If you prioritize top-of-the-line performance for tasks like 3D rendering, machine learning, or intensive gaming, go for the MSI Raider GE78. It generally costs more but offers stronger processing power and graphics. This laptop comes with more storage and memory which is beneficial for demanding applications. However, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 while less expensive and slightly more portable due to its lower weight, still delivers robust performance suitable for most engineering and gaming needs. Both laptops offer high refresh rates, though the MSI has a higher resolution display, and neither is touchscreen. The MSI also has a slight edge in battery capacity, but neither is ideal if long battery life away from power outlets is crucial. Both have extensive connectivity options and are equipped with a backlit keyboard and high-quality build. 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 17
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 has no clear advantages over the MSI Raider GE78.
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
Very good for general use
Excellent for engineering and design
Best in class for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.9/10
8.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
292.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
7.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
5.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for general use, while the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is good.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is well-suited for general use due to its high refresh rate, competent CPU, and ample RAM, though it can be less portable and have shorter battery life. Meanwhile, the MSI Raider GE78 offers better screen resolution, more RAM, and a more powerful processor, making it excellent for demanding tasks, but it shares similar portability and battery life challenges.
Gaming and AI
8.4/10
9.5/10
8.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is best in class for gaming and AI, while the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is very good.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 has a high refresh rate screen, making it very good for gaming and 3D applications, but the MSI Raider GE78 is considered the best due to its superior GPU and similarly high-quality screen that also offers a higher pixel density and resolution for stunning visuals.
Engineering and Design
8.6/10
9.4/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
8.8/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is very good.
The MSI Raider GE78 is considered excellent for engineering and design due to its higher screen resolution, superior graphics card, and double the RAM of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17, which although offers a very good CPU, graphics, and quality display, has less advanced specifications in comparison. Both laptops have ample screen size and high-refresh-rate displays necessary for design precision and fluid visualization, but the MSI model's screen outperforms in quality and its top-tier components are better suited for more demanding engineering tasks.
Content Creation
8.2/10
8.8/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 and ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 are both very good for content creation, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
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
7.5/10
8.5/10
9.2/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for software development, while the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 is good.
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.
Screen Quality
8.1/10
8.6/10
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
292.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 offers a high-resolution, bright display, which benefits tasks in general use and detailed engineering work, allowing for crisp text and clear visuals. However, the screen's slower refresh rate makes it less ideal for 3D applications and gaming, where smoother motion is crucial. The MSI Raider GE78 also provides a high-resolution screen with excellent brightness and wide color gamut, ensuring accurate color reproduction for professional design, but like the ASUS, it doesn't excel in gaming due to a lower refresh rate not suited for fast-paced visuals.
Cost
$2,499
$4,386
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 has a price of $2,499 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
"Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 laptop review: liquid metal 7 nm AMD Zen 3 is stunning. The raw performance increase is absolutely bonkers if you're upgrading from a laptop on Coffee Lake-H or older. The 45 W Ryzen 9 5900HX is neck-to-neck with the thicker, heavier, and hotter Schenker Ultra 17 running on a desktop-class Core i9-11900K despite their wide TDP differences. The performance-per-watt advantages can make Intel Rocket Lake feel like a last generation platform at times. As for the chassis itself, it's a huge light show with RGB LEDs on almost all sides of the system."
"Performance-wise, the GE78 offers a significant boost over the GE77 for just slightly higher power consumption. You'll have to get the RTX 4080 or 4090 configurations to see the performance advantages, however, as the RTX 4070 is closer in performance to the older RTX 3080 Ti. In terms of design, some users might prefer the 16:9 minimalistic look of the older GE77 over the 16:10 retro-inspired GE78 and vice versa. We wouldn't call one better than the other in terms of aesthetics, but we'll give the edge to the GE78 for its stronger hinges and larger keys and clickpad."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 or the MSI Raider GE78
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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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