Full Breakdown
Asus Rolls Out the 2026 ROG Strix G18 Gaming Laptop
7/19/2026, 11:52:08 AM
Launch Overview
Asus has begun a global rollout of the 2026 ROG Strix G18, positioning it as a slightly toned-down counterpart to the earlier ROG Strix Scar 18. The new model retains the 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor while offering an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, a step down from the Scar 18’s RTX 5090.
Display and Performance Options
The top-end RTX 5080 configuration features an 18-inch Mini LED panel with a 2560 × 1600 resolution, a 240 Hz refresh rate, over 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1,200 nits peak brightness, and full DCI-P3 colour coverage. The reduced resolution better matches the RTX 5080, allowing higher frame rates in demanding games without a noticeable loss of sharpness on the large screen. Lower-tier models equipped with RTX 5060 to RTX 5070 Ti GPUs use an 18-inch IPS-level panel at the same resolution but with a 300 Hz refresh rate, sacrificing Mini LED’s deeper blacks and stronger HDR for faster response times.
Cooling System and Upgradeability
The Strix G18 employs a three-fan array, an end-to-end vapor chamber, liquid-metal thermal interface, and a full-width heatsink to manage heat output. A tool-free bottom panel grants easy access for upgrades, supporting up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and two SSDs (one slot occupied at launch).
Pricing and Availability
In the United Kingdom the RTX 5080 model retails for £3,699 (approximately US $4,973). A US-only configuration listed at $3,299.99 pairs an RTX 5070 Ti GPU with 32 GB DDR5 RAM and the 300 Hz IPS display. Asus has not confirmed a U.S. release date for the Mini LED variant, but expects it to arrive later in the year.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It keeps the same 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor but tops out at an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU instead of the Scar’s RTX 5090.” — Digital Trends article
- “(via Notebookcheck) The Mini LED model gets the best balance The top-end RTX 5080 configuration gets an 18-inch Mini LED display similar to the one found on the Scar 18.” — Digital Trends article
- “The lower resolution is also a better match for the RTX 5080, giving the GPU more room to push high frame rates in demanding games without losing much sharpness on an 18-inch screen.” — Digital Trends article
- “The Strix G18 uses three fans, an end-to-end vapor chamber, liquid metal, and a full-width heatsink.” — Digital Trends article
- “RAM and storage are easy to upgrade through the tool-free bottom panel, and the laptop supports up to 64GB of memory and two SSDs (one slot occupied).” — Digital Trends article
