ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 vs Dell Alienware X17 R2

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 boasts an Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU and a high screen refresh rate of 300 Hz, making it well suited for gaming and 3D applications. In comparison, the Dell Alienware X17 R2 steps up with a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti GPU and an even higher refresh rate of 480 Hz, providing smoother visuals and potentially better gaming performance.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 is equipped with a robust CPU and a high-refresh-rate IPS screen, which are vital for engineering and design tasks, yet its lower RAM and GPU compared to the Dell Alienware X17 R2 might limit performance in the most intensive scenarios. Conversely, the Alienware, while offering more RAM and a more powerful GPU favorable for complex engineering simulations and design software, is heavier and less portable, with a larger screen that enhances visual workspace but reduces ease of transport.

For general use, a laptop like the Dell Alienware X17 R2 with a high-resolution and bright screen will offer crisp and clear visuals, which are enhanced by the panel type, providing an overall very good experience. When it comes to engineering and design, this laptop's ability to display a wide range of colors accurately is crucial, and the high color gamut coverage ensures true-to-life colors, making it very good for those activities. However, for gaming and 3D, the refresh rate takes center stage for smooth motion, and both the ASUS and Dell models may not offer the high refresh rates typically preferred by gamers, leading to a less optimal experience for those specific tasks.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15, with an Intel i9 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a decently bright IPS screen, offers fair portability and a battery life that supports moderate use; however, the Dell Alienware X17 R2, despite being less portable with a heavier build, comes with a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, a larger screen with higher brightness and better color coverage, accompanied by a shorter battery life, positioning it as a superior choice for general use that demands high performance.

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.

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.