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

Yeah went right through.

Didn't stop the freezing track pad after waking from sleep though

 

I experienced something weird on my Blade. When earphones are plugged in, I get an initial cracking sound for the first time I open something or start a video/music. Like the sound is on sleep and wakes up. As long as the sound runs, there is no issue at all and the quality is all fine. I've already updated the latest realtek drivers, however I use Windows High Definition Audio drivers, because in my opinion the realtek ones sound a little flat compared to the windows ones. I've tested it with the Realtek drivers working and the issue still persists. I realized that the Windows HDA was already working when I received the Blade, so it was pre-configured as well.
The issue is that this cracking sound almost hurts in my ears, because it is much louder than the sound volume is set to.
It would be great to hear about similar experiences from some of you, and perhaps someone was able to fix it without sending it back to Razer.

 

Ok, for all that have the same issue, I probably found a solution. I digged a bit deeper and realized that I the installed Realtek HD Audio Dolby APO didn't have the cracking, however the sound was really flat, no bass and noisy highs. With the Windows HDA driver I had nice sound quality, but always the cracking when starting a sound file or after a while the sound output ended. So I tried something different and went to the window for selecting drivers manually and unchecked the box "show only compatible drivers". Then I selected Realtek and there was only one other driver available, "Realtek High Definition Audio (SST)". I chose it and now - I don't know why - I have the same nice sound qualita as with Windows HDA and no cracking as with the original Realtek Dolby APO driver.

 

Hey guys just got my RB15 with the rtx2070mq and loving it so far. Just undervolted it to cool it down, but wanted to know what everyone's thoughts are on the best drivers to use for the GPU? I'm currently using the stock drivers that came pre-installed.

 

Update it with nvidia experience or manually download from nvidia website to optimize the new titles.

 

Thanks for your response. Will give those drivers a go.

 

Hey guys, kind of a long post ahead, sorry in advance.

So last Thursday I went to Best Buy and got an absolute STEAL on a 2018 Advanced Blade with the 1060. It was a shelf display but they allowed me to set it up and check things like battery health and SSD performance given it was probably never powered down whilst on display (6-8 months). They're on clearance right now for approx 1800 USD, I got it for $1071 USD. I know, crazy discount!

So day 1 with it was mostly spent admiring its design and overall top notch build quality. Other than that I quickly, like almost all of you, realized just how loud and hot the thing gets.
That's where this thread came in; my immediate thought was to repaste (again from the fact that it was a shelf display), so I took to youtube and found Assault's breakdown and repasted with AS5.

With an additional -120 undervolt via XLT I had SOME success, 3-4 C which I was almost happy with, but then I started to research CPU degradation from overheating and wanted to get it under 82ish C full load. With following a video that Assault linked (Address that HOT i7-8750H) and doing a couple small things I thought of like limiting all cores turbo to 35x and propping the laptop up some, I achieved it and am finally happy, but not to say I didn't heavily consider LM for a bit, which I still may.

My question for you guys now, is what are the chances the 2019 advanced heatsink would work on the 2018 advanced? I know it's different, but satisfy my curiosity if you can. Also, I got a super low score on Firestrike, but I'm going to work on that some more myself before bringing it to this table. Any small tips and tricks would be awesome, thanks in advance!

P.S. I never thought I could read through 125+ pages in one night but wow am I full of Razer Blade knowledge now lol.

Thanks guys

 

I'm severely disappointed and upset with Razer this week. I've always supported their products and services until this week or this past few months. Long story short I've converted from a Gamer to an everday user a Mac like user I mean I've just been working my office job and tracking my cars and working in the garage on tuning my cars and then talking to my girlfriend as I have long distance relationship and we need to video conference from time to during the weekdays.

But basically the Camera's flat out do not work on the Razer Blade 15 Advanced (First Edition, pre Windows Hello)

Initially my system's camera flat out didn't even work it didn't even turn on. I made the foolish assumption that Camera's are simple I mean the one on my Iphone works flawlessly, but not the case when it comes to laptops apparently. So Razer decided to replace the camera and the screen. Except the stock levels for them were non-existent. So I'm on like a 3 week wait as I approach Tax Season and barely made it...

Razer decided to send me a Refurbished laptop of the same specs after 3-4 weeks. Fine, I got a new system so everything should be good right? Nope... Camera Freeze both in Skype and in Windows Settings. Contact Razer Support yesterday and I'm told that it's a software bug and that they're working on fixing it but I have to wait until they can patch it appropriately. I mean WTF? What the Serious F? Bios is 1.06 and from the looks of it this is plagued issue across may First Edition Blade 15 Advanced Models.

