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Just ahead of Gamescom 2018, ASUS ROG has announced the latest addition to its laptop family – the Strix Scar II. If you think that sounds familiar, the 15.6in Strix Scar II was announced at Computex 2018. The model we are looking at today is the 17.3in version, complete with a 3ms 144Hz display.
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There is no doubt that the biggest feature of the Strix Scar II is the 17.3in display. Not only does it have very appealing, slim bezels – but the panel itself is quite impressive. 144Hz and IPS-level is one thing, but the 3ms GTG response time puts this at the same level – if not better – as some proper desktop gaming monitors.
ASUS told us that to achieve this fast response time – when many laptops have a response time of over 20ms – they worked closely with AUO, the panel manufacturer, to get the response time as low as possible. In essence, this is possible thanks to overdrive – where each pixel ‘aims' for black as it refreshes, and stops at grey, rather than aiming for grey and stopping there. This allows the GTG response time to be fast as possible.
Elsewhere, we also have a slew of top components, including the i7-8750H processor from Intel, and GTX 1060 graphics. Alongside this is 16GB of DDR4 memory, a 256GB SSD and a 1TB FireCuda Hybrid HDD.
Full specification is as follows:
- Model Name: GL704GM-EV001T
- Weight: 2.95kg
- GPU: NVidia GTX 1060 – 6GB
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8750H 2.2GHz (9M Cache, up to 3.9GHz)
- Display: 17.3’ FHD IPS-Level panel. 144Hz refresh. 3Ms response time. Slim Bezel.
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD. 1TB 2.5’ Hybrid HDD (FireCuda)
Alongside this is the modern design of the laptop. It does weigh just under 3KG so it is not quite as portable as an Ultrabook for instance, but there is no denying the fact the the Scar II will easily fit in a backpack and won't cause you any problems if you go out for the day. Part of this is thanks to those slim bezels we already mentioned, which makes this 17in laptop look more like a 15in model.
RGB fans will also find a lot to like about the Scar II. Not only does it feature a RGB keyboard, but the ROG logo on the lid of the laptop is also RGB backlit, and there is even a small strip on the front edge of the machine that lights up. If you don't like RGB – well, you can always turn it off!
As for pricing, only one SKU of the Scar II is coming to the UK – the spec outlined above, and it will cost £1699.99. Availability is not yet confirmed, but ASUS has told us it is aiming to have stock in the retail channel by October.
ASUS ROG has also launched the Zephyrus S today. You can read/watch a preview of that laptop HERE.
KitGuru says: The Strix Scar II looks a very appealing gaming laptop, with emphasis on both performance and aesthetics. Stay tuned for the full review.
