Razer Blade Stealth 2019 in Microsoft Store Sydney | |
| Developer | Razer Inc. |
|---|---|
| Product family | Razer Blade |
| Type | Laptop (UltraBook) |
| Release date | 2016 January 6th (Razer Blade Stealth 2016) 2017 January (Razer Blade Stealth Early 2017)2017 December (Razer Blade Stealth Late 2017) 2019 January (Razer Blade Stealth 2019) |
| Operating system | Windows 10 home/ Windows 10 pro |
| Website | https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/razer-blade-stealth |
The Razer Blade Stealth Series is a laptop lineup from Razer Inc. It was first launched 6 January 2016 during the Consumer Electronics Show alongside the Razer Core, the external graphics box. The product won the CES 2016 Best Laptop Award for its unique design choice of detaching the powerful GPU from the main device and connecting the two via Thunderbolt 3, thus allowing users to choose either power or portability. The current lineup consists of 5 versions of this laptop - 2016, early 2017, late 2017, 2019, and 2020 models - and 3 versions of the Razer Core - Razer Core V1, Razer Core V2, and Razer Core X.[1]
The Razer Core V2 will work best with the Razer Blade. The question is Thunderbolt 3 PCIe lanes that are accessible. I know that the Alienware Graphics Amplifier provides 4x PCIe lanes direct to the CPU through the proprietary connector, whereas the Razer Core V2 gets 4x PCIe lanes through the MOBO via TB3 on a Razer Blade. The Razer Core V2 ($499.99) is a refinement on the original Core, the first Thunderbolt 3-based graphics enclosure. The latest version, which we're reviewing here, is similar, but has more.
History[edit]
Razer started with developing gaming mouse, then 2012, they started their first step toward gaming laptop with Razer blade (2012), which contains game oriented graphics, macro programmable keyboards and touchscreen touchpad.[2] Razer refreshed the product in 2014 with a similar design to ordinary laptops. In 2016, the company launched Razer blade stealth. The device was no longer following a trend of installing gaming graphic cards, but instead, attach a mobile Intel U processor and amplify the graphics performance by the external graphic box.[3]
Razer Blade Stealth (2016)[edit]
Launch[edit]
Launched in CES 2016, got a design award. Launched with a price of US$999, for a QHD model.[4]
Hardware[edit]
Thunderbolt 3 support[edit]
Razer blade stealth's power plug supports Thunderbolt 3 supports with 4 lanes of PCI Express.[5] It is like a USB, but with much quicker respond speed. Therefore, it is capable of receiving 10gpbs of speed with external hardware that is connected with the laptop such as external graphics card box. The concept of external graphics was started from dell Alienware series. However, it required specific hardware called Alienware graphics amplifying box,[6] which doesn't use Thunderbolt 3. Hence, many tech reviews and CES teams are suggesting that this is not versatile compared to Razer's solution.
Razer Chroma and Synapse software support[edit]
Razer blade stealth supports full Chroma lightning with Razer Synapse software.[7] Chroma lighting is a unique show light features on mouse and keyboard of all the Razer products. The keyboard in Razer blade also features identical experience with other Razer Chroma devices. The device comes with pre-installed Razer Synapse software and the software supports key clicks, Macro creating and other features that are supported within other Razer Keyboards.
Variants (2016 model)[edit]
| CPU | Graphics | RAM | Screen | Storage | Connectivity | Camera | Weight | Size | |
| UHD version | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-6500U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 16GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 3840X2160 UHD+ 4K | 256 or 512GB PCIe M.2 | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | 2MP built-in webcam | 2.84 pounds | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
| QHD version | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-6500U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 8GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 12.5 inch QHD+ (2560 X1440) | 128GB SSD or 256 GB SSD PCle M.2 | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | 2MP built in webcam | 2.84 lb (1.29 kg) | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
Reception[edit]
Razer blade got a Best of CES 2016 winner title. According to the article, it is due to their work with Razer Chroma lighting, Thunderbolt 3 support and unique design compare to other competitors like dell Dell XPS 13 and LG Gram.[8]
PC mag editor's choice for 2016. PC mag editor Matthew Buzzi gave 4.5 out of 5 ratings for Razer Blade Stealth. 'Sleek design' with 'premium material', 'high-resolution touch display was the advantages' and 'shallow key travel' was the only disadvantage.[9]
Razer Blade Stealth (Early 2017, Late 2017)[edit]
Launch[edit]
Early 2017 variants were launched during CES and late 2017 was launched online only.[10]
Hardware[edit]
Early 2017[edit]
Updated with Intel 7th gen CPU. Another Variant with core i5 to reduce the price. Core i5 version retails at around US$900 and still have the same specification with another model, except the CPU processor.[11] Also, the touchpad was improved by supporting windows precision driver setting as a default. Therefore, it supports windows touchpad gestures.
