ASUS is expanding the ROG Strix G18 (2026) to more markets with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs. The gaming laptop arrives with refreshed cooling, easier hardware upgrades, and two different 18-inch display options.
Every configuration comes with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor. It packs 24 cores, 24 threads, boost speeds up to 5.5GHz, and Intel AI Boost with up to 13 TOPS.
Memory goes up to 64GB through two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots. Buyers can expand the memory later without replacing the existing hardware.
Graphics options begin with the GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. Higher models move to the RTX 5070, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5080 Laptop GPU, with the flagship version reaching up to 175W Total Graphics Power through Dynamic Boost.
Supported models carry NVIDIA DLSS 4, Multi Frame Generation, Advanced Optimus, and Max-Q technologies. These additions improve gaming performance in supported titles.
ASUS offers two display choices for the ROG Strix G18. The standard version carries an 18-inch ROG Nebula IPS panel with a 2560 × 1600 resolution, 300Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, Pantone Validation, full DCI-P3 color coverage, anti-glare coating, and NVIDIA G-SYNC.
The IPS panel runs at 240Hz in Standard, Eco, and Optimized GPU modes. Switching Armoury Crate to Ultimate GPU Mode unlocks the full 300Hz refresh rate.
The second option replaces the IPS panel with a ROG Nebula HDR Mini LED display. It keeps the same 2560 × 1600 resolution and adds more than 2,000 local dimming zones, up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness, a 240Hz refresh rate, full DCI-P3 coverage, and NVIDIA G-SYNC.
ASUS has added a dual Ambient Contrast Ratio layer to the Mini LED panel. It cuts reflections and improves contrast when gaming or watching content in bright rooms.
Cooling has changed across the lineup. The laptop combines an end-to-end vapor chamber, a full-width sandwiched heatsink, Tri-Fan cooling, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the processor and graphics chip.
The rear exhaust now pushes hot air farther from the keyboard area. Larger intake openings above the keyboard feed more air into the chassis during long gaming sessions.
The RTX 5080 model reaches a combined platform power of up to 255W in Manual mode. ASUS reports lower fan noise in Turbo mode than the previous generation while keeping the same power limit.
Hardware upgrades take less time on the new model. The bottom panel opens without tools, giving direct access to the memory slots, SSDs, and cooling fans.
Both M.2 slots carry ASUS’ Q-Latch design. SSD installation no longer needs the small mounting screw found on traditional M.2 slots, and both slots support PCIe Gen 5 drives.
Ports depend on the graphics configuration. RTX 5060 models carry Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 FRL, USB-C, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and Gigabit Ethernet.
RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 versions step up to dual Thunderbolt 5 ports with transfer speeds up to 120Gbps. These models receive faster 2.5Gb Ethernet, while every configuration supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 1080p IR camera for Windows Hello.
Power adapters differ by model. RTX 5060 versions ship with a 280W adapter, while RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 configurations receive a 380W adapter.
The chassis measures 399 × 298 × 23.5-32mm and weighs 3.2kg. ASUS keeps the 90Wh battery, per-key RGB keyboard, Aura Sync lighting, Dolby Atmos speakers, Smart Amp audio, Copilot key, AI noise-canceling microphones, and a 1080p IR camera with Windows Hello support.
The ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2026) is now on sale through ASUS and retail partners. Prices begin at CAD 3,099, €2,699, £2,899, and $3,299, while RTX 5080 models with the Mini LED display start at £3,699 in the UK.
