Regarding gaming laptops, few can match the raw performance and sleek design of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM. Packed with cutting-edge hardware, this powerhouse promises to deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience, no matter how demanding the game. But does it truly live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll dive deep into its design, performance, features, and overall value to help you determine if the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM is the gaming companion you’ve been searching for. Let’s explore whether this laptop can genuinely dominate the competition.

Why the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM Matters in the Gaming World

This powerhouse promises high performance—it delivers it, ensuring that gamers can push their limits without the dreaded lag or stuttering. But why does this model stand out in a crowded market?

Gaming laptops are no longer just about raw power; they must offer a balanced blend of speed, visual fidelity, portability, and long-lasting performance. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM doesn’t just check these boxes — it redefines them. Whether you’re an esports enthusiast, a casual gamer, or a content creator, this laptop packs the performance to suit any need.

Key Reasons Why This Laptop Stands Out:

• Unmatched Processing Power: The laptop is built to handle heavy-duty gaming and multitasking with a robust Intel Core i7 processor and the advanced NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU. Expect lightning-fast load times and seamless gameplay.
• Stunning Visuals: The 144Hz display makes every frame pop, ensuring ultra-smooth visuals, especially in fast-paced games. Whether you’re into FPS shooters or open-world adventures, the display doesn’t disappoint.
• Customizable RGB Lighting: Beyond the tech specs, the ROG Strix Scar II lets you show off your style with customizable RGB lighting. The keyboard’s dynamic lighting makes this laptop as much a visual treat as a performance beast.
• Optimized Cooling System: High-end gaming often leads to high temperatures. ASUS has packed this laptop with a cooling system that ensures your machine stays calm under pressure, allowing for uninterrupted gaming sessions.
• Portable Powerhouse: Despite its powerful components, the Scar II GL704GM remains relatively portable, so you won’t have to compromise on mobility for power.

Key Specifications of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM

The devil’s in the details when it comes to a gaming laptop. Let’s break down the essential specs that make this machine a true contender in the gaming world.

Performance Breakdown:

The Scar II GL704GM offers a powerful combination of hardware that can easily handle almost any modern game. Here’s a closer look at the specs:

Feature	Specification
Processor (CPU)	Intel Core i7-8750H (6-core, 2.2 GHz)
Graphics (GPU)	NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5
Display	17.3-inch Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate
Memory (RAM)	16GB DDR4 (Expandable up to 32GB)
Storage	512GB SSD (with optional HDD)
Cooling System	HyperCool Pro cooling with dual fans
Keyboard	RGB backlit with ROG Aura Sync
Battery	4-cell, 66Wh lithium-ion battery
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	3x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet port
Weight	5.73 lbs (2.6 kg)

Why These Features Matter

• Powerhouse CPU & GPU Combo: The Intel i7 processor paired with the GTX 1060 GPU makes for a responsive and capable gaming experience. Whether playing AAA titles or streaming your sessions, expect seamless performance without noticeable lag or frame drops.
• Fluid Display: The 17.3-inch Full HD screen with a 144Hz refresh rate provides ultra-smooth visuals. Fast-paced games, like FPS or racing titles, will benefit from this, giving you a competitive edge.
• Advanced Cooling System: ASUS takes cooling seriously with its HyperCool Pro design. High-end gaming can lead to heat build-up, but your laptop stays cool during long gaming marathons with dual fans and multiple heat pipes.
• Customizable RGB Keyboard: The ROG Aura Sync keyboard is not just about aesthetics. It offers a customizable lighting system, giving gamers a personalized touch and an enhanced gaming atmosphere.

Gaming Performance: How the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM Handles Demanding Titles

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM was designed to run high-performance games efficiently and deliver its promise. Whether diving into the latest AAA titles or playing graphically demanding eSports games, this laptop is engineered to give you the edge.

• Seamless Gameplay for AAA Titles: The laptop’s 144Hz display ensures that each frame is displayed with remarkable clarity, contributing to a fluid and immersive experience. With a GPU like the GTX 1060, you can expect the smoothest gameplay with minimal stutter, even running in high-demand environments.
• Competitive Edge for Esports: For those into competitive gaming, the Scar II shines with titles like CS, Fortnite, Overwatch, and Apex Legends. These games require a powerful GPU, ultra-low latency, and high frame rates to give you a competitive advantage. The Scar II’s 144Hz refresh rate screen, combined with the GTX 1060, ensures that every movement and reaction is instantly registered. You’ll notice less screen tearing and input lag, which can make all the difference in clutch moments.
• Heat Management and Longevity: One critical challenge in high-performance gaming laptops is managing heat. The ASUS ROG Strix Scar II uses a dual-fan system with HyperCool Pro to manage heat effectively. Even after extended gaming sessions, you’ll notice minimal thermal throttling, which can otherwise slow down performance. With this advanced cooling system, the laptop maintains a high level of performance without overheating, ensuring that it performs consistently during intense gaming marathons.

Key Takeaways:

• High Frame Rates: Smooth gameplay at 144Hz, especially beneficial for competitive gaming.
• Real-Time Rendering: Handles AAA titles like The Witcher 3 and Red Dead Redemption 2 without a hitch.
• Effective Cooling: A dual-fan system keeps the laptop cool during long gaming sessions.
• Optimized for Esports: Great for fast-paced, high-stakes competitive games with minimal input lag.

