OUR VERDICT
- Pretty impressive performance
- Awesome display
- Better thermal management governed by 4 fans
- Thunderbolt port
- Very silent fans
- Faster wireless connectivity by Wi-Fi 6
- Per key RGB backlit
- Long-lasting battery
- Pretty tactile keyboard
- Smooth, responsive, and accurate glass precision touchpad
- Enough loud and clear speakers at max volume
- RAM expansion option is available
- Faster SSD storage
- No flex during normal use
- Fingerprint magnet
- Heavy
- No G-Sync
- WHAT IT CAN DO
- Web Programming
- Android Programming
- Desktop Programming
- PC-Game development
- Graphics & Video Editing
- Small-scale Deep Learning
- Run high-end PC games
- WHAT IT CAN'T DO
- iOS/Mac Programming
- Medium to high-level of machine learning
Hello guys! So, today, In this article, I am going to review the Razer Blade Pro 17 Gaming laptop in detail. Here, we will go with specs list followed by the detailed description. The review unit was received by me from New Delhi. Unfortunately, It's a 2 month old used-model. But, that's not to worry as it gives you an idea on what to expect from this laptop over the use.
Razer Blade Pro 17 is one of the most decent gaming laptops that led me to put it on the second position on our article about the best gaming laptops to buy. It can fulfill your gaming needs with other high-end tasks like Small-scale machine learning, Graphics & Video editing, and many more.
So let's dig into it and find out what's good and bad inside it and what it cannot do for you. Before we proceed, read my article of easy to understand description of laptop specs.
Razer Blade Pro 17 Technical Specs
- CPU: 4.5GHz 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Processor | 6 Core.
- GPU: Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q 6GB GDDR6.
- RAM: 2666MHz 16GB DDR4 SDRAM | Expandable up to 64GB.
- Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
- Display: 17.3-inch FHD Display | IPS technology | 240Hz refresh rate.
- Battery: 70.5Wh 2 Cell Li-ion battery | Lasts up to 1 hour and 21 minutes on Gaming.
- Weight: 6.09 Pounds (2.76 kg)
- Product dimension: 39.5 x 26 x 1.99 cms
The Build Quality and Material
The Razer Blade Pro 17 is an all-aluminum block with a matte anodized black finish. The whole build feels quite sturdy, solid enough and well-built in premium. Even the edges aren't too rounded, they didn't feel sharp. It has also no sharp corners.
I have used it heavily for the 10 days and found that the build quality is above an average, it's premium. So, quite a nice build material and quality.
I have checked the weight using a propert weighing scale and found this unit weighs 6.09 lbs (2.76 kg). When tested with charging cables, the weight reached 7.82 lbs (3.55 kg).
The dimensions of the laptops are 15.55 x 10.24 x 0.78 inches (39.5 x 26 x 1.99 cms) - W x D x H. So, not too big not too small, a decent results for the gaming laptop of 17-inch screen fits in the smaller size chassis. However, note that this is 0.02 inches thin from Lenovo Legion 7i (15.6-inch), and much more slim than Dell Alienware and MSI's gaming laptops.
Furthermore, Razer hasn't put any RGB lighting effects on air exhausts and ports. You will find it only on keyboard and the Razer logo.
Display Quality and Color Accuracy
Size and Quality
The 17.3-inch 1080p display is surrounded by 7.5 mm thin bezels and has matte finish. Furthermore, It has no G-Sync available. It has 240Hz refresh rate. Thanks to its IPS panel, It has good viewing angles.
Color Accuracy
I have measured the display color gamut using the Spyder 5 PRO. The results of my tests are as below.
- 96% of SRGB
- 67% of NTSC
- 72% of AdobeRGB
At 100% of the brightness, I have measured 307 Nits and 1050:1 contrast ratio at the center of the screen. So, the display is not much brighter and little above an average in color accuracy. I can say that pretty average display results for higher-end gaming task.
Is there any Flex?
