The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a powerful gaming laptop that continues to uphold Razer’s reputation for delivering high-performance devices with sleek designs. This iteration of the Razer Blade 15 introduces upgrades in hardware, cooling, and overall design, making it an attractive choice for gamers and professionals alike. Below is an in-depth look at the key features, performance, and why the 2018 H2 model stands out.
Design and Build Qualit
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 boasts a minimalist yet premium design that caters to gamers and professionals. Its CNC-machined aluminum chassis is durable, lightweight, and finished with a matte black coating that resists fingerprints. The slim bezels around the display contribute to a modern aesthetic while allowing for a more immersive experience.
At just 0.78 inches thick and weighing approximately 4.63 pounds, the Razer Blade 15 is portable without compromising on hardware performance. The iconic Razer logo on the lid adds a subtle gaming flair, complemented by customizable RGB lighting through Razer’s Chroma software.
Display: Visual Brillianc
Equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 delivers vibrant and accurate colors, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, particularly in fast-paced games, reducing motion blur and screen tearing.
For those seeking higher resolutions, Razer also offered a 4K touch display variant with this model, targeting professionals who need color precision and sharper detail for creative tasks like video editing and graphic design.
Performance: Gaming and Beyond
Specifications Overview
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 packs a serious punch with the following core components:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.1 GHz with Turbo Boost)
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q or GTX 1070 Max-Q
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (expandable up to 32GB)
- Storage: 256GB/512GB SSD options (upgradeable)
The combination of the Intel Core i7-8750H and NVIDIA GTX 1070 Max-Q ensures that the laptop can handle the latest AAA games at high settings while maintaining stable frame rates. It’s also capable of multitasking, allowing users to stream, browse, and run demanding applications simultaneously.
Thermal Performance: Cooling Redefined
One of the significant upgrades in the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is its improved cooling system. Razer introduced a vapor chamber cooling mechanism, replacing traditional heat pipes, to better dissipate heat across the system. This innovation ensures the laptop stays cooler during intense gaming sessions, although the device can still get warm under heavy loads.
Additionally, the placement of vents and fans minimizes thermal throttling, enhancing the longevity and sustained performance of the laptop.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Built for Productivi
The laptop features a chiclet-style keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, customizable via Razer Synapse software. While the keyboard has a relatively shallow travel distance, it’s responsive and comfortable for both gaming and typing.
The glass precision trackpad is large, smooth, and highly accurate, making it a joy to use for gestures and navigation. For gamers who prefer external peripherals, the laptop’s multiple USB ports make connecting a mouse or controller effortless.
Connectivity and Ports
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 offers a wide array of connectivity options:
- 3x USB 3.1 Type-A ports
- 1x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port
- HDMI 2.0b
- Mini DisplayPort 1.4
- 3.5mm audio jack
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 adds versatility for connecting high-speed storage, external displays, or even an external GPU for enhanced performance. The HDMI and Mini DisplayPort allow users to connect multiple monitors, making it a versatile choice for productivity setups.
Battery Life: Decent for a Gaming Laptop
Battery life on the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is average for a gaming laptop. The 80Wh battery delivers about 5-6 hours of moderate use, including web browsing and video streaming. However, during gaming or heavy workloads, expect the battery to last only around 2-3 hours. For extended sessions, keeping the laptop plugged in is recommended.
Audio: Enhanced Immersion
The laptop’s dual front-facing speakers deliver clear and balanced audio. Razer also integrates Dolby Atmos support, providing a surround sound experience ideal for gaming, movies, and music. While the speakers are decent, audiophiles may prefer external headphones for more immersive audio quality.
Upgradability
Razer has made the Blade 15 2018 H2 partially upgradeable. The RAM and SSD are accessible, allowing users to expand memory or storage as needed. However, other components, like the GPU and CPU, are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.
Drawbacks to Consider
While the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has numerous strengths, there are a few downsides:
- Price: As with most Razer products, the premium build and performance come with a high price tag.
- Thermals: While improved, the laptop still gets warm under load, especially during prolonged gaming.
- Limited Upgradability: The inability to upgrade the GPU or CPU may be a concern for some users.
Conclusion
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a stellar example of a gaming laptop that combines power, portability, and premium design. Its sleek aesthetic, high refresh-rate display, and strong performance make it a great choice for gamers and professionals alike. While it has some limitations, such as price and thermals, its advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
If you’re in the market for a versatile laptop that excels in both gaming and productivity, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is worth considering. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a power user, this laptop delivers the performance and style to meet your needs.
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