With the introduction of Nvidia’s latest “Blackwell” RTX 5000 series GPUs, all prominent laptop manufacturers are releasing new or refreshed systems that leverage these chips. Asus is joining the fray, launching six innovative systems here at CES, featuring a plethora of exciting elements, from an LED matrix on the lid to easily upgradeable SSDs and striking mini LED displays.
Asus Strix Scar 16 and 18
At the premium segment are the Strix Scar 16 and 18 models. Both laptops can be configured with up to an RTX 5090 and Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPUs. They boast 16- or 18-inch, 2560 x 1440 displays that utilize mini LED technology to deliver 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color range, featuring a 1200:1 contrast ratio and brightness levels reaching up to 500 nits or 1200 nits in HDR mode.
Both configurations feature dual PCIe 5.0 slots for SSDs, although they will initially come equipped with a PCIe 4.0 drive of up to 2TB. As a user, you’ll have the option to enhance your capacity by adding a secondary drive or upgrading to PCIe 5.0.
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| GPU | Up to Nvidia RTX 5090 |
| Display | 16 / 18-inch, 2560 x 1440, 240 Hz, Mini LED (100% DCI-P3) |
| RAM | Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 (2x M.2 PCIe 5 slots) |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | 1 x 2.5G LAN Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
| Battery | 90 Whr |
| Dimensions | 18″: 15.71″ x 11.73″ x 0.93″ ~ 1.26″ 16″: 13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″ |
| Weight | 18″: 7.67 lbs 16″: 6.28 lbs |
To maintain their coolness, the Scars are equipped with three fans and employ Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU. Asus asserts that this setup runs at 45 dB while delivering optimal performance.
The Scars are also adorned with AniMe Vision white LED light matrices on the rear of their lids, allowing for customization of their appearance. An Aura RGB light bar on the chassis enhances the gaming aesthetics.
Asus ROG Strix G16 / G18
Aimed at a broader consumer base (i.e., relatively lower specifications and costs), Asus’s Strix G16 and G18 series are offered in both AMD and Intel variants with slightly different specifications. Most notably, the AMD-driven G614F / G814F models peak at an Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti, while their Intel counterparts, the G615L / G815L, can reach up to an RTX 5080. However, the AMD models tend to be slightly lighter than the Intel versions.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Intel Models | AMD Models |
|---|---|---|
| Model Names | G615L, G815L | G614F, G814F |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D |
| GPU | Up to Nvidia RTX 5080 | Up to Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti |
| Display | 16 / 18-inch, 2560 x 1440, 240 Hz, Mini LED (100% DCI-P3) | 16 / 18-inch, 2560 x 1440, 240 Hz, Mini LED (100% DCI-P3) |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR5 5600 | Up to 32GB DDR5 5600 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 4 (2x M.2 slots PCIe 5) | Up to 1TB PCIe 4 (2x SSD slots, 1x PCIe 4) |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR | 1080p FHD IR |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E + BT 5.3 |
| Ports | Up to 1 x 2.5G Lan Jack* Up to 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support)** 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack |
1 x 1G Lan Jack 1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 1 x USB4 (DP, G-Sync support) 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack |
| Battery | 90 Whr | 90 Whr |
| Dimensions | 18″: 15.71″ x 11.73″ x 0.93″ ~ 1.26″ 16″: 13.94″ x 10.55″ x 0.90″ ~ 1.21″ |
18″: 15.71″ x 11.57″ x 0.91″ ~ 1.21″ 16″: 13.94″ x 10.39″ x 0.89″ ~ 1.20″ |
| Weight | 18″: 7.54 pounds 16″: 6.02 pounds |
18″: 6.61 pounds 16″: 5.51 pounds |
Every one of the Strixes is equipped with identical ROG “Nebula” displays that utilize mini LEDs for a brightness of 500 nits and cover 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, in addition to HDR support and a 240 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, they all feature dual M.2 slots, with one slot available for upgrades.
During a demonstration at Asus’ media day, representatives from the company illustrated how straightforward it is to replace the SSDs. The base of the laptops can be easily pried open, and the SSDs are secured in position by levers instead of screws.
Asus Zephyrus G14 / G16
The manufacturer’s slim Zephyrus series is also undergoing a revision featuring RTX 5000 series GPUs. The 14-inch model, G14, can equip an RTX 5080 while the 16-inch variant, G16, is capped at an RTX 5090. Weighing only 3.6 and 4.3 pounds respectively and measuring 0.72 inches or less, they are notably lighter than their Strix and Strix Scar counterparts.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Zephyrus G14 | Zephyrus G16 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Intel Core Ultra 9 285H |
| GPU | Up to Nvidia RTX 5080 | Up to Nvidia RTX 5090 |
| Display | 14″, Up to ROG Nebula, OLED, 120Hz, 2880 x 1800, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3 | 16″, Up to ROG Nebula, OLED, 240Hz, 2560×1600, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Memory | Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X 7500 (on board) | Up to 64 GB LPDDR5X 7467 (on board) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (1 x SSD PCIE 4.0) | Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (2 x SSD PCIE 4.0) |
| Webcam | 1080p FHD IR | 1080p FHD IR |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Ports | 1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack |
1 x Thunderbolt 4 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack |
| Battery | 90 Whr | 90 Whr |
| Dimensions | 12.24″ x 8.66″ x 0.72″ | 13.94″ x 9.69″ x 0.69″ |
| Weight | 3.46 pounds | 4.3 pounds |
The G14 is powered by AMD, featuring a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU while the G16 utilizes Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285H. The 14-inch variant actually possesses a greater resolution display at 2880 x 1800, though the 16-inch, 2560 x 1440 screen on the G16 operates at 240 Hz compared to 120 Hz for the smaller device.
No details have emerged concerning pricing or specific U.S. configurations for any of these variants. Nevertheless, Asus anticipates the launch of all laptops to occur sometime in Q1.