ASUS
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB
Core i9-14900HX · 16GB · 2025
94
/ 100
From $3,499
VS
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) wins by 4
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
98
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) at 98. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) if…
- ✓~18% perf-per-watt uplift over M4 Max
- ✓570 GB/s memory bandwidth
- ✓New Wi-Fi 7 + TB5
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB 94
vs 98 MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Score breakdown
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB
94 cpu 94
gpu 89
display 86
battery 84
portability 81
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
98 cpu 99
gpu 92
display 98
battery 98
portability 88
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB | MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i9-14900HX | — |
| RAM | 16GB | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) |
| Storage | — | Up to 8 TB SSD |
| Display | — | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Weight | — | 2.14 kg |
| Battery | — | 100 Wh |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB
Pros
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Pros
- +~18% perf-per-watt uplift over M4 Max
- +570 GB/s memory bandwidth
- +New Wi-Fi 7 + TB5
Cons
- −Premium pricing unchanged
- −Limited gaming library
- −Ports unchanged
FAQ: ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Which is better, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) scores 98 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB worth the price? +
At $3,499, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 98 — strongest in cpu.
Does ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) 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.