Late 2017[edit]
Refreshed with 13-inch screen from 12.5, by reducing the side bezel. Late 2017 comes with two colors, which is gunmetal color and black with green Razer logo.
Late 2017 comes with same form factors with Early 2017 and CPU upgrade from 7th gen Intel i7 CPU to 8th get Intel i7 CPU.[12]
Variants (Early 2017)[13][edit]
| CPU | Graphics | RAM | Screen | Storage | Connectivity | Camera | Weight | Size | |
| UHD version | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-7500U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 16GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 3840X2160 UHD+ 4K | 256 or 512GB PCIe M.2 | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | 2MP built-in webcam | 2.84 pounds 1.28 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
| QHD version | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7—7500U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 8GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 12.5 inch QHD+ (2560 X1440) | 128GB SSD, 256 GB SSD | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | 2MP built in webcam | 2.84 pounds 1.28 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
| core i5 version[14] | 2.7 GHz intel Core i5—7200U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 8GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 12.5 inch QHD+ (2560 X1440) | 128GB SSD, 256 GB SSD | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | 2MP built in webcam | 2.84 pounds 1.28 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
Variants (Late 2017)[15][edit]
| CPU | Graphics | RAM | Screen | Storage | Connectivity | Chroma Keyboard | Weight | Size | |
| Late 2017 (Black) | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-8550U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 16GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 3200×1800 QHD+ IGZO 13.3 inch | 256 GB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 1 TB SSD | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | Yes. Individually backlit (RGB) keys with green lit RAZER logo on lid. | 2.84 pounds 1.28 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
| Late 2017 (Gun metal) | 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-8550U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 16GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 3200×1800 QHD+ IGZO 13.3 inch | 256 GB SSD, 512 GB SSD, 1 TB SSD | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | No. Individually backlit (white) keys with etched RAZER logo on lid. | 2.84 pounds 1.28 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
Razer Blade Stealth (2019)[edit]
Launch[edit]
The 2019 model of Razer Blade Stealth was announced on CES 2019, which was held on 8 January 2019.
Hardware[edit]
Razer refreshed the design of Razer Blade stealth toward more unique design then before. Also, the design language now fits with their Razer Blade 15 lineup. There is no longer a glowing green LED Razer logo behind the laptop led and does not support Razer Chroma, but instead single light zone keyboard. The display bezel was shrunk down to have a 14 inch screen on a 13 inch form factor. The touchpad was updated from plastic finish to glass finish.
Blade Stealth's camera now supports IR bio-metrics. Hence, it will support windows hello functionality.
One of the variant is using MX150 graphics card, which can perform about 30% better than the 8th gen Intel's internal graphics. Thus, 2019 model can play light game and show better video editing performance without the external Razer Core.
