High end portable gaming PC
If there is one manufacturer name that every gaming enthusiast should know, it is Razer ! Evolving in the high end environment, Razer prices admittedly high, but reflecting the intrinsic values of its products like the famous Blade 15 , a gaming laptop with superior technical characteristics, and that you can modulate in to some extent.
Find now the presentation as well as our full test.
Due to its popularity, the model is available in many specialty stores and even in some supermarkets. However, to save time and effort, it is in your interest to go through an online shopping platform, which will also ensure that you receive the equipment in the best conditions.
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A PC dedicated to gaming!
As a manufacturer evolving in this field, Razer had to offer an all in one solution, succeeding on all the essential points related to the practice of video games.
Based on hardware and software solutions such as Windows 10, Intel Core or even Nvidia GeForce Series, it not only allows use for the most demanding video games of the generation, but also all applications requiring significant resources, such as livestream , animation or even video editing.
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A common base, several variants
We were talking about a solution, but we actually find an Advanced Model the first released as well as a Base Model with less advanced features, but also at a more attractive price. For both versions, however, there is a unique base.
Spesification
- 15.6-inch full HD touchscreen 4K display, with IPS panel with thin edges (4.9mm)
- NVDIA GeForce Series GTX or RTX graphics card
- Intel Core i7 processor
- Aluminum frame
- Ultra-thin design: 1.68cm
- Weight about 2kg
- 16Gb RAM memory
- A customizable RGB keyboard (Razer Chroma)
- 3 USB-C connectors, 1 Thunderbolt USB-C port, one HDMI port, one MiniDisplay port
- Bluetooth technology 5
- Maximum battery life of 6 hours
- 44 blade ventilation system with steam chamber
- Dolby Atmos Microphone and Speakers
- 1Mp webcam (720p resolution)
You will have noticed: we have not detailed certain crucial points, such as storage, graphics card, processor or battery. Quite simply because it is on these points that the two variants make the difference!
The differences between Razer Blade 15 Base Model and Advanced Model. The first version, also the most sophisticated the Advanced Model lets you choose between several cards: an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, RTX 2070 or RTX 2080 , all three of Max-Q design and incorporating Optimus technology.
On this point, the Base Model, released more recently, directly embeds the GTX 1660 Ti VR. The processor also varies in newer versions, so the base model comes with an Intel iRNUM i7 (6-core) while the Advanced Model comes with an i7 Core Family. Note that if both are boosted by 16Gb RAM , the Base Model only allows an extension up to 32Gb, where the Advanced allows double, at 64Gb.
Storage & battery
On the storage side, several solutions are available to you within the two variants: you can opt for a configuration including an SSD and an HHD, of 128/256 and 1TB / 2TB depending on the configurations. You can also go for a blank slot for the HDD and focus on the SSD alone, pushing up to a 512GB SSD.
Regarding the screen, the Advanced Model offers you the choice of upgrading for a higher refresh rate, at 144Hz against 60Hz for the base model. Customization options are also enhanced on the advanced model, which allows you to set the backlighting key by key where the basic model is single zone.
The power of the battery increases consecutively in order to compensate for the increase in resources, rising to 80Wh against 65Wh for the base model, although this does not change the use, the maximum autonomy being always set at 6h.
Summary of our opinion on the Razer Blade 15
Aesthetic in presentation, formidable in use the Blade 15 dazzles us with its performance. If it compensates for its performance by heat spreading over the entire chassis, it remains high end, deploying an obvious quality of construction, perfect by elaborate finishes.
Its attractive thin edges leave more room for the action, which you admire thanks to a formidable full HD touch screen. To return to the aestheticism of the product, the design of the Razer Blade 15 strongly reminds us of a Macbook Pro, which is a compliment given the importance of this point for the Apple brand.
We love
- Durable and solid construction; aluminum frame
- The high-resolution screen with perfect colorimetry
- CPU and GPU performance
- Storage solutions
- Autonomy, interesting for a varied use
- Its perfect finishes and undeniable aesthetic qualities
We like less
- The average quality of the speakers
- Default performance of the processor to calibrate
- Significant heating that affects the entire chassis
Our full review of the Razer Blade 15 gaming PC
Now let’s go into the details of our test, point by point. Note that we are based on the basic version the Model Base but that we also have a word for the advanced model, performance side, when it is relevant.
Frame and screen
This is the point where Razer surprises us the most: the aluminum alloy and CNC chassis deploys tremendous strength and displays a high end look noticeable at first glance.
We appreciate the manufacturer’s efforts to refine the computer as much as possible a true synonym of luxury by giving it slightly pronounced edges for a more generous display as well as a thickness of only 1.68cm.
And believe our experience: When the discovery of this build quality is complete, your eyes will instantly be on the screen. And what a screen! Its 15.6-inch size allows for a good balance between mobility and display, deploying a full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS resolution.
For refined colorimetry, each screen individually calibrated at the factory. Note, as indicated previously, that you can opt for a refresh at 60Hz or 144Hz.
Most
- Ultra-thin edges
- High quality aluminum frame
- Full HD and touch screen
The lessers
- Nothing to report
Aesthetics and customization
Not only is the whole thing good, but also aesthetic: the construction gives the Razer Blade a minimalist and modern look quite successful its finesse allowing it to assert itself, according to the manufacturer, as “the laptop world’s thinnest 15.6-inch gaming machine ”.
The finishes are worked and the green color emblematic of the manufacturer – covers the logo as well as the connectors and USB ports .
