I tried to explode the GPU performance of a high-performance notebook PC "Razer Blade Stealth" with an expansion BOX "Razer Core" that can attach a graphic board externally

Since high machine performance is required to enjoy 3D games and VR contents, core gamers use desktop PCs with high performance graphics boards, not laptop PCs. However, using the Thunderbolt 3 standard, a style of connecting a full-size graphic board to a notebook PC and using it as an external graphic board has appeared, attracting the attention of gamers. High performance Ultrabook released in Japan in September 2016 "Razer Blade Stealth"And extended box"Razer Core"Is a product that is compatible with external GPUs as soon as possible and realizes the world of" real "gaming notebook PC.

Razer Blade Stealth - 12.5-inch Ultrabook ™ ultra-thin laptop with Core i7 and 4K LCD
http://www.razerzone.com/jp-jp/gaming-systems/razer-blade-stealth

Razer Core External Graphics Dock
http://www.razerzone.com/jp-jp/store/razer-core

◆ Appearance check of Razer Blade Stealth
Ultrabook 'Razer Blade Stealth' and GPU extension box 'Razer Core' arrived at GIGAZINE Editorial department.


Razer Blade Stealth is such a box.


There is a further black box in the box, and when opened you can find Razer Blade Stealth in a brilliant lime green box.


Inside is Razer Blade Stealth main body, Type-C charging cable.


Razer Blade Stealth is a 12.5-inch Ultrabook of 321 mm width × 206 mm length × thickness 13.1 mm, weight 1.25 kg.


Razer's logo where 3 snakes intertwine on the top board.


The display is glare type. Despite the size of 12.5 inches, the resolution is WQHD (2560 × 1440), and the top model also supports 4 K (3840 × 2160). The capacitance type multi touch panel IGZO panel has a maximum viewing angle of 170 degrees.


Extremely thin display opens up to about 140 degrees.


A 2 megapixel web camera on the upper bezel.


The keyboard is an isolation type.


Power button on the top.


The key stroke is shallow, but with a moist texture, the key feeling is very good.


Speakers on the left and right of the keyboard. It corresponds to Dolby Digital Plus, and the volume is considerable.


USB 3.0 port and HDMI port on the right side.


The USB port is Lime Green specification of Razer color.


On the left side is a Type 3 - C USB 3.1 port, USB 3.0 port, earphone jack corresponding to Thunderbolt 3.


The charging adapter and the external GPU "Razer Core" connect to Type - C USB port.


The bottom is equipped with a horizontally elongated slip up and down.


There is a slit for exhaust / intake at the bottom, and a sirocco fan is mounted on the left exhaust slit.


The AC adapter is 45 W (20 V · 2.25 A).


Since it is a Type-C USB cable 1, handling is comparatively easy.


The keyboard with the LED light glows in the rainbow color in default condition.


The logo on the back glows.


I tried using Razer Blade Stealth
The desktop screen of Razer Blade Stealth is a design that seems to be a gaming PC.


Using "Razer Synapse" of the preinstalled application you can fine-tune the LED light of the keyboard and the brightness of the display.


Razer Blade Stealth adopts Windows 10 Home for OS. The CPU is equipped with Intel Core i7-6500U (2.5 GHz), 8 GB memory.


Since 256 GB of storage is NVMe connection, it is super fast. When benchmark is measured with Crystal Disk Mark, the sequential read exceeds 1500 MB / s.


In the default state, the letters of the command prompt are also lime green.


When benchmark is measured with CPU Mark, the total score is "4943".


When measuring the Windows experience index, the processor is "7.5", the memory is "7.8", and the primary hard disk (SSD) is "8.9". "5.9" in graphics has become a performance bottleneck, but it has become quite a performance as a notebook PC.


"Final Fantasy XIV: Susen's Ishigarudo Benchmark"Is measured, the score is" 2140 "under the condition of" 1280 × 720 "" high quality (notebook PC) "" DirectX 9 ". Evaluation is not unable to play as "normal", but GPU performance seems to be said to be the only part that feels unsatisfactory compared to other performance such as CPU and storage.


Note that the surface temperature under measurement of Final Fantasy XIV benchmark is "FLIR ONEMeasurement with ", the power button on the back of the keyboard was heated around 45 degrees or more. However, the keyboard, palm rest, etc. are not very heated, so it is unlikely that heat will be a problem in actual use.


Although the intake slit part is relatively hot on the bottom surface, there was no concern about the heat even on the knee.


◆ Appearance check of Razer Core
GPU performance, the only weakness of high-performance Razer Blade Stealth as Ultrabook, can be compensated by using an extended BOX "Razer Core" that contains a full-size graphics board and functions as an external GPU.

When opening the box of Razer Core, Razer Core main body · power cable, Type-C · C USB cable was in.


This is an extended BOX that becomes an external GPU · Razer Core. The size is 310 mm in depth × 44 mm in width × 150 mm in height.


Razer Core used for portrait is designed like the old Mac Pro.


It is covered with a heat sink for heat dissipation so as to surround the front, the top and the bottom.


On the left side is Razer's logo.


The right side is meshed like a graphic board for cooling.


Anti-slip rubber is affixed to the bottom.


From the bottom slit, you can check the fans of two sizes, large and small, to take in air from the bottom.


The back is like this.


Four USB 3.0 ports under the slit.


You can also check the wired LAN port on the power jack. Razer Core also has the role of an extended hub to add functions of USB port and wired LAN port via Thunderbolt 3.


◆ I tried expanding GPU performance with Razer Core
Razer Core can have full-size graphics board that occupies 2 slots. This time, NVIDIAGeForce GTX 1080Let's try to improve GPU performance using.


To incorporate the graphic board, first take out the internal chassis. Cause the rear handle lever to the front ... ...


If you pull straight backward ... ...


I could take out the internal chassis.


Power supply is Enhance 500W model.


Remove the shock-resistant sponge.


Behind the power supply.


Auxiliary power connector is 6 PIN (+ 2 PIN) × 2. It corresponds also to the high-end graphic board.


Motherboard with PCI - Express slot.


Remove the thumbscrew on the back ... ...


Remove the slot cover.


Next, insert the graphic board from the top so that it matches the PCI - Express slot.


After that, just fix it with a thumbscrew. Razer Core can install graphic board without using a driver.


Finally insert 8 PIN for auxiliary power supply OK.


Return the internal chassis to the case ......


The internal chassis will be fixed if you fold the handle lever. Since Razer Core is a tool free structure, it seems that you can easily replace the graphics board in about 5 minutes if you get used to it.


You can check the graphic board from the side mesh.


Insert the power cord on the back ... ...


It is OK if you connect with Razer Blade Stealth with the supplied Type-C · C cable.


When you start Razer Blade Stealth, setup of Thunderbolt terminal will start only the first time.


After restarting, when I run the Final Fantasy XIV benchmark with the combination of Razer Blade Stealth + Razer Core (GeForce GTX 1080) ......


The score is "10990" and it is "very comfortable".


The score under the condition of "1920 × 1080" "highest quality" "DirectX 11" was "10999".


· Continued
I tried playing a VR game with "Razer Core" which can attach a full size grabo to a notebook PC - GIGAZINE