Razer Blade 17 (2022)

Razer Blade 17 (2022)

Manufacturer	Razer Inc.
Product family	Razer Blade
Release date	January 2022 (2022-01)
Introductory price	USD 2500 to 4900
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home
CPU	Intel Core i7-12800H Intel Core i9-12900H
Memory	32 GB DDR5-4800 MHz
Memory slots	2 user accessible
Storage	1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Removable storage	UHS-II SD card reader
Display	Screen size: 17.3 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 2560 x 1600 (QHD) or 3840 x 2160 (4K) PPI: 170 (QHD) or 255 (4K) Aspect ratio: 16:9 Refresh rate: 240 Hz (QHD) or 144 Hz (4K) Brightness: 300 to 486.3 Nits sRGB: 100 % Adobe RGB: 87.3 % P3: 99.4 % VRR: G-Sync
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 165 W w/ Advanced optimus
Sound	8 speakers (4 tweeters, 4 subwoofers) w/ THX Spatial Audio
Camera	Front: 1080p with Windows Hello support
Touchpad	Glass, 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.1 inches (7.9 cm)
Connectivity	Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1650 2x2 Bluetooth 5.1 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
Dimensions	W: 15.55 inches (39.5 cm) D: 10.24 inches (26.0 cm) H: 0.78 inches (2.0 cm)
Mass	6.06 pounds (2.75 kg)
Power brick	280W GaN power brick
Battery	4 cell Li-Polymer 82 Wh
Keyboard	Per-key RGB backlit, black (US) Standard full size layout
Chassis	Color: Black Materials: T6 CNC aluminum chassis with anodized matte finish Cooling: Vapor cooling chamber
Number pad	No
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	Yes (Windows Hello)
Predecessor	Razer Blade 17 (2021)
Website	Razer

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   The Razer Blade 17 (2022) is a high-performance gaming laptop designed for gamers and creative professionals. It features Intel 12th generation H-series processors and Nvidia's RTX 30-series graphics cards, making it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market. Available configurations vary by store and location. The Blade 17 is positioned as a premium gaming laptop with a sleek design and high-end components.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) can come with the following processors:

• Intel Core i7-12800H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache and a max frequency of 4.8 Ghz for P-cores and 3.7 Ghz for E-cores.
• Intel Core i9-12900H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache and max frequency of 5.0 Ghz for P-cores and 3.8 Ghz for E-cores.

The Razer Blade 17's CPU performance is weaker than its competitors in productivity benchmarks, particularly in single and multi-core operations. The i7-12800H configuration scored a single-core score of 1,741 and a multi-core score of 9,875 in Geekbench 5.4, which is the lowest among similarly specced laptops. The i9-12900H configuration performs better, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 20,951 points and a Geekbench 5.5 multi-core score of 14,428 points.

Benchmarks:

• Geekbench 5.4:
  • i7-12800H: 1,741 (single-core), 9,875 (multi-core)
• Geekbench 5.5:
  • i9-12900H: 14,428 (multi-core)
• Cinebench R23:
  • i9-12900H: 20,951 (multi-core)

Graphics

In addition to the integrated Intel UHD Graphics, the Razer Blade 17 (2022) ships with the following discrete GPU:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU with 16 GB GDDR6 memory, 165 W Total Graphics Power (TGP).

The GPU performs well in gaming, delivering high frame rates in various titles. The RTX 3080 Ti configuration achieves impressive frame rates in benchmarks, such as 116 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p) and 132 fps in Grand Theft Auto V (1080p). However, it shows some limitations at higher resolutions and has issues with flickering in certain scenarios. The GPU handles 4K gaming smoothly, maintaining high frame rates across various titles, with a 3DMark Fire Strike score of 24,291 points and a 3DMark Time Spy score of 11,457 points.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Fire Strike: 24,291 points
• 3DMark Time Spy: 11,457 points
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p): 116 fps
• Grand Theft Auto V (1080p): 132 fps
• The Witcher 3 (1920x1080 Ultra): 123.7 fps
• Dota 2 Reborn (1920x1080 ultra): 158.9 fps

Memory

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with 32 GB DDR5-4800 MHz memory, which is sufficient for gaming and multitasking. The RAM supports high-performance gaming and multitasking, contributing to the overall speed and efficiency of the laptop. The DDR5 technology provides faster data rates and improved bandwidth compared to previous generations, enhancing overall system performance.

