More and more updated models of gaming laptops with modern processors and video cards based on AMD Ryzen 7000 or Intel Core 13th generation are appearing, which complement the Nvidia RTX 40 series graphics adapters. And if we have already met the representatives of the “blue” camp in the past reviews, we have not yet seen laptops with a competitor’s CPU, as well as with a GeForce RTX 4090 card. In the latter case, I would very much like to look at the performance of this adapter, because, frankly, the new Nvidia mobile video cards did not impress at all with their characteristics, except for the older models. And finally, a laptop with such components came to us, namely the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17, so let’s see how productive it is.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733PY-LL020X)
It is based on the top AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, which is capable of processing 32 threads, and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, the most powerful mobile graphics card on the market. This combination is complemented by a total of 32 GB of DDR5 memory and a 2 TB SSD. Due to the gaming class of the device, the laptop has a fast 17.3-inch matrix with a refresh rate of 240 Hz, G-Sync support and wide color gamut. There is Wi-Fi 6E, Ethernet 2.5Gb and other modern interfaces, as well as a webcam, which was so lacking in older Scar models. For this powerful configuration, a 90 Wh battery is installed. And all this in a large, but not very thick body with a weight of 3 kg.
Manufacturer ASUS Model and product page ROG Strix Scar 17 (G733PY-LL020X) Processor AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, 16 cores/32 threads, 2.5 GHz (up to 5.4 GHz in Boost mode) RAM 32 GB, 2 x SO -DIMM DDR5-4800, SK Hynix HMCG78MEBSA092N Display 17.3″, 2560×1440, BOE NE173QHM-NZ2, 240Hz, IPS, G-Sync Video card Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 16GB (150+25W), AMD Radeon 610M Drives 2TB, SSD NVMe M.2 (2280) PCIe 4.0, Samsung MZVL22T0HBLB-00B00 External ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C with DisplayPort support (one of them is charging), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI 2.1 , 1 x RJ45 LAN Communications 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2 Multimedia Stereo system, built-in microphone array, 3.5mm combo audio jack, 720p webcam Security TPM 2.0 module Battery, mAh 5845 mAh (90 Wh, 15.4 V, 4 cells, lithium polymer) Power adapter, W 330 + 100 Dimensions, mm 395 x 282 x 23.4–28.3 Weight, kg ~3 Operating room Windows 11 Pro system Cost, UAH 179 999
Contents of delivery
The laptop comes in a thick black box with the Republic of Gamers logo, which has a carry handle moved to the side.
But if you open it, it turns out that this is an outer package for another box where the laptop itself is located, and the whole structure is transferred by the handle of which, and a branded backpack.
In the delivery set, the user will find documentation, two power supplies for different scenarios for using a laptop, and a wired mouse.
One 330-watt power supply with an output voltage of 20 volts is connected to the corresponding connector in the laptop case. It is designed for a wide range of input voltages and can be used at the maximum load of the device. It is large and heavy, so it is not very suitable for carrying in a backpack.
And the other is already small and light, has a Type-C connector and a maximum power of 100 watts. It can be connected to the appropriate USB port and taken on the go. Of course, the laptop in this case will work with limited performance.
The mouse included – ASUS ROG Gladius III, also found on the free market, has a good ergonomic shape and is equipped with a good optical sensor PixArt PAW3370DM.
Appearance
The laptop measures 395x282x 23.4-28.3 mm and weighs 3 kg, which is in line with other 17-inch devices. The familiar features of the Scar series are present, but there are still some changes with the 2023 lineup.
From above, the laptop does not differ in any way from the background of older models, it has the ROG logo on the lid and a diagonal ribbon with small series logos. The rear part has a different pattern, the decorative overlay with the ROG inscription remains, but it is no longer removable.
The bottom cover is the same shape as the old Scars, the diagonal grille remains, but the large silicone pad has disappeared and there is a small foot instead. To prevent the laptop from sagging, rubber feet also pass through the center. But the height of all the legs is small, and even the slots in the grille are thin, and when the cooling system works at high speeds, a whistling sound occurs. So it’s better to use some kind of stand with a laptop so that it raises it above the table surface by about a centimeter or more. There are speaker grilles on the front sides, and a transparent strip with RGB backlight runs from them.
At the back of the device there are cooling system grilles, one of them is stylized as the number 2006 in Roman numerals, which indicates the year the Republic of Gamers brand appeared.
On the left side, there are two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a combo audio jack, as well as a cooling grille.
There is also a grill on the right, no more ports or connectors. The old Scars still had a Keystone key cell, which, thanks to NFC technology, provided quick access to some software functions and allowed you to open a pre-hidden partition on the drive, but it was abandoned in the new model.
And on the back side there are two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C with DisplayPort support (one of them with the ability to charge the device), one HDMI and one LAN port, there is also a connector for connecting the power supply.
The frames around the screen are very thin, and the screen itself occupies almost the entire plane of the lid, which, by the way, is made of metal on the outside.
The screen leans back to an angle of about 120 degrees.
Finally, a webcam appeared in the Scar models – before that it was a separate module, or it was completely absent. It has a resolution of 720p and is located in the growth on top. There is also an array of microphones.
Island-style keyboard with numeric keypad and small key recess. Their total travel is 2 mm, and thanks to the ROG Overstroke technology, the developer promises a quick keyboard responsiveness when pressing the keys. The top panel is made of homogeneous plastic with a matte finish that picks up fingerprints well.
The power button is located separately on the right side, which will reduce the risk of accidental pressing when working with a laptop.
The arrow buttons are small and located separately from the general block.
At the top there are five shortcut keys to control the audio system, laptop operating modes or launch the proprietary Armory Crate application. They can also be used to activate macros.
Next to them there are indicators of drive activity, network connection, charging process or airplane mode.
The keyboard has RGB backlighting that can be customized in the app. In standby mode, the keys glow red.
The touchpad is large and has two built-in buttons.
In addition to the keyboard, you can also set up RGB lighting for the strip that runs from the bottom under the panel.
