ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026 vs 2025: What Has Changed?

The ROG Strix SCAR 18 has always been designed for gamers who want uncompromising performance. Now, the latest generation takes that philosophy even further.

The new ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 builds on the foundation of the previous generation with a newer Intel processor, a major display upgrade, increased memory and storage capacity, and further refinements designed to deliver a premium desktop replacement gaming experience.

But if you're already using the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18, is the new model worth upgrading to?

And if you're buying your first SCAR 18, which generation should you choose?

Let's compare the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 with the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 and break down what's changed.

ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026 vs 2025 at a glance

Feature	ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026	ROG Strix SCAR 18 2025
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus	Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
CPU cores	24	24
CPU threads	24	24
Max CPU frequency	Up to 5.5GHz	Up to 5.4GHz
NPU	Intel AI Boost, up to 13 TOPS	Intel AI Boost, up to 13 TOPS
GPU	Up to RTX 5090 Laptop GPU	Up to RTX 5090 Laptop GPU
GPU VRAM	Up to 24GB GDDR7	Up to 24GB GDDR7
Display	18-inch 4K Mini LED	18-inch 2.5K Mini LED
Resolution	3840 × 2400	2560 × 1600
Refresh rate	240Hz	240Hz
Colour	100% DCI-P3	100% DCI-P3
Memory	Up to 128GB DDR5	Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage	Up to 8TB	Up to 4TB
Storage generation	PCIe Gen 5 supported	PCIe Gen 4
Thunderbolt	2 × Thunderbolt 5	2 × Thunderbolt 5
LAN	2.5G	2.5G
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7	Wi-Fi 7
Battery	90Wh	90Wh

Specifications vary by configuration and market.

1. The biggest change: 4K Mini LED

The most obvious upgrade to the 2026 model is the display.

The 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 features an 18-inch 2.5K Mini LED display with a 2560 × 1600 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage.

The new ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026 takes this to the next level with an 18-inch 4K Mini LED display running at 3840 × 2400.

Importantly, ASUS hasn't sacrificed refresh rate to achieve the higher resolution.

The new display still supports 240Hz, meaning gamers get substantially more pixels without giving up high refresh-rate gaming.

2.5K vs 4K: what's the difference?

The 2025 model's 2560 × 1600 resolution already provides a sharp image on an 18-inch display.

However, the 2026 model increases the pixel count considerably.

This can result in:

• Sharper textures
• More detailed game environments
• Greater image clarity
• More workspace for creative applications
• Better detail when watching high-resolution content

For gamers with access to sufficiently powerful hardware, the 4K panel gives the SCAR 18 a noticeably more premium visual experience.

2. The 240Hz refresh rate remains

One thing ASUS hasn't changed is the refresh rate.

Both generations feature a 240Hz Mini LED display.

That's important because it means the 2026 model isn't simply targeting gamers who want cinematic 4K visuals.

It's still designed for competitive gaming.

A 240Hz refresh rate can provide smoother motion and more responsive visuals when the hardware is capable of delivering high frame rates.

The 2026 model therefore gives gamers the choice of combining 4K resolution with 240Hz refresh in a single laptop.

3. The processor gets a new generation upgrade

The 2025 model uses the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX.

The 2026 model moves to the newer Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus.

Both processors feature:

• 24 cores
• 24 threads
• Intel AI Boost NPU
• Up to 13 TOPS NPU performance

However, the newer 290HX Plus increases the maximum CPU frequency from 5.4GHz to 5.5GHz.

This isn't a dramatic architectural transformation, but it represents a refinement of the CPU platform and provides additional performance headroom for demanding workloads.

For gamers, the biggest gains will depend on the specific game and workload rather than simply looking at the clock speed difference.

4. RTX 5090 remains the flagship GPU

Interestingly, the top-end GPU remains the same.

Both the 2025 and 2026 SCAR 18 can be configured with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, featuring 24GB of GDDR7 memory and up to 175W of GPU power.

This means the new SCAR 18 isn't necessarily about introducing a completely new graphics architecture.