When it comes to the screen flex, there is an only little amount I have found when intentionally moved the screen. The overall build feels quite sturdy and solid, thanks to the all-metal build. There is no problem about flex during normal use.
The hinge does run along most of the base as you can see in the above figure not like Lenovo Legion 7i and other gaming laptops. Moreover, It isn't 180-degree. So, you may gonna have problem while operating the laptop on the bed in sitting condition.
Furthermore, It is easy to open the display using just one finger. And, that demonstrates the fairly evenly distributed weight between the lid and rest of the part connected through the hinge. And, the laptop's lags aren't much grippy, So, it's easy to move it effortlessly.
Keyboard – Tactile, Flex, Build, and RGB Backlit?
Flex Info and Build Quality
There was some minimal keyboard flex when pushed it down hard. But, overall build feels quite sturdy and solid enough, for that you must thanks to the all-metal build. I found no issues during normal use.
Per-Key RGB Backlit
The keyboard has pretty brighter individual key RGB backlit. That led up the secondary functions even.
It is placed perfectly in the center with more than average space at its sides. For me, It feels like somewhat shallow feeling.
Tactile feedback
Furthermore, the typing on this laptop feels somewhat new experience. It's not a normal one that we get from the average gaming laptops. The typing sound is similar to that I got in 16-inch MacBook Pro's magic keyboard. So, all I can say that it's pretty good.
Touchpad – Precision, Smooth, and Accurate?
The glass touchpad is super smooth and responsive. It feels solid at the top. It uses windows precision drivers to accurately handle the gestures. It's clicks down any where like other precision glass touchpad. I found no issue with the touchpad. It is as smooth as other high-end gaming laptops.
Coming to its size, It's 5 x 3 inches (12.7 x 7.62 cms) large. But, I do recommend buying an external dedicated gaming mouse as it can be the game changer while escaping from enemies during gaming.
Fingerprints
Fingerprints show up extremely easily on the smooth surface. But, It's easy to clean using the micro-fiber cloths. In the case of Lenovo Legion 7i, there is little to less fingerprints show up.
Processor and Graphics Chip
The Blade Pro 17 is powered by an Intel Core i7 (9th Gen) and NVIDIA RTX 2080 Max-Q Graphics. It has 16GB of 2666MHz DDR4 RAM which can be expanded up to 64GB. So, you gonna face quite a better, smooth and optimized performance.
The average of the 3 tests using Cinebench R20 revealed that we can improve the performance even further by more undervolting the CPU to -0.15v in custom mode. And, In my tests, the multi core score has jumped from 2648 to 2849 on average in custom mode. However, by doing so, Cinebench hasn't shown any noticeable change in the single core score.
The tests conducted to measure the CPU and GPU clock speed using the gaming and stress tests revealed that there is almost no effect of adding cooling pad during gaming. In my tests, the clock speed was same to 3989MHz as it was in the case of gaming tests in custom mode with further -0.15v CPU undervolting.
But, GPU clock speed has shown noticeable change while changing the mode. As shown in the just above figure, In balanced mode, the GPU speed was 1809MHz and it has jumped to 1841MHz in custom mode. The big jump in the custom mode shows less thermal throttling takes place in the GPU. And, the use of cooling pad also shows the considerable change in the clock speed of GPU.
So, overall, the use of cooling pad isn't much beneficial on the Razer Blade Pro 17 as it was beneficial on Lenovo Legion 7i. In the case for Dell Alienware m15 R2 gaming laptop, I got some weird results of CPU and GPU performance. In that laptop, during stress tests, I found the use of cooling pad helpful. But, for gaming tests, I found a neutral impact.
Furthermore, I have tested the laptop in the following ways.
- Gaming in balanced mode with default fans speed
- Gaming in custom mode
- Gaming in custom mode with -0.15v CPU undervolting
- Gaming in custom mode with -0.15v CPU UV and a cooling pad
- Stress Test in balanced mode with default fans speed
- Stress Test in custom mode
- Stress Test in custom mode with -0.15v CPU undervolting
- Stress Test in custom mode with -0.15v CPU UV and a cooling pad
So, this is the gaming and stress tests. As, going for higher CPU and GPU is the way to go unwillingly for the shorter battery life. So, let's dig into the gaming FPS data of various games I have played on this Razer Blade Pro 17. FPS is the frames per second. It's nothing but how many time the screen refreshes its content to provide you the possible real time data.
