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Performance
SCAR II is powered by 8th generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor but the most welcome upgrade comes in the form of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics backed by 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSHD + 256GB SSD. The six-core CPU provides a 23% boost in performance enabling an advanced gaming experience. On the SCAR II, one can play games, record it or live-stream it simultaneously. In fact, the laptop comes pre-loaded with XSplit gamecaster among a couple of handy utilities.
Boasting of the latest NVIDIA tech, the Strix SCAR II can churn out more from RTX supported titles like Battlefield V and Hitman 2. Especially on the Battlefield V, courtesy of real-time ray tracing coupled with 144Hz refresh rate, the visuals look slick and more real than ever.
We played through a lot of titles including Battlefield V, PUBG, Apex Legends, FIFA 19 and Hitman 2. The performance of the laptop while running these titles was very smooth and we did not experience any lags or frame drops. While it was able to provide a steady frame rate of around 110fps on Battlefield V, it kept fluctuating between 93fps to 102fps when running PUBG. Similarly, during our Apex Legends gameplay, the frame rate was registering a constant 144fps even after dropping down to a 114fps during load screens. We really enjoyed playing these titles on the SCAR II and it is without a doubt a performance beast in the mid-range gaming segment.
We also ran a couple of benchmarks and here is how the Strix SCAR II scored. On 3DMark’s Time Spy test, the laptop scored 5,800 points while the Fire Strike test gave it a final score of 13,357 points. It scored 5,025 points on PCMark 10 and a Cinebench awarded it 1,679 cb.
These scores essentially translate into the fact that the Strix SCAR II can run pretty much every game that’s out there and the ones that will hit the market this year.
The Strix SCAR II has the HyperCool Pro thermal management system which consists of two 12V fans, three outlets and an anti-dust system which ejects dust particles through a separate outlet. There are three modes, Silent, Balanced and Turbo for varying levels of usage pattern. For general reading and browsing the web, Silent mode is recommended while Balanced mode is great for binge-watching. While these two modes keep the noise from the fan between 35dB to 45dB, Gaming mode produces around 50dB sound with the highest fan speed, optimal for gaming.
To just put it in a jist, saying that the Strix SCAR II is just another gaming laptop would be an understatement. It is loaded with firepower that is sure to satiate the hunger pangs of gamers.
Keyboard, I/O and Battery
We would have appreciated a mechanical keyboard but the SCAR II features HyperStrike Pro keyboard which is inspired from desktop-gaming keyboard layouts. A couple of key elements about the chiclet-style keyboard include a gap between the function keys to enable easier identification, segregated arrow keys and a redesigned space bar. It makes use of the ROG Overstroke technology which allows faster key actuation and a 1.8mm travel distance between keys. The keycaps are curved in the middle and have a depth of 0.25mm making it more ergonomic.
During our initial use, we encountered no issues with the keyboard apart from the RGB lighting settings which for some reason got stuck strobing the red colour. Other than that, the keyboard feels pretty slick in regular usage and it shines when stuck in combative situations during a round of PUBG.
I/O ports on the laptop consist of a single USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) port in addition to two USB3.1 Gen1 and a single USB3.1 Gen2 port. It’s got a mini display port mDP 1.2 and an HDMI 2.0b input along with a single Ethernet, SD card port and 3.5mm audio jack.
Being a gaming laptop, one should not expect too much from the Strix SCAR II as it would more than occasionally be plugged in when running games. It is anyway recommended to use the laptop on power to get the most out of it. When not plugged in, it can last for over 6 to 7 hours on moderate use without any games.
Verdict
Asus ROG Strix SCAR II definitely looks promising and powerful to churn most graphics-intensive titles, thanks to the new RTX graphics. The higher refresh rate also works to Asus’ advantage and the minimal-bezel display allows an immersive gaming experience.
Starting at Rs 1,64,990, it is certainly one of the better-looking gaming laptops that one should be on a lookout for in the mid-range segment.
Image Credit: TechRadar India
- Also Read: HP Omen Desktop PC review
