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

I managed to buy a Mercury White Blade 15 off the Razer UK website... and it's been delivered any tips or things I should look for/test?

 

How!? Isn’t that limited on some regions only not here in EU?
About things to look. Check screen (Some Panel with boa Brand, mine LG btw, has pwm flicker issue and couldn’t be lowered to 60Hz for better battery life). On bios update 1.05, even I don’t have issues at all seemly some users got web camera and mic issues. AC adapter coil whine and Bad screen Bleeding from early batch was seemly addressed. Otherwise pretty common, undervolting etc, I use only undervolting xtu with no clock or Turbo Boost limitation im this half year, thermal paste and vapor chamber seems doing their job fine.

 

I thought that to, I was just browsing because I RMA my Stealth as I wanted a 15inch. Went onto the deals section and there it was.... I basically impulse bought it as I knew you couldn't get them in the UK. Day later and its been taken off and replaced with the blade 15 basic model.. Guess there was a glitch on the website

It does look nice and classy in the mercury colour but it does have an US keyboard as expected.

Do these machines need undervolting to keep cool? I did some game tests ect.. CPU maxed out at 84 and GPU 80.

Just got to think if I should keep this and sell my AW13...

 

Screen is an LG model

 

I see, maybe there’s website error since they make sale on mercury model recently in US store. It looks nice and classic like old MacBook, if I had that choice it’s definitely the one I would get. My games are quite cpu demanding like FFXV, PUBG, AC and Tomb Raider franchises etc, so I muss undervolte it to keep cpu on 80ish, gpu is similar though, on that temperature I don’t see the needs for undervolting but it may slightly lower the fans noise and make battery life slightly longer as well if that matters to you.

 

Nice, seems more and more users are getting the BOE panel, so lucky you.

 

Seems it’s already addressed somehow quietly, saw on Reddit user reported he got 60Hz refresh rate option with some efforts like reinstall Synapse, updating bios to 1.06, and all drivers like Nvidia and intel to latest one. So it may software issue, and he uploaded the proof as well. It’s on Reddit and I think it’s your thread when I’m not wrong.

 

Seen that, and yes that's my thread. I plan on trying to reproduce his success after the holidays. Hopefully other users report the same as well. I can say that I'm on the latest everything, but haven't tried and uninstall and reinstall of synapse lately.

 

Yeah Synapse may also the culprit of things, had fans not controllable once and I restored it with default Synapse from Razer website. I think it’s the first Synapse 3 for Blade and on that version I didn’t even have the windows for refresh rate option, it was blank, no 144Hz no 60Hz, only through intel display options I could change it, but they fixed the broken Synapse at the same day seemly. Though I keep using it for a week before trying to update because afraid loosing control of the fans which is important to me.

 

Yeah i agree, totally feels like a software issue. I heard that people were having fan control issues with the latest synapse update, but my fan controls have been fine and I'm running the latest update.

I can switch from auto to manual no problem and choose my RPM

 

I recognized that often the „X“ key is not 100% in line with the other keys. It‘s a biiiiit deeper. When you look at the pictures from online reviews you can also see it at review units.
Also when you look exactly at other keys...some are also not 100% straight.

 

If any RB15 owners, particularly of the base model though any one will do, are using Throttlestop to adjust their CPU’s performance, would you mind posting your settings, preferably as a series of screenshots? Thanking you in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I'm looking to pick up the 1060 version with 144Hz screen and 512Gb SSD. Since 1060 is a lot less power hungry, should I expect the same throttling issues as mentioned here in the thread?

 

yes

 

So after getting a mail that they couldn't find any rattling fan noise (disappointing) and I'll get my notebook back I'll try to fix it on my own. Are there any screws which are holding the fans in place that could be loose?

 

Here's a weird thing I noticed, and I'm not sure if this is specific to the Blade or with Optimus laptops in general as it's been a very long time since I've owned one of those. I have the system connected to a high-refresh external G-Sync monitor via the mini-DisplayPort output and keep the built-in display turned off. In this configuration, moving program windows around the screen would be very jerky at any refresh rate unless I disabled transparency effects from within the OS. However, with both the internal and external displays turned on, regardless of the latter's refresh rate, window dragging is completely smooth even with transparency enabled. Anyone have an idea of why this might be the case? It's not a big deal, but I thought it was strange.

 

Yes it is something that has bugged me for a long time on all versions of Blades with Optimus. It only happens if you turn off the laptop display. If you install NVidia drivers and reboot with the same monitor configuration, it will be gone temporarily. If you find a permanent solution I would be very interested.

