ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) with RTX 5090 - a laptop without compromises

ASUS is one step ahead again - Strix SCAR 18 (2025) with GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX и 64 GB DDR5 raises the bar for gaming laptops. The device features an 18-inch 2560x1600 display, fast 4TB NVMe storage, and Windows The 11 Pro is positioned as a true desktop replacement. We put it through a series of tests to find out if it really is the new standard for mobile gaming.

This section of our review highlights the main aspects of the laptop. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18, such as appearance and hardware configuration.

The packaging design of the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 immediately emphasizes the premium level of the device. The black outer box with a bright Republic of Gamers logo looks strict and impressive. Rigid cardboard protects the contents from impacts, and the laconic design hints: inside is not just a laptop, but a flagship for enthusiasts and professional gamers. The packaging is designed in such a way that even the first visual impression creates a sense of exclusivity.

Inside the package, there is a well-thought-out system for placing components. The compartments are equipped with a dense cardboard insert, and the elements are securely fixed in the niches. The central box is decorated with the ROG and Intel Inside logos. Everything looks neat and thought out to the smallest detail. Each detail in the box has its own clear place. It is clear that ASUS has invested effort not only in the equipment, but also in the user experience when unpacking.

The package includes a stylish backpack with Republic of Gamers logos. Made of dense material, it is not only the right size for an 18-inch laptop, but also has a gaming design: matte surface, adjustable clasp, side pockets, internal soft lining. Such a backpack will be appropriate both in everyday life and at tournaments or on trips. This is a full-fledged accessory, not a formality.

The second inner box is made in gray and decorated with a stylized ROG logo in the form of pixels. A large STRIX inscription and decorative inscriptions like "Anime Vision", "Victory", "Become the Benchmark" make the design very impressive. This is no longer just a transport package, but a part of the corporate identity. Such a box is perfect for storing accessories or as a collectible item.

The specifications sticker on the packaging confirms that we have a top-end configuration: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 64 GB DDR5 memory (two 32 GB strips), RAID 0 disk subsystem based on two 2 TB NVMe, WQXGA 18″ display, RTX 5090 graphics card Laptop with 24 GB of video memory, Wi-Fi 7, keyboard with Ukrainian layout, Windows 11 Pro and a 90Wh battery. The package is impressive even by 2025 standards.

The laptop itself is located in a separate compartment, securely fixed in a recess. Under the cover are graphic diagrams demonstrating the cooling system, case design and unique Anime Vision backlight. This is both an aesthetic and informative element. The entire design is aimed at creating an atmosphere of engineering precision and technology. Special attention to detail makes a strong impression even before turning on the device.

The laptop comes with everything you need: two power supplies, gaming accessories, cables. The ROG brand mouse stands out in particular — not a simplified office model, but a full-fledged device with high DPI and gaming ergonomics. All cables are neatly laid out, adapters are marked. The appearance of the components is designed in black with matte and glossy inserts.

The main power supply of the A24-380P1A model is rated at 380W, which corresponds to the power of desktop gaming PCs. It produces 19A at 20V, has a large case with the ROG logo and all the necessary safety certifications. Such a unit is necessary for the stable operation of the RTX 5090 and Core Ultra 9 under heavy load. It is heavy, but fully justified in terms of power.

The additional power adapter is a compact charger with Power Delivery support up to 100 W. It connects via USB-C and allows you to charge your laptop without the main unit if you don’t need all the power. This is convenient for travel, study or the office, where mobility is important. The versatility of the adapter makes it a great addition to the main charger.

Inside the designer box, the laptop itself is additionally packed in a protective film and securely fixed. The thoughtfulness of the design is impressive: protection, aesthetics and ergonomics are perfectly combined. Under the lid are drawings, QR codes and designations of ASUS ROG branded functions. Visually, everything resembles a laboratory case or an engineering project. The first impression from unpacking is top notch.

The top cover of the laptop is made of matte plastic with a design typical of the Strix series. The asymmetrical perforation zone and the ROG logo create a premium feel and emphasize the gaming focus of the device. The coating is resistant to fingerprints, and the inscription "For Those Who Dare" on the end adds a branded accent.