Video Editing Performance
As you can see in the above chart, the Razer Blade Pro 17 has exported the 16 minutes and 13 seconds long video in YouTube 4K H.264 present in just 584 seconds which is pretty low. And, the possible low video export time is recommended.
Also, during the editing and exporting, the laptop found remarkably smooth, thanks to its 16GB of 2666MHx DDR4 RAM. Although, I always recommend Apple's MacBook Pro for video editing due to Final Cut Pro, But I think Razer will fit for gamers' needs. As the MacBook pro can't tolerate gaming on it.
So, overall, I have faced not a single problem during video editing.
Thermal and fans Performance – Throttling, Rise in Keyboard Temperature, and more
Thermal Performance
As shown in the above chart, My testings revealed that During the both Gaming and Stress tests, CPU and GPU have attained the highest temperatures compared to other modes. The temperatures were 87 and 72 C for CPU and GPU in gaming and 94 and 72 for CPU and GPU during stress test.
At Idle, both CPU and GPU were at normal temperature. Undervolting the CPU by -0.15v has really made noticeable reduction in both CPU and GPU's temperature. During stress tests in custom mode, The recorded temperatures for CPU and GPU were 94 and 72 respectively. The same mode and tests performed after undervolting the CPU -0.15v has reduced the temperatures to 70 for GPU and 87 for the CPU.
During gaming tests in custom mode, the CPU and GPU have recorded 87 and 72 C temperature respectively. After undervolting (UV) the CPU -0.15v in the same mode shown the reduction in the temperature of CPU and GPU to 83 and 71 respectively. So, CPU UV became the game changer in both increasing the clock speed for higher performance and to overcome the temperature rise.
But, the use of cooling pad has disappointed me. The Stress tests in custom mode with -0.15v undervolted CPU and a cooling pad hasn't shown any noticeable difference. Also, the same results were obtained in the case of gaming as you can see in the just above chart.
On the other hand, I must have to agree that Yes, the use of the cooling pad has reduced the temperature of both CPU and GPU, but very slightly. So, if you think that reduction of temperature in 1 to 2 degree matters for you, then no problem at all in buying the cooling pad for this mighty Razer Blade Pro 17.
Rise in the Temperature of Keyboard and Palm Rest
At idle and balanced mode, the middle of keyboard found at 33 to 34 degrees C temperature. The sides of the keyboard were at nearly 33 C. So, not different than Legion 7i. During the same mode, the palm rest was found cool. So, not problematic in normal use. In balanced mode, they feels bit warmer than usual.
While gaming using The Watch Dogs 2 in custom mode, The middle of the keyboard feels little hot. The measured temperature of that place was around 40 degrees C as you can see in just above image. But, due to higher fans speed compared to the Idle and Balanced mode, the side parts were found near to 30 degrees C. In addition to the keyboard and top part, the bottom of the display was also picking up the heat. That's you won't find on Legion 7i.
Similar results I have got during the stress tests in balanced mode. The middle of the keyboard was at 43 degrees C and with bit warmer bottom of side of the display caused by air exhausts at back. The palm rest was pretty cool.
Similar results for the middle of the keyboard found in the same way of tests in custom mode. The only difference here I noticed in the display's bottom part. It was reaching bit hotter due to the backside air exhausts. Furthermore, the air exhausts were partially heating the screen to nearly middle as you can see in just above image.
Fans Noise
At idle, the fans were completely silent which resulted in the warmer laptop. Also, the performance wasn't much appreciable. The sound level noticed by the Digitech's sound meter was 35.2dB as you can see in just above image.
