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At CES 2025, Asus unveiled several new gaming laptops, but one model stands out with its innovative feature: a completely tool-free upgrade process that users can manage on their own.
The revamped ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 models utilize a straightforward, magnetic latching mechanism that allows you to remove the bottom panel in mere seconds. This grants direct access to the RAM and M.2 SSD, enabling swaps without the need for a screwdriver. You can install up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 memory and a maximum of 4TB of PCIe 4 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration.
Initially, securing the bottom panel required a bit of force, but after a couple of tries, I found it quite easy to manage.
Additionally, the battery and three system fans are easily accessible, making maintenance simpler. In an era where upgrades and repairs can be difficult due to manufacturer restrictions, Asus deserves applause for providing gamers with more control over their hardware. It’s rare to find gaming laptops with memory that is user-upgradable.
| ROG Strix Scar 16 | ROG Strix Scar 18 | |
| Dimensions | 13.94 x 10.55 x 1.21 inches | 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.26 inches |
| Weight | 6.28 pounds | 7.67 pounds |
| Display | 16-inch mini-LED panel (2560 x 1440), 240Hz | 18-inch mini-LED panel (2560 x 1440), 240Hz |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| GPU | Up to RTX 5090 | Up to RTX 5090 |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5 | Up to 64GB DDR5 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 4 | Up to 2TB PCIe 4 |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 5 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2 1x HDMI 2.1 1x 3.5mm audio jack 1x 2.5G Ethernet |
2x Thunderbolt 5 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen2 1x HDMI 2.1 1x 3.5mm audio jack 1x 2.5G Ethernet |
| Battery | 90 watt-hour | 90 watt-hour |
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p |
Notably, once the bottom panel is removed, users will notice a sizable custom vapor chamber for superior cooling, along with a sandwiched heatsink. Asus has integrated a liquid metal thermal interface on both the CPU and GPU, leading to a notable reduction in noise levels to just 45dB.
Beyond its innovative interior, these gaming laptops feature the ROG Nebula HDR display, similar to last year’s offerings, utilizing a 2.5K resolution mini-LED screen with over 2,000 dimming zones. This display achieves peak brightness of 1200 nits, making it capable of showcasing remarkable HDR content, alongside a 240Hz refresh rate.
The ROG Strix Scar 16 and 18 are powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 258HX processor and can accommodate an RTX 5090 graphics card. These laptops are on the bulkier side, in stark contrast to the slim ROG Zephyrus series, which also received an update at CES.
Aesthetically, the laptops feature programmable AniMe Vision lighting (formerly known as AniMe Matrix) on the lid, as well as an RGB light bar on the chassis’ bottom edge.
In addition to the new Scar lineup, Asus has refreshed the ROG Strix G16 and G18 models, which offer slightly less high-end features while still delivering impressive performance. These alternatives come with the latest AMD or Intel processors and RTX 50-series GPUs, supporting up to 32GB of RAM and using the same Tri-Fan cooling technology found in the Scar series.
While the ROG Nebula Display on the G models is not mini-LED, it still offers a stunning 2.5K resolution with a 240Hz refresh rate and a fast 3ms response time.
Asus has yet to announce pricing details or a release date for these new gaming laptops in North America, but they are expected to be available sometime in the first quarter of the year.
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