The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a standout in the realm of gaming laptops, combining sleek design with powerful performance. As part of Razer’s renowned Blade series, this model has garnered attention from gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. This article delves into the various aspects of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, examining its design, specifications, performance, and overall value to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is celebrated for its minimalist and robust design. Crafted from CNC-milled aluminum, the laptop boasts a solid and durable chassis, maintaining a premium look and feel.
Aesthetics
The laptop’s aesthetic is characterized by a matte black finish, accented with Razer’s iconic green logo on the lid. This minimalist design appeals to both gamers and professionals who prefer a sleek, understated look.
Portability
Weighing in at approximately 4.63 pounds and measuring 0.78 inches in thickness, the Razer Blade 15 2018H2 is remarkably portable for a gaming laptop. Its compact form factor makes it easy to carry, which is a significant advantage for gamers on the go.
Display
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a refresh rate of 144Hz, providing smooth and fluid visuals.
Screen Quality
The display offers excellent color accuracy and sharpness, making it suitable not only for gaming but also for creative tasks such as photo and video editing. The slim bezels enhance the immersive experience, allowing for a larger screen area without increasing the laptop’s overall size.
Refresh Rate
The 144Hz refresh rate is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games, reducing motion blur and providing a competitive edge. This feature ensures that the display keeps up with the high frame rates produced by the laptop’s powerful GPU.
Performance
Under the hood, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is equipped with robust hardware that ensures top-tier performance.
Processor and GPU
The laptop is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor, which provides ample power for multitasking and demanding applications. Paired with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q GPU, it delivers impressive gaming performance, capable of running modern games at high settings smoothly.
Memory and Storage
With 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 handles intensive tasks with ease. The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick access to files and applications. While the storage capacity might seem limited for some users, the speed and performance benefits of SSD cannot be understated.
Cooling System
One of the critical aspects of any gaming laptop is its ability to manage heat.
Advanced Cooling Technology
The Razer Blade 15 2018H2 employs a sophisticated cooling system that includes a vapor chamber and dual fans. This setup efficiently dissipates heat, keeping the laptop cool even during extended gaming sessions.
Performance Under Load
Despite its slim profile, the laptop’s cooling system performs admirably, ensuring that the CPU and GPU can maintain high performance without throttling due to overheating.
Connectivity and Ports
Connectivity options are crucial for a gaming laptop, and the Razer Blade 15 2018H2 does not disappoint.
Ports
The laptop comes equipped with a variety of ports, including three USB 3.1 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. This array of ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and external devices.
Wireless Connectivity
For wireless connectivity, the laptop features Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable and fast connections for online gaming and other wireless needs.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The input devices on the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 are designed with both gamers and productivity users in mind.
Keyboard
The keyboard features customizable RGB backlighting, powered by Razer Chroma. Each key can be individually programmed, allowing for personalized lighting effects. The keys offer a comfortable typing experience with good travel distance and tactile feedback.
Trackpad
The large, precision glass touchpad is highly responsive and supports Windows Precision Touchpad features, ensuring smooth and accurate navigation.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a concern with gaming laptops due to their high power consumption.
Longevity
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 offers decent battery life for its category, providing around 5-6 hours of moderate use. While gaming significantly reduces battery longevity, this is expected with the demanding hardware.
Fast Charging
The laptop also supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery when needed.
Software and Features
Razer includes several software features that enhance the user experience.
Razer Synapse
Razer Synapse is the proprietary software that allows users to customize RGB lighting, create macros, and manage power settings. This software adds a layer of personalization and control, tailoring the laptop to the user’s preferences.
Pre-Installed Software
The laptop comes with minimal bloatware, ensuring that the out-of-the-box experience is smooth and that system resources are not unnecessarily consumed by unwanted applications.
Price and Value
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is positioned as a premium gaming laptop, and its price reflects this.
Cost
While it comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors, the combination of build quality, performance, and design justifies the investment for many users. It offers a balance between gaming prowess and professional-grade features that appeal to a broad audience.
Competitiveness
In comparison to other gaming laptops in its class, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 stands out for its portability and build quality, making it a strong contender in the premium gaming laptop market.
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that combines powerful performance with a sleek, portable design. Its high-refresh-rate display, robust cooling system, and premium build quality make it a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike. While the price may be a consideration for some, the overall value provided by the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 makes it a worthy investment for those seeking a top-tier gaming laptop.
