ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray
Core i9-14900HX · 16GB · 2025
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray lands at 94 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 13" (M5) if…
- ✓10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- ✓16 GB unified memory baseline
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space GrayCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray leads on gpu (89 vs 86).
Battery life
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 84).
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 81).
Display
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i9-14900HX | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Color | Space Gray | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| Display | — | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | — | 1.23 kg |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −Two ports total
FAQ: ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
Both score 94 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray worth the price? +
At $3,499, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Does ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Air 13" (M5) 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.
Which is better for performance, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray — leads on gpu (89 vs 86). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 84). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.