Variants (2019)[edit]
| CPU | Graphics | RAM | Screen | Storage | Connectivity | Chroma Keyboard | Weight | Size | |
| 2019 Base Model
| 2.7 GHz intel Core i7-8550U | Intel HD graphics 620 | 8GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 1920 X 1080 FHD 13.3 inch | 256 GB SSD | Killer Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 SSDPorts: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C (Thunderbolt 3), 1 x HDMI 2.0, headset jack | Single zone RGB | 2.82 lbs 1.27 kg | 12.6 x 8.1 x 0.52 inches (W x D x H) |
| 2019 Graphics Model
| NVIDIA Geforce MX150 | 16GB RAM (LDDR3-1866MHZ) soldered on to the memory board | 2.89 lbs 1.31 kg | ||||||
| 2019 Graphics Model 4K
| 3840 X 2160 4K 13.3 inch | 512 GB SSD | 3.04 lbs 1.38 kg | ||||||
| Late 2019 Graphics Model
| Quad-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (Max-Q) | 16GB RAM (LPDDR4 3733MHz) dual-channel onboard memory (Fixed) | 1920 X 1080 FHD 13.3 inch | 512 GB SSD | Wi-Fi 6 - Intel Wireless-AX 201 (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | 3.13lbs 1.42kg | 11.99 x 8.27 x 0.60 inches (W x D x H) |
Razer Graphic Amplifier Review
Razer Core[edit]
Razer Core is Thunderbolt 3 powered External graphics card container. This box can be directly connected to the computer and supports lacking graphics power of the laptop. Razer Blade Stealth does not have a dedicated GPU (Intel U series). However, the device can be connected to Razer Core to play the game.
The core is a GPU mounter. Therefore, it does not come with the graphics card itself. The variation of GPU that can be mounted to the core is as following.
Razer Core V1[edit]
Razer core V1 was introduced in CES 2016 and launched month after the event. It was retailed at $499 USD. Device can store full length double wide PCle desktop graphics card, including AMD and Nvidia graphic cards.
Razer core contains 4 USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet port and thunderbolt connection to connect with laptop.
| Connections | Max GPU Size | Size | Weight | Razer Chroma | Power Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Core V1 | Thunderbolt 3 External Graphics PCle Connection 4 USB 3.0 | 310mm (Depth) X 152 mm (Height) X 44mm (Width) | 353 mm Length/ 105 mm width/ 220 mm Height | 4.94 kg | Yes (Bottom of the box) | 500 Watts |
Razer Core V2[edit]
Razer core V2 introduced with Late 2017 version of Razer Blade Stealth. The V2 fixed one of the major issue of the V1, which is USB 3.0 does not work well when they use GPU intensive program. It is because V1 was using one PCle line for both of the connection (USB and thunderbolt). From the V2, they are using separate Pcle line for the two connections. Thus, it performs much more reliably.
Furthermore, now the box can handle bigger size GPU by enlarging the size of the enclosure to improve the future upgradability.
| Connections | Max GPU Size | Size | Weight | Razer Chroma | Power Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Core V2 | Thunderbolt 3 External Graphics Two PCle Connection 4 USB 3.0 | 11.81 x 1.69 x 5.71 inch | 353 mm Length/ 105 mm width/ 220 mm Height | 4.94 kg | Yes (Bottom of the box) | 500 Watts |
Razer Core X[edit]
Razer Core X was launched to the market at the end of 2018. Retailed at price of $299 USD. The specification of product is unchanged from the Core V2. However, Razer Chroma Lightning is gone to reduce the price, as well as the 4 USB 3.0 ports and Gigabit Ethernet.
Razor Graphics Amplifier
| Connections | Max GPU Size | Size | Weight | Razer Chroma | Power Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Core X | Thunderbolt 3 External Graphics Two PCle Connection | 11.81 x 1.69 x 5.71 inch | 353 mm Length/ 105 mm Width/ 220 mm Height | 4.94 kg | No | 650 Watts |
Razer Core X Chroma[edit]
Razer Core X Chroma was launched to the market on April 16th, 2019. Retailed at price of $399 USD. Comes with 4x USB 3.1 and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
| Connections | Max GPU Size | Size | Weight | Razer Chroma | Power Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Core X Chroma | Thunderbolt 3 External Graphics Two PCIe Connection 4 USB 3.1 Gigabit Ethernet | 12.99 x 2.24 x 6.29 inch | 374 mm Length/ 168 mm Width/ 230 mm Height | 6.91 kg | Yes | 700 Watts |
References[edit]
Razer Core Egpu
