ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97) vs Alienware 18 Area-51 (XMD6D)
Comparison summary
- ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is hands-down better laptop for gaming though 18 Area-51 gives you more bang for your buck.
- ROG Strix SCAR 18 has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in 18 Area-51.
- 18 Area-51 has a higher resolution screen (WQXGA).
- For graphics performance ROG Strix SCAR 18 has a better performing graphics card.
- For carrying ROG Strix SCAR 18 is lighter. Its also slimmer and more compact in size.
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97)
Alienware 18 Area-51 (XMD6D)
Compare specifications
| ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97) | Alienware 18 Area-51 (XMD6D) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 32gb | 32gb |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5090 | GeForce RTX 5080 |
| Screen size | |
| 18″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) | WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| 6.28 lbs (2.85 kg) | 9.56 lbs (4.34 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.71 x 11.73 x 0.93 inches | 16.1 x 12.6 x 1.2 inches |
| (39.9 x 29.79 x 2.36 cm) | (40.89 x 32 x 3.05 cm) |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Hard drives | |
| 2000gb SSD | 2000gb SSD |
| Release date | |
| May 31, 2025 | May 31, 2025 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $4,499.99 | $4,919.99 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $4,499.99 | $4,264.00 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Laptop Dimensions
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97)
Alienware 18 Area-51 (XMD6D)
Compare ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 / Alienware 18 Area-51 vs other gaming laptops:
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835LX-XS97) summary
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 is a fine value gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2025. It has the GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card which is impressive great for playing games. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a superb Intel CPU, however not that much RAM for its price. Only Quad HD resolution is mediocre for the 18-inch 240 Hz display. Your 2000gb SSD storage is acceptable. It is easy to carry at only 6.28 lbs (2.85 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2025) Gaming Laptop, 18” ROG Nebula HDR 16:10 2.5K 240Hz/3ms, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, 32GB DDR5, 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Win 11 Pro, G835LX-XS97
BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE – Achieve unrivaled performance with Windows 11 Pro an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU at 175W TGP.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask seamlessly with 32GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory and store all your game library on 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD, with raw throughput up to 7,000MB/s.
TOP-TIER ROG NEBULA HDR DISPLAY – Experience breathtaking visuals for gaming, creating, and entertainment, with Mini LED technology, 2,000+ dimming zones, dual ACR layers, a 240Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 color for vibrant, lifelike imagery.
STATE-OF-THE-ART ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – ROG’s advanced thermals keep your system cool, quiet and comfortable. State of the art cooling equals best in class performance. Featuring an end-to-end vapor chamber, tri-fan technology and Conductonaut extreme liquid metal applied to the chipset delivers fast gameplay.
SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE – Express yourself with the customizable AniMe Vision, showcasing text, animations, or your own creations on the lid of your laptop. The full-surround RGB light bar creates a striking 360° glow, while Stealth Mode turns off all lighting for a sleek, professional look around the base.
UPGRADE WITH TOOL-FREE ACCESS - Forget about a screwdriver, and customize RAM, SSD, and fans by sliding a latch on the bottom half of the device. A removable frame protects other hardware and offers deeper access for advanced users.
MUX SWITCH WITH ADVANCED OPTIMUS – A MUX Switch boosts gaming performance by 5-10% by routing frames directly from the dGPU. Advanced Optimus improves battery life by automatically switching between the iGPU and dGPU depending on the task, without restarting.
3-MONTH PC GAME PASS INCLUDED – Enjoy a free 3-month pass and access over 100 high-quality games. With new games added regularly, there’s always something fresh to play.
ASIN: B0DW1WX8H2
Alienware 18 Area-51 (XMD6D) summary
Alienware 18 Area-51 is a great value Windows gaming laptop released in 2025. It has the GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card that is superb for playing games. You can run 90% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop has a remarkable Intel processor, but less RAM than the competition for its price. WQXGA resolution is decent for the 18″ screen. The 2000gb SSD storage is good. It is quite hefty at 9.56 lbs (4.34 kg).
Alienware 18 Area-51 Gaming Laptop AA18250-18.0" WQXGA 300Hz 3ms Display, Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080, 32GB 2x16GB DDR5, 2TB SSD, 2MP FHD IR Camera, Windows 11 Home
Unapologetic power: Area-51 was intentionally designed to reach new performance horizons by enabling higher graphics and processor power limits.
Game changing graphics: Designed to push boundaries, RTX 5080 with NVIDIA Max-Q delivers optimized battery life and performance and jaw-dropping graphics fidelity—perfect for those who demand the extraordinary on the go.
Intelligent processing: Intel Core Ultra HX processors integrate CPU, built-in GPU, and NPU into a single package designed for AI acceleration and balanced performance across your favorite things to do.
Introducing the Cryo-Chamber: The Cryo-Chamber props up the laptop and introduces a much larger air intake, promoting increased airflow, and features a clear Gorilla Glass panel* providing a view of the AlienFX fans.
Advanced dynamic lighting: Ambient AlienFX lighting inspired by the aurora borealis takes on color and movement which reflects across surfaces to create an other-worldly experience.
Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
ASIN: B0F5WVJBC2