Razer Blade 15 2018 H2: A Gaming Laptop for Gamers and Creators

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a high-end gaming laptop that was released in the latter half of 2018. It features a sleek design, impressive performance, and solid build quality, making it a popular choice among gamers and professionals alike. The laptop is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q graphics, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD for storage. Additionally, the Blade 15 2018 H2 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing users with smooth and fluid visuals. The laptop also includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB 3.1 ports, HDMI output, and a backlit keyboard. In this article, we will take a closer look at the zer Blade 15 2018 H2 and evaluate its various features, performance, and value for money.

Design and Build Quality

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads. The laptop's aluminum unibody construction gives it a premium feel and durability, while the slim form factor and slim bezels around the display add to its overall aesthetic appeal. The laptop is also relatively lightweight, weighing in at just 4.56 pounds, making it easy to carry around.

The build quality of the zer Blade 15 2018 H2 is top-notch, with no flex or creaking observed when the laptop is held or used. The hinge mechanism is sturdy and holds the display firmly in place, without any wobbling or looseness. The laptop's backlit keyboard is also of high quality, with comfortable and responsive keys that have just the right amount of travel.

One potential issue with the azer Blade 15 2018 H2's design is its placement of the webcam. The webcam is located at the bottom of the display, which can lead to awkward and unflattering camera angles during video calls or streaming sessions. However, this may not be a significant concern for users who primarily use the laptop for gaming and other tasks that do not require frequent webcam use.

Overall, the er Blade 15 2018 H2's design and build quality are impressive, with its premium materials, slim form factor, and sturdy construction making it a standout in the crowded gaming laptop market.

Display and Audio

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing users with smooth and fluid visuals. The display is also color-accurate, with 100% sRGB color gamut coverage and excellent viewing angles. The laptop's slim bezels around the display contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, allowing users to focus on the content without any distractions.

The Blade 15 2018 H2's audio quality is also noteworthy, with its front-facing stereo speakers delivering clear and detailed sound. The laptop's audio is powered by Dolby Atmos technology, which provides an immersive and dynamic audio experience for gaming, movies, and music. Additionally, the laptop includes a headphone jack for users who prefer to use their own headphones or speakers.

One potential downside of the er Blade 15 2018 H2's display is its brightness. While the laptop's display is generally vibrant and bright, it may struggle to maintain visibility in extremely bright or outdoor environments. However, this is a common issue among many laptops and is not necessarily a deal-breaker.

Overall, the r Blade 15 2018 H2's display and audio quality are impressive, with its high refresh rate, color accuracy, and powerful audio making it a top choice for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.

Performance

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's performance is one of its strongest selling points, thanks to its powerful components and efficient cooling system. The laptop is equipped with an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q graphics, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD for storage. These specs allow the laptop to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering with ease.

In benchmarks and real-world testing, the Blade 15 2018 H2 consistently performs at the top of its class. Its CPU and GPU power enable it to handle AAA games at high settings with stable frame rates, and its cooling system ensures that the laptop does not overheat or throttle even during extended gaming sessions.

One potential drawback of the azer Blade 15 2018 H2's performance is its battery life. The laptop's high-powered components and high refresh rate display can drain the battery quickly, especially during intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing. However, this is a common issue among many gaming laptops and is not necessarily a deal-breaker.

Overall, the er Blade 15 2018 H2's performance is impressive, with its powerful components and efficient cooling system making it a top choice for gamers and professionals who require high levels of performance from their laptops.

Keyboard, Touchpad, and Ports

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's keyboard is one of the best features of the laptop, with its low-profile keys providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The keyboard is backlit with Razer Chroma RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting to their preferences. The laptop also includes a precision touchpad that is responsive and accurate, providing a smooth and seamless navigation experience.

In terms of ports, the Blade 15 2018 H2 includes a good selection of ports, including three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a mini DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a headphone jack. The Thunderbolt 3 port allows users to connect the laptop to external displays or docks for additional functionality, while the HDMI and DisplayPort ports provide flexibility for connecting to various displays.

One potential issue with the azer Blade 15 2018 H2's ports is their placement. Some of the ports are located at the rear of the laptop, which can make them difficult to access and require some cable management to avoid tangling. However, this is a minor inconvenience that may not affect all users.

Overall, the zer Blade 15 2018 H2's keyboard, touchpad, and ports are impressive, with its comfortable keyboard, responsive touchpad, and versatile selection of ports making it a versatile and user-friendly laptop for a variety of tasks.

