ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
Core i9-14900HX · 16GB · 2025
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024 · 512GB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ▲ Core i9-14900HX | M4 Max |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2025 | 2024 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | ▲ 512GB SSD |
| Color | Black | — |
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD
Which is better, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black worth the price? +
At $3,499, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,199, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 512GB SSD last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.