ASUS Scar 18 (2024) - There’s Only 1 Reason to Buy This

Summary

The ASUS Scar 18 features a new Mini-LED screen and Intel’s 14th gen processor, but with only minor performance gains over last year's model, raising questions about its nearly $4000 price tag. While the display offers improved brightness and contrast, the gaming performance is only slightly ahead of the previous generation. In contrast, the Gigabyte Aorus 16X provides competitive specs and innovative AI features at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. Overall, the Scar 18 may appeal to those prioritizing display quality, but the Aorus 16X presents a compelling alternative.

Takeaways

• 💻 ASUS's Scar 18 features a new Mini-LED screen and Intel's latest 14th gen processor, enhancing its gaming capabilities.
• 💰 The high price tag of nearly $4000 USD for the maxed-out configuration raises questions about its value for most consumers.
• 🎮 The Gigabyte Aorus 16X gaming laptop is highlighted as a more budget-friendly alternative with powerful specs and innovative AI features.
• 🌈 The Mini-LED panel offers excellent color gamut and improved contrast, with over 2000 individually dimmable zones.
• 🌟 In SDR mode, the Mini-LED screen can reach over 1000 nits brightness, significantly outshining most laptops.
• ⚡ The ASUS Armory Crate software allows users to control the screen's zone operation modes for tailored performance.
• ⏳ Battery life is slightly reduced in the new model, with indications that the Mini-LED panel may consume more power.
• 📊 Performance benchmarks show the new 14th gen processor has marginal improvements over last year's model, with mixed results in single-core and multi-core scores.
• 🕹️ Game performance tests reveal that the Scar 18 struggles at 4K resolution, lagging behind other RTX 4090 laptops.
• 💡 The conclusion suggests that unless the Mini-LED screen's enhanced brightness and contrast are essential, last year's model may offer better overall value.

Q & A

What are the main upgrades of the ASUS Scar 18 compared to last year's model?

The ASUS Scar 18 features a new Mini-LED screen and Intel’s latest 14th gen processor. However, its performance in terms of CPU and battery life is slightly lower than last year's model.

How does the Mini-LED screen enhance the gaming experience?

The Mini-LED screen offers excellent color gamut and improved contrast due to over 2000 individually dimmable zones, allowing for higher brightness levels exceeding 1000 nits in SDR mode.

What is the impact of the Mini-LED screen on battery life?

The Mini-LED panel may consume more power, resulting in slightly lower battery life during tests compared to last year's model.

How does the performance of the Intel Core i9-14900HX compare to its predecessor?

The i9-14900HX has a 200MHz higher single-core clock speed than the i9-13980HX, but last year's model had a marginally better single-core score and a slightly higher multi-core score.

What gaming performance metrics were observed for the Scar 18?

At 1080p, the Scar 18 performs well compared to other laptops, but its performance at 4K is among the lowest for RTX 4090 gaming laptops tested.

What is the pricing structure for the ASUS Scar 18?

The base model starts at $2600 USD, with an additional $400 for the Mini-LED upgrade. The high-end RTX 4090 version is priced at $3900 USD.

Are there significant differences in gaming performance between the Scar 18 and last year's model?

There are minor differences in gaming performance, with the new Scar 18 showing comparable FPS in most games, but it does not significantly outperform last year's version.

What should potential buyers consider when choosing between the Scar 18 and last year's model?

Buyers should consider whether they need the enhanced brightness and contrast of the Mini-LED screen and whether the slight performance improvements justify the higher price.

What is the performance of the ASUS Scar 18 in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2?

In Cyberpunk 2077, the Scar 18's performance is slightly ahead of last year's model at 1080p but underwhelming at 4K. In Red Dead Redemption 2, it performs well at 1080p and 1440p but trails behind last year's version at 4K.

What conclusion does the reviewer reach about the value of the ASUS Scar 18?

The reviewer concludes that unless a brighter screen with better contrast is a priority, buyers may be better off opting for last year's Scar 18 due to better overall performance and value.