Redesigned ROG Strix gaming laptops introduce the world’s fastest notebook display

From its inception in 2006, the Republic of Gamers has pushed the envelope of what’s possible for PC gaming. We’ve taken that mission to a new level with this year’s ROG gaming laptops, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the 2021 Strix series.

The flagship Strix SCAR 17 integrates the latest innovations to keep the most demanding esports players at the top of their game. It introduces the world’s fastest laptop display, with a 360Hz refresh rate and 3ms response; drives it with powerful new GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs and Ryzen™ 5000 Series mobile processors; and helps the hardware reach its full potential with radically redesigned fans and other cooling upgrades.

We’ve implemented the first optical-mechanical keyboard in a Strix laptop, delivering the same mix of rapid response and high durability that hardcore gamers love. A higher screen-to-body ratio puts you closer to the action, while a smaller footprint and a bigger battery with Type-C charging support maximize portability. Quad speakers backed by Dolby Atmos technology make for a more immersive audio experience, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation processes both input and output audio to make team chats crystal-clear.

Our all-new designs elevate both form and function, introducing a bold style inspired by athletic gear. The fresh look includes translucent materials and customizable chassis accents on the SCAR, along with lighting upgrades across the lineup that help make each machine your own.

If you haven’t graduated to the pros, the Strix G incorporates our new gaming laptop DNA into a stylish yet accessible package with its own unique flair. It completes a diverse 2021 ROG Strix family designed to help everyday players get more out of the game and give serious players the edge they need to succeed. Keep reading to find out all about the new lineup.

The new Strix SCAR 15 and 17: the ultimate esports laptops

Esports requires an uncompromising experience, especially in tight tournaments where milliseconds matter. The Strix SCAR 15 and SCAR 17 are built from the ground up to enhance every part of your game and provide an advantage over the competition.

Displays that push refresh rates to new heights

The SCAR 17 features the world’s fastest display, a 17.3” IPS-level panel that pushes Full HD with a 360Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. ROG led the adoption of high refresh rates in gaming laptops and has consistently offered the quickest panels. We continue to push the limits because we understand that, in esports, waiting an instant too long can put victory out of reach. Compared to the 240Hz standard common for tournaments, a 360Hz refresh rate cuts the delay between new frames by 33%. That’s a big improvement given the small margins of victory in high-level competition.

The smaller Strix SCAR 15 has a 15.6” screen with the fastest option available in that size: a still-blazing 300Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. For gamers who want fluidity with more detail, the SCAR 15 and SCAR 17 are also available with new WQHD panels that feature a 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. The higher 2560x1440 resolution on those displays lets you see more of your environment, and the experience is all the more immersive with a cinematic DCI-P3 color gamut.

In a first for Strix, Adaptive-Sync technology is standard across the entire series. It synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate to eliminate screen tearing, minimize stuttering, and reduce input lag. Combined with our high-refresh panels, Adaptive-Sync makes for a silky smooth gaming experience no matter what you’re playing.

Amplify performance with the latest NVIDIA and AMD processors

Our 2021 Strix SCAR laptops saturate the display with the combined power of up to a GeForce RTX 3080 GPU and Ryzen 9 5900HX processor.

The RTX 3080 runs at 1645MHz and 115W with ROG Boost, with another 15W available from Dynamic Boost. Like the rest of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 30 Series, it’s based on the new Ampere architecture, which combines new streaming multiprocessors with second-gen RT cores and third-gen Tensor cores to enable the most realistic ray-traced graphics and advanced AI features. These improvements enable lifelike visuals while pushing frame rates to new heights, a perfect match for the SCAR’s ultra-high-refresh displays. They’re backed by support for NVIDIA Reflex technologies that lower latency in select multiplayer games and NVIDIA Broadcast effects that add instant polish to live streams. Support for Resizable BAR enables the CPU to access all of the GPU memory at once, which can improve performance in many games.

