Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 – Full Review, Specs, and Performance Analysis

The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is one of Razer’s most memorable gaming laptops, combining high-end performance with a sleek and professional design. Released in the latter half of 2018, this laptop was part of a new wave of gaming machines that focused not just on raw power, but also on portability, build quality, and versatility. Even years after its launch, it remains a favorite for gamers, creators, and professionals who need a capable machine that doesn’t compromise on style.
This detailed guide will cover every aspect of the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, from its design and hardware to its gaming performance and long-term usability.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that stands out about the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is its premium design. Crafted from a single block of CNC-milled aluminum, the chassis feels sturdy, with no unnecessary flex in the lid or keyboard deck. The black anodized finish gives it a sophisticated look, while the iconic green Razer logo adds a subtle gaming flair.
Despite being a gaming laptop, it is incredibly slim at just 0.66 inches thick, and weighs around 4.63 pounds. This makes it one of the most portable 15-inch gaming laptops of its generation. The thin bezels around the display contribute to its modern look, giving it a sleek and compact profile compared to older, bulkier gaming laptops.
Display Quality
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 features a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a major highlight for gamers who want smooth visuals and reduced motion blur.
Key display features include:
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Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
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Refresh Rate: 144Hz
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Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching)
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Color Accuracy: Up to 100% sRGB coverage
Colors are vibrant and accurate, making the display suitable not only for gaming but also for tasks like photo editing, video editing, and digital design. The high refresh rate also enhances everyday use, with smooth scrolling and responsive visuals in general applications.
Performance and Specifications
Inside the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2, you’ll find a powerful combination of CPU and GPU designed to handle demanding games and intensive workloads.
Specifications:
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Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores, 12 threads, base clock 2.2GHz, turbo up to 4.1GHz)
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Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Max-Q with 8GB GDDR5 VRAM
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Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 32GB)
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Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
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Operating System: Windows 10
The Intel Core i7-8750H is a strong performer for both gaming and productivity tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, and programming. Paired with the GTX 1070 Max-Q, it delivers a smooth gaming experience on high settings for most titles released during and after its launch year.
Gaming Performance
The combination of a GTX 1070 Max-Q GPU and a 144Hz display means gamers can enjoy smooth frame rates in many popular titles. Here’s how the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 performs in various games at Full HD resolution:
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Fortnite: 120+ FPS on high settings
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Overwatch: 140+ FPS on ultra settings
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Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Around 70 FPS on high settings
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GTA V: Around 90 FPS on very high settings
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The Witcher 3: Around 80 FPS on high settings
Even in 2025, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can still handle modern games at medium to high settings, although the latest AAA titles may require some adjustments to achieve optimal performance.
Cooling and Thermal Performance
One of Razer’s standout engineering achievements in the 2018 H2 model was the introduction of a vapor chamber cooling system. This technology allows for more efficient heat dissipation compared to traditional heat pipe systems.
Under heavy load, the laptop does get warm, especially around the keyboard area, but it manages to avoid severe thermal throttling. The fans can get noticeably loud during gaming or intensive tasks, but they keep the hardware within safe operating temperatures.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 features per-key RGB Chroma lighting, customizable through the Razer Synapse software. Each key can be programmed with different colors and effects, allowing users to personalize their setup.
The keys themselves offer a good balance between travel distance and tactile feedback, making them comfortable for long gaming sessions or typing work.
The glass precision trackpad is large, smooth, and highly responsive. It supports Windows Precision drivers, which means multi-touch gestures and scrolling feel natural and accurate.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops are not typically known for long battery life, and the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 is no exception. It offers:
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Around 5 to 6 hours of light use (web browsing, streaming, office work)
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Around 2 to 3 hours of gaming or heavy workloads
For portable gaming, carrying the 230W power adapter is essential. However, considering its hardware and slim form factor, the battery life is acceptable.
Connectivity and Ports
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 includes a versatile set of ports for gaming, productivity, and media use:
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3x USB 3.1 Type-A
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1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 support
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HDMI 2.0
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Mini DisplayPort 1.4
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3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
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Kensington lock slot
The inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 allows for ultra-fast data transfers, external GPU setups, and additional display connections, making it appealing for power users and creative professionals.
Storage and Upgradeability
The laptop comes with a fast 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, which ensures quick boot times and fast game loading speeds. For those who need more storage, the SSD is upgradeable, and the RAM can be expanded up to 32GB for better multitasking and future-proofing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Premium aluminum build with a slim design
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144Hz color-accurate display
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Strong gaming and productivity performance
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Vapor chamber cooling system
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Per-key RGB keyboard with Chroma support
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Good port selection including Thunderbolt 3
Cons:
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Battery life could be better for gaming
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Fans can get loud under heavy load
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Gets warm during extended gaming sessions
Long-Term Usability
Even in 2025, the Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 can still be a solid choice for users who need a balance of performance and portability. While newer laptops now feature more power-efficient CPUs and RTX graphics cards, this model can handle most games and creative applications with ease. For professionals, the color-accurate display and high build quality make it a dependable work machine.
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Final Verdict
The Razer Blade 15 2018 H2 remains a high-quality gaming laptop that blends style, portability, and strong performance. It was ahead of its time when it launched, and even today it holds its own in many areas.
If you can find it at a reasonable price on the used or refurbished market, it’s a great option for gamers who also need a laptop for work or creative projects. Its combination of a 144Hz display, GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics, and premium design makes it one of the most well-rounded laptops from its era.