Razer Updates The Razer Blade With More RAM and GTX 970M

Today Razer took the wraps off of their updated version of the Blade. We took a look at the 2014 model last year, and found that it was a very impressive device, with one of the best displays we have ever tested, and a powerful CPU/GPU combo that was capable of driving most games at reasonable framerates. It is packed into a CNC aluminum shell that gives a feeling of quality. However, by the time we were able to review the device (our fault, not Razer’s), NVIDIA had already released a new set of mobile GPUs that offered even more performance and better power efficiency with the Maxwell based GTX 980M and GTX 970M.

Razer kept all that was great about last year’s model including the amazing IGZO 3200×1800 display, great aluminum body, and powerful cooling capabilities, and updated the internals to make the system even more powerful. The aforementioned GPU has been updated from the GTX 870M to the GM204 based GTX 970M (with 3GB of VRAM – GTX 970 RAM issues do not affect the mobile part; interestingly, the mobile parts are available with 3GB or 6GB VRAM, but Razer opted for the slightly less expensive option). This should provide quite a bit more punch when gaming, especially with the high resolution display.

They have also bumped the CPU up from the Core i7-4702HQ to the Core i7-4720HQ, which bumps the frequency from 2.2-3.2 GHz up to 2.6-3.6 GHz. The 4720HQ model is new to the Intel Haswell stable this quarter. The move from a 37 watt CPU to a 47 watt CPU is likely possible due to the power efficiency of the GM204 GPU and should give a pretty good boost to performance and allow the CPU to stay at its maximum boost for longer. Finally, to round out the performance updates, Razer is now outfitting the Blade with 16GB of DDR3L 1600 MHz memory, which removes one of my complaints about the 2014 model, since a $2500 laptop should not have 8GB of memory.

Razer is also adding a new option to the lineup. A less expensive model is now available, which features a 1920×1080 resolution IPS display, and 8 GB of memory. It keeps the same CPU and GPU combo though, but only a 256 GB SSD is available. This model will also lose the touch capability, and instead feature an anti-glare matte finish, which some people prefer.

This is a pretty solid update to one of the best Windows laptops you can buy. The device already had excellent performance, but the high DPI display would often bring the GTX 870M to its limits. The move to GM204 should have a significant performance improvement. The addition of 16GB of RAM will also allow this laptop up to be more than a gaming laptop, with the ability to run multiple virtual machines or demanding software. It keeps it in a package that is the same dimensions and weight as the outgoing model, which at 4.47 lbs / 2.03 kg was already slim for the amount of power onboard.

Razer is shipping us a new model of the Blade for review, which we will have up shortly. Check back to see how the new system compares soon. For those that cannot wait for the review, the new Razer Blade is on sale now, starting at $2199 for the 128GB/QHD+ model, and $1999 for the FHD model at www.razerzone.com/blade.

Dell Updates Ultrabook Thin M3800 Mobile Workstation With 4K Display

Today Dell is taking the wraps off of an updated version of the M3800 mobile workstation which first launched in November 2013. This is the first thin and light mobile workstation, with a thickness of just 0.31” – 0.71” (8 mm – 18 mm) and a much lighter weight than other mobile workstations at that time. The 15.6” model has a starting weight of just 4.15 lbs, or 1.88 kg. That’s not light compared to an ultrabook, but it is in good company for other devices with a full quad-core CPU and a Quadro GPU onboard. Dell has tweaked the design, added new features, and responded to customer feedback about the device, as well as potential customer input.

The heart of what is powering this mobile workstation has not changed. Broadwell quad-core CPUs are not available yet, so the M3800 sticks with the Haswell Core i7-4712HQ processor, which is a four-core eight-thread CPU with a 2.3 GHz base and 3.3 GHz turbo speed. The 37 watt CPU includes Intel HD 4600 graphics, which is supplemented by the NVIDIA Quadro K1100M with 384 CUDA cores and 2 GB GDDR5 memory. This is a Kepler GPU, based on GK107, and has a maximum TGP of 45 watts Available memory is two slots with 16 GB of DDR3L So the processing power has not changed, so let’s take a look at what has changed.

The first obvious change is to the display. The M3800 was previously available with a QHD+ 3200×1800 IGZO panel, and now Dell has bumped that up to a 4K 3840×2160 IGZO2 model. This bumps the density up to 282 pixels per inch, and the IGZO2 panel should help with the power draw of the panel. Dell is claiming over 100% sRGB color gamut, and 72% of the Adobe RGB gamut with this display. Dell said they have worked hard with their third party software vendors to ensure a quality experience with a high DPI panel, and workstation class software suites like Adobe Creative Cloud do support High DPI now. Dell will also be offering a 1920×1080 panel, which should be a bit less expensive. Both displays come with 10-point multitouch, and Corning Gorilla Glass NBT.

Dell also solicited feedback from potential customers, and in response to requests from shops that want to move from Apple Retina MacBook Pros, they have added a Thunderbolt 2 port to the new model. This will allow customers who have invested in the Thunderbolt ecosystem to more easily switch, since they will not have to reinvest in accessories such as storage and displays. The Thunderbolt 2 port also doubles as a mini-DisplayPort. The other notable I/O change is that the new model will ship with a USB 3.0 Ethernet dongle versus the USB 2.0 version shipping with the previous generation M3800.

Storage options are also new for this model. Dell also got a lot of feedback about storage options, and they are now offering a 1 TB mSATA SSD in addition to the second 2.5” hard drive bay which can also be outfitted with a 1 TB SSD, for a total of 2 TB of solid state storage. Also, in response to customer demand, Intel SSDs are now available. In addition, traditional hard drives and hybrid hard drives are also optional.

Dell is making a clear play at the Retina MacBook Pro. They commissioned Principled Technologies to perform independent tests versus the rMBP. Using Adobe Premiere Pro CC, the M3800 was up to 30% faster at rendering a video sequence, and 26% faster at transcoding. Also, the M3800 stayed cooler, with a surface temperature difference of 24.1° F on the top, and 5.9° F on the bottom. The inclusion of the Thunderbolt 2 port is also an important addition if they want to move clients over, since the cost of accessories can be much higher than the laptop itself especially in the 4K video field.

Another area where Dell is trying to gain share is with the Linux developer. Dell offers the XPS 13 Developer Edition laptop, and the M3800 will be joining the smaller laptop with an Ubuntu edition as well. This is in response to direct feedback from the developer community, who wanted something with a bit more power than the Ultrabook class XPS 13.

This is no ultrabook, even though it appears to wear that clothing. Dell developed the first mobile workstation in 2001, and for someone who needs that kind of power in a more mobile package, they now offer this updated M3800 to fit that niche. The new M3800 is on sale today, starting at $1699.

Source: Dell

Interview at CES 2015: Eric Kuo and Sam Chern from MSI Notebooks

As part of a series of getting into the minds of those who run our industry, we were able to take the time at CES to interview two key figures from MSI’s Notebook team who were visiting the show from the MSI headquarters in Taiwan. First up is E…