How to Optimize Your ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM for Peak Gaming Performance

Getting the best performance out of your ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM doesn’t just happen automatically. With a few tweaks and optimizations, you can squeeze out every bit of power from this gaming beast, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience every time you play. Here’s a step-by-step guide to optimizing your laptop for peak gaming performance.

Step 1: Update Your Drivers and Firmware:Before you dive into the world of optimization, make sure that all your drivers, especially the graphics card (GPU), CPU, and motherboard drivers, are up-to-date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve system stability and performance. Here’s how to do it:

• Visit the NVIDIA website to get and download the latest GPU drivers.
• Check ASUS’s support page for BIOS and firmware updates specific to the ROG Strix Scar II.

Step 2: Adjust Power Settings:To make sure your laptop is running at maximum performance, you need to adjust your power settings:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Set your power plan to High Performance.
• This ensures the laptop doesn’t throttle performance in favor of battery life, giving you maximum power during gaming sessions.

Step 3: Enable Game Mode in Windows 10/11.To activate it:

• Open Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
• Toggle it to On.

Step 4: Optimize Your Graphics Settings:You may want to adjust in-game graphics settings to balance performance and visual quality for demanding games. A few quick adjustments can boost FPS without sacrificing too much in terms of visuals:

• Set the resolution to native 1080p for a sharp picture.
• Lower the anti-aliasing settings to improve frame rates.
• Turn off any unnecessary graphics enhancements like motion blur or depth of field to free up resources.

Step 5: Overclock Your GPU (Optional):If you want even more performance, consider overclocking your GPU. Tools like MSI Afterburner allow you to boost your graphics card’s performance safely. Overclocking will improve frame rates, but be cautious as it may increase heat levels, so constantly monitor your temperatures.

Step 6: Monitor Temperature and Use Cooling Pads:A laptop can only run as fast as its cooling system allows. During intense gaming, temperatures can rise quickly. Use a cooling pad to give your laptop extra airflow, and ensure the built-in cooling system functions optimally. HWMonitor or Core Temp are great tools for monitoring temperature.

Step 7: Clean Your Laptop Regularly:Dust and dirt can accumulate inside your laptop, reducing its cooling efficiency and causing it to overheat.

• Use compressed air to blow out dust from vents and fans every few months.
• Keep the laptop in a relaxed, clean environment to prevent the intake of dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM

You probably have questions about investing in the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM or want to learn more. Here’s a roundup of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

What differentiates the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM from other gaming laptops?

It has a GTX 1060 GPU, a 6-core Intel i7 processor, and an innovative HyperCool Pro cooling system, which delivers high performance and maintains stability during intense gaming sessions. The laptop’s customizable RGB keyboard adds a personal touch to the gaming experience, while the slim design sets it apart from other gaming laptops of this caliber.

How does the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM perform in high-demand games like Red Dead Redemption 2?

Thanks to the GTX 1060 GPU and Intel Core i7-8750H processor, the Strix Scar II performs exceptionally well with demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. Thanks to its powerful hardware, you can expect to run the game at high settings with smooth frame rates. While the GTX 1060 isn’t the latest GPU, it still offers solid performance for most AAA games at 1080p resolution.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM?

Yes, you can. The laptop’s 16GB of DDR4 RAM is expandable up to 32GB, giving you room to increase memory for heavy multitasking or resource-intensive tasks. The computer has a 512GB SSD for storage. Still, there’s also an option to add a secondary HDD for additional storage, allowing you to store a more extensive library of games and media files.

What is the battery life like on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM?

Battery life on gaming laptops is often a concern, and the Strix Scar II is no exception. With its 4-cell, 66Wh battery, you can expect around 3 to 5 hours of usage under normal conditions. However, you’ll likely need to keep the laptop plugged in during intense gaming sessions for uninterrupted performance.

How does the cooling system work, and does it make a noticeable difference?

The HyperCool Pro cooling system is a standout feature of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II. It uses dual fans and multiple heat pipes to cool the laptop’s components during heavy gaming or extended use. You’ll notice less thermal throttling, meaning the laptop won’t slow down due to overheating. The system is quieter than many other gaming laptops, making it ideal for long gaming sessions.

Can I use the ASUS ROG Strix Scar II GL704GM for casual gaming?

Whether playing Fortnite, League of Legends, or Minecraft, the Strix Scar II will give you smooth performance and the ability to scale up to more demanding titles when needed.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, it is a gaming powerhouse designed to handle the most demanding games and provide a premium gaming experience. Its blend of high-end hardware, sleek design, and impressive cooling system makes it a standout choice for gamers looking to level up their setup. Let’s summarize the key takeaways from this review:

• Powerful Performance: Equipped with an Intel Core i7-8750H processor and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU, the Scar II can effortlessly handle AAA games.
• 144Hz Display: The display’s fast refresh rate makes it ideal for competitive gamers. It offers fluid visuals and reduces motion blur, crucial for high-speed gameplay.
• Excellent Cooling System: The HyperCool Pro system effectively manages heat, ensuring the laptop’s performance remains steady even during long gaming sessions.
• Customizable Features: From RGB lighting on the keyboard to the option for RAM and storage upgrades, the Strix Scar II offers a level of customization that lets gamers personalize their experience.
• Battery and Portability: While gaming laptops are known for shorter battery life, the Strix Scar II provides a reasonable 3 to 5 hours of usage, and its design allows for easy portability despite its powerful components.

It may not be the lightest or the longest-lasting in terms of battery, but its gaming capabilities and customizability make it a top contender in the gaming laptop market. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or enjoy immersive experiences, this laptop covers you.