Battery Life

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's battery life is one area where it may fall short compared to some other laptops. The laptop is equipped with a 80Wh battery, which is relatively large for a gaming laptop, but its high-powered components and high refresh rate display can drain the battery quickly.

In real-world usage, the zer Blade 15 2018 H2 can last for around 4-5 hours of general usage such as web browsing or document editing, but during intensive tasks such as gaming, the battery life can drop significantly. This means that users who plan to use the laptop for extended periods of gaming or other demanding tasks may need to keep the laptop plugged in to ensure optimal performance.

One potential solution to this issue is to use the laptop's power management settings to optimize battery life. The laptop includes a power saver mode that can help to extend battery life by limiting the power consumption of the CPU and GPU, as well as reducing screen brightness and other settings.

Overall, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's battery life is decent for a gaming laptop, but it may not be sufficient for users who require extended periods of usage without access to a power outlet. Users who prioritize battery life may want to consider other laptops with longer battery life or invest in an external battery pack to extend the laptop's usage time.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Impressive performance: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's powerful components and efficient cooling system allow it to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing with ease.
• Sleek design: The laptop's slim profile, sleek design, and premium build quality make it a stylish and attractive option for users who prioritize aesthetics.
• Comfortable keyboard: The laptop's low-profile keys and customizable backlighting make for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
• Responsive touchpad: The laptop's precision touchpad is accurate and responsive, providing a smooth navigation experience.
• Good selection of ports: The laptop includes a versatile selection of ports, including USB, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect to a variety of devices.

Cons:

• Expensive: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's premium components and sleek design come at a high price, making it a less affordable option for some users.
• Mediocre battery life: The laptop's high-powered components and high refresh rate display can drain the battery quickly, limiting its mobility and requiring frequent charging.
• Loud fans: The laptop's efficient cooling system can produce loud fan noise during intensive tasks, which may be a distraction for some users.
• Ports placement: Some of the ports are located at the rear of the laptop, which can make them difficult to access and require some cable management to avoid tangling.
• No SD card reader: The laptop does not include an SD card reader, which may be an inconvenience for users who frequently use SD cards for storage or transfer of files.

Comparison to Other Gaming Laptops

When compared to other gaming laptops, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 stands out in several areas. One of its biggest advantages is its sleek design and premium build quality, which make it a more stylish and attractive option than some of its competitors. Additionally, the laptop's low-profile keyboard and responsive touchpad are also notable features that set it apart from other gaming laptops.

In terms of performance, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 also performs very well, thanks to its powerful components and efficient cooling system. Its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card and Intel Core i7-8750H processor can handle demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing with ease, making it a versatile option for users who require high performance.

However, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's battery life may be a drawback when compared to some other gaming laptops. Its high-powered components and high refresh rate display can drain the battery quickly, which may limit its mobility and require frequent charging.

When compared to other gaming laptops in its price range, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a competitive option, but its high price may make it less accessible to some users. Other gaming laptops in this price range may offer similar performance and features at a more affordable price point.

Overall, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a solid option for users who prioritize style and performance, but its battery life and high price may be drawbacks for some users. Users who require longer battery life or a more affordable option may want to consider other gaming laptops on the market.

Upgrading and Maintaining the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a powerful and well-built gaming laptop, but like any computer, it may require maintenance or upgrades over time to ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips for upgrading and maintaining the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2:

Upgrading the RAM: 

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has two RAM slots, which can be upgraded to a maximum of 32GB. Adding more RAM can improve the laptop's performance when running multiple applications simultaneously or when running memory-intensive applications like games or video editing software.

Upgrading the storage: 

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has a single M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, which can be upgraded to increase storage capacity or improve read and write speeds. Additionally, there is a 2.5-inch drive bay for a SATA III hard drive or SSD.

Cleaning the laptop: 

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside the laptop, which can cause overheating and reduced performance. Cleaning the laptop's fans and vents using compressed air can help to maintain optimal temperatures and improve the laptop's performance.

Updating drivers and software: 

Keeping the laptop's drivers and software up to date can also help to maintain optimal performance. Checking for updates regularly and installing them as needed can help to address any bugs or performance issues.

Maintaining the battery: 

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2's battery life can be improved by reducing the display brightness, disabling unnecessary background applications, and using power-saving settings when possible. Additionally, it is recommended to fully discharge and recharge the battery at least once a month to maintain its health and longevity.