The Ryzen 9 5900HX uses eight cores and 16 threads to power through demanding multitasking like gaming while streaming, recording, and interacting with an audience. AMD’s new Zen 3 architecture raises performance per clock thanks to lower cache-access latency and numerous other architectural tweaks, pushing overall performance even higher. Our robust cooling and power delivery help the 5900HX run on up to 54W of sustained power when the GPU is active and 80W on its own. The CPU is also unlocked, so you can push for higher speeds with overclocking.

We pair the processors with cutting-edge memory and storage, so you can open a many tabs and programs as you want, and everything loads at warp speed. In its top configurations, the Strix SCAR is available with 64GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and dual 1TB solid-state drives. RAID 0 will be supported in a future AMD driver update, which will further increase storage speed and throughput. Each NVMe SSD enjoys four lanes of PCIe Express bandwidth straight from the CPU, leading to sky-high RAID 0 transfer rates up to 7000 MB/s. The memory and storage are fully upgradeable, too. Our easy-upgrade design and pop-open screw allow quick access to the system’s two SO-DIMM slots and twin M.2 slots.

An athletic redesign that’s more agile than ever

The new Strix SCAR series introduces a unique look that enhances aesthetics and functionality but remains unmistakably Strix.

The compact chassis has a footprint up to 7% smaller than last year’s models, in part due to our thinnest display bezels yet. At only 4.5mm along the top and sides, the slimmer frame increases the screen-to-body ratio from 80% to as much as 87%. This streamlined design not only improves portability, but also puts you closer to the action.

Athletic apparel inspired the stylish aesthetic that permeates our new Strix SCAR family. The aluminum lid is slashed with a shimmering dot matrix design created with precise electroplating. A soft-touch texture makes the palm rests comfortably smooth, and a translucent treatment on the keyboard deck teases the hardware inside. Under the body, larger rubber feet take a cue from running shoes to maximize stability during intense matches and improve grip when you’re carrying the laptop between games.

Enabling personal expression has long been a part of the ROG ethos, and the new SCAR takes it to the next level with Customizable Armor Caps that let you modify the chassis itself. The laptop comes with Rubber Grey, Translucent Black, and Spangle Silver hinge caps that you can swap in seconds. We’re also providing the 3D printer source file to let you create completely custom caps of your own.

RGB illumination is refined with a higher-density light bar that glows around the front edge of the chassis. It complements a new companion strip that slices strategically under the screen and a glowing ROG logo that shows your colors on the lid. The keyboard also features per-key control that lets you highlight critical commands for different games. All the RGB accents are fully customizable, and Aura Sync makes it easy to synchronize colors and effects with compatible peripherals.

Our unique Keystone II technology is back. This physical key docks into the side of the chassis and triggers a new sound and keyboard animation. It can perform a range of functions, from launching different games and operating modes to restoring preferences associated with your ROG ID. You can even configure the key to unlock a secret Shadow Drive, keeping your top-secret battle plans away from prying eyes.

Despite being more compact than ever, the new Strix SCAR 15 and 17 both have a full assortment of ports strategically placed for a tidy gaming setup. There are enough ports at the back to power a multi-monitor desktop with all the cables neatly out of the way, including the main power jack, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, USB Type-A, and DisplayPort™-enabled USB Type-C. Two more USB ports await peripherals on the left side along with an audio jack for your headset, keeping additional cables out of the way of right-handed mousing. Wi-Fi 6 networking rounds out the package with support for peak wireless interface bandwidth up to 2.4Gbps on compatible networks, plus smarter traffic management that enables lower latency through higher efficiency.

Our fastest keyboard and biggest touchpad

Regular laptop keyboards push conductive membranes together to detect keystrokes. This electrical approach creates a lot of signal noise at contact, requiring a debounce delay of 5ms to ensure accuracy. Any delay is detrimental in esports, so the new optical mechanical switches in the 2021 Strix SCAR series trigger using a precise infrared laser beam instead, allowing us to eliminate the debounce delay and cut the response time to only 0.2 milliseconds. The optical mechanism is also much more durable than conventional alternatives, extending the switch’s lifetime to 100 million presses.

