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

Guys, reseaching my next upload I have a question for the super tech ones.
Am I to believe there is no way to reduce power on the GPU?
I have been working on afterburner and I was going to use the curve feature but the Max Q cards frequency don't go anywhere high enough for it to come into effect.

 

Mine was dispatched as well and was even apparently “out for delivery” yesterday - then in the evening delayed “due to external factors”.

They say to give it a day or two but realistically no idea when it’ll arrive

 

Yeah just saw the techLinked video from Linus and apparently Amazon staff were on strike... So I wonder if that had an issue too.

Mine was supposed to be Friday but was dispatched. Then they confirmed Sunday. But it's currently in a van out for delivery now. All very odd!

Hopefully just 1 more sleep and an 8 hour flight til I get to see it!

 

Also guys, what do you use for a laptop sleeve for the blade? Any recommendations?

 

You can do it via the command line with Nvidia Inspector ( https://orbmu2k.de/tools/nvidia-inspector-tool), but it's annoying to set up because you need to supply all points via a parameter in one line. Afterburner only goes down to 0.8v and that's not low enough to undervolt a Max-Q GPU.

 

Just picked up my 1070 512gb from the razer store in San Francisco last night, it was madness
but worth the trip.

 

Yeah I saw that video earlier. I think I want something a bit different from that. Especially given the red dragon skin that'll be on the laptop. I've heard any MacBook Pro 2015 case is perfect for the blade ( in 2 out of 3 dimensions anyway!). But wasn't sure what you guys used! As there's a danger you could spend $100 getting someone on Etsy to custom cut one!

 

Now that's funny when I was running afterburner yesterday the Freq, Only went up to 1152 and temp was 70C
Today its up to 1550ish and temp is 60.
At that speed you can indeed drop the power to 0.8v.
does 70C throttle the 1070 back? as O thought GFX could go much higher?

 

Mine has just arrived. Prefer the look and feel of this compared to the MBP15.

Some backlight bleed but minimal. I’ll give it a whirl and see how it fares.

 

I was under the impression that the 1070 doesn't throttle until 84c. I have yet to notice any decreases in performance with the 1070 / 8750h, even after long gaming sessions. Unless I'm playing a brand new, AAA, likely unoptimized title like Black ops 4 or BFV on gaming mode, my temps stay under 91C cpu and 84c GPU. In gaming mode they'll max out at high 90s for the CPU, and 85c for GPU. Never hit 100c on the CPU yet though. My first blade would hit 100c consistently.

Anyway, I know at 84c the 1070 throttles. The performance barely dips, but if you pay attention you'll see the clocks go down. That is why 84c is my max GPU temp 99% of the time. It hits the threshold and throttles back to decrease the temps and / or maintain it. Like I said, only in gaming mode with a brand new title, fully maxed out, I've broken 84c and hit a high of 85c or 86c. I have yet to undervolt the GPU yet either.

 

So Amazon messed up and have lost my blade laptop...

 

Hey guys i'm wondering if you could help me. I frequently experience stuttering ever second or so when I'm playing games. Anyone know what may be causing this and how I can fix the problem? I'm on the Blade 15 1070 maxq and I'll attach some game play footage so you can see what I mean.

 

Thanks for the info.
Done some more digging, the gfx test I have been doing is the MSI Kombuster.
if I launch it manually and select 1280x720 it runs 220 FPS 97% cpu load and 1200mhz this runs without artefact checking
If I launch it via msi burner which runs it at 1280x720 it runs 172 FPS 74% cpu load and 1250mhz this run WITH artefact checking.
Think I will do 3D benchmark.

 

That aint right at all. It looks like somethings is interfering with it rather than the RAZER. Did u install a third part AV etc? or running Defender.

 

I'm just running Defender. No third party AV.

 

That's the way I run it.
Do the fans come on max?
I would also run task manager in background with opening resource monitor from that to see the graphs.
Check what the machine is doing before you run it as well.
Also fyi in case u are unaware windows and razer set the laptop for balanced mode.
Again that probably isn't the cause and most people only notice when doing benchmarks.

Have u fully patched windows as that could be whirling in the background scanning your system for updates.
Its a pain, hope I helped if you have not already done above.

 

Here's a graph showing GPU Boost 3.0 behavior in dependency on core temperature on a desktop GTX 1080: https://tpucdn.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_1080/images/clock_analysis2.jpg. The frequency curve will of course be different for the 1070 Max-Q, but the temperature points are likely very similar or even the same. In the best case scenario you'd keep the core at under 50°C, but if you can't then staying under 84°C will at least yield acceptable clock speeds.

