profiles, including a silent mode that significantly reduces noise levels. The battery life is decent, providing around six plus hours of web browsing or Wi-Fi video streaming.

Speaker Quality

The speaker quality on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is exceptional, especially for a 15-inch laptop. The speakers deliver loud sound with full bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. However, due to the location of the speakers, the bass can sometimes reverberate through the chassis when the laptop is placed on a soft surface. Overall, the speaker quality adds to the immersive gaming and multimedia experience on this laptop.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Sleek design with impressive RGB lighting
• Powerful performance with Ryzen 9 5900HX and RTX 3080
• Customizable RGB lighting and scenario profiles
• Well-designed keyboard and precise touchpad
• Additional features like Keystone for enhanced security
• Wide range of ports for connectivity
• Exceptional thermals and silent fan mode
• Impressive speaker quality

Cons:

• Lack of webcam
• Minor creak in the chassis
• Display could be brighter with better contrast
• Lack of a full-size SD card slot
• Limited availability of AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs

Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 offers a compelling combination of design, performance, and features. It excels in gaming and content creation, while also providing a visually pleasing experience. The laptop's customizable RGB lighting and additional features add to its appeal. However, it does have a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a webcam and a slightly dim display. Despite these drawbacks, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 remains a top contender in the premium 15-inch laptop market.

【Highlights】

• Visually stunning design with RGB lighting
• Powerful performance with Ryzen 9 5900HX and RTX 3080
• Customizable RGB lighting and scenario profiles
• Well-designed keyboard and precise touchpad
• Additional features like Keystone for enhanced security
• Impressive thermals and silent fan mode
• Exceptional speaker quality

【FAQ】

Q: Does the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 have a built-in webcam? A: No, the laptop does not have a built-in webcam. However, you can use alternative methods such as your smartphone camera.

Q: Can I upgrade the storage and RAM on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15? A: Yes, the laptop supports upgrades for storage and RAM. It has room for additional SSDs and supports up to 64GB of RAM.

Q: Is the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 suitable for VR gaming? A: Yes, the laptop can handle VR gaming with ease. It is recommended to use the USB-C port for maximum performance when connecting a wired VR headset.

Q: How is the battery life on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15? A: The laptop offers decent battery life, providing around six plus hours of web browsing or Wi-Fi video streaming. However, battery life will be significantly shorter when gaming.

【Resources】

• ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 product page
• ASUS Aura Creator software