Each key has a long 1.9mm travel distance to improve the overall feel, while the caps have a gentle curve that cradles you fingers to keep them centered. The layout is inspired by desktop keyboards and includes dedicated hotkeys that put vital volume, microphone mute, and other controls within easy reach. Our CoolZone technology strategically places vents around the WASD keys, keeping your fingers cool and lowering surface temperatures by up to 14% compared to other laptops.

Gamers all have their favorite mice, but a great touchpad makes all the difference when you’re on the go. The active area of the toupchpad on our new Strix laptops is 85% larger than last year’s and features a glass surface with a matte finish, blending smoothness and precision to give you more control. With a tap, it transforms into an illuminated numpad for more intuitive input on 15.6” models that are too narrow to fit a dedicated numpad.

New cooling tech improves thermals and lowers noise

We’ve refined our cooling system to extract peak performance from the processors while lowering noise levels by 3dB compared to last year. The upgrades start with the first mass-produced implementation of liquid metal on AMD laptop processors. Metal alloys that stay liquid at room temperature transfer heat away from the CPU more efficiently than traditional thermal compounds, which allows for increased thermal headroom. They’re typically applied by hand, but we developed a patented process that paints liquid metal with robotic precision. For 2021, we overcame the unique challenge of applying liquid metal to AMD processors, adding an insulating compound that protects surface-mounted components on the CPU package.

Our upgraded thermal module channels heat from the CPU, GPU, VRAM, and voltage regulation circuitry with an extended heat spreader and up to six heat pipes, maximizing redistribution to sustain higher clocks. Thermal energy flows across four heatsinks with ultra-thin 0.1mm copper fins that provide greater surface area and lower air resistance, and four fan outlets in the flanks maximize airflow out of the system.

ROG Arc Flow fans improve airflow by up to 35% for the CPU and 21% for the GPU with no increase in noise. The new design spins 84 blades capped by special tips that follow an aerodynamic wave pattern that reduces turbulence. The blades each taper down to just 0.2mm at the base to move more air, and they’re made of a liquid-crystal polymer strong enough to maintain its structure at high speeds.

To further amplify airflow, we’ve also improved our self-cleaning cooling system. Dust accumulation on the heatsinks and fans slowly compromises cooling, so Strix laptops channel particles out of the chassis to ensure reliable performance over time. Shorter anti-dust tunnels in the latest models clear the way for 15% more airflow while still preventing harmful buildup.

Cooling and performance are easily tailored to match the moment with Scenario Profiles. Automatically enable Performance or Turbo modes in demanding esports titles, and then seamlessly switch to Silent mode for lighter work and entertainment. With 0dB Technology, the fans switch off completely when CPU and GPU temperatures drop below 60°C in Silent mode. This makes cooling truly silent under light workloads.

Scenario Profiles can change other system settings, like disabling the Windows key and switching RGB lighting effects. You can also switch operating modes on the fly with a convenient keyboard shortcut.

More immersive audio and AI-powered noise cancelation

The new Strix SCAR gaming laptops double down on immersion with upgraded audio. Their quad-speaker array features two tweeters that fire sound directly at you from behind the keyboard, and two Smart Amp woofers that bounce it off the surface under the laptop. Together, these four speakers generate lush audio with 2.8x more volume, 3x more powerful bass, and up to 3x greater dynamic range than competing setups. They’re tuned with Dolby Atmos technology for a multidimensional soundscape with incredible detail. Atmos can also create compelling virtual surround sound for stereo headsets, putting players at the heart of the action.

To make team communication clearer, Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation eliminates up to 95% of background noise from both input and output audio. Developed using a deep neural network for super-high accuracy, this algorithm can be applied to any mic and configured on a per-app basis, so you can target chat software while preserving in-game sound. The two-way filtering is especially handy, processing output audio to help you hear your teammates better. And because noise canceling runs on the CPU, the GPU is free to hit higher FPS.

Stay mobile with a bigger battery and versatile charging

Ready for a road trip? So are the new Strix SCAR laptops. Not only do their smaller footprints make them easier to slip into backpacks and carrying sleeves, but their higher-capacity, 90Wh battery also allows for far more unplugged time: up to 12.2 hours of web browsing.

