ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) G733PZ gaming laptop: specs explained

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023), model G733PZ-XS97, is a 17.3-inch gaming laptop that uses desktop-class parts: an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU. It is meant for people who want high frame rates at a sharp resolution, and for creative work that makes use of a powerful CPU and graphics chip.

Processor and graphics

The Ryzen 9 7945HX is a 16-core processor from AMD's Ryzen 7000 series, built for laptops that have generous power and cooling. Many cores help with multitasking, game streaming and tasks such as video encoding and 3D rendering.

ASUS lists the GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU at 175W maximum total graphics power (TGP). TGP is the power available to the graphics chip, and a higher figure typically lets the same GPU run faster for longer. The RTX 40 series supports ray tracing and DLSS upscaling, which many current games use to raise frame rates.

Memory and storage

The laptop has 32GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory, which is plenty for gaming with background apps open and for editing work. Storage is 2TB of PCIe 4x4 SSD in RAID 0, with raw throughput of up to 7000MB/s according to ASUS. RAID 0 spreads data across two drives to raise speed. The trade-off, in general, is that RAID 0 has no redundancy: if one drive fails, the data on both can be lost, so keep backups of anything important.

The QHD 240Hz display

The 17.3-inch screen is QHD (2560 x 1440), has a 240Hz refresh rate and a 3ms response time, and ASUS says it covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space. QHD has noticeably more pixels than Full HD, so the picture is sharper, while 240Hz means the image updates 240 times a second, which can look very smooth in fast games if the hardware can reach those frame rates. The wide DCI-P3 coverage matters for photo and video editing. The panel also supports Dolby Vision HDR and Adaptive-Sync, which matches the refresh rate to the graphics output to reduce tearing and stutter.

Cooling

Powerful parts produce heat. ASUS says the Scar 17 uses liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU in place of standard thermal paste, together with a vapour chamber, to support better sustained performance in long sessions. Liquid metal conducts heat better than most pastes. Expect audible fans under heavy loads.

MUX Switch and Advanced Optimus

A MUX Switch routes frames directly from the GPU to the display, which ASUS says increases gaming performance. Advanced Optimus switches between GPU modes automatically depending on the task, aiming to extend battery life when you are not gaming.

Design and connectivity

The chassis is milled aluminium with configurable RGB lighting and ROG icons. The laptop runs Windows 11 Pro and has Wi-Fi 6E, which uses the 6 GHz band where your router supports it. The listing gives its weight as 6.6 lb.

Who it suits

It suits enthusiasts who want a high-end 17-inch machine that can stand in for a desktop, and creators who need a colour-accurate display with strong graphics. It is large and heavy compared with ultraportables, so it is better for use at a desk than for daily commuting.

What to check before you buy

• Size and weight: confirm that you can carry a 17.3-inch laptop and its power adapter comfortably.
• Power and noise: this class of laptop uses a large charger and louder fans under load.
• Storage setup: RAID 0 is fast but offers no protection, so plan for backups.
• Ports: check the manual for the connections your monitor, headset and accessories need.
• Upkeep: keep vents clear and check ASUS's guidance on updates and cleaning.

The short version

• 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display at 240Hz with 100% DCI-P3 and Dolby Vision HDR.
• AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU at 175W TGP.
• 32GB DDR5-4800MHz memory and 2TB of PCIe SSD storage in RAID 0.
• Liquid metal and vapour chamber cooling, a MUX Switch and Advanced Optimus.
• Windows 11 Pro, Wi-Fi 6E and a milled aluminium chassis.

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