 

Disabling transparency effects seems to fix it. The screenshot is how to do it in Windows 10 1803, but I believe the process is the same in 1809.

 

Sorry I don’t get it, I’m using predator 1440p 165Hz, did you mean it’s laggy if you “use second screen only” display show option? Because I don’t see any lags when moving moving folder or dragging folder windows.

 

Using only the external monitor, with the Blade's built-in screen disabled, dragging windows around the desktop is jerky unless transparency effects are disabled. With both the external monitor and the notebook's built-in screen enabled, window dragging works fine even with transparency enabled.

 

That’s exactly what I understand but it’s butter smooth here, on duplicate mode sometimes I’ve to change refresh rate which automatically turn to 60Hz but on “show second screen” it’s smoother (since it’s 165Hz, better than Blade 144Hz a bit.

 

This has something to do with the Windows desktop compositor and the Intel GPU.
You can disable the Intel GPU via device manager as a workaround.

This same issue exists with eGPU as well.

 

That doesn't make sense because when the built-in display is disabled, so too is the Intel GPU, at least when an external monitor is connected via mini-DisplayPort (not sure about HDMI). Besides, disabling transparency is a better solution, IMO.

Might be something to do with the Base vs Advanced. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

On egpu you don’t have to disable iGPU only dGPU. I saw some egpu users doing this though but on Blade laptops including stealth iGPU is on. There’s Razer gpu switcher for Blade with dGPU to let the gpu switching easier.

All external display connection will make Intel Graphics option disappear (right click window) including egpu setting, though you can still see on device manager it’s on. I think it’s due io ports
that connected directly to gpu.

Then feel bad to base owners

 

For those that don't fully understand saturnotaku's described problem, I'll add some more information from my experience. When the laptop screen is disabled (Display Settings --> Show on only display 2) and you are using an external screen via HDMI, Displayport, USB-C or Thunderbolt, the desktop environment appears to be running around 30Hz visually even though it is not. This problem can occur with any Blade with Nvidia Optimus, whether or not an eGPU is connect, doesn't make a difference. Also doesn't make a difference if the dGPU is disabled and using eGPU. The problem doesn't appear when the laptop internal display is on, even if its not the primary screen. I understand there are some workarounds and band-aids, but I still haven't found the actual solution to the problem. I use only my second screen when at home and I'm forced to have the laptop display on to avoid this problem.

 

In trying to clone the 128 GB stock SSD to my 1 TB M.2 drive, the Blade would only boot into recovery mode, never back to the desktop where I last left off. As such, I just did a clean install, and that seems to be fine. Only things I lost were the Razer logo and contact phone number in Windows System Information, but whatever. Once I get everything back in order software/tweaking wise, it'll finally be time to try a few games on this thing.

 

When you clone with Windows 10 "Create a Recovery Drive", it takes the system image and puts it on a bootable USB. You go into recovery mode and install the image, its the same factory image that comes loaded onto your machine. So you still retain the desktop wallpaper and Razer info / phone number on the system details. For next time that is. Enjoy!

 

try acronos live cd to clone your disk .... or the second way is to to use DD a linux bash tool. there a many tutorials in the internet how to easy clone a whole device, bit by bit with DD ... its the saftest way to clone a disk

 

Thanks for the tips, but it was easier and faster to add the system information on my own using a program called Ultimate Windows Tweaker. I just had to recreate the Razer logo from someone's system info screenshot, which wasn't difficult. Doing it this way also saves a step of needing to install future major Windows updates separately since my machine came stock with RS4.

Here's the result. You'd never know the difference.

 

It may be optimus bug that changed refresh rate to lower Hz, it happens sometimes but you can change it back to native refresh rate from external monitor. It’s mostly due changing display mode, between extend, 2nd monitor only, or internal display that waking up optimus sensor. It’s from my experience using 4K 60Hz Monitor with Blade 14 and 1440p 165Hz plus that old 4K Monitor with Blade 15, with and without Razer Core. I’m now getting used to to 144Hz so I believe I can recognize it if it’s lag as you and @saturnotaku described.

 

Yo! Anyone having a bit of fan chirping/hum at low low speeds? I took my fan out and cleaned it but its still slightly intermittent. May need a replacement fan, but I'll wait til i hear it more frequently or louder. Room has to be dead silent to hear anything.

BTW anyone complaining about the plastic anchors/screw points ( near hinge) just glue it if it breaks and nothing else is wrong with the laptop. I used epoxy and its likely the strongest part in this computer now.

 

So far no issues with my fans making any abnormal noises.