Instead, the 2026 model provides a more capable platform around that GPU.

And this is particularly important when considering the new 4K display.

The RTX 5090's high-end performance is now paired with a display that can make better use of that graphical horsepower.

5. More memory: 128GB vs 64GB

This is one of the biggest specification changes.

The 2025 model supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory.

The 2026 model increases maximum supported memory to 128GB DDR5.

For the average gamer, 128GB isn't necessary.

However, this is a significant advantage for users who want to use their SCAR 18 for more than gaming.

Think about workloads such as:

• 4K and 8K video editing
• 3D rendering
• Large Photoshop projects
• Virtual machines
• Software development
• AI workloads
• Large data sets
• Streaming while gaming

For these users, additional RAM can provide considerably more headroom.

6. Storage doubles from 4TB to 8TB

Storage is another area where the new model takes a significant step forward.

The 2025 SCAR 18 supports up to 4TB of PCIe storage, including configurations using two 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSDs in RAID 0.

The 2026 generation supports configurations of up to 8TB, with PCIe Gen 5 storage supported.

Why does this matter?

Modern AAA games can take up hundreds of gigabytes once the base game, updates and downloadable content are installed.

For someone with a large Steam, Xbox or Epic Games library, additional storage can quickly become useful.

It also makes the SCAR 18 a more capable machine for professional workloads involving large video files, 3D assets and other high-capacity data.

7. PCIe Gen 5 storage takes the SCAR 18 forward

The 2025 model was built around PCIe Gen 4 storage, while the 2026 model supports PCIe Gen 5 SSD configurations.

PCIe Gen 5 provides significantly greater theoretical bandwidth than Gen 4.

For gaming, this doesn't automatically mean games will load twice as quickly.

Game loading is influenced by many factors beyond raw SSD bandwidth.

However, Gen 5 provides greater storage performance headroom for future applications and workloads.

8. Connectivity remains a strength

There isn't a dramatic difference in connectivity between the two generations.

Both feature:

• Two Thunderbolt 5 ports
• HDMI 2.1
• Three USB Type-A ports
• 2.5G LAN
• Wi-Fi 7
• 3.5mm audio connectivity

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 makes both generations particularly versatile for users who want to connect external displays, storage and other high-speed peripherals.

This is another area where the 2025 SCAR 18 remains highly capable.

9. Cooling remains focused on sustained performance

The 2025 generation already introduced an advanced cooling system featuring an end-to-end vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink, Tri-Fan Technology and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and GPU.

The 2026 SCAR 18 continues to build around ROG's Intelligent Cooling approach.

This is particularly important because the new model combines a powerful CPU, high-end RTX 5090 GPU and 4K 240Hz display.

A gaming laptop can only deliver its peak performance consistently if its thermal solution can keep temperatures under control.

For more information on the latest thermal architecture, the ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026 product page provides a detailed overview of the cooling system.

10. What hasn't changed?

The 2026 SCAR 18 is a significant evolution, but it isn't a completely different laptop.

Several core features remain familiar.

18-inch form factor
Both generations use a large 18-inch chassis designed around desktop replacement performance.

240Hz refresh rate
Both feature 240Hz displays.

Mini LED
Both generations use Mini LED technology.

100% DCI-P3
Both displays provide 100% DCI-P3 colour coverage.

RTX 5090
Both generations offer the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU as their flagship graphics option.

90Wh battery
Both generations use a 90Wh battery.

Thunderbolt 5
Both feature two Thunderbolt 5 ports.

This means owners of the 2025 model aren't suddenly using outdated technology.

The previous-generation ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 remains a highly capable gaming laptop.

11. So, is the 2026 SCAR 18 worth upgrading to?

This depends heavily on which 2025 configuration you own.

If you already own the RTX 5090 2025 model

The upgrade is less straightforward.

You already have:

• RTX 5090 Laptop GPU
• 24GB GDDR7
• 240Hz Mini LED display
• 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 processor
• Up to 64GB RAM
• Up to 4TB storage

The biggest reasons to upgrade would therefore be the 4K display, newer processor and expanded memory and storage capabilities.

