Introduction
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 made headlines when it launched, offering gamers and professionals a thin yet powerful machine. Even in 2025, this laptop still sparks interest among people looking for a reliable gaming and productivity device. In this guide, we’ll explore its design, performance, features, and whether it’s still worth buying today.
Quick Specs Overview
Before diving deeper, let’s look at the core specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 8750H (6 cores) |
| GPU Options | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Max-Q / GTX 1070 Max-Q |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 (upgradeable up to 32GB) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB SSD (upgradeable) |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate |
| Build | CNC Aluminum unibody |
| Thickness | ~0.66 0.68 inches |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Battery Life | Around 5 6 hours |
| OS | Windows 10 |
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is one of its strongest points. With a CNC aluminum unibody, it feels premium and durable. At just 0.66 0.68 inches thick, it was among the thinnest gaming laptops of its time. The matte black finish and minimalist look appeal to both gamers and professionals. It’s a machine you can confidently carry into a meeting or a LAN party.
Display and Visual Experience
The 15.6 inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate was a standout feature in 2018 and still feels smooth today. Thin bezels make the laptop look modern, while the IPS panel ensures strong colors and wide viewing angles. Whether you’re gaming, streaming movies, or editing photos, the visuals remain crisp and engaging.
Performance and Gaming Benchmarks
Powered by the Intel Core i7 8750H and either a GTX 1060 Max Q or GTX 1070 Max Q, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 delivers solid performance. Back in its release year, it could handle AAA titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Battlefield V at high settings with good frame rates.
Even in 2025, it’s still capable of running modern games, though usually at medium settings for newer AAA titles. Popular esports games such as Fortnite, CS:GO, Valorant, and League of Legends run smoothly at 100+ FPS thanks to the 144Hz screen.
Content Creation and Productivity Performance
Beyond gaming, the laptop works well for creators. Video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro or photo editing in Photoshop benefits from the 6 core Intel CPU. With upgraded RAM (up to 32GB) and SSD (up to 2TB), it can still handle 4K editing projects, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking without slowing down too much.
Thermal Management and Cooling
One challenge for thin gaming laptops is heat. The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 uses vapor chamber cooling and dual fans to manage temperatures. Under heavy load, the laptop does get warm, but it stays within safe limits. For long gaming sessions, using a cooling pad helps reduce heat buildup.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and RGB Features
Razer included a Chroma RGB keyboard with customizable lighting through Synapse software. The keys are tactile and comfortable for typing or gaming. The glass touchpad is another highlight it’s responsive, accurate, and large, making navigation smooth.
Ports and Connectivity Options
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 comes with a strong set of ports:
3x USB 3.1 Type A
1x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
HDMI 2.0
Mini DisplayPort
3.5mm audio jack
These allow for multiple external monitors, VR headsets, and even eGPU setups through Thunderbolt 3.
Audio Quality
The stereo speakers deliver clear sound, supported by Dolby Atmos. While not as powerful as external speakers or headphones, they provide good clarity for movies, games, and calls. For the best gaming immersion, most users still prefer a quality headset.
Battery Life and Portability
Gaming laptops are not known for long battery life, and the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is no exception. Expect 5 6 hours with light use like browsing or streaming. Heavy gaming will drain the battery in under 2 hours. That said, at 4.6 pounds, it’s portable enough to carry around daily.
Upgradability (RAM & SSD)
One reason this laptop remains relevant is its upgradability. Users can expand RAM to 32GB and replace the SSD with a larger one, up to 2TB. This extends the life of the machine and allows it to handle bigger projects and games in 2025.
Price and Value in 2025
In 2018, the Razer Blade 15 H2 was expensive, often costing over $2,000 depending on the GPU. In 2025, second hand models are much more affordable, typically ranging from $600 $900 depending on condition and upgrades. For budget conscious gamers, this makes it a cost effective alternative to buying a new $2,000+ gaming laptop.
Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 vs Newer Models
Compared to the latest Razer Blade laptops with RTX GPUs, faster CPUs, and OLED displays, the 2018 H2 naturally feels dated. However, it still competes with many mid range laptops today thanks to its strong build, good display, and upgradable internals.
If you don’t need ray tracing or ultra settings in modern games, the 2018 H2 remains a solid choice.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Premium aluminum design
Thin and portable for a gaming laptop
144Hz display
Strong CPU and GPU performance for its time
Upgradable RAM and storage
Good port selection
Cons
Runs hot under heavy load
Battery life is average
GTX 1070 Max-Q is dated for modern AAA games
Expensive when new (but affordable second-hand now)
Who Should Buy the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 in 2025?
This laptop makes sense for:
Students who need a mix of productivity and light gaming
Content creators who want an affordable editing machine
Gamers on a budget who are okay with medium settings in new titles
Professionals who want a sleek design but don’t need the latest GPU
If you want cutting-edge performance, you’ll need a newer Razer Blade. But if you’re after a balance of design, portability, and decent gaming, this model is still worth it.
User Reviews and Feedback
Looking at online forums and resale sites, many users praise the laptop’s premium design and durability. Common compliments include its thin form factor and responsive keyboard. The most frequent complaints are heat management and battery life, which is typical for gaming laptops of its era.
Conclusion Should You Buy It in 2025?
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 may not be the newest gaming laptop, but it still offers value in 2025. With its premium build, solid performance, and upgrade options, it remains competitive for students, creators, and casual gamers. If you find it second-hand at a fair price, it’s a smart buy just keep in mind its age and limitations compared to modern machines.
FAQs
Q1: Is the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 good for gaming in 2025?
Yes, it handles esports titles and older AAA games well, but newer games may require medium settings.
Q2: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?
Yes, the RAM goes up to 32GB, and SSDs can be swapped for larger capacity.
Q3: Does it support VR and eGPUs?
Yes, thanks to the GTX 1070 and Thunderbolt 3 support.
Q4: How long does the battery last?
Around 5–6 hours with light use, less than 2 hours while gaming.
Q5: Is it still worth buying second-hand?
Yes, if priced right. It’s a good mid-range option for budget-conscious users in 2025.