In balanced mode, the fans were heard but the sound level was below compared to the other gaming laptops I have tested. As the balanced mode allows us to increase the fans speed manually, It is possible in your case for higher noise than 47.9dB as recorded in my case.
During stress test at custom mode, the fans speed are caliberated as per the requirement. It's no longer in manual control. So, by putting the highest load on this Razer Blade laptop, the sound level measured was 54.3 dB which is quite low compared to other gaming laptops.
While playing the Watch Dogs 2 in balanced mode, the sound noticed by sound meter wasn't more different than in stress tests performed in the same mode. At 48.1dB of sound level, the fans were heard. But, like same mode stress tests, the sound was little below an average.
Gaming in custom mode, left the sound level to 52.6dB which is much lower than Legion 7i and other gaming laptops I have tested.
And, finally, fans at maximum speed produced the sound of 54.8dB which is even less than that of produced by Legion 7i.
So, overall, I can say that despite having 4 fans, Razer has managed to keep the laptop silent with maximum performance at possible lowest temperature. I really liked the fans of this laptop.
Speakers, Microphone, and Camera
Speakers
The 2 top-front firing speakers are found on the sides of the keyboard. Not like most of the gaming laptops, there is a enough space provided for the sound to come out. They are enough loud and clear at the maximum volume with little bass.
At maximum volume, while playing the music, the sound level reached 78.2 dB measured using Digitech's sound meter. Also, the LatencyMon results were found excellent when compared to Legion 7i. You can see that in the following image.
Camera and Microphone
Despite just 7.5mm thin bezels, Razer has managed to place the 720p camera with microphone and Windows Hello support here. Although, the camera has no shutter lock like Lenovo Legion 7i. When tested, the camera and microphone found little below than average. If I compare Razer Blade Pro 17' camera and microphone with Lenovo Legion 7i then the Legion 7i will be the clear winner.
Ports in Razer Blade Pro 17
On the left side of the laptop, You will find the following ports from left to right corner.
- 1 Power input
- 1 2.5Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.2 Type-A Gen-2 ports (10Gbps Data transfer speed)
- 1 USB Type-C port (10Gbps Data transfer speed) which doesn't support thunderbolt-3 port, and
- 1 3.5mm audio combo jack
On the right side of the laptop, You will find the following ports from left to right corner.
- SD card slot
- USB Type-C port which supports the thunderbolt-3 port (40Gbps data transfer speed)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps data transfer speed)
- HDMI 2.0 output, and
- Kensington lock
There is nothing on the back and front like the legion 7i gaming laptop. It's all clear. Also, note that unlike Lenovo Legion 7i, there is no illuminated icons on the top of the ports.
Battery Life
As shown in the above image, the battery is split due to the 2 small fans in the middle. The following chart shows battery life of this gaming laptop.
I have tested the battery life by disabling all background apps, keeping the RGB backlighting off, and 50% screen brightness. So, while watching the YouTube videos, I just got 4 hours and 36 minutes long battery life. During that test, this laptop has used an integrated Intel UHD graphics due to NVIDIA optimus.
But, when played The Witcher 3 at medium settings, the battery has lasted for 1 hour and 21 minutes. Razer could provide the more battery by sacrificing the 2 small fans placed at front inside the laptop. But, doing so, will increase the heat generation also.
Storage and SD card slot
This Razer Blade Pro 17 gaming laptop is coming with 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage. SSDs are must faster and consume less power than hard disk. I have tested the speed of the SSD storage using CrystalDiskMark tool.
Also, you must not forget that this laptop is coming with an SD card slot. So, I have also measured its speed using the CrystalDiskMark tool. You can see the results in the following image.
Gaming Performance (FPS Data)
So, that's all for Razer Blade Pro 17. I have also reviewed more laptops as following.
- Dell Alienware m15 R2 Gaming Laptop Review
- MSI GS65 Stealth-004 Gaming Laptop Review
- Lenovo Legion 7i Gaming Laptop Review
- Dell G3 3500 Review
- Acer Nitro 5 AN515 Review