I'll post an image of my chat because I couldn't believe what I was reading, it's just absurd.. We are talking about a camera here a camera to do video conferencing. At this stage if you can't get that right, why are you even trying to compete or leverage your products against Macbooks? I'm just lost as to why basic functions like this are so hard for them to do. I'm certain others out there will have issues it's just that they won't/don't video conference.

 

That is very strange, because mine works fine. My Razer is pre Windows Hello as well. Long Video-Skype-Sessions are no problem. However, I don't know whether there is a difference between the two models, maybe there is.

 

On Monday I'll post images of my conversation with Razer Support as they're on my work machine. It's not that the support was bad or anything in fact it's pretty decent now its just that for them to say it's a known issues among this particular model and that nothing can be done until a software patch is released from Engineering is just... Ewwww..

 

Same here 2018 early batch model, use often web cam for Skype things and sometimes for fun recording myself playing guitar lol. But yes I saw some users reporting webcam defect, maybe due hardware that’s put in such tiny frame or maybe heat on webcam cable that cross over heatsink?

 

I really hope they used the right materials for the cable, As long if it can handle temps up to 90c it should be fine. I do suspect they used some form of insulation. But the rubbing of the cable when opening and closing the screenlid might be a factor.

I couldnt find any long term usage cases where the cable was damaged though. Saw a lot of posts that the webcam didnt work but no reason why that was.

 

I mean I bought the 1060 Advanced model for this exact reason to avoid heat to destroy components within the system and I made the assumption that the 1060 has been around for a while so surely thermals for that particular card should be a walk in the park. I bought the Core to go along with my system and thought I had a perfect setup. I have a perfect setup for gaming but for everyday computing I don't quite have it.

To have the issues I've had on a simple Camera Video Conference since August of 18 until now is somewhat inexcusable. If you go through my posts in the history I've been fair and supporting Razer this whole time until now because simply enough is enough. To have 2 laptops and now just a wait period to get my Camera to work just infuriates me. If they don't get this resolved by this August it'll be 1 year.

Sorry again I don't mean to turn this thread or this post into a rant, but it's quite frustrating.

 

No it’s great to sharing your experience so other users can now the possibility issue on their unit. Just got Skype important meeting I would also be xxxxxx if the camera didn’t work. Damn it’s long enough issue you had, I would probably send it and getting new one if they can’t repair it.

 

I'm more then likely going to sell my laptop and purchase the 17 inch Razer when it comes out later this month. I'm doing this primarily because I have a 15 inch Macbook Pro and I'll probably just end up using the macbook more then the razer while on the go and doing my everyday computing.

It's just unfortunate because Razer really almost got there, they came real damn close to making the perfect notebook but missed on this note. I say miss because if other people are complaining about it also (As noted above) and I've had 2 that missed that's more then enough to convince me that they missed here.

Anyone who doesn't have problems consider yourself Lucky, Very Lucky...

 

Mine was with TurboBoost off since first week of ownership, temps didn't go above 72°C ever since and still camera and microphone died on 3rd month. Doesn't look like a temp issue. Someone said the same issue persists on 2019 rtx models as well...

Also had to wait for 4 weeks for it to be repaired. And guess what? They fixed issue but lost a one screw in the gpu fan - it stacked and locked the fan)))) Hopefully fan works and now I have a spare bottom cover screw...

 

Havent found any 2019 issue sonline yet. But I will keep my eye out. I really wonder what causes these webcam modules to die.

 

Here is one for instance (mercury white, rtx 2070 model). And there were more - just can't find the general topic for mic/camera issue on reddit.

 

About your web cam issue, did they provide you Bios 1.07? Apparently some users with webcam issues got fix with this bios update from support, it’s not official yet (on website latest is still 1.05).
Yeah I am very lucky, 11 months no issues whatsoever....Maybe very very lucky as well since before my old Blade 14 was also doing great.

 

Yepp, I have bois 1.07 and ec 1.03. The guy from support sent me the link to the bios update after reset failed to solve the issue (before it was 1.06).
By the way, seems like razer have few iterations of that camera ribbon. Mine was 2.0 and they replaced it for the same revision.

Maybe you are... Wonders do happen.

 

Hmm that is not reassuring to read....

 

Bios 1.07 here hopefully this helps someone: https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.1.0_C1-BIOSv0107.exe

It seems to have resolved my camera issues further testing to be done in the next couple of days.So far so good...

 

Seems to be fixed seems like i will wait a little longer perhaps on getting that 17 inch Razer Blade Pro (2019)

 

where did you get that ? its not on the support page, and is it 100% confirmed to be for the 2018 advanced model without rtx graphics ?

 

This’s from unit that you purchase recently or from cs mail, official one still 1.05, dunno why. Maybe it fix some software bugs which I don’t have yet on my 1.05.

