Razer Blade 15.6" (GTX 1060/1070, 2018 edition) Owner's Lounge

I have locked multipliers in XTU, can't even lower them which I thought I would be able to do. Pretty much all I can do is lower voltages and alter power limits and time windows. Is that consistent with you guys?

In my AW 15 I lowered the voltage until thermal throttling was gone and then lowered the 4-core Turbo Multi by 200 MHz to eliminate power throttling. With those the CPU has been rock solid stable. I don't have all those knobs here though.

Initial run of Prime95 and FurMark is showing that the temps are well managed - seems like the CPU thermal throttle threshold is set at 90c for this laptop? Pretty much cannot get it that hot without stressing the GPU at the same time - with just Prime95 the CPU was hanging in low 70s/high 60s which is actually great in my opinion (no core differentials!!!), albeit with the Power Throttling on pretty much 100% of the time.

And this is my first time over 60 Hz, even scrolling a web page is freakishly smooth haha. I assume to keep Optimus intact we have to sacrifice G-Sync since we have to run the display off the IGP vs direct from the 1070.

 

Yup, CPU throttles at 90c, a bit less than the normal 93c. Confused about the locked XTU settings, as I had heard all of the range had adjustable multipliers. You downloaded the latest XTU I assume, so maybe look to the Intel XTU forums for assistance - maybe someone else has already posted this question with an answer or you can post and ask yourself.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...s/intel-extreme-tuning-utility-intel-xtu.html

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/66427/Intel-Extreme-Tuning-Utility-Intel-XTU-

https://communities.intel.com/search.jspa?q=Intel+extreme+tuning+utility&place=/places/34548&depth=ALL&sort=updatedDesc

Some laptops use a Matrix switch that you invoke in the BIOS or via a user OS utility - to switch to iGPU for batter and back to dGPU while plugged in. That way you can have G-sync with dGPU and no Gsync with iGPU.

 

Can you get a dB reading on fan noise
And isn’t the 90c dangerous for those of us that can’t repaste?

 

@Firebat246, are you planning on showing pictures of the repasting and repadding process? Would be useful to others wanting to follow on your footsteps

 

I'm curious about this as well.

Firebat?

 

Yes, for the locked CPUs (H), those are the options you can change in XTU and although you can move those Power limits sliders, they won't have an effect for the H CPU (as you can see in the previous post with the tests before and after the repaste with grizzly kryo).

You can still lower the turbo multi with throttlestop (but do NOT use TS and XTU at the same time and if you made changes in the voltage area in XTU, revert them to default, you can keep the power limit settings and completely close XTU before you open TS to change voltages and other settings), but you will still be power limited in high sustained loads, because you'll hit 45w limit even with an avr. between 3.1-3.3Ghz (this is with an undervolt, before UV the voltage might be high enough to keep clocks at ~2.4-2.7Ghz range for 100% sustained loads up to 45w).

You mention that, the temps are good in that stress test (this is just partially good news), but this doesn't mean much if the CPU and GPU clocks were kept at a very low level or even at base (or under) due to the high power draw (its not uncommon for the firmware to detect power viruses and react by lowering the clocks even more than its necessary).

In gaming you rarely have sustained loads close to 100%, so most of the time you can maintain 3.9Ghz. Lowering the multi by -2 for each sets, might help in some cases, but you cant still reach the power limit even at lower clocks.

If you had a choice between power limit and thermal throttling, you would be better off by being power limited (where the clock speed is lowered but it is more steadily maintained under the same load/power draw).

Also, don't use furmark, use heaven with prime (you also don't need avx and fma, so you should edit the prime95 txt file to exclude those instructions from the test) or with aida, if you want to simulate some high loads that could be encountered in gaming.

That 93C isn't the new "normal" especially for the ultra thin models, you have another example in the GS65 thread, were if you go back a few posts, you'll see the GS65 riding the thermal throttling line at ~88C if I remember correctly.

Also, 93C shouldn't be considered "normal" even for other models, the "normal" limit should be close to 100C.

The above is just another reason to add to the list of other general reasons for needing a repaste (that is IF you don't want to limit the clocks to a lower level or disable TB and sacrifice performance in order to have better temps) :
-changes in ambient temps,
-core temp differences,
-higher case temperatures in the keyboard area,
-using max fan rpm most of the time, which shortens the fan lifespan and emits a lot of noise,
-dust accumulation, which you debated in other threads and implied that, it doesn't have a great impact in most cases, to which I agree to some extent, mostly for the thick models and desktops, but I don't think these slim models with slim fans should be included in "most cases").