When closed, the case looks solid and monolithic. The corners are slightly rounded, but at the same time remain aggressive, as befits a flagship gaming solution. Minimal gaps between the lid and the base emphasize the high build quality. The laptop stands firmly on the table and does not wobble.

On the right are two classic USB Type-A ports, convenient for connecting a mouse, flash drives and external devices. Between them and the edge is a hot air exhaust zone. The edge itself is slightly beveled, which makes the connection more convenient even by touch. The location of the ports here is balanced - they do not interfere with active mouse work.

The left side is equipped with maximum functionality: RJ-45 for the Internet, HDMI, one USB-A and two full-fledged USB-C, as well as a combined audio jack. USB-C supports charging and image output. Such a variety of connectors is especially valuable for professional users and streamers who connect a camera, microphone and external monitor at the same time.

The back edge is reserved for a large cooling system grill. Air is blown out to the back, which eliminates overheating of hands during use. Thanks to massive cooling with an evaporation chamber and three fans, the laptop works stably even under high load. Visually, the back part gives the device the appearance of a full-fledged gaming station.

The bottom cover is made with multiple ventilation slots through which the cooling system is visible. The cutouts are organized in the form of a stylized STRIX logo, which emphasizes the attention to detail. At the bottom of the case there are rubber feet and quick-release screws for quick access to the insides.

Inside, there is a massive 18-inch panel with thin frames and a matte finish. The screen opens with one hand and is fixed in the upper position without any backlash. Above the display is a webcam with an IR module for Windows Hello, The bottom frame is slightly thicker and bears the ROG Strix logo.

Once turned on, the signature ASUS ROG boot animation is activated with keyboard backlighting and a lower RGB strip. The effects look dynamic and create a wow effect at the first launch. The RGB backlighting is implemented in three zones: keyboard, lower edge and logo, and is controlled via Armoury Crate.

The work area is equipped with a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad. All keys have a clear stroke, stable feedback and high-quality backlighting. Separately allocated function keys for quick access to the Armoury Crate, cooler control and modes. The large touchpad is made of glass and accurately processes gestures.

The next-gen ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is the embodiment of cutting-edge mobile architecture built for those who don’t accept compromise. It’s built around the latest 2025 technologies and offers not just performance, but absolute freedom of action — from gaming and streaming to heavy creative work. This isn’t just a laptop. It’s a full-size battle station in a compact body.

It is based on the Intel Core processor. Ultra 9 275HX from the line Arrow Lake, built on a 3-nm process technology. It combines 8 productive and 16 energy-efficient cores, offering 24 threads with a maximum frequency of up to 5.3 GHz. The modern LGA 1851 socket and support for all current instructions make it a flagship in its category. The 3 MB L36 cache provides instant access to data, and the 55 W thermal package is balanced for high loads.

Integrated Intel graphics Arrow Lake is used in energy-efficient modes. This is graphics with 1024 shader units, operating at a frequency of up to 1900 MHz, with support for DirectX 12.2, OpenGL 4.6, Vulkan and hardware video decompression. It is active during autonomous operation, providing up to 10 hours of multimedia viewing without a network connection.

The main load in games and working with 3D content is taken on by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. This is the most powerful mobile graphics card for 2025, with 10496 CUDA cores, 24.6 GB of GDDR7 video memory from Samsung and a bandwidth of 902.7 GB/s. GPU operates at a frequency of up to 1763 MHz and supports the entire range of technologies - from ray tracing and DLSS 4 to Reflex and AV1. Even in a laptop, it produces a level comparable to desktop flagships, and easily copes with 4K games at ultra settings.

The laptop is equipped with a massive 64 GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600 MHz. This is not just a lot - it is practically a working server. This volume is enough for heavy projects in Unreal Engine, editing in 8K, and running dozens of applications and virtual machines simultaneously. And thanks to the dual-channel architecture, maximum throughput is achieved.

The device's display is an 18-inch QHD+ panel with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and a refresh rate of 240 Hz. It supports 10-bit color, covers the entire sRGB color spectrum, has VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification and a peak brightness of 1261 nits. Colors look rich and realistic, and the high refresh rate guarantees a crystal clear image even in the most dynamic scenes. This is a display at the level of professional studios and eSports tournaments.

