Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

This Razer Blade firmware update could improve GPU performance

Razer is introducing two new configurations to its Blade 17 series gaming laptops for 2022, as well as bumping performance on some existing units through a firmware update.

The new Razer Blade 17 models will now include options for up to Intel Core i9-12900H processors and Nvidia GeForce 3070 Ti GPUs.This hardware setup has never before been seen on the Blade 17 laptops, as Razer pointed out.

Razer Blade laptop sitting on a white countertop.
Recommended Videos

Paired with a display upgrade for the entry model, the 17.3-inch QHD display will now come with a 240Hz refresh rate instead of 165Hz. It also boasts 16GB DDR5 RAM and it will start at $3,400. The 17.3-inch UHD display features a 144Hz refresh rate and 32GB DDR5 RAM, along with a starting price of $3,800.

Several models of the 2022 laptop that were released earlier this year are also available, with the cheapest version starting at $2,700. Like other models, the latest Blade 17 sells with a two-year battery warranty.

Razer also claims the 2022 Blade 17 models running 3060 and 3080 Ti GPUs will receive a boost in total graphics power (TGP) via an upcoming firmware update. Benefits that can be expected from the update include an additional 10 watts of system performance power for each system. The Blade 17 with the RTX 3060 GPU can expect a maximum TGP of 130 watts (115 watts + 25 watts) and the Blade 17 with the 3080 Ti a maximum of 175 watts (150 watts + 25 watts).

Models newer than these are set to release with increased TGP from production.

In addition to the Blade 17, Razer has also been showcasing its Blade 15 and Blade 14 laptops throughout the year. The Blade 15 is somewhat similar to the Blade 17 with many display options and a power focus. The Blade 14 has a thin and light ultrabook design with AMD processor options, in addition to Intel.

Razer is also offering a limited-time deal, giving those who buy a Razer Blade 17 or Razer Blade 15 with a 12th-gen Intel processor a free 6-month subscription to the Vegas Post 365 video production bundle or 40% off a one-year subscription. The deal is available until July 31.

Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends. She covers a range of topics in the computing space, including…
This is how Asus defeats the Razer Blade 14
The 2024 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 sitting on a table.

I've always liked the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. It's one of the best gaming laptops you can buy due to its portability and power, and especially its price. It has always played second fiddle to the Razer Blade 14, however, for those with the cash to burn for Razer's high-end gaming laptop. That's changing at CES 2024.

The 2024 Zephyrus G14 is a radical redesign that takes the fight directly to Razer. As someone who drives a Razer Blade 14 daily, I might be switching to the Zephyrus G14. A new aluminum chassis provides a premium finish while keeping the weight and thickness low, and Asus now has one of the best screens you can buy on a laptop.

Read more
The Razer Blade is losing its edge
The Razer Blade 14 and 18 on a table.

For years, a more cutting-edge gaming laptop than the Razer Blade has not existed. But at CES 2024, other companies have started pulling ahead in some key areas.

It's not that Razer didn't bring updates this year -- don't get me wrong. The Razer Blade 16 now has what Razer calls the first 16-inch 240Hz OLED gaming laptop, and while that is technically true, it's not as impressive as it sounds. In fact, Razer had a 15-inch 240Hz OLED laptop just last year, which is nearly identical. It comes with Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh HX chip and still can be configured up to an RTX 4090 for graphics.

Read more
The new Razer Blade 16 is embracing OLED in a big way
Press renders of the 2024 Razer Blade 16 and Blade 18 gaming laptops.

Razer has just made an announcement about the displays being used in its updated Blade 16 and Blade 18. The new 2024 models will be making their official debut at CES next week, where the company is expected to share full specifications, pricing, and availability.

For now, though, the company has only given out details about the display, and without a doubt, they sound pretty stellar. The new Blade 16 will feature a 16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) OLED display that can offer up to a 240Hz refresh rate and superfast response times of 0.2ms.

Read more