The latest gaming laptops are always a fun way to relax, and the ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 (G635LX) is no different. ASUS have delivered a powerful mobile battlestation you can jump into your favourite games for hours of enjoyment.
The laptop starts at $6,599.00, making it a premium gaming option, but it delivers in spades.
Starts is the active word here, with a range of options available – though all models start with an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX as a base across the range. Gamers will see options for up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM – with options to take it to 64GB, and up to a 2TB M.2 Gen4 SSD.
It all drives a 16” 2.5K resolution Mini-LED display which supports 240Hz refresh rate and it comes Pantone validated with 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
ASUS have spec’d up the review unit with the top of the line everything – a grand total of $8,499 AUD RRP – so without further ado, here’s how two weeks with the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 (G635LX) went.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 2025 screams gaming machine. From the chunky profile and offset lid which features an admittedly cool looking Anime Display and RGB lighting in the logo, to the rest of the RGB lighting in the keyboard and lightbar which runs around the base of the laptop.
It’s a gaming machine, so that thicker profile gives you more connectivity options with a full array of ports which includes dual Thunderbolt 5 ports on the left, alongside a 2.5G RJ45 jack, HDMI 2.1 FRL, USB-A port and combo audio jack, with dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the right.
The lower deck is where you find the full-size back-lit keyboard, which is spacious and has a nice range of travel that gives an excellent touch feel in-game, as well as when typing. The RBB Lighting can be tuned using the Aura software in Armoury Crate, giving you options to let your gamer RGB fly, or tone it right down.
The keyboard includes a raised bump on the F and J as usual, with another on the W key for easier access when gaming.
The Strix Scar also includes customisable M1-M5 keys above the keyboard, which are already keyed to volume control, Mic, performance mode and an Armoury Crate shortcut. You can change these in the Armoury Crate software, as well as adding in macros for games.
The touchpad on the ROG Strix Scar 16 is larger this year, making it easier to navigate around the system, web or in-game. It’s highly responsive, though most gamers will attach a mouse for gaming. It does have a built-in numberpad which you can switch it on or off by long-pressing the label for a second.
Underneath, the raised legs are covered in rubber to make it steady on the table, while lifting the laptop for improved airflow through the ROG Strix branded vents.
This plate covering the venting is removable on the ROG Strix Scar 16, with a tool-less design allowing you to quickly remove the cover using the new Q-Latch system to access the RAM, SSD, and fans. It’s super easy to remove, and then you can simply swap in components.
The 16” display dominates the upper panel, with very little bezel on either side, and the top bezel only thick enough to house the FHD resolution web cam which is IR compatible and supports Windows Hello for contactless login – and it’s accurate and fast too, logging you in swiftly when you approach.
The Strix Scar 16 comes with a 16” ROG Nebula Mini-LED powered display with multiple local dimming zones. There’s also a Dolby Atmos tuned 4-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology – and to be honest it really pumps.
The ROG Nebula Display has 2,000 dimming zones which have a great effect in-game, however for my eye, it doesn’t quite get the same vibrant colours and deep blacks as an OLED – but it’s close. The display is very bright, with a peak output of 1200nits, though I saw around 270nits for average use at 100% brightness, which is very bright for day to day use.
While I opine about the lack of OLED, this Mini-LED display is excellent and still delivers a load of performance with no screen tearing.
On the audio front, I’m a fan. There’s tweeters packed into the back of the lower deck near the hinge, with downward firing subs towards the front which makes for a really nice, balanced sound – but you can also pump it up so it’s almost devastatingly loud and still clear.
The speakers combine to give you a virtual 5.1.2-channel surround sound, which is powered by Dolby Atmos, and includes spatial sound giving you some decent immersion.
A neat feature is the inclusion of the Anime Display on the lid, a feature we’ve seen on the ROG Zephyrus series. It’s a series of 810 LEDs shining through 8,353 precision-milled holes in the aluminium lid, and is configurable in the Armoury Crate software to show off a range of effects.
The effects range from ‘pre-made animations, import a GIF of your choice, or animate your own image from scratch’, and it’s a neat little feature.