- ^'Laptops | Official Razer Support'. support.razer.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- ^'About Razer'. www.razer.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- ^Ackerman, Dan. 'Razer Blade Stealth review: A fully equipped, great-looking laptop for less than you'd think'. CNET. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- ^Ackerman, Dan. 'Razer Blade Stealth review: A fully equipped, great-looking laptop for less than you'd think'. CNET. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^'Razer Blade Stealth 12.5' (2016) - Intel 6500U | Official Razer Support'. support.razer.com. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^'Alienware Graphics Amplifier | Dell Australia'. Dell. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^'Ultrabook Buyer's Guide: Best Laptops for External GPU'. eGPU.io. 2019-01-10. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^'Presenting the Best of CES 2016 winners!'. Engadget. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^Buzzi, By Matthew; March 1, 2016 10:18AM EST; March 1, 2016. 'Razer Blade Stealth (QHD, Early 2016)'. PCMAG. Retrieved 2019-05-16.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- ^Gartenberg, Chaim (2017-06-14). 'Razer grows up with the updated Razer Blade Stealth'. The Verge. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^Buzzi, By Matthew; February 7, 2017 2:02PM EST; February 7, 2017. 'New Razer Blade Stealth (Intel Core i5, Early 2017)'. PCMAG. Retrieved 2019-05-16.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- ^Buzzi, By Matthew; October 23, 2017 3:15PM EST; October 23, 2017. 'Razer Blade Stealth (Late 2017)'. PCMAG. Retrieved 2019-05-16.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
- ^'Razer Blade Stealth 13' (2017) - Intel 7500U | Official Razer Support'. support.razer.com. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^Hinum, Stefan. 'Razer Blade Stealth QHD, Intel Core i5-7200U'. Notebookcheck. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
- ^'Razer Blade Stealth 13' (2017) - Intel 8550U | Official Razer Support'. support.razer.com. Retrieved 2019-05-16.
Razer hits CES with a trio of new products aimed at gamers, today announcing the Razer Blade Stealth, the Razer Core, and the Razer Stargazer webcam.
The Blade Stealth is an ultraportable, the newest system in Razer's high-end Blade line of gaming laptops. The Core, a plug-and-play external desktop graphics enclosure, can be connected to the Blade Stealth through a single Thunderbolt 3 cable to boost its gaming power. The Stargazer is an advanced webcam meant to enhance streaming quality and features, offering background removal, high frame rate capture, and more.
As an ultraportable, the aluminum Stealth is the smallest notebook in the Blade line with its 12.5-inch screen, 0.52 inch thickness, and 2.75 pound weight. The touch display is available at QHD (2,560-by-1,440 resolution) or 4K (3,840-by-2,160 resolution), with a direct-to-consumer model that allows for multiple configurations. The system packs a sixth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of memory, up to 512GB (for 4K models) of PCIe solid-state drive storage, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 520. For connectivity, there's Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, and individually backlit keys bring 16.8 million customizable color options. The Blade Stealth will start at $999, and the most expensive configuration will top out at $1,599. It will ship directly from Razer later this month, while Microsoft stores will begin selling it in February.
Given the integrated graphics, the Stealth is really only capable as a hardcore gaming system when used with the Razer Core graphics amplifier. The device can house virtually any desktop AMD or Nvidia GPU, with an easy-install setup, and can output to an external 4K display. This also extends the life of the laptop, as you can swap in a newer graphics card in the future to keep up with the latest games.
The concept is similar to the Alienware Graphics Amplifier from earlier this year: both offer support for both AMD and Nvidia cards, four USB ports, the ability to push visuals to an external display, and are close to the same size. The Core's design is a bit more simplified, with just a single screw needed to secure the card and standard USB-C connection rather than Alienware's proprietary cable, which can only be used with Alienware's laptops. The Core's price has not yet been announced, but it will begin shipping in the first half of 2016.
The Razer Stargazer is built for consistent streamers who want to improve their quality and options. Able to capture at 60 frames per second (fps) at 720p and 30fps at 1080p, the Stargazer includes what Razer calls Dynamic Background Removal, able to replace the need for a real green screen setup. It includes Intel's RealSense technology, which allows the camera to separate the foreground from the background (streamers often use this technique to place live cutouts of themselves over the gameplay footage being streamed). The camera is also capable of face and object 3D scanning out of the box, as well as facial and gesture recognition, which can be used to sign in with Windows Hello. The Razer Stargazer will be available later this year for $199.99.
Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions of the trio new Razer products here at CES.