Asus Strix Scar II GL704GM-DH74

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Reviews for the Asus Strix Scar II GL704GM-DH74

80% Asus 17.3 Strix SCAR II review
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
Strong gaming performance on a brilliantly smooth screen, with an impressive-but-loud cooling system.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% Asus ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
Asus’s moderately mean new 15.6-inch portable gaming machine packs LED lighting and GeForce 1060 graphics.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 70%

Comment

Model: The Asus Strix Scar II GL704GM-DH74 is a completely redesigned gaming laptop compared to its predecessor, which is the GL703 series. The laptop boasts a 144 Hz super-narrow-bezel display with an ultra-fast 3 ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time for ultra-accurate targeting. The high refresh rate ensures a true 144 fps experience with minimal input lag, while the superfast response time reduces ghosting and motion blur to yield clearer visuals. The new design also allows for a more compact body that’s 2.33 cm narrower than its predecessor. By using a super-narrow-bezel display, there’s less distracting frame, so the chassis dimensions can be reduced to the minimum, making the Strix SCAR II narrower than ever without sacrificing precious screen space. A unique rubber frame surrounds the display. It not only protects the display from damage when the user closes the lid but also visually enhances the slimness of the bezel for a more immersive feel. The usual Republic Of Gamers (ROG) logo on the lid, the front light bar, transparent WASD keycaps and semi-transparent key sides allow the Aura to shine brighter than ever before. Together, they add up to show off its own unique style. The Strix SCAR II features two contrasting brushed finishes that meet to create a dynamic diagonal slash across its lid. The anodized Gunmetal Gray finish and deep-black heatsink mimic the dark feel of an assault rifle. The laptop is also lightweight at just 2.4 kg, making it powerful yet lightweight.

As for performance, the Strix SCAR II is equipped with the latest 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H six-core CPU. It has Intel Speed Shift and Turbo Boost technologies to push the processor to speeds of up to 3.9 GHz (six-core) respectively. Intel Hyper-Threading enables up to 12 threads to handle every task quickly and efficiently, including simultaneous gaming, recording, and live-streaming. With up to 32 GB of high-performance DDR4 2666 MHz dual-channel RAM, the Strix SCAR II has more than enough bandwidth to run the latest games smoothly, while at the same time consuming less energy. As for storage, it is fitted with a lightning-fast 256 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD. It also features a 1 TB 5400rpm FireCuda solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD) as secondary storage. The SSHD takes note of most frequently used files and caches them onto its on-board flash memory. Over time, user will see a notable difference in loading times as the file access speeds increase. As for graphics adapter, it has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 which also supports Microsoft DirectX 12.

For cooling, the HyperCool Pro thermal system has a host of features to help the Strix SCAR II get the most out of its GPU and CPU. There’s an extended cooling plate to spread heat evenly, and two high-performance 12 V fans that deliver stronger airflow and increase air pressure to ensure a stable system even under heavy loads. HyperCool Pro also includes the patented Anti-Dust Cooling system that expels dust particles and dirt to improve system reliability and durability. As a closure, the Asus Strix Scar II GL704GM-DH74 is Asus’s attempt in hitting the high-performance gaming market with a bang. Users who are looking for a stylish high-performance gaming laptop can definitely consider this model.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile: The mobile GTX 1060 is based on the GP106 chip and offer 1280 shaders. Compared to the identically named desktop version it features a slightly lower clock rate. Games in Full HD and maximum details should run fluently on the card.

With these GPUs you are able to play modern and demanding games fluently at medium detail settings and HD resolution.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

i7-8750H: On Coffee Lake architecture based processor for big and heavy laptops. Integrates six processor cores clocked at 2.2 - 4.1 GHz (4 GHz with 4 cores, 3.9 GHz with 6 cores) that support HyperThreading. Manufactured in an improved 14nm process (14nm++). » Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

17.30": This display size is a standard format for desktop replacements (DTR). The DTR laptops are heavier to carry, need more power, but texts are easy to read and high resolutions are no problem. DTR are mainly intended for stationary desk use, where weight and energy hunger don't matter. In return, you enjoy the advantages of high resolutions (more details, better legibility).» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

2.95 kg:

With this weight, a laptop is rather heavier than average. Devices in this range shine more with screen size and performance than with mobility.

Asus: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a major Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer based in Taipei, founded in 1989. Under the Asus brand name, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, smartphones and networking equipment, complete systems and PC components for end users.

Under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand name, ASUS manufactures gaming laptops known by gamers for their powerful specifications, dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays and advanced cooling systems.

Beyond gaming, a wide range of notebooks are offered for different needs and budgets, from ultra-slim and lightweight ultrabooks to versatile 2-in-1 convertibles and budget-friendly options. In 2023, Asus had a 7% global market share of the PC market.

Customer satisfaction with ASUS notebooks concerns performance, the features, and the good price-performance ratio of ASUS notebooks. However, as with any brand, there are occasional reports of problems such as overheating, driver compatibility, or build quality issues.

75%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

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