But obviously what you want to hear about is of course the RGB backlighting. And there, as we told you, the choice is left to you by zone or key by key. In either case, the Synapse software suite is complete and pretty well done, although we may regret a lack of intuitiveness during the first uses. It will therefore be necessary to go through tutorials or simply to rummage to manage to take it correctly in hand.
Most
- Fine worked and aesthetic edges
- Graphic elements
- Customizable backlighting
The lessers
- Synapse software takes some time to get started
Performance
The performance of the Intel CPU and the Nvidia GPU (processor and graphics card). As a gaming PC, this is obviously where we expect it the most! The performance of the graphics card is frankly well exploited by the device, offering maximum fluidity on games with advanced graphics. In Full HD, in-game performance is very fast for RTX ranges, with high levels of graphics.
Thus, TomsHardware data reveals high fps in Ultra on games like World War Z or GTA 5 (with x8 anti-aliasing ). Although for the latter, the fps drop slightly below 60 for the RTX 2060. The performances remain all the same similar, since one notes on average 55-62fps, from the 2060 to the 2080.
In 4K, for the same game, it will be preferable to lower the anti-aliasing to 2x while reducing the quality of the graphics to “high”. With this configuration, the fps are preserved around 55 to 66fps, again from 2060 to 2080. On the other hand, on a game like Far Cry 5, you will have to be content with normal graphics for FPS limited to 45-55fps. A point on which the Radeon VII is doing better.
Inside GTX 1660
If you are going to look to the GTX 1660 Ti for the Base Model, expect great performance in Full HD too. With around 70fps for The Witcher 3, Far Cry 5 and Battlefield V in Ultra, over 110fps for Wolfenstein II.
In Ultra and x8 antialiasing, and even a solid 53fps for GTA in “very high” graphics quality and x4 antialiasing. In 2560 × 1440, obviously, performance drops, but remains very good for games like Battlefield V in ultra (nearly 50fps), Far Cry 5 in Ultra and HD textures (54fps) or The Witcher 3 in Ultra (54fps) .
Configuration System
Thus, depending on the configuration, the machine gets off handily. Without difficulties? Not so sure, because it compensates for its performance by a significant release of heat. And if we can not blame the ventilation system, relatively innovative, the fault is however on the chassis.
This conducts heat over its entire surface, so that the keyboard can quickly become relatively hot at high performance. It may therefore be interesting to use an additional external ventilation solution to avoid the feeling of discomfort for the most intense parts.
On the processor side, the Intel Core i7-9750H as well as the Intel Core i7 Family with their 6 cores are formidable in use and do not fail to confer speed and responsiveness to the computer. However, as Les Numériques points out in their dedicated test, it is necessary to use the Synapse software. Then to switch the processor from “balanced” to “creator” to observe an increase in performance, with a rate at 3.3GHz. against 2.9GHz for the default mode.
Most
- Excellent graphics card performance
- No drop in FPS
- Ray tracing enabled
- Maximum use of screen
The lessers
- The entire surface of the chassis takes heat
- You need to calibrate the processor via Synapse
Software And Support
Razer Blade 15 Software support driver and manual guide
The performance of the speakers
This is not necessarily the point that convinced us the most. Listening is indeed not very generous: the midrange, bass and bass thus have a significant range than on other devices of similar configuration. The design convinces us, on the other hand, more, since the manufacturer decides to place the speakers in frontdirectly. In order to enjoy sound directed directly to the user.
An interesting choice, even if it does not allow to benefit from an exceptional rendering. The output power being however important, you can amply compensate in installation an external audio solution, such as a hi-fi or portable speaker. Which will allow you to compensate at the same time the low range of sound frequencies for the mediums and the bass.
Most
- Its directed to the user
- High output power
The lessers
- Relative poverty of mediums and serious
- The voices are a little high
Nomadic or sedentary use?
Let’s get it right a gaming PC is virtually dedicated to home use. Associating it with a portable format therefore represents a challenge that Razer succeeds relatively well here. With a reasonable weight of 2kg, it still carries a diet of nearly 700g. In short, for carrying in a satchel over a long distance this is not necessarily ideal but a backpack will do the trick. Likewise, depending on the duration of your trip, you will not necessarily have to take the power supply with you.
The autonomy of 6.30 hours on average is frankly admirable for a gaming laptop, for classic Wi-Fi use. Internet browsing / optimal brightness. On the other hand, this drops if the refresh rate of your screen goes to 144Hz (against 60Hz). In which case you can count about thirty minutes less for autonomy.
Obviously, in games, you can not expect a monster outfit, although this obviously depends on the resources that the game in question requires. For maximum performance, allow a maximum of 1 hour to 1:30 of play. In other words, avoid playing on battery power, except for the most economical games! Note, moreover, that it is possible for you to boost it. By reducing the brightness or by switching to “Airplane mode”, for example, you can expect an autonomy of more than 10 hours.
Our final opinion on the Razer Blade 15
If Razer is establishing itself as one of the most popular manufacturers in the business. It’s not for nothing and this model proves it to us without question. It dazzles us in all its variants, from the Advanced to the Base Model. Offering various solutions allowing to modulate both the components and the price. If this turns out to be high, let us note at the same time that the quality of construction as much as the performances justify it.
Especially in a portable format, more expensive than the fixed equivalent for the same components, because requiring a microphone specific construction. Comfortable, it makes you want to use it both at home and outside. Which it allows to a certain extent thanks to its autonomy. There are still some possible improvements, especially with regard to heat conduction more than the cooling system. Which is successful as well as the quality of the speakers. Do not hesitate to compose with a speaker: the output power allows you to “spit out the decibels”!
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