Welcome to our in-depth review of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM, a gaming laptop designed to provide a cutting-edge gaming experience in a portable form factor.

Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) series has been synonymous with top-tier gaming hardware, and the SCAR II GL704GM aims to live up to that reputation. In this review, we’ll explore the laptop’s specifications, design, gaming performance, thermal management, and overall user experience.

Join us as we put the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM through its paces to determine if it truly stands out as a gaming powerhouse.

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What is the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM

The Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM is a high-performance gaming laptop that packs an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, and a 144Hz refresh rate display into a compact chassis.

It comes with a unique keyboard designed specifically for gaming, with highlighted WASD keys. It also boasts of impressive cooling technologies and a stylish design that stands out, particularly suited for avid gamers.

Main Features

1. 17.3″ Non-glare Full HD 1920×1080 IPS Level Display.
2. Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H up to 3.9GHz (9M Cache).
3. Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5.
4. System Memory: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM.
5. Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD + 1TB FireCuda Hybrid Drive.
6. Operating System: Windows 10 Home.
7. Built-in Gigabit Wave 2 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
8. Keyboard: Asus Aura Sync RGB Keyboard.
9. Included Software: ROG Gaming Center 2.5.
10. Audio: 2x2W dual speakers with smart amplifier technology.
11. Connection Ports: 4x USB Type-A 3.1, 1x USB Type-C 3.1, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Mini Displayport.
12. Dimensions: 15.7″ x 11.5″ x 1.0″ ~ 1.1″.

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You may want to use Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM for…

The Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM is a powerful gaming laptop that has numerous potential use cases:

1. Gaming: One of the most immediate use cases is immersive gaming. It is equipped with a fast refresh rate and GTX 1060 graphics, resulting in a smooth, glitch-free game experience. Be it strategy games, life-simulations, FPS or MMO, SCAR II is designed to handle it all.

2. Content Creation: Graphic designers, video editors, motion graphics artists, and other content creators can benefit from the robust power and vivid display that the SCAR II offers. The high-resolution display is also suitable for content consumption, such as watching high-definition movies and video streams.

3. Virtual Reality: The SCAR II can be used for an immersive VR experience, as it comes VR ready. The powerful graphics card can easily handle the demands of VR software and present an immersive, responsive and smooth virtual world.

4. Professional Work: Its high-end configuration also allows it to be used by professionals who operate demanding software like CAD for engineering designs or advanced scientific simulations. Its powerful processor, ample RAM and high-quality graphics present a seamless multitasking experience.

5. Streaming: With such powerful specs, the ROG Strix SCAR II can easily be used for live streaming gameplay on platforms like Twitch or Youtube. The laptop can handle both the game and the streaming software simultaneously without lagging.

6. Education: It’s not all fun and games; this machine could be used for educational purposes too. Students or researchers who need to run demanding software or simulations can benefit from the SCAR II’s powerful processor and generous memory. This laptop could handle anything from programming to data analytics tasks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Performance: Powered by Intel’s i7 processor along with NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, this laptop offers premium performance for gaming enthusiasts.
• Display: The laptop boasts a 17.3-inch 144Hz anti-glare display, providing crisp and smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption.
• Slim bezels: The minimal bezel design allows for a more immersive gaming or viewing experience.
• Design: It has a stylish design with an RGB keyboard and visible cooling system, catering well to its gamers’ target market.
• Storage: It comes with 16GB RAM and a hybrid storage system with 256GB SSD plus 1TB HDD, providing both speed and ample space.
• Gaming enhancement features: It comes with ROG’s software enhancements like the Armoury Crate and others for customization, creating profiles, adjusting fan speed, etc.

Cons:

• Battery Life: Like many gaming laptops, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II can suffer from a short battery life, especially when running intensive applications or games.
• Weight: Weighing close to 3 kg, this can feel quite heavy to carry around, making it less ideal for those frequently on the move.
• Noise: The laptop can tend to get loud when under heavy load.
• Price: The Asus ROG Strix SCAR II is a high-end gaming laptop, which also means it comes with a hefty price tag.
• Thermal Management: In some instances, the laptop may heat up significantly with heavy gaming, which could affect performance and hardware longevity.
• No Thunderbolt 3: It lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port, which could limit the laptop’s future proofing.

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How we tested

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM, we carried out a series of meticulous tests to assess its performance in various real-world scenarios. Our testing process encompassed multiple aspects, including processing power, gaming capabilities, battery life, thermal performance, and overall build quality.

• Performance: We conducted a suite of benchmark tests and real-world applications to assess the laptop’s processing capabilities, multitasking efficiency, and overall system performance.
• Gaming Performance: The laptop was put to the test with a variety of graphically demanding games to evaluate frame rates, graphics settings, and the smoothness of gameplay for an immersive gaming experience.
• Thermal Testing: Extensive monitoring of the laptop’s temperature during extended gaming sessions and heavy workload was performed to gauge its cooling system’s effectiveness in maintaining optimal performance.
• Battery Life: We ran battery life tests under different usage scenarios to ascertain how long the laptop could sustain itself on a single charge.
• Design and Build Quality: The laptop’s design aesthetics, build materials, portability, and ergonomic features were thoroughly examined to assess its suitability for prolonged use and gaming on-the-go.
• Display and Audio: The display’s color accuracy, resolution, refresh rate, and the audio quality were meticulously scrutinized to gauge the overall multimedia experience.
• Connectivity and Ports: We inspected the laptop’s range of connectivity options, including USB ports, audio jacks, and wireless capabilities, to evaluate its compatibility with various peripherals.

