Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M6)
Creator, Everyday · 14.2" · Apple M6 12-core GPU
8.5
$1,999Nov 9
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) G835
An 18-inch 4K Mini-LED desktop replacement with a 175 W RTX 5090 or 5080 and socketed memory, at 3.7 kg.
- Gaming, Workstation
- 18"
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU (RTX 5090 also offered)
- Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
- 3.7 kg
PCPR score
7.4
Good
Best price we’ve seen
$4,300Nov 9
Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.
R1
The short version
The 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 is an 18-inch desktop-replacement laptop with Intel's Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 graphics at 175 W, a 3840 x 2400 Mini-LED panel at up to 240 Hz, DDR5-6400 on SO-DIMMs and two M.2 slots. It weighs about 3.7 kg and ships with a 450 W adapter and 90 Wh battery. ASUS's specifications drive this entry, because no independent reviews of this generation were read at research time.
Pros
- 18-inch 3840 x 2400 Mini-LED panel at up to 240 Hz with 100% DCI-P3, per ASUS
- RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 at 175 W
- DDR5-6400 on SO-DIMMs up to 128GB, plus two M.2 slots
- Two Thunderbolt 5 ports and 2.5G Ethernet
Cons
- About 3.7 kg, so it is rarely portable
- 240 Hz needs Ultimate GPU mode; ASUS sets 120 Hz by default in other modes
- No independent review of this generation was available at research time
Best for
- Desktop-replacement buyers who want maximum GPU power
- Users who need a large 4K Mini-LED laptop display
SYS1
Configurations
| Configuration | Processor | Graphics | Memory | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus · RTX 5080 · 32GB · 1TB | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU | 32 GB | 1 TB | $4,300 |
| Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus · RTX 5090 · 32GB · 1TB | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU | 32 GB | 1 TB | $5,000 |
J5
What you can upgrade later
Memory
UnconfirmedThe maker doesn’t publish its slot layout. Check before buying more memory.
Browse memoryProcessor
UnconfirmedA drop-in upgrade depends on the socket and the maker’s BIOS. Check the board before buying a CPU.
Browse processorJ3
Full specifications
Core
- Built for
- Gaming, Workstation
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
- Graphics
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU (RTX 5090 also offered)
Display
- Screen size
- 18"
- Resolution
- 3840 x 2400
- Refresh rate
- 240 Hz
- Panel
- Mini-LED
Power
- GPU power (TGP)
- 175 W
- Battery
- 90 Wh
Memory
- Memory
- 32 GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-6400 SO-DIMM, up to 128GB
- Storage
- 1,000 GB
Fit
- Memory upgradable
- Yes
- M.2 slots
- 2
Physical
- Weight
- 3.7 kg
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
Ports & I/O
- Thunderbolt / USB4
- Yes
- Ports
- 2x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI 2.1 FRL, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2.5G LAN, 3.5 mm combo
Software
- Operating system
- Windows 11 Home
Compatibility notes
- Refresh defaults to 120 Hz in Standard, Eco and Optimized GPU modes; 240 Hz requires Armoury Crate's Ultimate mode, per ASUS
- Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 slots are user-accessible, up to 128GB of memory
P1
Where to buy
Best Buy
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$4,299.99
See it at Best Buy- Buy from the maker
ASUS official page
Direct link
- Check price on Amazon
Amazon
Search this retailer
- See it at Newegg
Newegg
Search this retailer
- See it at B&H
B&H Photo
Search this retailer
- See it at Micro Center
Micro Center
Search this retailer
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. Prices move quickly, so confirm the final price at the retailer.
AV1
Video reviews
No verified video reviews yet
We only list videos we’ve confirmed are about this product. You can search YouTube for reviews in the meantime.
R9
Common questions
Can the memory be upgraded on the SCAR 18?
Yes. ASUS lists DDR5-6400 on two SO-DIMM slots with a 128GB maximum, plus two M.2 PCIe slots.
Why does the screen run at 120 Hz by default?
ASUS states the panel runs at 120 Hz in Standard, Eco and Optimized GPU modes; switching the GPU mode to Ultimate in Armoury Crate enables 240 Hz.
J9Alternatives
Similar laptops
Apple
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Everyday, Student, Compact · 13.6" · Apple M5 8-core GPU (10-core GPU on higher configurations)
8.3
$1,149Nov 92 videos
Razer
Razer Blade 16 (2026)
Gaming, Creator · 16" · NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU (RTX 5080 also offered)
8.3
$2,400Nov 9
Lenovo
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Gen 11 (14-inch Snapdragon)
Everyday, Compact · 14" · Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)
8.2
$1,000Nov 91 video