 

There is no mistaking it - you would see it the first time you move a window around on your screen. However, it is not actually running at 30Hz - launching a game or checking display options will confirm this. Anyways I've just learned to live with it.

No issues with fan here. I did end up using Gorilla glue on my corner that broke as well, works just fine.

 

Maybe your external monitor? I just want to play game on dual monitor Nvidia surrounds view 5120x1440p, one 1440p gsync 165 and other 4K 60Hz so it’ll only output 60Hz, cannot notice it. I drag often folders and windows since I’m using dual sometimes even 4 displays (including portable usb c and Blade internal monitor) at same time.

 

No. It has been an issue since I first tried this with the Blade 6700HQ 1060 and every Blade with Optimus since. It has done this on each monitor I've tried, probably 5 or so. The issue is only when you turn off the internal laptop display (Display Settings --> Display 2 only), at no other time does it appear.

 

That's just it right there. Connect a single external monitor to your system, then disable the Blade's internal one, and see if you don't suffer from the same problem.

At least I'm not alone and this issue is not exclusive to the Blade 15. Like I said, disabling transparency is a good enough workaround, but it would be nice if there was a BIOS update or something that could address it.

 

I see I’ll notice this. Maybe my eyes getting used to this Blade external display “issue” and couldn’t catch it or get used to PS4 refresh rate (joke)
Yes I tried it yesterday and I know how to change display mode it’s my daily task, you will understand if you’re using Blade 15 not only with its dgpu but also on egpu, depends on games and works needs I change it maybe dozens time a day. I know I had issue before that somehow my external 4K changed to 30fps from moving cursor around, and i was right it was 30, and i changed it to 60 and it was butter smooth 60Hz, never look back to 30 PS4 (again joke).
I wish I can show video between 30Hz 60Hz and 144Hz windows folder and cursor move on my external monitor.

 

I really Wish razer would patch in a better EC profile there is no reason for the CPU to Power Throttle the way it does. in any game that is well optimized the cpu just completely gives up and runs around 2.7-2.9ghz and now that my AC5 repaste is fully cured my CPU sites around 78-82c. If i turn on gaming mode it sits around 76-85c and runs at my set 3.5ghz with no issue but the fans sound like im taking off for space and there is just n reason for it.... something is off and im suprised there has been no updates.

 

just checked this with Both my monitor and my tv when ever i initially plug it in yes it will feel off like its 30fps but if i sign out and sign back in everything is nice and smooth and everything works as it should.

 

Reboot your computer or power up from a shutdown with the same setup as secondary display only and see how it works. I found that reinstalling graphics drivers resolved it until reboot, I wouldn't doubt that logging in and out would be able to temporarily fix it. But it always comes back.

 

Sorry fellas, the iGPU is not disabled when using eGPU with the internal screen off, at least in my case. The issue is that either the compositor and/or some other applications will still be attached to the iGPU. This results in the symptom similar to what was originally described. That is, I click and drag a window and the motion is not smooth, no matter what refresh rate I use. This may be limited to GSync displays, I'm not sure.

I can tell you a sure fire way to work around the issue is to disable the iGPU. When I do, applications will flash to black. If I then immediately re-enable the iGPU and then disable again, there's no screen flash. That indicates to me that the iGPU was not totally disabled and at least some applications were still attached to it in some way. I suspect this is the compositor which is why turning off transparency can also fix the symptom.

 

Did I tell that I disabled iGPU... Sorry to add it’s on all display no matter it’s g sync, Free sync, and no sync, i fortunately have all of those displays. I can turning it off manually but it doesn’t bring anything performance impact on Blade and core setting and there’s potential issue as you mentioned. And on Razer gpu switcher there’s only two options between enabling dgpu and egpu.

 

You are asking for way too much. Razer just designs the case, the rest of the work is offloaded to Betty, who is completely incompetent of handling the real work associated with component design, development, integration. They are certainly not compal, clevo, or quanta.

 

According to other Prophets here and Razer Insider Forum it’s made by Foxconn I’m not quite sure though since they are quite keeping it secretly underground. Yes like Apple, designed in California made somewhere in China.
Betty is maybe only battery manufacturer name or battery model name or x girl friend from the battery founder, like they named their projects like Valerie, Fiona, Linda etc, no one know but I think their CEO tweeted that about project naming somewhere when I’m not wrong. The Betty battery is also designed maybe in big town in USA and Made somewhere in China for some Blade model, stealth for example use company called BYD and my Razer Edge tablet use Simplo Technology, again yes made somewhere in China

 

So i just got my Blade 15 Base Model and not sure what to to think yet...
There's pros and cons all around this machine.
First i have a stuck green pixel in the bottom right on the taskbar anytime i have a window anywhere near the middle of the screen. If i close it and i only have the desktop displayed, it goes away 2 times out of 3.Weird.
I tried the JsScreen fix thing and it didnt fix it.