I set it up with a simple EFTM graphic which was easy to position using the tools, but simply adding the text ‘EFTM’ worked out even better.
Running an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX – one of their latest Core Ultra (Series 2) Arrow Lake series, the Strix Scar 16 is pumped to start. ASUS have then thrown in an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU in this model, with 64GB DDR5-5600 RAM with a 2TB M.2 Gen4 SSD, so the specs are top-notch.
In terms of performance, the Strix Scar 16 flies.
There’s no concerns for performance here, from running your day-to-day office, web and video streaming, all the way through to running AAA games at Ultra-High settings and nailing 70-80fps.
The laptop actually runs quieter than most of the gaming systems I’ve reviewed.ASUS have included an end-to-end vapor chamber which includes a sandwiched heatsink and Tri-Fan setup to keep the system cool. ASUS also uses liquid metal on both CPU & GPU for increased cooling and it works.
The performance is governed by the modes – accessible from the M4 hotkey, or Armoury Crate – allowing you to cycle the system through Silent, Turbo and Performance modes.
The Silent mode optimises the settings to keep the system quiet and conserve resources, while Turbo opts for an all out approach and Performance mode gives you a balance between the two. You can also delve into manual settings if you’re game!
Generally, the silent mode is great for quiet work, while you can get some real fan noise going on Turbo mode when you’re really pushing the system.
While the performance on the Strix Scar 16 is great, the battery life isn’t.
There’s a 90WHrs, 4S1P, 4-cell Li-ion battery inside the laptop, with a 380W AC Adapter included for charging.
In terms of battery life, I was able to eke out around 4 hours of office work with the display brightness down at 50%, while gaming saw me tap out at just under an hour, with the last 10% quite rough.
On the charging front, the laptop can charge with the 380W charger or with a USB-C PD charger. I tried it out with a 100W USB-C PD charge and while the 380W charger is slightly faster initially, they both top the laptop up to 100% in just under 2 hours.
The 380W charger is large, but it does allow the laptop to draw the power to give you that fantastic performance. So while you can use a USB-C charger, the included adapter will allow you to really get the best out of the laptop, with the Intel Core 9 Ultra able to draw up to 80W, while the NVIDIA RTX 5090 includes 175W TGP – add in that 16″ Mini LED display and you’re drawing a lot of power when pushing the performance.
The Strix Scar 16 2025 comes with Windows 11 Home 24H2 with support through to October 2026. There is of course a range of pre-installed apps on-board from Microsoft including their Xbox app which includes a 3-month trial, as well as an Office 365 trial and utilities like everyone’s favourite: Solitaire.
You’ll also find all the usual ASUS applications including my personal favourite: Armoury Crate.
I love Armoury Crate simply for the configurability options on ASUS machines, with the software very straight forward, which makes it easy to find what you want. This includes the ability to map the Macro keys on the keyboard, as well configuring the performance of the laptop, change the RGB lighting and the AniMe display settings – though you’ll need to jump into another ASUS app, Aura Creator to take full advantage.
There’s a few other utilities, Dolby Access for sound and of course your NVidia software for managing the GPU. You also get Mcafee with a 30-day trial and the associated pop ups. All in all, it’s the usual array of apps which you can use or uninstall as you see fit.
ASUS have nailed it with the ROG Strix Scar 16. For gamers, or anyone needing high-end performance, the combo of Intel, NVIDIA, fast memory and storage, with some excellent cooling makes this a powerful system for gaming, and well, anything.
The only downsides are the battery life if you want to take it on the road, though the charging is fast. It’s also fairly high-end on the pricing scale, but if it’s performance you want, then this is the system to get.
The ROG Strix Scar 16 has so much to offer in terms of performance, and with the removable bottom panel allowing for upgrades it will keep you on that bleeding edge for some time to come.
If you want to see it in person, the Strix Scar 16 2025 is now available at JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, Amazon, Harvey Horman, Centre com, Scorptec Computers, JW Computers, PLE Computers and Computer Alliance.
Daniel has been talking about, learning about and using tech since he was able to toggle switches and push buttons. If it flashes, turns on or off or connects he wants to use it, talk about it and learn more about it. Like this article? Buy me a coffee!
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