Asus ROG Flow X16 and ROG Strix Scar 17 SE: Gaming Laptops Redefining the Boundaries
Asus continues to push the boundaries of gaming laptops, constantly innovating with form factors and features that cater to a diverse range of gamers. Their latest offerings, the ROG Flow X16 and ROG Strix Scar 17 SE, promise to shake things up with unique features and powerful hardware, blurring the lines between traditional gaming laptops and versatile 2-in-1 devices. While intended for different niches, both laptops are poised to offer gamers fresh options for their next gaming companion.
The ROG Flow X16: A Powerful 2-in-1 for On-the-Go Gaming?
Following the success of the ROG Flow X13 and Flow Z13, Asus introduces the ROG Flow X16, a 2-in-1 laptop that diverges from the ultra-portable mold of its predecessors. This new model offers a more conventional laptop experience with a larger 16-inch display and a powerful internal configuration, yet still maintains the flexibility of a 2-in-1 design.
Design and Features:
- Slim and Solid: With a thickness of 19.4mm, the ROG Flow X16 is considered slim for a gaming laptop, offering a balance of portability and power. It weighs in at 2kg, reflecting its larger size. The dark grey metal body features a unique diagonal ribbed pattern on the lid, providing a secure grip and stylish aesthetic.
- Clean Branding: Minimal branding ensures sleekness, with only a silver ROG plaque on the lower left corner. RGB lighting is limited to the keyboard backlight, minimizing distractions.
- Versatility in Ports: The ROG Flow X16 boasts a well-equipped selection of ports, including a full-sized HDMI 2.0b port, two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, one Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card slot. This versatility caters to various peripherals and connectivity needs.
- Unique XG Mobile Connector: The ROG Flow X16 maintains the same proprietary external PCIe connector as its smaller Flow siblings, enabling compatibility with Asus’ ROG XG Mobile external GPU and dock accessories. This means gamers can theoretically boost graphics performance further, although the need for an external GPU in this powerful laptop remains debatable.
- 2-in-1 Flexibility: The ROG Flow X16 features a foldable screen, allowing users to switch between laptop and tablet mode. While the screen can fold back completely, the tablet mode will feel cumbersome due to the device’s size and weight.
- Impressive Display: Top-end variants of the ROG Flow X16 offer a mini-LED display, boasting a 2560×1600-pixel 16:10 165Hz panel with 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. With 512-zone local dimming, the display achieves impressive contrast and brightness, reaching up to 1100nits peak brightness. The screen boasts Dolby Vision and DisplayHDR 1000 certification for enhanced visual experience.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: The keyboard offers a comfortable layout with dedicated volume and mic mute buttons, while the trackpad is generously sized without separate buttons.
- Cooling Concerns: The device incorporates a triple-fan cooling system to manage the heat generated by the powerful hardware. Still, the potential for overheating in tablet mode, especially during high-intensity tasks, is a concern.
Performance and Specifications:
- Powerful Core: The ROG Flow X16 features an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU, a processor known for its efficiency and performance in thin-and-light devices.
- Graphics Options: The ROG Flow X16 provides choices for graphics, going up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
- Memory and Storage: Gamers can opt for up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB of storage, allowing for ample capacity for demanding applications and game libraries.
Target Audience:
The ROG Flow X16 is geared towards gamers who value a blend of portability and performance. It caters to those seeking a device that can handle demanding games both at home and on the go, though its actual portability might be debatable.
Strengths:
- Powerful performance
- Versatile 2-in-1 form factor
- Excellent display with mini-LED options
- Good port selection
Weaknesses:
- Potential for overheating in tablet mode
- Unwieldy size and weight for tablet use
- The need for an external GPU remains questionable
The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE: A Heavyweight Champion for Dedicated Gamers
The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE represents the top tier in gaming laptops, featuring premium components and a design that screams performance. This laptop is built for gamers who prioritize raw power and want the absolute best experience.
Design and Features:
- Bold and Uncompromising: Asus’ boldness is evident in the ROG Strix Scar 17 SE’s design, with a mixture of features that might not appeal to everyone but are sure to impress those who value high-end aesthetics.
- UV-Sensitive Lid: The laptop’s lid features a unique UV-sensitive finish that reveals a hidden pattern of neon symbols and text when illuminated with a UV torch, which is included in the box. While this feature is likely to be polarizing, it adds an element of personalization and might appeal to those who prefer a standout look.
- Customization is King: The semi-transparent plastic piece behind the hinge allows for customization. Two alternative designs are included in the box, and users can 3D print their own, allowing for truly unique looks.
- ROG Keystone Integration: The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE integrates ROG Keystone NFC tags, allowing owners to personalize software settings, including performance profiles and macros.
- RGB Extravaganza: RGB lighting is employed liberally, with a translucent keyboard deck, per-key RGB backlighting, an illuminated ROG logo on the lid, and a light strip around the base. While this may be too much for some, others will appreciate the visual flair.
- Sound and Connectivity: The laptop features quad speakers for immersive sound, and boasts Wi-Fi 6E, a 2.5G Ethernet port, Thunderbolt 4, and a generous selection of additional USB ports, HDMI, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Performance and Specifications:
- Cutting-Edge Processor: The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE features Intel’s brand new Core HX mobile CPUs, which are basically desktop CPUs optimized for mobile use. The top-of-the-line option is the Intel Core i9-12950HX, allowing for remarkable performance.
- Graphics Flagship: The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE is configured with powerful graphics options, including the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, capable of pushing game visuals to their limits.
- Memory and Storage: The laptop offers up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 4TB of NVMe storage, providing ample capacity for demanding games and multitasking.
Target Audience:
The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE is aimed at gamers who need the absolute best gaming performance and who prioritize a premium experience. The high performance and aggressive design make it perfect for dedicated gamers.
Strengths:
- Powerful performance
- Leading-edge components
- Customization options
- Extensive ports
- Robust cooling system
Weaknesses:
- Extremely high price
- Bulky and heavy
- Over-the-top RGB lighting might be distracting
A Diverging Path
Though seemingly similar at first glance, the ROG Flow X16 and ROG Strix Scar 17 SE represent two very different approaches to gaming laptops. The ROG Flow X16 tries to be a hybrid, appealing to gamers who want a powerful device that can be used for both gaming and general purposes. However, its 2-in-1 nature may be more of a gimmick than a true functional advantage.
The ROG Strix Scar 17 SE is purely focused on delivering unparalleled performance, boasting components that push the boundaries of what’s possible in a mobile gaming device. However, it sacrifices portability and affordability to achieve this level of power.
Ultimately, the choice between the ROG Flow X16 and ROG Strix Scar 17 SE boils down to individual preferences. Those who prioritize both performance and portability might be tempted by the ROG Flow X16, though its 2-in-1 functionality might prove to be more of a showpiece than a true utility. Conversely, gamers seeking the ultimate performance monster and willing to compromise on portability might find the ROG Strix Scar 17 SE a tempting option. Only further testing and real-world usage will reveal which of these Asus laptops truly lives up to its potential.
