Gaming centric PCs and accessories maker Razer has updated it signature 14-inch Ultrabook, the Razer Blade. The firm claims the Blade's specs are "improved across the board from its predecessor," and this 2016 edition will be cheaper too. Specification highlights include upgraded core performance components such as; an Intel Skylake Core i7 processor, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M. The storage, connectivity and displays are also all improved. Considering the powerful components within, this machine retains its attractive qualities of slimness and portability.
Razer Blade 2016 specifications:
- Intel Core i7-6700HQ Quad-Core Processor (2.6GHz / 3.5GHz)
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M (6GB GDDR5 VRAM)
- 16GB Systems Memory (DDR4, 2133 MHz)
- Windows 10 64-bit
- 256GB / 512GB SSD (PCIe M.2) options
- 14.0-in. IGZO QHD+ 16:9 Ratio, 3200x1800, with LED backlight, capacitive multi-touch
- Anti-ghosting keyboard with per-key lighting Powered by Chroma
- Killer Wireless-AC 1535 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.1)
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- USB 3.0 port x3 (SuperSpeed)
- HDMI 1.4b video and audio output
- 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo port
- Built-in webcam (2.0 MP)
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Array microphone
- Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater Edition
- 7.1 Codec support (via HDMI)
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) security chip embedded
- Razer Synapse enabled with programmable keyboard, trackpad, backlighting, and fan control
- Kensington security slot
- Compact 165W power adapter
- Built-in 70Wh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery
- Approx. Size: 0.70 in. / 17.9 mm (Height) x 13.6 in. / 345 mm (Width) x 9.3 in. / 235 mm (Depth)
- Approx. Weight: 4.25 lbs. / 1.93 kg
All Razer Blade models now come equipped with a 3200x1800 pixel QHD+ display from the Sharp IZGO stable. The specs above say that the screen offers capacitive multitouch but I am not sure whether that's optional or not. The combination of Intel Core i7-6700HQ plus Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M with 6GB of DDR5 RAM may be sufficient for native resolution gaming, but of course that depends upon the game's demands and your quality settings. When not gaming, for instance, your system can save power by using the built-in Intel graphics thanks to Nvidia Optimus.
Other important upgrades in the new Razer Blade are the DDR4 RAM (16GB equipped), the PCIe SSD and a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port. Like the Razer Blade Stealth, the new Razer Blade can connect to external graphics solutions, such as the Razer Core, via this port. Razer's flagship laptop is still 17.9mm thick but lighter than last year's model at 1.93Kg. The screen and internals are housed in a CNC-milled aircraft grade aluminium chassis. Its anti-ghosting keyboard equipped is graced by individually backlit RGB keys which are powered and synchronised by Razer Chroma.
Pre-orders for the new Razer Blade are now open at RazerStore.com, with fulfilment expected in April. There are just two configurations selectable at this time, the U.S. $1,999 model with a 256GB PCIe SSD, and the U.S. $2,199 model with a 512GB PCIe SSD.
