2019-11-01 Tech Advisor

(Jeff_L) #1
NOVEMBER 2019 • TECH ADVISOR 79

GAMING SPECIAL

FPS players are likely to use a headset, but if you
forget to pack your headphones then the Strix Scar II
has improved audio. The 3.5W speakers are twice as
loud compared to the original and they’re side-firing
to help with in-game awareness.
For connectivity there is a USB-C 3.1 port (not
required for power), three USB-A 3.1 sockets, HDMI
2.0, mini DisplayPort 1.2, RJ-45 Ethernet, a combo
audio jack and an SD card slot.
The only downside is batter life, and the Scar II
managed just two hours and 37 minutes in our test.
Here we loop a 720p video with the screen set to
120cd/m^2 , that’s 30 percent brightness in this case.

Verdict
The Strix Scar II combines a powerful Core i7 with
plenty of performance. Other highlights include the
144Hz screen with a 3ms response time, which is
now modern with small bezels. There’s more to like,
including the stylish design, array of ports and decent
keyboard and trackpad. You’d only be put off this
laptop if you need to travel around with it a lot, due
to its weight and short battery life. Chris Martin

Specifications


  • 15.6in (1,920x1,080) Full HD IPS, 144Hz, non-glare

  • Up to 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-8750H (4.1GHz Turbo
    Boost) 6 cores, 12 threads

  • Windows 10 Home or Pro 64-bit

  • Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU with 4GB RAM or GTX 1070
    with 8GB

  • Up to 32GB 2,666MHz SDRAM


NOVEMBER 2019 • TECH ADVISOR 79

GAMING SPECIAL

FPS players are likely to use a headset, but if you
forget to pack your headphones then the Strix Scar II
has improved audio. The 3.5W speakers are twice as
loudcomparedtotheoriginalandthey’reside-firing
tohelp with in-game awareness.
For connectivity there is a USB-C 3.1 port (not
required for power), three USB-A 3.1 sockets, HDMI
2.0, mini DisplayPort 1.2, RJ-45 Ethernet, a combo
audio jack and an SD card slot.
The only downside is batter life, and the Scar II
managed just two hours and 37 minutes in our test.
Here we loop a 720p video with the screen set to
120cd/m^2 , that’s 30 percent brightness in this case.


Verdict
The Strix Scar II combines a powerful Core i7 with
plenty of performance. Other highlights include the
144Hz screen with a 3ms response time, which is
now modern with small bezels. There’s more to like,
including the stylish design, array of ports and decent
keyboard and trackpad. You’d only be put off this
laptopif youneedtotravelaroundwithit a lot,due
toits weight and short battery life. Chris Martin


Specifications



  • 15.6in(1,920x1,080)FullHDIPS,144Hz,non-glare

  • Up to 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-8750H (4.1GHz Turbo
    Boost)6 cores, 12 threads

  • Windows 10 HomeorPro64-bit

  • Nvidia GTX 1060 GPU with 4GB RAM or GTX 1070
    with8GB

  • Up to 32GB 2,666MHz SDRAM

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