 

My AW15 throttles at 99c.

With the -H CPU I thought I would be able to lower multis, just not raise them, guess not. I know FurMark is a power virus, was just a quick and lazy test to see how the temps held up. I will run back to back Time Spy or Fire Strike runs to keep the GPU hot with a "realistic" workload.

With prime95 running, the CPU was able to hold the higher clocks (and temps) with temps well managed right up to the 28s window where it dropped down to the 45w level. I know realistically in games we will never have the CPU 100% utilized but it was interesting to see that the cooling does cope well at that level of load.

I also found it very interesting how there is a "shield" in the hinge to always direct the hot air down and out the back vs letting a lot of it come up the front of the screen like most laptops with this hinge style do.

Generally speaking, from my couple hours last night, the sound profile from the cooling is not terrible. There were a couple high pitched tones compared to my AW 15 but overall it is night and day better than my 2015 Blade 14 (which my wife now uses) - that thing was loud and high pitched. The new Blade is a lower pitched whooshing sound and the volume is not bad.

 

Those 28sec when the clocks were maintained high, its the time window for PL2 which allows a power draw of 56w, after that time, u are limited by PL1.

You should be able to lower the multipliers in the FIVR window from TS.

You can also lower the clocks by setting a value lower than 100% for the CPU in the windows power options, but this might deactivate turbo boost (you don't want to maintain only 2.2Ghz).

 

I'll have to install an app to get a reading on my phone but while gaming I tend to just set fan speed to 5000 anyways.

Sent from my Phone using Tapatalk

 

So, I'm looking to buy from the Microsoft store with the Student discount. However, I was told that the 4 year warranty is not an option for this laptop, and is only for Surface Pros purchased through the business store. They did say they could add the 2 year on after the fact.

What are the magic words I need to say to get a 4 year on there?

 

I just showed them the messages on this thread and the guy at the store admitted he could offer that warranty.

EDIT: he did say I had to bring the laptop in after I receive it so that he could add the 4 year warranty on as a separate transaction.

 

I've got some new 'cool' toys to try out after work!
Dbrand skin came in today too, I'll have that installed as well.

 

Why do the wristpads get so hot? I understand why the upper part gets hot due to the CPU and GPU location but the Wrist Pads get moderately warm, is that the battery? and if so is that normal?

 

Aluminum panels allow heat to transfer around, it's a material choice. Plastic doesn't spread heat well, but it feels inferior. On top of that, theres not much case ventilation. The Blade Pro and several other laptops have a fan for moving air out of the chassis.

 

I...didn't expect it to be that easy, lol. I will check with chat once i get the laptop, they told me I could actually add it online after the purchase goes through since the 2 year one is still bugged too. So I'll see if i can convince them and, if not, go with this option instead. Thanks!

 

I actually don't have pictures I'm really sorry! I have been running all over the place. I think I last night was the first time I sat down to even test stuff post paste. Honestly while I'm happy with temp decrease I'm really tempted to go liquid metal.... if I can't find a way around this power limit throttling due to Thermal limits put on by Razer. Not that Razer is the only ones doing it.

Sent from my Phone using Tapatalk

 

The guy at the store was just doing the usual pitch for the protection plan and started rattling off options:

$150 for 2nd year
$200 for 3 year coverage
$250 for 4 year coverage

I was actually caught off guard and didn't go in in planning to get the 4-year (was just planning on adding the 2nd year) but it was such a good value it was an easy choice once I knew it was an option. He had no issue adding it in store at the time of original purchase. There is a $50 deductible if I need to invoke the coverage for accidental damage he said. He also said that if down the road they no longer have that laptop and a replacement is warranted, I can pretty much pick whatever I want in the store for equivalent value to what I paid new for the Blade. So if I still have it at 3.8 years.....safe bet it will have an accident

 

Ooo please let me know how the noise levels are after installing that Assualt!

 

Is it possible to mod the bios on the new 15" Blade like it is on the 14" 7700HQ Blade? I'd assume that would fix the thermal / power throttling right up.

 

Great question, guess we just need someone to try...

 

No problem! I guess it must be tempting to apply LM to see how far you can lower temps/maximize performance. If you do (and have the time), take a couple of pictures. Just seeing the location and size of the thermal pads could help people on the same boat. Did you do anything temp wise to the SSD? Have you noticed the palmrest/battery area cooler since you repasted?

