Introducing the Nvidia 4080 Mobile GPU in the First 18-inch Gaming Laptop of 2023
I was taken aback as I opened the massive 18-inch display of the newly launched Razer Blade 18 gaming laptop. Although 18-inch gaming laptops are a new trend in 2023, it's not the first time I've seen this size. I remembered reviewing the 18-inch Alienware 18 from Dell back in 2013. However, the concept didn't become popular back then and quickly faded away.
Now, ten years later, I'm glad to see the idea being given another chance, as it provides a great alternative to the smaller 15-inch gaming laptops I've been using. This new Razer Blade, which previously had a maximum display size of 17 inches, is the first 18-inch gaming laptop I'm testing this year. Although the big screen is impressive, the real highlight of this laptop is the Nvidia GeForce 9080 GPU, making it the first laptop we're testing with the mobile version of Nvidia's 4000-series graphics cards, which were previously only available in desktop form. This is a remarkable accomplishment." I am excited to see the return of the 18-inch gaming laptop with the Razer Blade 18. The large display was stunning, reminding me of the Alienware 18 from Dell which I reviewed in 2013. Although the concept didn't gain popularity back then, I believe it has potential in the current gaming market.
LIKE:
- The big, bright, 18-inch display
- Offers new Nvidia 4080 and 4090 GPUs
- Upgradable RAM and storage
- Lots of ports and connections
DON'T LIKE:
- Doesn't offer Razer's Mini-LED screen option
- Lacks dedicated media control buttons
- Very, very expensive
This new Razer Blade offers a great alternative to the smaller 15-inch gaming laptops, and its firsts extend beyond just its size. The Nvidia GeForce 9080 GPU, the mobile version of Nvidia's 4000-series graphics cards, sets it apart from the competition and makes it the first laptop we are testing with this technology. The price of the Razer Blade 18 is noteworthy, although not in a favorable way. At $3,799, it is the more affordable of the two configurations offered by Razer. This includes a 13th-generation Intel Core i9 CPU, the Nvidia 4080 GPU, a 1TB SSD, and 32GB of RAM. Interestingly, the same amount of RAM was present in the 18-inch Alienware from a decade ago, which had a similar price of around $4,200 at the time.
The higher-priced Razer Blade 18, costing $4,499, has a 2TB SSD and the even better Nvidia 4090 GPU. Both versions have the same 18-inch 2,560x1,600 display, weigh slightly over 7 pounds, and feature the well-known per-key Chroma RGB lighting system. Other 18-inch gaming laptops expected to launch this year, such as the Asus ROG Strix 18, the Acer Predator Helios 18, and the Alienware m18, will also offer backlit keyboards.
Body and keyboard:
The Razer Blade 18 boasts the same high-quality CNC aluminum construction and black anodized finish as other Razer devices. It features a good selection of ports, though not quite at the desktop level, and has a thickness of 22mm, which is about as thin as you can get for an 18-inch laptop. The laptop weighs 7 pounds. The keyboard, however, is shallower compared to the deep mechanical or mechanical-style keys found on gaming desktops and some gaming laptops. It also lacks a number pad and dedicated media control buttons, with volume control mapped to the function key row. This can be changed through the Razer Synapse app, but it's not as convenient as having dedicated buttons.
The plain keyboard, except for its lighting effects, lacks a numeric keypad and specific media control buttons. Having easily accessible volume up/down/mute buttons on the fly is a crucial feature for gaming, in my opinion. The media controls are accessible through the Function key row and not through dedicated buttons. By default, lowering the volume requires pressing Fn + F2, but this can be changed in the Razer Synapse app so that the media controls become the default function of those keys. Although this is a convenient solution, it is not as preferable as having dedicated media control buttons or even customizable macro keys. The laptop is equipped with six THX speakers, which are now owned by Razer. However, the initial sound output was not as satisfying compared to other gaming laptops I have used recently. To improve the sound, I had to adjust the equalizer settings. This can be done through both the Realtek audio console and the THX app. For a more impactful sound, it is recommended to turn off the Spatial Audio in the THX app.
Display:
The display is noteworthy, but it lacks the impact of the Mini-LED screen in the updated 16-inch Razer Blade. Instead, it features a high-quality LCD screen with a quick 240Hz refresh rate and a QHD resolution of 2,560x1,600. This results in a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is becoming the norm for laptops. Despite its slim bezel, it falls short compared to the dual-mode Mini-LED screen in the 16-inch model. That display has the ability to switch between UHD (5,120x2,880) at 120Hz and FHD (2,200x1,080) at 240Hz, making it ideal for both content creators and competitive gamers.
The 18-inch screen provides the convenience of a larger display for gaming without the need for a big-screen TV or a bulky monitor. It strikes the perfect balance for those seeking a bigger screen than typical 15- or 16-inch gaming laptops.
Gaming performance:
This gaming laptop boasts exceptional performance, rivaling that of its more expensive GeForce 4090 counterpart and surpassing most gaming desktops. The Blade 18's upgradable RAM and storage, large body, and efficient cooling system with ample heat sinks, vapor chamber, and fans allow for maximum utilization of the CPU and GPU, avoiding the need to clock down like some smaller laptops.
Initial gaming and performance benchmarks were quite remarkable. The anecdotal testing while playing games like the new Dead Space remake demonstrated high frame rates with ease, reaching a minimum of 80fps and up to 140fps at QHD resolution with the highest detail settings. Although the scores reflect the experience so far, more time is needed to run additional tests and form a definite conclusion.
The new 18-inch era:
This is an initial review of the Razer Blade 18, as we continue to run further tests and assess its capabilities. With only a limited amount of time spent with the laptop so far, it is too early to form a definitive opinion. However, I am hopeful about the future of 18-inch gaming laptops and the potential they hold. Comparing the Razer Blade 18 with similar models from other brands such as Alienware, Asus, and Acer will provide a clearer picture of its performance. Based on past experiences with these brands, Razer is often one of the top contenders when it comes to similar laptops.
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