Lol literally it happens continuously from my Blade 14 2015 and 2017, Old devices as well MacBook Pro, Blade stealth, Razer tablet, Qosmio, Vaio. Got bad luck though recently on rtx GPUs and other Laptops last year and in 2015 which didn’t last a month gaming usage...****s does happen as well.

 

wait official is 1.05 ? i have 1.06 installed on my device lol

 

When did you get it? Mine was from early batch, black vapor chamber. I saw last time it states on this, still 1.05. I heard some new units comes with 1.06 though.

 

To those who wants to check the differences in different bios versions or try to update, here is part of email from support gentleman (in responce to my camera/mic issue, which wasn't a software fault unfortunately) with links (all together).
Disclaimer: I installed the 1.07 from there to my laptop, but pay attention that it may not be applicable to yours - the guy from support asked for a S/N of my laptopl. I doubt that it was for enything else except for making a support case, but it may happen as well that Razer has different bios versions for different batches of laptops produced):

Available BIOS Updates
Please only use the most recent updater, other updaters are listed for reference and a running list of issues addressed.

BIOS update 1.07
http://rzr.to/jmHyG
--Adjust CPU latency for camera stability
--Fix issue where camera app hang

BIOS update 1.06
https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.1.0_C1-BIOSv0106.exe
--Fixes issue with Razer Chroma Laptop Stand intermittently disconnecting and reconnecting.
--Updated to Enhance Battery Charging

BIOS update 1.05
https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.0.8_C1-BIOSv0105-v4.exe
--Adds support for system touchpad to work in Linux (Ubuntu) OS

BIOS update 1.03
https://dl.razer.com/drivers/BladeC1/RazerUpdater_v1.1.0.7_C1-BIOSv0103.exe
--Fixes USB Hubs frequent disconnecting

 

early batch aswell with black vapor chamber, never send in.. but i once updated it cause there was a new updater in the download section .. ( atleast that means official up to date version for me .. might be that this dosent count as official for you )

 

It states 1.05 right on official support website? I didn’t update my bios quite a while only did when I really need it or accidentally lol. I didn’t also em intel update yet, use mostly for gaming nothing private a bit paperwork.

 

Hey guys. I've had my RB15 for just over a week now and have started noticing the laptop makes a little "clicking" sound whenever the fans start to kick in. Kind of reminiscent of HDDs when they make a clicking sound (just not as loud).

Just wanted to know if this sound is normal? I did just replace the SSD in my unit with a Samsung EVO Plus 970 1Tb So hoping that I didn't screw something up.

Also on a side note, coil whine is somewhat present - anything that can be done from a user side to reduce it?

 

Upload the sound or video so we can see if it’s normal or not.

 

Sure thing, shall do that later tonight. Thanks

 

Not my video but pretty much doing the same thing. It sound like a squeeky sounding click whenever the fan ramps up and turns on.



Reproducible everytime I manually turn on the fan in Razer Synapse (when fans are initially inactive/off).

 

May be the debris in the fan or noisy fan bearing, or something else... Was that sound before the ssd replacement? Are you sure that sound in not coming from the speakers? The easiest way is to open the bottom and see what's wrong.

 

I've opened it up and sprayed compressed air into the fans. Don't see any dist or debris anywhere.

Not sure if the sound was there before the SSD install but I only just noticed it afterwards.

Do you guys have the same sound occuring?

 

Could be PWM noise. PWM fans tend to make a highe rpitched sound when turning on. Not sure if the Razer blade has PWM fans though, But most laptops have these days.

 

That would answer my question about high pitch sound, on max rpm right? And googled a bit about this on this on low speed some may bring clicking sound which may be @huey85 issue. Then I think Blade use also pwm fans.

 

I'm pretty sure they use PWM fans too as there is relatively fine grain control over the speed of the fans.

I don't hear any "high pitched" noise when the fans turn on, only that mechanical "clicking" sound before the fans start to spin up. Can anyone please try manually turn on their fans using Synapse and see if there is any sounds that are made before the fans kick in? The fans need to be off first beforehand and only really noticeable in a dead-quiet environment.

There is no clicking sound when the fans are spinning, but after the fans turn off again and then kick in again the sound will occur.

 

Hey guys, just wanted to give another update on my more or less solved sound issue. I few pages ago, I described an issue with my sound, hearing some cracking each time I started a sound output or some time after it ended. I solved this issue by installing a not compatible Realtek (SST) driver. I then found out that this driver apparently does not support the combo headphone jack, so I was only able to use the Razer's internal microphone. To test this, I reinstalled the Windows High Definition sound driver, and strangely the cracking sound was gone and I was able to use the headphone's microphone again. So I guess, you can assume that it was a driver problem. Apparently two drivers got in each other's way and caused the problem.
Recently I had a Windows update. After this update the cracking occurred again. So I used the same approach. First the Realtek SST driver was installed and then the Windows High Definition sound driver. And what should I say. Once again the cracking was gone. Strangely enough this only works with exactly this installation order and only with the incompatible Realtek SST driver. If I install the normal Realtek driver first and then the Windows High Definition one, the problem remains.
Maybe some of you have a similar problem and can use my findings. Just didn't want to leave it unmentioned.