I observed this when I tried out DOOM (2016) to see if the 1070 Max-Q would be able to get somewhere near the 144Hz refresh rate on acceptable graphics settings. Could be anything else for you of course, for me it turned out that the stuttering came from a CPU bottleneck because it was power limited (set to balanced mode in Synapse as it was before I did the repaste, so 35W power limit) and couldn't sustain high enough clocks to feed the GPU with enough draw calls. Giving the CPU more power budget (in Gaming mode in Synapse, 45W power limit) let the CPU hold a 3.7-3.8GHz clock which was much better. After the repaste and further undervolting it will hold about 4GHz which was enough to make the stutter disappear.

 

Is it with v sync on?

Why are you running 720p? Well I just played AC Odyssey and SoTR on 1440p on 1070maxq, gpu memory on balanced mode is around 1540mHz and gaming mode 1650, there’re no bottleneck since gpu running all the time between 90 to 99% mostly.

This.
Balanced mode may cause in game micro stuttering due limited 35watt tdp, on the open world games i mentioned above maybe less noticeable as shooting high FPS titles since my external monitor is also limited to 60Hz. Monitor and setting like in game v sync or g/free sync may reduce or clean it, that’s why i ordered g sync wqhd on Black Friday

 

Are you using an external monitor?

I have shutter (without any frame drop though but the game just isn't smooth) when plugging the monitor to miniDP after getting in Windows. The solution for me is to restart the laptop, with the mDP already connected and it's all good after.

 

That sucks man, you ordered before me too...

Btw I only got the GTX 1060 version and this thing gets hot like damn, it worries me can it really survive long term. Fans go loud but the fan noise isn’t whiny so it’s okay.

When doing productivity/light tasks, this machine gets quite warm and fan does come on for merely opening Visual Studio. Not too comfortable to use on lap for productivity.

Thinking if to stick to this or try my hands at a MBP 15.

 

I replied yesterday but it looks like I failed.
Have you completed your windows update as it runs a process in background scanning everything.
Run task manager, performance tab and see if there are any spikes when your doing nothing.
If there is on bottom click "open resource monitor" and find out what it is.
The blade comes in balanced mode both windows and synapses.
The above probably wont fix issue but its all about process of elimination.
Good luck.

 

Its launches it from AB that way and its handy to see it run whilst messing/monitoring.

Took you long enough to join the club. My asus pred is almost 3 years old.
Wait till you get it. No looking back now.

 

Almost 2 years playing on 4K free sync monitor though never had amd cards, before getting Core and high end gpu, was playing on downscale to 1440p OC monitor to 75Hz, I’m too lazy changing resolution etc. With 3 Monitor now, I’ll try nvidia surrounds. Yes can’t wait 1440p 165Hz, Dreaming that 4K 144Hz though

 

Anyone in the market for another power adapter? I have a brand new 230w that I will be listing later today for sale.

 

Is anyone one else pissed that Razer did not announce the RazerCare extended warranty plans back on October 10th? That's when they announced the new Blade configs and the Razer Phone 2. I bought a Mercury White Blade 15 in late October and love it! It has little to no back light bleed and has performed great so far. I just really want the peace of mind that this thing will last me a few years.

It seems the only way to purchase the 2 year extended warranty is to sell my existing Blade 15 and buy a new one from Razer.com. I guess that is what I get for being an early adopter of the Mercury White edition

 

did you call them about the warranty?

Normally you can purchase within a certain time frame?

 

Ok so Amazon messed up. the courier lost the delivery. I asked for a replacement but they daftly refunded.

Luckily the cyber Monday discount is still there on Amazon, so I've reordered for delivery Wednesday this week.

On the plus side the dbrand skin arrived (red dragon skin looks good!), as well as the mamba elite mouse and firefly cloth mat.

And i spent some of this evening downloading a windows image and getting all the razer drivers on a usb stick ready for the SSD upgrade hopefully on wednesday night!!

 

Linus reviewed the razer blade base today.

 

So i have an HP spectre 15" with the i7 Vega chipset. It stays cool on the desk, but gets hot on my lap! I assume as its blocks the intakes it needs for cooling! Might be the same with the blade.

I've also seen people saying the blades run hot for a week or 2 as its doing windows updates and things for a while.

 

I would agree to disagree with Linus with regard to the RB15 base model being not a great value to those of us not looking to game this machine. The Dell XPS 15 he recommended over the RB15 base model lacks the ports that the RB15 base model has. There is a step back in graphics capabilities for the XPS 15 as well. Another plus of the RB15 is the dual storage (m.2 and hdd) that allows outstanding upgradability. Why he chose to review the 256gb m.2/2tb hdd version instead of the 128gb m.2/1tb hdd version is beyond me. Maybe reviewing the mininalistic base model would show better value for those looking for a value machine. However, for those of us who aren't the serious gaming types, the $300 difference the 1tb hdd can be replaced with at least a 2tb ssd or pretty close to a 4tb ssd. That's a huge benefit for those of who value a really good gpu and storage/memory upgradability.