Ultimately, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is a laptop in which every chip, every fan, and every line of firmware work towards one goal: to give the user the maximum. The combination of a flagship processor, the most powerful mobile graphics card, a huge amount of memory, and a professional display turns it into an ideal solution for work, creativity, and games at the highest settings. This is the pinnacle of mobile architecture for 2025.

The main panel, where all information about the current state of the system is displayed. The user can monitor the temperature and load of the processor and video card, operating frequency, voltage and power in real time. Here you can also see the fan speed, the system noise level and the total amount of RAM and storage used. In addition, the performance modes are available at the bottom - "Quiet", "Productive", "Turbo" and manual settings. This is the central node from where interaction with Armoury Crate begins.

The section is responsible for synchronizing the RGB backlight between all Aura-compatible components of the laptop: keyboard, case backlight and external devices. You can select the general style of the backlight, set the effect (for example, wave, rainbow, breathing), and also activate the AURA Performance mode, which disables delays between effect changes. The interface is simple and intuitive, with the ability to instantly apply settings.

An exclusive feature of select ROG models with a matrix LED display on the lid. Allows you to upload animations, text, or static images that are then displayed on the panel. The built-in editor allows you to precisely set the display duration, select effects, and even mix frames into loops. The package includes ready-made templates from the ROG gallery, as well as the ability to upload custom content. This is not only a decoration, but also a way to personalize the laptop.

Allows you to create system behavior profiles that are automatically activated when you launch certain programs. For example, you can set a profile with the Turbo cooling mode, disabled touchpad and bright backlight for launching a game, and a quiet mode with minimal fan activity and warm keyboard lighting for work. This makes life easier for gamers and professionals, allowing them to instantly switch between modes without manual settings.

The section for visual adjustments to the screen. Allows you to choose from several color profiles (Default, FPS, RTS, Cinema, Scenery, Racing, and others), each of which is adapted to a specific usage scenario. For example, the FPS mode increases the brightness in dark areas for better visibility of enemies in games, and Cinema makes the image richer for watching movies. Manual calibration of color temperature and gamma is also available. This is especially important for those who work with graphics or want maximum comfort for the eyes.

An interactive store of visual content — animated wallpapers, themes for AniMe Vision, lighting styles and special effects. Exclusive selections from ASUS, as well as creative user developments are available here. The platform allows you not only to download, but also to install the selected content in a couple of clicks. This expands the possibilities of personalizing the laptop and adds uniqueness to it.

The final section where you can update Armoury Crate and its components. The program shows which versions are installed, which updates are available and when they were applied. You can also manually run a check for updates or set up automatic updates for services and drivers from here. This is important for the stable operation of all application functions and compatibility with new equipment.

Armoury Crate is not just auxiliary software, but a full-fledged control center for the entire ROG ecosystem. Thanks to it, you can not only monitor the state of components, but also fine-tune the system's behavior for each task. It turns the laptop into a flexible and powerful tool - from visual aesthetics to engineering precision. In modern gaming laptops, this is a mandatory component, without which a significant part of the functionality is lost.

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

Black Myth Wukong Shows Off Good DLSS Optimization Frame Generation. With frame generation mode enabled, the laptop produces 113 frames per second on average and 98 at minimum, providing smooth gameplay even in intense scenes. Without frame generation, but with DLSS, the figures drop to 71/63 FPS. In native resolution, the result is already more modest - 53/47 FPS, but still playable.

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

 

Cyberpunk 2077 shows the most striking performance gains from using DLSS technologies and Frame Generation. With them, the result is 146 FPS on average and 129 at minimum - an amazing figure for such a heavy game. Without frame generation, DLSS gives 46/41 FPS, and in the native mode - only 24/20 FPS, making the conclusion obvious: without upscaling, you will not be able to play comfortably.

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

 

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle works stably on a laptop. Thanks to DLSS with frame generation, 137 FPS is achieved on average, and the minimum is 131 FPS - that is, the scenes do not sag even at peak loads. Without generation - 44/41 FPS, and native - 33/30 FPS, which is enough only with a stretch...