 

I checked it, 4 wires per fan, that would indicate that they are PWM fans. I do hear some PWM whistling on the highest fan speeds in my unit. Only a very mild clicking sound when they spin up. Very similar to the PWM fans of my old Alienware 15 R2.

 

Thanks, mine is also only a very mild clicking sound before the fans kick in. Puts my mind at ease a bit more. I think I'm just used to laptop fans just kicking in without any noise (apart from the fans spinning)..

 

Those with 8750H CPU, if you have spare time could you post your CPU avg. temperature while set to *Gaming Mode + Fan 100%*, without any Turbo Boost limit and Prime 95 set as below?



I would be grateful as I'm trying to collect some samples.

 

Here is with -130mV undervolting around 10 minutes more (HWinfo opened later)

 

well .. i guess it had to come someday .. just realised that my webcam is dead .. ( i know it worked like a month ago ) althoug i never use it, i would like to get it back working ... its completly not detected not in devicemanager etc ... i dont even seem to have a driver installed cause even under disconnected devices etc its not showing any webcam devices .. does anyone have the correct model number and information what driver it uses ? maybe windows killed the driver and is not detecting the cam now, or whatever ..

 

Driver is 10.0.17763.404, it is ditected as USB camera from microsoft, maybe also some loose connection, try check the tiny wire that cross over vapor chamber beside display wire.

 

Check for the "unknown usb devices" in device manager - your camera may be one of those. Does your microphone works? For my mic/camera issue support guy sent me the bios 1.07 update as a possible solution software solution.
Why those geniuses didn't do with display/camera ribbon the same as they did in base model???

And my question: did anyone already upgraded RAM for RB15 2018 model to 32GB? Which kit did you use and did you have to reduce undervolt values by much?
On reddit threads on RAM the kit from Kingston (hyperX or something like that) with 2666mhz and cl15 was suggested. Maybe anyone has tested already 3000/3200mhz sticks on gtx model? Any opinion appreciated...

 

already checked the cable .. it is connected correctly .. i also put a bit pressure onto the connector, incase the contacts inside just got to loose to clamp onto the pads on the cable , but that also didnt work

mic also dosent work, same goes for the screen brightness sensor ( as it dosent even show anymore in windows and it looks like its connected to the cam module since its directly beside the camera) ... and i found the device or to be precise devices, that use that exact driver .. they are under not connected devices, and have the same driver like @Joikansai already mentioned, but the state was port reset failed, ( propably because the cam is not connected .. or the pc thinks its not .. ) i guess that the cable broke somewhere, worst case would be broken mainboard ... if its only the cable or the cam, i could change it myself when i dont get to send it in , in time .. i also dont know what they say about my diy work to reinforce and fix the brackets that break on the 15 inch models .. https://imgur.com/a/YWXRAdo

 

Give it a try - contact razer chat support and try to eliminate software-based error (bios update), may be it will solve the problem. Will take you 10 min instead of RMA-caused 1 month waiting time. As for hinges cover mod, I think they will just replace them for new ones or won't pay attention at all.
The mic/camera ribbon is replaceble (there are the same ribbons' locks under the screen as on the motherboard), but you'd have to un-attach the screen bezel cover (which seems fragile and sticked with double sided tape). And more important and harder to do - find the replacement ribbon and remove the tape that holds both screen and camera ribbons together (this one is glued well, so you may damage the screen cable in the process and get yourself in a deeper problems). But if you'd do it yourself - do as many photos as you can. Many of us will appreciate the DIY instructions on that.

 

unless they have a higher bios than 1.07, i already have the newest installed, i also reverted back to 1.05 and 1.06 ( wich i dumped before updating ) , as for the bezel, i suspected the glue to be trash when heated up, i still remember the blade and blade stealth models loosing their screen an bezel cause they heated up during gaming .. i tried to heat the top part where the cam is an voilla , i was able to easily lift up that part ( that shouldnt be a problem to get it removed, . the screen itself seems to be screwed in cause i was 4 screws while i had the camera portion lifted a bit.

and yea i already contacted support .. bad thing is i cannot give my device away for long .. i need it almost every day in university .. 1 week is already hard enough . and i cant buy a replacement laptop for that time .. i hope that they can help me out and guarantee some stuff .. ( the repaircenter is 20km away from me .. i could drive there , let them replace it and take it back right away , incase they allow it ) i also contacted amazon ( thats where i got it ) and asked them if they can replace it although its far beyond the 30day replacement window