 

Did you just need to see pictures of the heatsink removed?
Here's 2 pictures with the heatsink removed. Took these before repaste with Kryonaut.

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1C2esFfp_BL7kPrCP-nSYIxNLcQoLevBl

 

From what I saw on the review from Lisa Gade, it appears that the SSD is real close to the wrist rests and doesn't haven't good ventilation near it. I've definitely noticed that my left wrist rest gets warmer than the right, which would align with where the SSD is located.

Another thing I picked up from that review that I've had success with is the "whisper mode" that you can activate in GeForce Experience. Now, full disclosure here, only use that option if you're ok with being locked in at 60 FPS and gimping your GPU to a degree. I've only tested in WoW, but the performance hit was minimal and acceptable from my view, and it drops the temps significantly. Talking max of 60 on the CPU cores, and usually just in the mid 50's (that is with an undervolt on Throttlestop and playing in Gaming Mode on Razer Synapse). Certainly not ideal with the 144hz panel, but for the quietness of the fans and the much lower heat on the wrist rests, I'm ok with that when in spaces I don't want to cause a racket. At home, I'll turn it off and crank up the fans. Just thought I'd pass it along as it's a decent alternative when heat and noise are a large issue.

 

The thermal throttling point can vary according to how the laptop maker sets up their BIOS, but for the most part for a long time the H CPU's have had a 93c thermal throttling point, what I called "normal".

The 93c thermal throttling point is now the "old" normal - which is what I was trying to say by what I wrote:

"Yup, CPU throttles at 90c, a bit less than the [old] normal 93c."

http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...scussions-lounge.815216/page-97#post-10742690

The new 8th Gen CPU's "new normal" is 90c (or 100c?), you can see it as listed as the BD PROCHOT "thermal throttling point", just like the previous generation H CPU's have been "generally" at 93c.

All of them have had a 100c Maximum Tjunction temperature where the CPU "shuts down", but there are CPU's that list a higher and lower Maximum Tjunction temperature:

TJUNCTION
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

This is seen on the Intel Specification pages, easily found at ark.intel.com, here's a few:

Spoiler: Links..

100c Tj:
https://ark.intel.com/products/97185/Intel-Core-i7-7700HQ-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_80-GHz?q=7700hq
https://ark.intel.com/products/97464/Intel-Core-i7-7820HK-Processor-8M-Cache-up-to-3_90-GHz?q=7820hk
https://ark.intel.com/products/88967/Intel-Core-i7-6700HQ-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_50-GHz?q=6700hq
https://ark.intel.com/products/75116/Intel-Core-i7-4700HQ-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_40-GHz?q=4700hq

The new normal BD PROCHOT (thermal throttling point) apparently is 90c (or 100c?), I've only seen one screen shot recently on NBR (sorry don't have the link handy) showing BD PROCHOT of 90c for a new 6 core CPU.

Then again, here's a thread discussing a BD PROCHOT of 100c in a new Acer Helios 300 w/8750H laptop:
https://community.acer.com/en/discu...cpu-throttling-to-803-mhz-helios-300-i7-8750h

"Actually there was never any thermal throttling,i checked in xtu, aida, hwinfo, throttlestop and they never indicated thermal throttling, CPU temps occasionally hit 90C (ambient temp ~31C), but PROCHOT value in throttlestop was 100C, GPU temps never exceed 75C. " (i7-8750h and gtx 1050ti)

I don't agree with jumping to the conclusion that this means everyone should re-paste their laptop, as I have mentioned before I have seen so many panic and jump to hardware hacking when simple tuning of software will give you what you need.

If someone personally needs some made up justification to re-paste to convince themselves to make that leap, that's fine, but please don't begin to suggest that re-pasting / re-padding is what everyone should do.

The prudent - intelligent / thoughtful - approach is to exhaust all other non-hardware hacking methods for tuning first, and reduce the thermals with software tuning as low as you can, and then decide if it's worth the hassle to disassemble your laptop for a few degree's lower temperature.

If you have already tuned your software and optimized your environment for coolest running, and you are no longer thermal throttling (if you ever were) so that you aren't losing performance to thermal throttling during your normal use, then there is no *need* to re-paste / re-pad your brand new out of the box pristine laptop cooling system.

It's really that simple. If it doesn't measurably need it, then there's no need to do it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Wow, I've used the USB "bare fan" before for personal cooling, but that long cooler looks awesome too. Links?

 

I really really like it, the volume it pushes is insane. It also forces air left and right of the comp so I feel a breeze on my mouse hand. And it's so travel friendly haha, I'll be using it as a night fan when out of town too.

