ASUS

ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18

Expert rating9.2 / 10

CPU Model:: Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
GPU Model:: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop, 24GB
RAM Capacity:: 64
Display Size:: 18
Laptop Class:: Desktop Replacement

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Manufacturer: ASUS Last updated: 2026-10-08

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ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 Review

The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) pairs a 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU (24GB, up to 175W), 64GB DDR5-6400 SO-DIMM RAM, and dual 4TB PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 behind an 18-inch 4K 240Hz Mini LED display.

This is the flagship desktop-replacement configuration of ASUS's 2026 SCAR 18 line, built for buyers who want the fastest mobile GPU available paired with maximum RAM and storage headroom rather than portability; at 3.73kg with a 450W adapter it is not meant to travel light.

Desktop-Class Performance in a Chassis

24 CPU cores and an RTX 5090 Laptop GPU at up to 175W give this machine performance that rivals a desktop gaming rig, at the cost of a 3.73kg chassis and a 450W power brick.

Fully Upgradable Memory and Storage

Unlike many thin gaming laptops, the SCAR 18 uses SO-DIMM RAM (expandable to 128GB) and dual M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 slots rather than soldering everything to the board.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating9.2 / 10

This 18-inch desktop replacement pairs a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with an RTX 50 series GPU carrying 24GB of VRAM and 64GB of DDR5. The 3840 x 2400 Mini LED panel runs at 240Hz, with Thunderbolt 5 and WiFi 7. It suits gaming and GPU-heavy creative work at a desk.

At 3.73 kg it is a machine you place and leave. Both RAM and M.2 slots ship full, so upgrades mean swapping parts, and the 90Wh battery will not carry heavy loads far from an outlet.

Best for

Buyers wanting the fastest available mobile GPU for gaming or GPU-accelerated creative work
Desktop-replacement setups where portability is not a priority

Not for

Buyers prioritizing portability or battery life
Budget-conscious buyers, this is a flagship-tier price point

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and variant

Brand	ASUS
Series	ROG Strix SCAR 18
Series ID	rog-strix-scar-18-2026
SKU Name	ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) G835LXG-TQ558X, RTX 5090 64GB 8TB
Chassis Code	G835
Regulatory Model Code	G835LXG-TQ558X
Region Sold	Global

Class and platform

Laptop Class	Desktop Replacement
Release Year	2026
Operating System	Windows 11 Home
Weight	3.73 kg

Processor

CPU Brand	Intel
CPU Model	Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus
CPU Cores	24
CPU Max Turbo Power	160 W

Sustained power

Sustained Power Source	Not Measured
Power Adapter Wattage	450 W

Graphics

GPU Brand	NVIDIA
GPU Model	GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop
VRAM	24 GB
GPU Max Graphics Power	175 W
Graphics Switching	MUX Switch

Memory

RAM Capacity	64 GB
RAM Type	DDR5
RAM Speed	6400 MT/s
Memory Form Factor	SO-DIMM
Memory Soldered	No
Max RAM Supported	128 GB

Upgradability

RAM Slots	2
RAM Slots Free	0
Storage Slots	2
Storage Slots Free	0
Storage Form Factor	M.2 2280
Storage Interface	PCIe 5.0 x4
SATA Bay Present	No

Storage as shipped

Storage Capacity	8000 GB
Storage Type	NVMe SSD

Display

Display Size	18 inches
Resolution Width	3840 px
Resolution Height	2400 px
Refresh Rate	240 Hz
Panel Type	Mini LED
sRGB Coverage	100 %
Touchscreen	No

Battery and ports

Battery Capacity	90 Wh
Thunderbolt Support	Thunderbolt 5
WiFi Standard	WiFi 7

FAQs

What CPU and GPU does the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2026) have?

It has a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus with 24 cores and a GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU with 24 GB of VRAM and 175 W maximum graphics power.

What display does the SCAR 18 (2026) have?

It has an 18-inch 3840x2400 Mini LED panel at 240 Hz with 100% sRGB coverage and no touchscreen.

Can you upgrade the RAM and storage on the SCAR 18 (2026)?

It has 64 GB of DDR5-6400 in two SO-DIMM slots, both used, with a maximum of 128 GB. Both M.2 slots are filled, with 8000 GB of PCIe 5.0 storage.

How heavy is the SCAR 18 (2026) and what ports does it have?

It weighs 3.73 kg and comes with a 450 W adapter. It supports Thunderbolt 5 and WiFi 7.