Then there’s fast charging support, which tops up the battery to 50% in only 33 minutes. Fast charging works even over USB Type-C with compatible 100W adapters and power banks. Support for Type-C charging is new for the Strix series this year and gives you the flexibility to stay mobile longer than ever. You can pack only one charger for all your devices and have enough power to sustain lighter laptop work on the road, keeping the standard adapter at home for full gaming performance.

	ROG Strix SCAR 15	ROG Strix SCAR 17
CPU	Ryzen 9 5900HX Ryzen 7 5800H
Display	300Hz/3ms FHD 100% sRGB 165Hz/3ms WQHD 100% DCI-P3	360Hz/3ms FHD 100% sRGB 165Hz/3ms WQHD 100% DCI-P3
GPU	GeForce RTX 3080 GeForce RTX 3070 GeForce RTX 3060
Memory	Up to 64GB DDR4
Storage	Up to 2TB SSD*
I/O	1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x HDMI 2.0b 1x RJ45 1x audio combo jack
Battery	90Wh
Size	354.9 x 259.9 x 22.69~27.2mm 2.3kg	395 x 282.1 x 23.4~27.5mm 2.7 kg

* RAID will be supported in a future AMD driver update. Please check with your regional ROG representative for more details.

Play with style on the new Strix G15 and G17

For gamers who want a stylish and powerful laptop but don’t feel the urge to compete in high-stakes esports tournaments, the new ROG Strix G15 and G17 make our core technologies and experience accessible to a wider audience.

These 15.6” and 17.3” laptops echo the new SCAR chassis but brings their own unique flair. The Original Black and Eclipse Gray variants both have a diagonal dot-matrix design across the lid and keyboard deck, while the latest Electro Punk edition makes a bolder statement with a comic-book-inspired Coded Puzzle aesthetic and a speckled pink accent on the hinge.

The horsepower inside rivals that of the SCAR series, with the top configuration boasting a Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and GeForce RTX 3070 GPU backed by 32GB of memory and up to 1TB of solid-state storage. Like in the SCAR, the processor can run on up to 80W of sustained power and 54W when the GPU is active, and overclocking can unlock higher speeds. Those specs ensure a premium experience in the latest games and all the power you need for streaming and other creative pursuits.

Display options offer a choice between a super-fluid Full HD panel with 300Hz refresh and 3ms response, or a super-sharp WQHD screen at 165Hz and 3ms with a wider color gamut. Twin speakers provide rich sound, with up to 2.8x more volume and 3x more powerful bass than the last generation. And Two-Way AI Noise Canceling make team chats clearer while maintaining high FPS.

Most of the upgrades from the new Strix SCAR 15 and 17 are mirrored in the G15 and G17. The smaller footprint and bigger battery option enhance portability, while support for fast charging and Type-C power extends your range even further. Cooling innovations like liquid metal on the CPU, redesigned Arc Flow fans, and a comprehensive thermal module with four heatsinks and outlets keeps performance high and noise levels low across all configs.

	ROG Strix G15	ROG Strix G17
CPU	Ryzen 9 5900HX Ryzen 7 5800H Ryzen 5 5600H Ryzen 7 4800H
Display	300Hz/3ms FHD 100% sRGB 165Hz/3ms WQHD 100% DCI-P3
GPU	GeForce RTX 3070 GeForce RTX 3060
Memory	Up to 32GB DDR4
Storage	1TB SSD 512GB SSD
I/O	1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1x HDMI 2.0b 1x RJ45 1x audio combo jack
Battery	90Wh
Size	354.9 x 259.9 x 20.69~27.2mm 2.1~2.5kg	395 x 282.1 x 21.4~27.5mm 2.4~3.0kg

Raise your game for the next generation

The all-new 2021 ROG Strix series elevates gaming laptops to a new level of performance and experience. It has something for everyone, from the sharpened esports edge of the SCAR 15 and 17 to the playful personality of the Strix G15 and G17. See the detailed specs below for a full rundown of the family, and check with your local ROG representative for more specifics on configurations, availability, and pricing in your region.