1STPLAYER Laptop Cooling Pad for Laptop, Tablet and Smart Phone with Cross Flow Fan(C5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F3971YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OdgiBbCBTF1EV

 

Looking at the link and uses for the device, how do you have it configured? It looks like you have it placed on the included ledge, so it's sucking the hot exhaust air out of the laptop?

There are also attachments that connect to the exhaust vents to suck out the hot air. I've tried these and some of them work really well, but are quite loud. Some have batteries in them for mobile use, or are powered from USB / wall adapter.

I'm interested in how effective you find it in use.

 

This sounds like an exact replica of the conversation I had about two hours ago at a local MS store. I also went for the $250 4 year option (normally a commercial only offer but for some reason they were ok selling it with the RB). Like you, I also thought the ability to choose whether you replace it with a RB or whatever costs the same amount at that time as the price you paid for it is...amazing.

P.

 

In my first Cool Toys post earlier, I showed it on the stand with the arms flipped up, which is how I'm going to keep using it. The rear rubber stand/strip of the Blade hooks into the first tablet holding slot. It's actually forcing fresh air down under the laptop and is doing much more good than I expected. There's so much airflow that it's not leaving any hot exhaust idle under the bottom. The laptop feels like it radiates less heat too. I had my fan speed down to 4600 and was getting better results than at 5000 but I'll get some solid screenshots tonight.

 

Thank you for the detailed explanation, that helps understanding how it is helping cool the laptop, and you.

What if anything is it doing about the exhaust gases? Is the hot exhaust being deflected up and away from the desk / area behind the fan / laptop or is it being sucked into the fan and back out behind the fan?

 

I've opened up the RB and wanted to post a quick first impressions:
- Amazing build quality. Keyboard is MacBook level quality to my mind. Very subtle, professional finishings, not in your face - very usable in business meetings.
- I thought the chroma lighting would be a gimmick (and it is), but using "reactive lights" on the keyboard is actually helping me notice when I mistype a password!
- Windows updates automatically, couldn't even turn it off or make it manual in advanced setting options
- A very small and insignificant amount of light bleed, would never see this as an issue. Ever so slightly more light bleed on the far left bottom edge than middle/right bottom edge
- Power brick is not as big as I thought it was going to be, but my last laptop was about 3-4 years ago, so maybe I'm just out of date
- Screen is gorgeous, fonts are amazing despite being 1080p. 144mhz refresh rate makes web surfing pleasurably smooth (haven't gamed yet)
- No dead pixels upon close examination
- Thin bezels are really thin. Even the lower bezel isn't as obtrusive as I was concerned it would be.
- Fans come on and off while web surfing (balanced Synapse profile), slightly high pitched, but anyone who's used a smallish or thing gaming laptop before shouldn't be surprised
- Fingerprint magnet. Just tear the bandaid off - rub butter all over this thing and be done with it (I KID I KID)
- Trackpad is...awesome. No issues, super precise and smooth as dust.

I'm going to get some torture tests going now and report back on temps.

Should I be updating the Nvidia drivers (389.04 out of the box)?

P.
EDIT: Fire Strike graphics score of 15,611 on first run at default everything. Cloud Gate graphics score of 92 558, all default settings.

 

If it uses american megatrends with no security signature the procedure for flashing the unlocked Bios might be the same. If so, this might address power throttling if the PL limits can be increased in the unlocked menus but won't address thermal throttling.....for thermals the best possible outcome to the limit of the notebook cooling design would be using LM.

Enviado de meu Pixel 2 usando o Tapatalk

 

Try to remember, this fan takes in and expels a LOT of air. It is pulling air in behind the lid, and in the negative space behind and above the laptop. Exhaust of the blade heads Down, and the fan is ultimately forcing it back under and out the sides. Yes some of it is being mixed in with the fresh air to intake, and I may look for a better solution to that, but right now there is so much volume being moved down there that again, it is cooling more than just 'moving hot air.' I also got this neat little USB bendy fan that is keeping my keyboard and fingers SOOO COMFORTABLE. Without = sticky. with = cool and comfortable.

Take a peek at these. Also showing off that dbrand skin ;]
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MCYWPONL2CkP1cLB9_uajLtTyCO_HJQp

 

Any volunteers would be most appreciated!

I sold my 7700HQ Blade today and have been telling myself the new Blade isn't worth it. It has the same allure that Apple has, lol. My education log in still works with Microsoft and I can get the 512/1070/FHD for $2340 rather than $2600, which makes it easier to swallow. The MS store rep I spoke with in store didn't know of any 4 year warranty option, but if I go through with the purchase I'll be sure to show them this thread.