Main Alternatives

The Acer Predator Helios 300 is one notable competitor of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM. It is acclaimed for its value for money, offering robust gaming performance at a lower price point than the Asus ROG Strix. Both machines feature similar hardware specs, including a top-tier Intel Core i7 processor, but the Helios 300 comes standard with a stronger graphics card, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti. However, the Acer Predator Helios 300 does not match the Strix SCAR II in terms of display quality; while Asus offers a high refresh rate panel of 1600×900 resolution, the Acer laptop only supports 1080p.

Another competitor is the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin. This gaming laptop is known for its sleek and lightweight design, which contrasts with the chunkier design of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM. Moreover, the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin sports a slim-bezel 144Hz screen, better than the Asus counterpart’s thicker bezels. But this trade-off comes at an expense as the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin comes with less robust speakers and a weaker cooling system, which are notable strengths of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM.

The Dell Alienware m15 R2 could also be considered a competitor. This laptop offers OLED display technology which brings superior color accuracy and contrast levels than what’s possible on the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM’s IPS panel. Both laptops are driven by similar CPUs and GPUs, so performance levels are comparable, but Dell Alienware m15 R2 shines with its Tobii eye-tracking feature which is not present in the Strix SCAR II. However, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM does have a larger display and better battery life, which can be seen as advantages over the Dell Alienware m15 R2.

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Main Takeaways

1. Performance: The Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM delivers powerful performance due to its Intel Core i7-8750H processor and Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU. This combination makes it ideal for both gaming and multitasking.
2. Design: One of the noticeable features of this laptop is its slim bezel design. The 17.3-inch display offers a slim 5.7mm bezel for a more immersive gaming experience. In addition, it has a customizable RGB keyboard, providing a unique personal aesthetic.
3. Cooling System: To keep the powerhouse performance running smoothly, the laptop is equipped with a HyperCool Pro thermal system. This includes an extended cooling plate and dual 12V fans that efficiently manage the high-performance demands, making it a reliable machine for extended gaming sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the key features of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM?

A: The Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM is a gaming laptop that features a 17.3″ full HD display, Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD storage, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, and HyperCool Pro thermal system.

Q: Does the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM come with pre-installed Windows?

A: Yes, it comes with a pre-installed Windows 10 Home.

Q: What ports are available on the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM?

A: It includes USB 3.1 Type-C, USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, RJ-45 Jack, and SD card reader.

Q: What are the dimensions and weight of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM?

A: The laptop measures approximately 15.7 x 10.7 x 1 inches and weighs roughly 6.5 pounds.

Q: Is the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM good for gaming?

A: With its powerful processor and superior graphics card, it is developed for intensive gaming sessions offering smooth and stutter-free gameplay.

Q: Can the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM handle graphic-intensive tasks like video editing?

A: Yes. The laptop is equipped with a high-performing graphics card and processor that can handle heavy-duty tasks like video editing and 3D modeling.

Q: Is the keyboard of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM backlit?

A: Yes. The laptop features an RGB keyboard with four zones of lighting that can be customized via the Aura Sync System.

Q: How long does the battery last on the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM?

A: Under moderate usage, the laptop’s battery can last for about 4-5 hours. However, battery life may vary depending on the usage and settings.

Q: Is the RAM on the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM upgradable?

A: Yes, the RAM is upgradable up to a maximum of 32GB.

Q: What is the refresh rate of the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM’s display?

A: The laptop has a 144 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother visuals and less motion blur during gaming sessions.

Q: What is the warranty period for the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM?

A: The laptop generally comes with a 1-year warranty. However, it’s always advised to check with the retailer for specific details.

Conclusion:

Following an extensive testing process, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM emerges as an exceptional gaming laptop that lives up to its ROG pedigree. Its robust performance, driven by a high-end processor and dedicated graphics card, ensures seamless and enjoyable gaming experiences for even the most demanding titles.

The laptop’s thermal management proves to be highly effective, successfully dissipating heat during prolonged gaming sessions, which helps maintain consistent performance without any significant throttling.

Design-wise, the SCAR II GL704GM boasts a striking appearance, characterized by sleek lines and distinct ROG aesthetics. The build quality exudes durability, making it a reliable companion for gamers on the move.

The display delivers vibrant colors, high refresh rates, and impressive visual clarity, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience alike. Additionally, the audio quality provides immersive sound, immersing gamers further into their gameplay.

The battery life, although adequate, could benefit from improvements to meet the demands of extended mobile gaming sessions.

In conclusion, the Asus ROG Strix SCAR II GL704GM stands out as a remarkable gaming laptop, offering impressive performance, a visually appealing design, and excellent thermal management. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a multimedia enthusiast, the SCAR II GL704GM is a compelling choice that delivers on its promises of delivering top-tier gaming experiences.

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