ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black
Core i9-14900HX · 16GB · 2025
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black lands at 94 and MacBook Air 15" (M5) at 94. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M5) if…
- ✓Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- ✓10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 84).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on portability (88 vs 81).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on display (90 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black | MacBook Air 15" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Core i9-14900HX | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Color | Black | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Display | — | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | — | 1.51 kg |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black vs MacBook Air 15" (M5)
Which is better, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
Both score 94 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black worth the price? +
At $3,499, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in battery.
Does ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (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 battery life, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 84). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 512GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on portability (88 vs 81). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.