 

That dbrand skin looks great, I like how it lets the Razer logo through too.

Yeah, with the volume of air being taken in it dilutes the hot exhaust. I wonder if a deflector to push the hot exhaust out of the path of the fan intake might help. If you are already seeing better thermals, then that's awesome already.

 

Indeed! I may try something to get more cool air in there. Otherwise, its definitely a bit cooler, though I'm shooting for the moon on thermals. I'd love to sit at 80 or lower if possible on the CPU. These laptops just run so dang hot, cooling is so difficult. If anything, its become a much more comfortable gaming experience at least!

 

1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics score is 15,611 on first run. Cloud Gate graphics first run at 92,558. This is at default everything.

Physics score is 8,112. Combined score is 5,709. Overall score is 11,897. Not actually sure which score people look at - but I noticed https://www.notebookcheck.net/Razer-Blade-15-2018-Laptop-Preview.305426.0.html compares the graphics score (they averaged 14,904 over ten runs, so pretty consistent).

EDIT: Guys am I quoting the correct score that everyone compares - ie the Fire Strike graphics score (15,611) or do people compare the overall score (11,897)?

 

My CPU score in Time Spy was higher as expected and the GPU was lower (Max-Q in action!....) This is completely stock with no tuning on the Blade compared to a slightly tuned AW 15 to avoid throttling.

 

And I will add, the lack of backlight on the secondary functions of keyboard keys was a stupid omission that has annoyed me greatly in the 24 hours I have had the laptop so far....the backlight (where it IS present) is very nice though. Definitely higher quality than what Alienware is offering.

 

Have you tried changing the Chroma key colors for the keys you use most, like volume and brightness? You're right though, should be there.

 

Yes, we primarily share the individual scores, Graphics Score for GPU comparison, and Physics Score for CPU comparison.

 

Look at those toys! Just like mine

 

Duuuuuude high-five! Let me know if you notice any changes in temp or chassis heat :]

 

First time using Chroma at all, the game tie-ins are cute haha. Was playing Diablo 3 and it was interesting seeing how well Blizzard hooked in various game elements into the Chroma coloring. Kind of gimmicky and didn't make me a "better player" but cute for sure.

 

Do you play Path of Exile? I’ve played many thousands of hours on PoE and probably many hundreds on D3 - although neither much in the last year due to not wanting to use my old laptop!

Also thinking about trying some other stuff that’s still around that I haven’t played, like ESO or even Warframe. Any counsel appreciated!

 

No, I have been a die hard Diablo guy since the late '90s. Been playing Diablo 3 since day 1. Despite its simplicity, I will note that Diablo 3 had this laptop running at max fan noise. Gameplay however was very smooth (over 120 FPS with all settings maxed). Just need to adjust to the new keyboard. With the 144 Hz screen it is like I went UHD on the time axis

 

Yes yes yes , let’s do like old time, I’ve to wait until my bank sent the money to my CC, damn now they’ve no PayPal option anymore, but it’s faster than waiting one from Amazon for early next month ETA since here just available yesterday on store. Hope it’ll be still available by then

 

Haha! I like that - UHD on the time axis.

I’m an old school D1 etc guy too (I cut my teeth on Ultima ][, Wizardry etc, and was a beta tester for Ultima Online even). Maybe I’ll fire up D3 again, always had a soft spot for my wiz.

I played PoE last night a bit and my CPU package hit 97! What undervolt have you settled on?

 

I've disabled Turbo Boost at this point. Until I find something the laptop can't handle with it disabled I'm not sure I see a point. Keeps the temps under 75 and the fans never ramp up beyond what seems to be their lowest setting. I still wish I could get it totally silent for office use, but man these 8750s run HOT.

I should note I don't play AAA games and this is actually mainly an office machine for me.

 

So I put my ear close-ish to the power supply this morning, and it does indeed have a crackling sound going on.

I live chatted with Razer and sent them video/audio as they requested. Here is the audio (turn volume up to hear it): https://www.dropbox.com/s/e8q2l1yk58k16gj/Power Supply Crackling.m4a?dl=0

They gave me a case number and asked me to go to the MS store (as an authorized reseller) and they would replace it.

Is this crackling (which is only really audible if you put your ear close to the pier supply) an issue or just aesthetic? Someone had mentioned variable power coming from it - how did they measure that?

P.