By following these tips for upgrading and maintaining the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, users can ensure optimal performance and longevity from their gaming laptop.

Gaming Performance Benchmark:

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a powerful gaming laptop that can handle even the most demanding games with ease. Here are some gaming performance benchmarks for popular titles:

Fortnite: 

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can run Fortnite at maximum settings with an average FPS of 100-110, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

PUBG: 

With its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card and Intel Core i7-8750H processor, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can run PUBG at maximum settings with an average FPS of 60-70, providing a solid gaming experience.

Overwatch: 

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can run Overwatch at maximum settings with an average FPS of 140-150, providing an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can run Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 at maximum settings with an average FPS of 70-80, providing a solid and enjoyable gaming experience.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey:

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can run Assassin's Creed Odyssey at high settings with an average FPS of 50-60, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience.

Overall, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a powerful gaming laptop that can handle even the most demanding games with ease, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Its powerful components and efficient cooling system make it a versatile option for gamers who require high performance.

Overclocking Potential

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has some overclocking potential, but it is limited due to its thin and compact design. Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of a component such as the CPU or GPU in order to achieve better performance.

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with an Intel Core i7-8750H processor, which has a base clock speed of 2.2GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.1GHz. While it is possible to increase the clock speed of the processor using software tools such as Intel XTU or ThrottleStop, it is important to note that this can result in higher temperatures and reduced battery life.

Similarly, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, which has some overclocking potential. However, again, it is important to be cautious when overclocking as it can result in higher temperatures and reduced stability.

Overall, while the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 does have some overclocking potential, it is limited due to its thin and compact design. It is important to proceed with caution when attempting to overclock the CPU or GPU, and to monitor temperatures closely to prevent damage to the laptop.

Software and Features

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with a range of software and features that enhance the overall user experience. Some of the key software and features include:

1. Razer Synapse: Razer Synapse is a software suite that allows users to customize their keyboard and mouse settings, as well as access additional features such as game mode and macro recording.
2. Chroma RGB Lighting: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 features Chroma RGB lighting on the keyboard and trackpad, which can be customized using Razer Synapse to display a range of colors and effects.
3. Windows Hello: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with Windows Hello facial recognition technology, allowing users to log in to their laptop quickly and securely.
4. Thunderbolt 3: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with Thunderbolt 3 technology, which provides high-speed data transfer and the ability to connect to external displays and accessories.
5. VR Ready: The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is VR ready, meaning it can provide a smooth and immersive virtual reality experience.

Overall, the software and features included with the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 enhance the overall user experience and provide added functionality and customization options. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 and VR ready capabilities make it a versatile option for users who require high-speed data transfer and the ability to use virtual reality applications.

Customer Support and Warranty

Razer offers a one-year limited warranty for the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Customers can also purchase extended warranty plans that cover up to three years of additional coverage.

In addition to the warranty, Razer provides customer support through a range of channels, including phone, email, and live chat. They also offer a support website with FAQs and troubleshooting guides, as well as a community forum where users can connect with each other and Razer representatives.

Overall, Razer's customer support and warranty policies are competitive with other manufacturers in the gaming laptop market. While the one-year limited warranty may be considered short by some users, the availability of extended warranty plans and responsive customer support channels provide added peace of mind for customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the price of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?

The price of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 varies depending on the configuration, but it typically ranges from $1,599 to $2,899.

Can the RAM and storage be upgraded on the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?

Yes, the RAM and storage can be upgraded on the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2. However, it is recommended to have a professional handle the upgrades to avoid damaging the laptop.

What is the battery life of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?

The battery life of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 varies depending on usage, but it typically lasts around 6-7 hours on a single charge.

Is the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 suitable for virtual reality (VR) gaming?

Yes, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is VR ready and can provide a smooth and immersive virtual reality experience.

What kind of ports does the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 have?

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with a range of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1 Type-A, HDMI 2.0, and Mini DisplayPort 1.4.

Can the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 be overclocked?

Yes, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 has some overclocking potential, but it is important to proceed with caution to prevent damage to the laptop.

What is the warranty for the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?

Razer offers a one-year limited warranty for the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, with the option to purchase extended warranty plans for up to three years of additional coverage.

What software and features come with the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with a range of software and features, including Razer Synapse, Chroma RGB lighting, Windows Hello, Thunderbolt 3, and VR ready capabilities.