If you're primarily gaming at 2.5K and your current SCAR 18 is performing well, there may not be an urgent reason to upgrade.

If you're buying a new SCAR 18

The decision is easier.

If the price difference between generations makes sense for your budget, the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 provides the more future-focused platform.

The combination of 4K 240Hz, RTX 5090, Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, up to 128GB RAM and up to 8TB storage gives you considerably more headroom.

12. Which SCAR 18 should you buy?

Choose the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 if:

You find a competitive deal on the previous generation and want flagship gaming performance without necessarily needing 4K.

The 2025 model still gives you the RTX 5090, 240Hz Mini LED display, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7 and a powerful Core Ultra 9 processor.

For pure gaming value, a discounted 2025 model could therefore be very attractive.

Choose the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 if:

You want the latest version and intend to keep your laptop for several years.

The 4K 240Hz display is the headline upgrade, while support for up to 128GB RAM and 8TB storage gives the new model significantly more room to grow.

The newer Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus also provides the latest CPU platform in the SCAR range.

ROG Strix SCAR 18 2026 vs 2025: The verdict

The new SCAR 18 isn't a complete reinvention of the series.

Instead, ASUS has taken an already powerful flagship gaming laptop and upgraded the areas that can make the biggest difference over the long term.

The biggest upgrade is undoubtedly the display.

Moving from 2.5K to 4K while retaining a 240Hz refresh rate gives the 2026 SCAR 18 a much higher-resolution gaming experience without sacrificing the responsiveness competitive gamers expect.

The new Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus provides the latest processor platform, while memory capacity doubles from 64GB to 128GB and maximum storage capacity doubles from 4TB to 8TB.

At the same time, the RTX 5090, 90Wh battery, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity and 18-inch Mini LED form factor remain familiar.

The upgrade can be summed up simply:

• 2025 SCAR 18: Flagship performance with a 2.5K 240Hz Mini LED display.
• 2026 SCAR 18: Flagship performance pushed further with 4K 240Hz Mini LED, newer CPU technology and substantially greater memory and storage capacity.

For existing 2025 owners, the upgrade makes the most sense if you want 4K gaming, greater memory capacity and a more future-ready platform.

For new buyers, the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 is the natural choice if you want the latest and most capable version of the SCAR experience.

And if you're considering the previous generation because of pricing, the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 remains a seriously powerful gaming laptop and could represent excellent value depending on local availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 ROG Strix SCAR 18 more powerful than the 2025 model?
Yes, the 2026 model uses the newer Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor compared with the Core Ultra 9 275HX in the 2025 model. Both generations can be configured with an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, so the largest differences are around the CPU platform, display, memory and storage.

Does the 2026 SCAR 18 have a 4K display?
Yes. The 2026 G835 features an 18-inch 3840 × 2400 4K Mini LED display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The 2025 model uses a 2560 × 1600 2.5K Mini LED panel at 240Hz.

Does the new SCAR 18 have an RTX 5090?
Yes. Both the 2025 and 2026 G835 can be configured with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24GB of GDDR7 memory.

How much RAM does the new SCAR 18 support?
The 2026 model supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, compared with up to 64GB on the 2025 generation.

How much storage does the new SCAR 18 support?
The 2026 model supports configurations of up to 8TB, while the 2025 model supports up to 4TB in the configurations listed by ASUS South Africa.

Is the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 18 still worth buying?
Absolutely. The 2025 SCAR 18 remains a high-end gaming laptop with an RTX 5090 option, 240Hz Mini LED display, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7 and a powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. If it is available at a significantly lower price than the 2026 model, it could be an attractive option.

Ready to experience the new SCAR?

If you're looking for a gaming laptop built around flagship performance, high-resolution gaming and long-term upgradeability, explore the new ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 on ASUS South Africa.

For comparison, you can also explore the previous-generation ROG Strix SCAR 18 G835 and see how the two generations compare.

Victory, accelerated.