Is the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 Still Worth It for Gamers?
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 was once a top contender in the gaming laptop market, known for its balance between power and portability.
But as gaming technology rapidly advances, you might be wondering if this older model is still worth it for gamers today.
Let’s break it down by looking at its specifications, features, performance, and whether it still holds up.
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 was celebrated for its sleek design, powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics card.
It offered a 144Hz display, which was a significant feature for competitive gaming. Despite being several years old, this laptop still has much to offer, especially for gamers who value portability without compromising on performance.
Specifications:
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a well-rounded gaming laptop that excels in several key areas, making it a compelling choice for gamers even today. Here’s a detailed look at its features:
Performance:
Equipped with an Intel Core i7 8750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GT1070 Max-Q graphics card. The Razer Blade 15 2018 offers excellent performance.
It can handle modern games at high settings with ease, providing smooth gameplay and fast load times. The 16 GB of DDR4 RAM further ensures that multitasking and running demanding applications is seamless.
Display:
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is perfect for gaming. The high refresh rate allows for smooth and responsive visuals, especially in fast-paced games where every frame counts.
The display also boasts good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work.
Build Quality and Design:
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is known for its sleek and sturdy design. The chassis is made from high-quality aluminium, giving it a premium feel and durability.
Despite its powerful hardware, the laptop is relatively thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The overall aesthetics are clean and modern, with Razer’s signature green backlit logo on the lid.
Cooling System:
The laptop employs a sophisticated cooling system with dual fans and a vapor chamber to manage heat efficiently.
This ensures that the device remains cool even during extended gaming sessions, which is crucial for maintaining performance and preventing thermal throttling.
Connectivity:
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with a variety of ports, including USB 3.1 Type-A ports. A Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI 2.0, and a headphone jack.
The Thunderbolt 3 port is particularly noteworthy. As it supports high-speed data transfer and can connect to external GPUs, making it a versatile option for gamers who need extra performance on the go.
Battery Life:
While the laptop’s performance is impressive, its battery life is average. It typically lasts around 5 to 6 hours with mixed usage, which is decent for a gaming laptop but may require frequent charging during extended use.
Battery life decreases significantly during gaming, so it’s advisable to keep it plugged in during intense sessions.
Audio:
The built-in speakers provide clear and loud sound, though they might not deliver the depth and bass that some gamers prefer. For the best audio experience, using external speakers or a high-quality headset is recommended.
Keyboard and Trackpad:
The keyboard features Razer Chroma RGB lighting, allowing for customizable lighting effects. The keys are well-spaced and responsive, providing a comfortable typing experience.
The trackpad is large and precise, supporting multi-touch gestures and offering smooth navigation.
PROS AND CONS OF RAZER BLADE 15 2018 H2:
Pros:
- Excellent gaming performance with Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q
- 144Hz Full HD display for smooth visuals.
- Sleek, premium build quality and portable design.
- Customizable Razer Chroma RGB keyboard. Good connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3.
Cons:
- Average battery life, around 5-6 hours with mixed usage.
- Limited storage capacity (256 GB SSD).
- Built-in speakers are adequate but lack depth.
- Can get quite warm during intense gaming sessions.
Pricing and Value of the Razer Blade 2018 H2
Initial Launch Pricing
When the Razer Blade 2018 H2 was first launched, it was positioned as a premium gaming laptop, reflecting Razer’s commitment to combining high-performance hardware with sleek, portable design. The initial pricing for the Razer Blade 2018 H2 varied depending on the configuration:
Base Model:
The entry-level model with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q typically started around $1,899
Higher-End Model:
The version with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q was priced higher, starting around $2,199.
These prices were quite high compared to other gaming laptops on the market at the time, largely due to Razer’s emphasis on build quality, portability, and brand prestige.
Factors Affecting Value:
Premium Build Quality:
The Razer Blade 2018 H2 is crafted from CNC-milled aluminum, giving it a solid, premium feel. The build quality, combined with the laptop’s thin profile and lightweight design, added significant value for users seeking a portable yet powerful gaming machine.
Design and Aesthetics:
The minimalist design, with Razer’s signature Chroma RGB lighting, appealed to gamers and professionals alike. The slim bezels and overall sleek appearance made it stand out in a market where gaming laptops often featured bulky designs.
Display Options:
The availability of a 144Hz Full HD display provided a smoother gaming experience, which was a major selling point for competitive gamers. Additionally, the option for a 4K touchscreen made the laptop attractive to creators who required high resolution for design work.
Software and Ecosystem:
Razer’s software, particularly Razer Synapse, allowed for extensive customization of the laptop’s lighting and performance settings, adding value for users who appreciated this level of control.
Market Competition:
At the time of its release, the Razer Blade 2018 H2 faced competition from other premium gaming laptops such as the MSI GS65 Stealth Thin, ASUS ROG Zephyrus, and Gigabyte Aero 15X.
While these competitors offered similar performance, the Razer Blade stood out for its build quality, design, and portability, albeit at a higher price point.
Long-Term Value:
Durability:
The robust construction and high-quality materials used in the Razer Blade 2018 H2 contributed to its longevity, meaning that users could expect to get several years of use out of the device, thereby enhancing its long-term value.
Depreciation:
As with most technology, the Razer Blade 2018 H2’s value depreciated over time, especially with the release of newer models featuring updated hardware like the RTX series GPUs.
However, its premium design and strong performance allowed it to retain more value compared to many other gaming laptops.
Resale Value:
The laptop’s resale value remained relatively high due to its premium brand and build quality, making it a worthwhile investment for users who might consider selling it after a few years.
FAQS:
Can the RAM be upgraded?
Yes, the RAM can be upgraded, but it might require professional assistance.
Does it have a Thunderbolt 3 port?
Yes, it includes a Thunderbolt 3 port.
What is the storage capacity?
It comes with a 256 GB SSD.
What is the weight of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2?
The laptop weighs approximately 4.56 pounds.
Is it still a good gaming laptop in 2024?
While newer models exist, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 still offers solid performance for modern games, making it a viable option for budget-conscious gamers.
Conclusion:
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is a well-crafted gaming laptop that continues to hold its ground even years after its release.
Its combination of powerful performance, thanks to the Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics card, along with a 144Hz display. It an excellent choice for gamers seeking a smooth and immersive experience.
The laptop’s sleek design and solid build quality add to its appeal, making it not only a powerful gaming machine but also a stylish and portable device.
However, the laptop’s limitations, such as its average battery life and relatively limited storage capacity, may be a drawback for some users.
While it may not compete with the latest high-end gaming laptops. The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 remains a compelling option for those looking for a balance between performance and portability without breaking the bank.
Overall, if you can find the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 at a reasonable price. It still offers great value for gamers who need a reliable and portable gaming solution
