The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 provides higher performance for 3D tasks, machine learning, and gaming thanks to its better GPU, making it suitable for more intensive engineering tasks. However, the Dell Alienware m17 R5 is a more budget-friendly option with a larger screen size, which might be beneficial for multitasking and enjoying media, yet it has a slightly less powerful GPU which may not handle demanding tasks as well. Both have substantial battery capacity and are equipped with gaming-friendly features, but the ASUS is lighter for better portability while the Dell's larger size makes it less portable. If portability and peak performance are your priorities, the ASUS might be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a larger display and more affordable price, consider the Dell. Both laptops should handle general usage competently. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
Very good for gaming and AI
Very good for content creation
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m17 R5
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
8.3/10
7.7/10
8.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
300Hz
REFRESH RATE
480Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 is good.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Screen Quality
7.9/10
8.1/10
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
300Hz
REFRESH RATE
480Hz
283.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
301.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has a better screen than the Dell Alienware m17 R5 for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
When considering general use, both the ASUS and Dell laptops offer displays with high resolution and brightness, providing clear and vivid images suitable for everyday tasks. For engineering and design work, the screens of these laptops cover a wide range of color gamuts, ensuring accurate color reproduction which is crucial for professionals in that field. However, for gaming and 3D applications, while these laptops have good resolution and panel types, their lower refresh rates may not deliver the smoothest experience, which is highly valued in fast-paced or visually intensive scenarios.
Portability
Fair
Poor
15.6in
SIZE
17.3in
5.0 lbs
WEIGHT
7.3 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has only fair portability, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,000
$1,100
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has a price of $2,000 and the Dell Alienware m17 R5 costs $1,100.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both good for general use.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 offers a high-quality screen with a high refresh rate and color accuracy, robust CPU and enough RAM for seamless multitasking, making it well-suited for general use, but it is less portable and has shorter battery life. Meanwhile, the Dell Alienware m17 R5, while heavier and larger, also provides strong CPU performance, ample RAM, and a quality screen, with slightly better battery life, but its greater weight and size impact its portability for general use. Both have sufficient storage, good keyboards, and speaker quality with decent heat management and operating noise, making them versatile for a range of activities beyond just gaming.
Engineering and Design
8.5/10
8.1/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
8.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both very good for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
8.0/10
7.8/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.4/10
7.4/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
5.5 Hours
5.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 has 5.5 hours of battery life. The Dell Alienware m17 R5 has 5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.8/10
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 and the Dell Alienware m17 R5 compare to other laptops
"Asus continues to refine the ROG Strix Scar lineup with new upgrades. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 offers almost everything you would expect from a gaming laptop at this price. The build quality is great, connectivity options are decent, and there is enough scope for internal upgrades as well. Asus reverts to membrane switches for the keyboard — though not as "clickety" as the opto-mechanical ones we saw with last year's model, they still make for a decent typing and gaming experience. The lack of biometrics in any form is a downer."
"Overall, the all-AMD system in the Alienware m17 R5 is impressive, especially the graphics performance. However, various driver issues and unnecessary inconsistencies prevent us from truly enjoying such a potent gaming machine. In addition to strong 3D performance, we particularly like the build quality, the fairly bright UHD display with high color space coverage, and the fact that the gamer is often quiet when not under load and also rather quieter than some competitors under load."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 or the Dell Alienware m17 R5
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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