Benchmarks:

• Handbrake test: 7 minutes and 19 seconds to transcode a 4K video to 1080p
• AIDA64 Memory Copy: 61,550 MB/s
• PCMark 10 Score: 7,139 points

Storage

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) ships with a 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD. The SSD provides fast load times and ample storage for games and applications, significantly reducing boot and load times. The PCIe Gen4 interface allows for higher data transfer speeds compared to older PCIe versions.

However, the storage speed is slower compared to competitors in file transfer tests, which may affect productivity tasks. The 25GB file copy speed is 1,239.88 MBps, which is the slowest out of the group. The SSD delivers very good transfer rates and has space for a second SSD (PCIe 4, M.2-2280), allowing for easy upgrades and additional storage options.

Benchmarks:

• 25GB file copy speed: 1,239.88 MBps
• CrystalDiskMark Read Seq: 4,923.15 MB/s
• CrystalDiskMark Write Seq: 3,797.23 MB/s
• AS SSD Score Total: 7,807 Points

Co-processors

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) does not include any dedicated co-processors.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) features a compact keyboard with customizable RGB lighting powered by Razer's Chroma. The keyboard lacks a numpad and has half-sized arrow keys, but features generously sized keycaps that are clicky and responsive. The per-key RGB backlighting with Razer Chroma allows for customization and enhances the gaming experience.

The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, although it may not suit everyone due to the lack of a numpad. The key travel and feedback are satisfactory for both gaming and typing.

Touchpad

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with a centrally located precision glass touchpad that measures 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.1 inches (7.9 cm).

The touchpad is responsive and feels nice to use, providing a smooth experience for navigation. It allows fingers to slide quickly and effortlessly across its surface, enhancing gameplay and general use. The trackpad's size and responsiveness make it one of the best in its class.

Webcam

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support.

The webcam provides decent quality for video calls, capturing details well in good lighting, but can be oversensitive to light, leading to pixelation in certain conditions. The inclusion of Windows Hello support allows for quick and secure login.

Microphone

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) does not include a dedicated microphone.

Output Devices

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Display

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) ships with the following display options:

• 17.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS, 240 Hz, 300 Nits, anti-glare (matte), 100 % DCI-P3, G-Sync
• 17.3-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS, 144 Hz, 486.3 Nits, anti-glare (matte), 100 % sRGB, 99.4 % Display P3, 87.3 % AdobeRGB, G-Sync

The display offers vibrant colors and good brightness, making it suitable for gaming and media consumption. The QHD display covers 117.6% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 166% of the sRGB gamut, with an average brightness of 294.4 nits. The 4K display offers high brightness (486.3 cd/m²), good color reproduction, and short response times, making it ideal for gaming and creative work. The contrast ratio of 1143:1 enhances the visual experience, and the display is flicker-free, reducing eye strain.

Benchmarks:

• Brightness: 486.3 cd/m² (4K)
• Contrast: 1143:1 (4K)
• Color coverage: 100% sRGB, 99.4% Display P3, 87.3% AdobeRGB (4K)

Audio

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with eight speakers, including four tweeters and four subwoofers, providing a rich audio experience.

The sound quality is disappointing, lacking bass and punch, which detracts from the overall multimedia experience. The speakers sound flat and hollow, failing to deliver an immersive audio experience. However, the audio quality is superior to many other laptops, enhancing gaming and media consumption.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) is equipped with a Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1650 2x2 WLAN module.

The Wi-Fi performance is solid, supporting modern connectivity standards and providing reliable internet access. It is among the fastest laptops for 2022 for wireless connectivity, providing improved speeds and reduced latency for online gaming and streaming.

Bluetooth

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with a Bluetooth 5.1 module.

SD Card Reader

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) includes a UHS-II SD card reader.

The SD card reader is a useful addition for photographers and content creators, allowing for quick data transfer from cameras and other devices.

USB

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C

The USB ports provide ample connectivity options for peripherals, including support for high-speed data transfer and power delivery.