About the build i have the issue of the lid not staying closed if the laptop is tilted, the magnet is just not strong enough to keep the laptop closed unless it's flat on a surface.

I opened it up to replace the SSD and the Ram, and after that i have a very slight gap at the front, barely noticeable but that was clearly not there before. I'll see if it can be fixed.

The keyboard is fine but a bit too bland/mushy to my taste compared to a hard hitting one on my Asus Rog but i'll get used to it i guess. The enter key though feels very different to the rest, it sounds less sturdy and more plasticky than the other ones. Bit annoyed that the numbers are under the accents on the top keys.
I'm already missing my numpad, this adds another layer of annoyance.

The usb ports are very very stiff, anytime i have to plug or unplug something i'm scared half of the laptop will come with it.No wonder there's many posts on reddit about usb casings coming off. I definitely see this happening a lot as time goes on. The audio jack is also hard to detach as is the power plug.
And i'm really not overreacting, i actually had to hold the laptop with one full hand to get it out the first few times... It's like every ports is lacking 0.05mm to feel normal. I can unplug anything with two fingers on my Asus without it feeling loose.

On the bright side, it feels very powerful, and my temps are pretty good and i haven't undervolted it yet.
I'm getting 46/47 @ idle and haven't gone over 87 in load in a few games.
I'm yet to test rendering videos and 3d scenes but it should be fine.

Overall, i like it but i feel a bit disapointed, these small issues are visible and annoying for a 1700€ machine. I definitely did not feel a "wow factor" while using it.
I'm going to use it for the next 3 weeks and see what's up at CES to decide if i keep it.
Hopefully they'll announce an RTX refresh, an XPS redesign and or an Asus Zephyrus M with thin bezels.

 

I don’t have base model maybe it’s different build quality but I doubt it. All ports and lid close is fine. I’ve also stealth that use mostly all its ports every day with monitor at work place, different usb pen drivers, core v2 at home, and it’s almost 2 years. I would return it if it feels loose.
Rtx mobile, I would keep attention first of its gpu quality. It’s maybe easy to get replacement gpu defect but on mobile it’s mostly entire MoBo, and if you see that usb casings out issue on a Blade laptops you should know Rtx cards issue on nvidia subreddit. I experienced it my self.

 

I'm not sure who they are manufactured by, but it's pretty clear Razer are cutting costs in engineering, choice of components, and support. They are putting all those vital responsibilities in the hands of people working for the bottom dollar who don't give a **** about what they do, and that's why the company is in the situation it is in. If the company's management actually gave a ****, they would stop subcontracting to the lowest bidders, take pride in the products they produce, and the company's products and reputation would see a 180.

On a related note: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/insiders-selling-razer-inc-hkg-044303612.html

 

Yeah I’m pretty sure also about that, as well with big company like Apple, Nvidia. Idk about stock share things but I saw also poeple mentioned nvidia shares down due Rtx messing, Apple idk quite sure but seemly that didn’t made good income as before due QC issues like MacBook trottling issues and iPad Pro bending issues that related with hardware choice compared previous hardware, BOE display that recently popped out due fresh rate options and FLW issues on advanced model etc, correct me if I’m wrong. I’m glad now there’s more competition from other companies to wake them up from enjoying profits. Pricing is also more Apple, stealth base was 1K and I had that model even refurbished one (v2) and never regretted my purchase, decent hardware now rocking with rtx2070, that almost reach my 1080ti egpu setting on that with around 40% cheaper gpu price. Current “2019” stealth pricing is also insane, there’s MX150 ultrabook with €500 or even almost 1K lower even lack of TB3 port. And base starts also €1,5K here. I was actually planning sell my stealth for new MX150 but considering early batch issue and price tag I would wait and see. Yes from my comment above since my Blades are still fine, at least yet and their cs still doing cool things like providing usb recovery free for my stealth ssd upgrade even not in guarantee period anymore, as costumer I’ll stick for now to Blade as my portability machines.

 

Doubt it as much as you want, i'm giving you m experience first hand. They're not loose, they're ridiculously stiff on the opposite. I have now noticed that the left side of the lid don't sit on the laptop unless you come at the back to readjust it. As if the screws were not tight enough.
I have no idea what you tried to say in your last paragraph.