Introduction
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 / 16-core Ryzen 9 7945HX3D review
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17: Unleashing the Power of Ryzen 9 7945HX3D and GeForce RTX 4090
The ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 (G733PYV) stands out with its robust hardware configuration, featuring the all new 16-core Ryzen 9 7945HX3D processor, celebrated for its X3D cache technology. Complementing this processing power is 32GB DDR5 memory and a mobile GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. In-depth technical evaluations will unveil the laptop's performance potential, showcasing its raw and formidable computational capabilities. The laptop is a culmination of various ambitious components, including the GeForce RTX 4090, high-speed NVMe storage, and a rapid IPS 240Hz 2560x1440 display.
In this review, our primary focus is directed towards the remarkable prowess of AMD's mobile processor, which seamlessly keeps up with its desktop counterparts. Our review unit is equipped with a mobile GeForce RTX 4090 configuration. It's pertinent to mention that the graphics cards are allotted 175 watts of power, with 150W dedicated to the GPU itself and an additional 25W from Dynamic Boost technology. However, what truly differentiates the Scar 17 from its competitors is the incorporation of AMD's latest Ryzen 9 7945HX3D processor. This 55W processor boasts 16 cores and is paired with an L3 X3D cache, enhancing performance, particularly in CPU and resolution-bound gaming scenarios.
| ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 17 G733PYV 2023 | |
| Display | 17.3-inch, 16:9, non-touch, matte,QHD+ 2560 x 1440 px, IPS, 240 Hz 3ms, 350-nits, 100% DCI-P3 |
| Processor | AMD Dragon Range HX, Ryzen 9 7945HX3D, 16C/32T |
| Video | Radeon 610M +Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16GB (up to 175W with Dynamic Boost), overclocked at 2090MHz on Turbo mode,with MUX, Advanced Optimus, GSync |
| Memory | 32 GB DDR5-4800 RAM / up to 64 GB (2x DIMMs) |
| Storage | 2TB SSD (Samsung PM9A1 drive) / 2x M.2 PCI 4.0 x4 slots |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6E (Mediatek MT7922) 2×2 with Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5Gigabit LAN |
| Ports | Back: power, 2.5G Lan, 2x USB-C gen2 (with video, data, power), HDMI 2.1 FRL Left: 2x USB-A 3.2 gen1, audio jack Right: no ports |
| Battery | 90Wh, 330 W power adapter, USB-C charging up to 100W |
| Size | 395 mm (w) x 282 mm (d) x 23.4 / 28.3 mm h) |
| Weight | 2.94 kg (6.48 lbs) +1.12 kg (2.47 lbs) main power brick and cables, EU version |
| Extras | rubber-dome per-key RGB backlit keyboard with NumPad,HD camera,dual speakers, vapor-chamber cooling module |
With the Dragon Range AMD introduced the Zen4 Raphael CPU, a 16-core processor that offers noteworthy performance capabilities. Incorporating Wi-Fi 6E, operating within the 6 GHz band, and Bluetooth 5.2, this CPU also includes a webcam of moderate quality—a common trait among high-end gaming laptops. However, this evaluation focuses primarily on the processor's performance aspects. Additionally, this analysis will explore the integration of a GeForce RTX 4090 (Mobile GPU), assessing its compatibility with various gaming titles. Among the CPUs in the 7045 lineup, the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D, the flagship model, takes on Intel's premier Core i9-13980HX. Boasting 8 substantial cores and 24 threads, the Ryzen 9 7945HX distinguishes itself from Intel's hybrid Core architecture. Consequently, it exhibits superiority in multi-core benchmarks, positioning itself within the performance realm akin to desktop processors. Remarkably, this CPU is a 55W down-tuned variant of the Ryzen 7 7950X3D, further highlighting its efficiency-focused design.
| Processor | Cores/threads | Clock speed | Gpu | L3 cache | Tdp |
| Ryzen 9 7945HX3D | 16C/32T | Standard: 2.5 GHz Boost: 5.4GHz | RDNA2 / 2CU | 128MB | 55W |
| Ryzen 9 7945HX | 16C/32T | Standard: 2.5 GHz Boost: 5.4GHz | RDNA2 / 2CU | 64MB | 55W |
| Ryzen 9 7845HX | 12C/24T | Standard: 3.0 GHz Boost: 5.2GHz | RDNA2 / 2CU | 64MB | 55W |
| Ryzen 7 7745HX | 8C/16T | Standard: 3.6 GHz Boost: 5.1GHz | RDNA2 / 2CU | 32MB | 55W |
| Ryzen 5 7645HX | 6C/12T | Standard: 4.0 GHz Boost: 5.0GHz | RDNA2 / 2CU | 32MB | 55W |
Furthermore, the Ryzen 9 7945HX outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 9 6900HX Rembrandt Zen3+ SKU. This CPU series introduces AMD's Zen 4 chiplet architecture, spanning from a six-core Ryzen 5 to the powerful 16-core/32-thread Ryzen 9 7945HX. The processor operates within a 55W to 75W TDP range, which matches its output. The ROG Scar 17 implementation has an official 55W TDP listing. While Dragon Range chips feature somewhat weaker RDNA 2-based integrated graphics, most configurations will likely include powerful discrete GPUs.