As for gaming, if I were a serious gaming enthusiast I would definitely go with a GTX 1070 Max-Q offered in the advanced models over the GTX 1060 Max-Q of the base model and would upgrade the m.2 ssd to a 2tb ssd.

 

i guess everyone will agree we demand Pictures when the skin is applied i am currently rocking the blade 15 with a black matt skin for the bottom, and a zebrawood top skin

 

So, I have something interesting for all of you.

The most recent Blade 15 advanced model come with BIOS 1.06 and EC 1.03.

Here is the download links for both updates:

https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.1.0_C1-BIOSv0106.exe

https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.1.0_C1-ECv0103.exe

Both links are officially provided by Razer support.

If you do not trust me, you can definitely go chat with the support team.

 

Here is the update log:

System Support
For EC updates it fixes battery not charging when System Shutdown and Lid Closed.

For BIOS update it fixes issue with Razer Chroma Laptop Stand intermittently disconnecting and reconnecting and
updated to Enhance Battery Charging

 

I mean there's nothing to distrust. Both links are genuine. Thanks for getting these!

EDIT: Just installed both of these and noticed that Razer now let the CPU into deeper C-States by default. Even after restoring all defaults ThrottleStop now shows a package C-State limit of C10.

 

The fans don't come on max, I generally play on balanced mode because it's much quieter and I don't notice a huge difference on gaming mode. I'm on balanced on windows as well.

 

Interestingly did you see the difference between the 128gb and the 256gb cards in the razer base? I think the 128gb is slower?

 

No I'm using the Razers monitor. I can fix the problem by restarting though, but the next time I get on to play after it's been sleeping it'll stutter again.

 

I’ve undervolted and uninstalled a lot of services/startups and it’s doing much better now.

My only complaints I guess are the keyboard - I don’t use the right shift but I do mis-click the arrow keys.

The lack of function/secondary icons on the keyboard also bothers me more than I thought it would!

 

The 128gb ssd is SATA while the 256gb ssd is NVME. That could explain the performance difference. Certainly something to consider I didn't think of. If the SATA is slow, I wonder what fast really is. The SATA m.2 on my machine seems pretty fast for how I use the machine.

 

My current black Friday haul, just needs the laptop now! The skin looks nice! Got the top and bottom in red dragon skin.

 

Nice, any update from Amazon as to when your laptop will arrive?

 

If you try nvme you’ll be surprised

 

Not really, for day to day usage unless you are copying huge files or using it for video/photo production scratchdisk, there is no perceptible difference compared to a good SATA 3 SSD like 860 evo or 860 pro, even crucial mx500

Always opt for bigger storage over NVMe “speed” (read: double the power consumption and heat...) unless you know you will be doing extended heavy IO work.

 

Even game loading time, you’ll notice it n open world games, like FFXV, AC Odyssey. I’ve 860evo (idk pro) and 970Evo on different system it’s quite noticeable. 500mb vs 3gb is huge.

 

I don’t think I would call a 3 second difference “huge”

FFXIV load times compared:
http://www.legitreviews.com/game-load-time-benchmarking-shootout-six-ssds-one-hdd_204468

Between 850 evo and 960 Pro, 3 seconds, but the price for a 1TB 860 evo is less than that for a 512gb 970 Pro

Not worth it unless you are really counting seconds....while doubling your precious power consumption that could be feeding your GPU or CPU. again NVMe only makes sense for photo or video people with extended high IO load.

 

In theory tomorrow. Still waiting for the app to show the laptop as dispatched.. But Amazon really have messed this up! Now the extended warranty has issues as they didn't refund it so I thought I could transfer it. But nope! Has to be bought on the same day as the laptop. FML...

Anyone used protect my bubble? Might need to find a 3rd party warranty.

 

That's what you would think.... I called Razer support yesterday to see if they could help more than the live chat rep that I talked to over the weekend. They said RazerCare can only be purchased concurrently with a Blade laptop. It is really too bad that they won't do the right thing and take my $250. I am sure many other customers would purchase the extended warranty for their Blade 15 laptops.

I am debating selling my current month old Blade 15 so I can buy a new one with the warranty. I just feel like it's not worth the hassle at this point since I am happy with the machine. I just worry something will crap out on it once the 1 year limited warranty is up and I will be out of luck.

 

There is a lot on the web about stuttering after windows goes to sleep.
Check those out see if it helps.
One chap went into the bios and selected default settings - try that.

Loading a game I can see your point its when you play games that load new areas you really notice the difference.

Glad I went via Razer, but what is your main concern for a warranty, if it dies or you break it. Household insurance covers some of these.
Also the build quality is a lot better than Razer used to be, think its why they took a while to offer the 2nd year option, wanted to see how the last 4-5 months on new build returns went.
They aint money daft that's for sure.