ROG Strix SCAR 18: The first next-gen gaming laptops hit the UAE market powered with NVIDIA RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor

Khaleej Times

17-04-2025

A new chassis with tool-less upgrades and ultimate performance powered by the NVIDIA RTX 5090 are the key innovations in the next-generation ROG Strix gaming laptops
Replacing Desktops: The Strix Legacy Evolves
Over the past six years, the ROG Strix SCAR has earned its reputation as ASUS' flagship gaming laptop - known for pushing the boundaries of what a portable machine can do. The long-standing debate of desktop versus laptop has been settled for many. As esports and content creation boom, gaming laptops like the SCAR 18 have become the centerpiece of fully customized setups - often paired with large external monitors, mechanical keyboards, and immersive audio systems to create the ultimate dream desk.
This year, the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835LX goes a step further, debuting a tool-less upgrade system that puts control directly in the hands of gamers and creators. Now, with a simple slide of a rear switch, users can pop off the bottom panel without tools - making memory and storage upgrades more accessible than ever. It's the first gaming laptop on the market to offer this hassle-free upgrade method, setting a new standard for DIY-friendly design.
Gamers and professional players who want a hands-on experience can check out the ROG Strix SCAR 18 2025 at the upcoming Comic Con event in Abu Dhabi from April 18–20.
Timeless design, future-proof fundamentals
What makes the SCAR lineup remarkable is its consistency in design - a chassis layout that has stood the test of time since 2019. Originally crafted to house the then-groundbreaking NVIDIA RTX 2080, this chassis has seamlessly evolved with each new generation, now powering the monstrous NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor in the 2025 model.
And while compact 16-inch gaming laptops remain popular, it's the 18-inch variant that's quickly stealing the spotlight. With a large 2.5K Mini LED display, 240Hz refresh rate, and HDR capabilities, the ROG Nebula HDR panel is not just a screen - it's a full-blown cinematic experience tailored for both fast-paced competition and high-precision content creation.
Refreshed aesthetics meet raw power
Visually, the 2025 Strix SCAR introduces a fresh identity. Returning this year is the iconic AniMe Matrix LED panel on the lid - first seen on the Zephyrus G14. With 810 programmable LEDs, it offers endless customization options from scrolling text to animated art.
The chassis material has also been updated with a smoother finish and softened edges, giving the laptop a sleek, modern profile without compromising durability or performance. Combined with a refined 2mm hinge gap and all-around RGB lightbars, the SCAR 18 now boasts a design as premium as the hardware it encases.
Three ways to stay cool under pressure
Cooling is where ROG's engineering truly shines. The SCAR 18 employs an advanced Tri- Fan cooling system supported by three major technologies:
Liquid Metal on CPU & GPU – Keeps temperatures up to 15°C cooler than traditional thermal paste.
Vapor Chamber Heatsink – Covers critical components to maximise heat dissipation.
Massive Rear Vents – Allow warm air to escape efficiently, even when docked or closed under an external monitor.
With all this, internal temperatures remain optimal during marathon gaming or heavy 4K video rendering sessions. Even the keyboard stays cool, thanks to added venting beneath the palm rest area - ensuring comfort during long hours of play or productivity.
Built for creators, streamers, and pros
Whether you're live-streaming on Twitch, editing HDR footage, or competing in fast-paced shooters, the SCAR 18 delivers uncompromising performance. The 24-core Intel CPU, paired with NVIDIA's latest RTX 5090 GPU with 24GB of GDDR7 VRAM, ensures blistering speed across all applications.
AI-powered features - like DLSS 4, RTX Neural Shaders, and Intel AI Boost - enhance both gameplay and creative workflows in real time. Add in two-way AI noise cancellation, a four-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, and Wi-Fi 7, and you've got a machine designed for elite multitaskers who do it all.
Connectivity and control, simplified
The Strix SCAR 18 is stacked with high-speed connectivity: dual Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gbps LAN, and USB-C Power Delivery. It also supports 100W fast charging, getting you to 50% in just 30 minutes with the included 380W power adapter.
Through ROG Armoury Crate, users can customise everything from fan curves and performance modes to lighting and display profiles. With Scenario Profiles, the laptop intelligently adjusts performance based on the app or game you launch - ideal for switching between OBS, Premiere Pro, and your favorite titles on the fly.
Bonus offers for UAE gamers
Available across the UAE's leading stores by the end of April, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) is priced at Dh25,999 and includes exclusive launch bonuses:
The Verdict: Your Next Big Upgrade
The ROG Strix SCAR 18 isn't just a powerful machine - it's a next-gen gaming and creative hub, redefining what users can expect from a flagship laptop. With user-friendly upgrades, intelligent cooling, and cutting-edge hardware, it's more than ready for the future of play and productivity.
Whether you're streaming, creating, or climbing the competitive ranks, the SCAR 18 isn't just part of your setup - it is your setup.