Display Outputs

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1
• 2 x DisplayPort (via USB-C)

The HDMI output supports high refresh rates and resolutions for external displays, making it suitable for gaming and productivity setups.

Case

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The Razer Blade 17 (2022) features a T6 CNC aluminum chassis with an anodized matte finish. The design is sleek and professional, but the finish attracts fingerprints and streaks, which may require frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.

The chassis feels remarkably rigid and sturdy with minimal flex. The minimalist design is appealing and functional, with a fingerprint-resistant coating that reduces smudges.

Maintenance

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The bottom cover of the Razer Blade 17 (2022) is held by 10 Torx screws, but one screw may strip, making it difficult to open without proper tools.

Upgradeable components:

• 82 WHr battery.
• Two M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSDs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).
• Two DDR5-4800 SODIMMs (most configurations only have one slot filled from the factory).

Cooling System

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The Razer Blade 17 (2022) is equipped with a vapor cooling chamber. The cooling system is effective in managing temperatures during gaming, but the fans can be quite loud under load, which may be distracting.

Heat

The laptop reaches temperatures of 42.7 °C (108.6 °F) on the keyboard during gaming, which is manageable but noticeable. The hottest spot on the bottom reaches 43.9 °C (111.02 °F). The palm rests can get warm, but not excessively so.

Benchmarks:

• Maximum upper side: ~42.7 °C
• Maximum bottom: ~43.9 °C

Noise

The fans spin loudly, comparable to a jet engine during stress tests, which may be a concern for users in quiet environments. The laptop can get loud under load, with a maximum noise level of up to 51 dB(A) during stress tests. The "Silent" performance profile reduces noise levels for everyday use.

Benchmarks:

• Load: ~51 dB(A)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) ships with a 280W GaN power brick.

The laptop's power consumption is efficient for its performance level, but specific metrics are not provided. The power consumption is high, necessitating a bulky power adapter, which may not be ideal for portability.

Battery Life

All Razer Blade 17 (2022) SKUs come with an 82 WHr Li-Polymer battery. The battery life during light tasks is slightly below average for this class of laptop. The battery lasts for 4 hours and 33 minutes under testing conditions, which is decent but may not be sufficient for heavy users who require longer usage without charging. The laptop achieves runtimes of 3:49 hours for web surfing and 4:50 hours for video playback, which is relatively short for a gaming laptop of this caliber.

Benchmarks:

• WiFi Browsing: 4 hours and 33 minutes
• Web Surfing: 3 hours and 49 minutes
• Video Playback: 4 hours and 50 minutes

Biometrics

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The Razer Blade 17 (2022) supports Windows Hello face recognition but does not have a fingerprint reader.

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 11 Home, but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11 Pro, either manually or when buying directly from Razer.

Preinstalled Software

Razer Synapse

The Razer Synapse program acts as the primary control center in the Razer Blade 17 (2022). It allows for customization of lighting and audio settings, along with other system parameters.

THX Spatial Audio

The THX Spatial Audio software enhances the audio experience by providing customizable sound profiles.

Other Preinstalled Software

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) also comes with some bloatware like Spotify, TikTok, and Disney Plus.

Linux Support

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) has limited Linux support, as the laptop is primarily designed for Windows.

Accessories & Warranty

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The Razer Blade 17 (2022) comes with a 280W GaN power brick and paperwork.

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The Razer Blade 17 (2022) is considered a high-performance gaming laptop with a sleek design and high-end components. It excels in gaming performance and display quality, delivering a close-to-desktop gaming experience. However, it falls short in productivity performance compared to competitors and has relatively short battery life. The laptop is also quite pricey, making it a premium option in the gaming laptop market.

Problems Summary

• Weaker CPU performance in productivity benchmarks compared to competitors.
• Issues with flickering in certain gaming scenarios.
• Slower storage speed compared to competitors.
• Compact keyboard design can lead to accidental presses of the power button.
• Disappointing audio quality with lack of bass and punch.
• High power consumption necessitating a bulky power adapter.
• Relatively short battery life.
• High price tag.

Links

i7-12800H, RTX 3080 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: TomsHardware

i7-12800H, RTX 3080 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: PCWorld

i9-12900H, RTX 3080 Ti, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NoteBookCheck