Razer Launches 2016 Blade Notebook

The Blade's specs have been improved across the board from its predecessor. The Razer Blade houses the latest 6th generation Core i7 quad-core processor and an GeForce GTX 970M GPU with 6 GB of VRAM. PCIe SSD technology offers up to three times faster speeds than traditional solid-state drives. 

Killer Wireless-AC is included. All models will feature 16 GB of DDR4 dual-channel RAM. All Razer Blade models also come with a stunning 3200x1800 QHD+ display. The laptop remains 0.70 inches thin, but now weighs only 4.25 pounds, making it even more portable than previous generations. The screen and internals are housed in a CNC-milled aircraft grade aluminum chassis. The Razer Blade - following Razer's Blade Stealth Ultrabook - will be the second laptop in the world equipped with individually backlit RGB keys. Millions of color options for the anti-ghosted keyboard are available thanks to Razer's Chroma technology.

An SDK is available for developers to integrate Chroma lighting effects in-game. It is already supported by AAA game titles, including Call of Duty, Dota 2, Overwatch and Blade and Soul.

The Razer Blade gaming laptop will follow the Razer Blade Stealth's direct-to-consumer pricing model to keep costs down. Previously at $2,399 for a QHD+ display, the new Razer Blade now starts at $1,999.

"We are getting much more aggressive as far as price point, but that hasn't come at a cost to the performance or design of the Razer Blade," says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "We've improved nearly every aspect of the 14-inch laptop, from CPU and GPU performance to system memory and port selection. Chroma technology unlocks an unprecedented, immersive experience on a gaming laptop."

The new Razer Blade will be compatible with the Razer Core external graphics enclosure in the near future. Utilizing Thunderbolt 3, the Razer Core will connect to the Razer Blade, providing desktop-class graphics and additional connectivity such as USB 3.0 and Ethernet. Thunderbolt 3 provides remarkable connectivity via the Blade's compact USB-C port at speeds of up to 40 Gbps, the fastest, most versatile link to any dock, display or data device.

Pre-orders for the Razer Blade will start today on RazerStore.com. Units will ship in April. Further retail availability will be announced later this year.

Price:

• U.S. $1,999 - 256 GB PCIe SSD
• U.S. $2,199 - 512 GB PCIe SSD

Product features:

• Intel Core i7-6700HQ Quad-Core Processor (2.6 GHz / 3.5 GHz)
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M (6 GB GDDR5 VRAM)
• 16 GB Systems Memory (DDR4, 2133 MHz)
• Windows 10 64-bit
• 256 GB / 512 GB SSD (PCIe M.2) options
• 14.0-in. IGZO QHD+ 16:9 Ratio, 3200x1800, with LED backlight, capacitive multi-touch
• Anti-ghosting keyboard with per-key lighting Powered by Chroma
• Killer Wireless-AC 1535 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.1)
• Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
• USB 3.0 port x3 (SuperSpeed)
• HDMI 1.4b video and audio output
• 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo port
• Built-in webcam (2.0 MP)
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Array microphone
• Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater Edition
• 7.1 Codec support (via HDMI)
• Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) security chip embedded
• Razer Synapse enabled with programmable keyboard, trackpad, backlighting, and fan control
• Kensington security slot
• Compact 165 W power adapter
• Built-in 70 Wh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery
• Approx. Size: 0.70 in. / 17.9 mm (Height) x 13.6 in. / 345 mm (Width) x 9.3 in. / 235 mm (Depth)
• Approx. Weight: 4.25 lbs. / 1.93 kg