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

Kingdom Come Deliverance II hasn't received support yet Frame Generation, but even without it the result is impressive. DLSS gives 70 FPS on average and 58 at minimum. In native mode the game runs at 54/45 FPS. It is clear that the laptop copes confidently even without the latest acceleration technologies.

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

Monster Hunter Wilds demonstrates stable performance: 100 FPS on average and 85 at minimum with frame generation enabled. With it disabled, we get 64/59 FPS. With native rendering, the laptop produces 56/51 FPS, which is still considered a good result.

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings.

 

 

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl shows how DLSS together with frame generation can increase performance to 113/88 FPS. Without generation — 60/52 FPS. Native mode gives 56/47 FPS — playable, but without reserve for heavy scenes.

 

  The tests were carried out under permission 2560x1600 with maximum graphics quality settings. 

 

 

 

The Last of Us Part II Remastered has the most stable framerate of all games. In DLSS+ mode Frame Generation the laptop produces 133 FPS on average, minimum - 121 FPS. Even without DLSS generation it maintains a confident 107/99 FPS. But the native shows excellent optimization - 90/80 FPS, which indicates the high efficiency of the laptop architecture.

CONCLUSION

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) G835L — is the embodiment of maximalism in the world of gaming laptops. Every detail, from the processor to the cooling system, is thought out and implemented with one goal — to give the user the ultimate level of performance in any conditions. This laptop does not just cope with modern tasks — it suppresses them with its power, turning complex gaming scenes, demanding renders and heavy multitasking into everyday life.

The central element of the architecture is the processor. Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX — the mobile flagship of the family Arrow Lake, built on a 3nm process technology. It has 24 threads (8 productive and 16 efficient cores), which makes it a real multitasking monster. Frequencies reaching 5.2 GHz, coupled with the widest set of instructions and a huge cache (36 MB L3), allow this CPU to set records in synthetic and real workloads. The results of CPU-Z and Cinebench confirm this: single-core performance is on par with the best Apple solutions, and multithreading demonstrates a real advantage over all the competition.

The graphic subsystem is represented NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU — a video card that is almost as capable as the desktop version. 24576 MB of GDDR7 video memory and a 256-bit interface, 10496 CUDA cores, support for all modern technologies such as DLSS 4, Ray Tracing and Frame Generation — do this GPU ideal for any task. The results in games are impressive: in almost all current AAA projects, the laptop consistently produces over 100 FPS at ultra settings in a resolution of 2560×1600. This is a level that could previously only be achieved on top-end desktop PCs. The potential of the RTX 5090 is especially clearly revealed in combination with Frame Generation, where the frame rate increase reaches 2-3 times.

The memory subsystem is no less impressive. 64 GB DDR5 operate in dual-channel mode and provide a throughput of over 82 GB/s. Memory latencies are minimal, and the overall performance in AIDA64 indicates a perfectly built controller architecture. This is important not only for games, but also for professional tasks: from working with video and 3D graphics to complex calculations and virtualization.

The data storage system is based on an array of two NVMe SSD in RAID 0, delivering mind-blowing speeds of up to 13700 MB/s read and 13400 MB/s write in CrystalDiskMark. This is only possible with the fastest drives and controllers, and it completely changes the user experience: loading Windows, copying large files or rendering happens instantly.

The screen is another trump card of the ROG Strix SCAR 18. The 18-inch matrix with a resolution of 2560×1600, a refresh rate of 240 Hz and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification has not only high brightness (up to 1261 nits), but also 10-bit color depth, which makes it ideal for both gaming and content creation. Support for dynamic HDR and high color accuracy make the image vivid and cinematic.

All this is completed by a well-thought-out software shell Armoury Crate, which allows you to fine-tune the system, switch performance profiles, backlighting, macros, and also use animations via AniMe Vision. This is not just a utility - it is a full-fledged command panel, making the use of the laptop convenient and customizable.

The conclusion is clear: ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) G835L — this is not a laptop, this is the ultimate mobile platform without compromise. It is designed for those who want to get the most: in games, in work, in speed, in stability. This is a flagship that will become the standard in the world of gaming solutions for the coming years, and at the same time — a real replacement for a desktop without any "buts".