ASUS ROG Spring System Updates: Gaming Big and Small

ASUS ROG Announces Updated Strix Hero and SCAR Edition Laptops

ASUS has also announced updates for two of its more entry-level gaming laptops in the ROG Strix SCAR (GL703) and ROG Strix Hero (GL503). The laptops are similar in both styling and what comes under the hood with the main differences between the two is the type of monitor and size, graphics card options, and storage. Both will receive the latest Intel 8^th Generation Coffee Lake CPUs, 120+ Hz FHD panels, support up to 32 GB of RAM, and are designed for gaming. ASUS marketing has both devices pointed at eSports with the SCAR pegged for First Person Shooters while the Hero is said to be for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games.

Starting off with the differences between the two, the Hero has one monitor option – a 15.6-inch TN based FHD (1920x1080) panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 3ms GTG response time, 94% NTSC color gamut coverage and is paired with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti. According to their specifications, this is the only GPU option for the Hero - a step back from the GTX 1060 available on the previous model. Some frame rate or image quality sacrifices may have to be endured to reach the higher frame rates in some titles. We have reached out to ASUS for clarity on that point.

The SCAR, on the other hand, comes with a choice of three 17.3-inch and a 15.6-inch monitor - three TN panels and an “IPS-level” panel, all with FHD resolution. The TN panels sport a 120 Hz refresh rate, 3ms GTG response time, and 94% NTSC color gamut. The fourth option is an “IPS-level” panel with 144 Hz refresh rate, 3ms GTG response time, 72% NTSC color gamut coverage and is G-Sync enabled. The SCAR supports up to a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, a more capable graphics solution able to utilize the high refresh rate monitors. 

Externally, both laptops look the same and include ASUS’ trapezoid-cut lid, upgraded 12-volt fans, and Anti-Dust Cooling system said to expel dust particles and dirt. The Hero’s lid has a design on it while the SCAR uses a more simple brushed aluminum look.  Integrated into both chassis are vents above the keyboard and on the bottom of the laptop for intake with large exhaust vents on the back. Any RGB lighting is reserved for the keyboard making for a fairly subdued design aesthetic for a gaming laptop. On the connectivity side, both will offer users an assortment of ports from USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.0, video outputs in mini DisplayPort and HDMI, LAN port, 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jacks, and an SD card reader.

Inside the chassis, the hardware will also be similar. Both will give users the option to choose between a 4C/8T i5-8300H (Max. Turbo to 4 GHz) or a 6C/12T i7-8750H (Max/ Turbo to 4.1 GHz), up from the 2C/4T and 4C/8T Kaby Lake CPUs they are replacing. Memory support is up to 32GB using DDR4-2666 in dual channel configurations which is plenty for today’s and tomorrow’s games when maxed out. These days, 16GB many feel is the sweet spot for having enough for now and headroom for later when gaming. Wi-Fi duties are managed by an 802.11ac, 2x2 Wave device with Bluetooth 4.1. While most people game with headphones, both include two stereo speakers able to output 3.5W. Mass storage on the SCAR includes two HDD options and a Hybrid along with M.2 SATA and PCIe SSDs. The Hero forgoes any spinners and has the same M.2 SATA and PCIe SSD options. 

With the SCAR and Hero designed for eSports and gaming, ASUS uses a desktop-style gaming keyboard with four gaming hotkeys, keys with 0.25mm-curvature caps, and customizable RGB-backlighting across four zones. It also features a highlighted WASD key grouping and has N-key rollover abilities. ASUS’ Aura Sync technology allows for customization and synchronization light effects with Aura Sync-supported peripherals.

Both the SCAR and the Hero are available now from the ASUS store, Amazon, and Newegg with additional retailers starting on 4/16. Pricing for both units start at $1099 MSRP.