Razer Laptops 2023: The Top 10 Models for All Budgets

Are you a PC gaming enthusiast? Then you must have heard about Razer, the brand renowned for its top-tier gaming laptops, keyboards, mice, and headsets. From the lightweight design of the Blade Stealth to the sheer power and graphic capabilities of the Blade Pro 17, Razer laptops come with a variety of specifications that cater to different gaming needs.

Whether you're on the hunt for the latest model or a budget-friendly option, this guide will help you find the best Razer laptop for your needs. We'll dive into the brand's history, explore its most iconic models, and compare their specs to find the one that aligns with your needs. So, let's explore the world of Razer together!

Choosing the right processor for Razer

If you're in the market for a Razer laptop, you're likely looking for a powerful machine that can handle gaming and other demanding tasks. While the GPU is arguably more critical than the CPU for gaming, a powerful processor is still necessary for maintaining smooth framerates and preventing stuttering. In this section, we'll discuss how to decide on the right laptop processor for Razer laptops.

What's new in the laptop processor market?

In recent years, we've seen exciting developments in the laptop processor market. Apple has released MacBooks with ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules, which offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has also made significant gains, capturing 20% of the laptop CPU market. Intel's 13th-generation Core processors have already been released, but the 12th-generation Core CPUs can still provide a lot of value, especially if you don't need cutting-edge performance.

Does a high-end CPU make sense for gaming laptops?

While a high-end CPU isn't as critical for gaming as a powerful GPU, it can still make a difference. A faster processor can help maintain smooth framerates and prevent stuttering, particularly on less demanding titles such as CS:GO and League of Legends. However, it's essential to balance performance with thermals, as a high-end CPU can generate a lot of heat, which can negatively impact performance.

Gaming laptops and thermals – how does that affect CPU choice?

When it comes to gaming laptops, thermals are a significant consideration. Razer laptops are known for their sleek, thin designs, which can make it challenging to manage heat. As a result, it's crucial to consider the thermal design of the laptop when selecting a CPU. Generally speaking, higher-end CPUs generate more heat, so it's essential to strike a balance between performance and thermals.

Which processors should be ruled out? (Older generations)

When selecting a processor for a Razer laptop, it's generally best to avoid older generations. While these processors may be cheaper, they often lack the performance and efficiency of newer models. Additionally, older processors may not be compatible with newer technologies such as Thunderbolt 4 or Wi-Fi 6.

List of recommended processors by budget category.

Here are our recommendations for Razer laptop processors based on budget category:

Minimum

• Intel: i5-1240P
• AMD: Ryzen 5 6600U

Recommended

• Intel: i7-12650H
• AMD: Ryzen 7 6800H

High-end

• Intel: i9-12900H
• AMD: Ryzen 9 6900HX

These processors strike a balance between performance and thermals and are suitable for most gaming and productivity tasks. However, depending on your specific needs, you may want to consider a different processor or consult with a professional.

The right graphics

Laptops

Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, and Nvidia remains the market leader in GPU manufacturing for laptops. The recently released RTX 40 series cards are already hitting the shelves, but the current notebook GPU market is still dominated by the RTX 30 series cards.

A dedicated graphics card is necessary for gaming, as integrated graphics chips do not have the processing power to run demanding games. Razer laptops are known for their outstanding graphics performance, and all Razer Blade models come with a dedicated Nvidia graphics chip. However, Razer also has some productivity ultrabooks that lack a dedicated graphics chip, making them suitable for those who don't require a gaming laptop.

Nvidia no longer requires laptop OEMs to use the "Max-Q" brand to differentiate underpowered GPU configurations. Fortunately, Razer typically targets the higher end of the power delivery spectrum. One essential feature that is often overlooked is Nvidia Advanced Optimus, which enables you to switch between integrated and dedicated graphics modules without restarting or changing any BIOS settings. This is accomplished via a MUX-switch on the motherboard and is only available in specific Razer Blade models.

When comparing different GPUs, I use 3DMark scores, which provide a comprehensive comparison of different graphics cards. Here are some recommended GPUs for Razer laptops, grouped by price categories:

• Minimum: RTX 3060 Ti – This GPU is suitable for gamers who are looking to play most games at 1080p resolution with medium-high settings.
• Recommended: RTX 3070 Ti; RX 6800M – These GPUs are perfect for gamers who want to play games at 1440p resolution with high settings.
• High-end: RTX 3080 Ti – This GPU is suitable for gamers who want to play games at 4K resolution with high settings.

Keep in mind that prices for these GPUs can vary depending on the laptop manufacturer and model. Ultimately, the best graphics card for your Razer laptop depends on your budget and the types of games you play.

Picking a good memory

Laptops

RAM is an essential component in modern computing, especially when it comes to gaming and productivity. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM, and high-end laptops often come with 32 GB or more. The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.

When it comes to Razer laptops, the differences between DDR5 and DDR4 RAM are minor but exist. As a result, Razer's high-end models almost always come with DDR5 RAM, whereas their lower-to-mid-range models are more frequently paired with DDR4 RAM. However, in my opinion, it is not worth buying a more expensive model just for DDR5 RAM.

It is also essential to consider upgradability when choosing a Razer laptop. Some models come with upgradable slotted RAM, while others come with fixed onboard memory. If upgradeability is essential for you, look for a slotted model. However, if you're looking for an affordable Razer laptop, you might be forced to settle on soldered RAM.

So, how much memory do you need for gaming? I recommend a minimum of 8 GB for casual gaming, but 16 GB is becoming the norm for most games. If you plan to do more than just gaming, such as video editing or running virtual machines, then 32 GB or more may be necessary.

Here are my RAM recommendations by price range for Razer laptops:

Price Range	Recommended RAM
Under $1000	8 GB
$1000-$2000	16 GB
Over $2000	32 GB (slotted)

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the right RAM for your Razer laptop, consider your needs and budget. While DDR5 may offer minor benefits over DDR4, it's not worth breaking the bank for. Additionally, consider the upgradability of the laptop, especially if you plan on using it for several years.

How to choose the right storage for Razer?

Razer laptops are known for their fast and reliable SSD storage. SSDs have become the standard in the market, with PCIe M.2 SSDs (usually NVMe) leading the way. When it comes to Razer laptops, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding on the right SSD.

Gaming vs. Workstation

Razer is a gaming company, so it's no surprise that their laptops have fast SSD storage. However, different models have different storage requirements depending on their intended use. For instance, the productivity-first Razer Book comes with 250 GB of SSD storage, while their gaming laptops usually come with 500 GB or 1 TB hard drives.

Upgradability

All Razer laptops come with a single SSD module, and some models can be upgraded with a second M.2 drive. However, the 2-slot configurations are only available on Razer's 17-inch lineup. Suppose you're looking for a laptop with a lot of storage space. In that case, you'll have to go with the larger 17.3" Razer Blade laptop and check the maximum supported SSD capacity before purchasing.

External Drives

If you're not concerned about the upgradability of your laptop's storage, connecting external drives is always an option. Razer laptops typically have multiple ports, so connecting external monitors or other peripherals shouldn't be an issue.

Other Important Factors

Besides storage capacity, other factors can affect the performance of an SSD, such as read and write speeds, durability, and power consumption. NVMe SSDs typically have faster read and write speeds than SATA SSDs, and they are more power-efficient. However, they can be more expensive.

Recommended SSD Sizes by Price Range

Here's a list of recommended SSD sizes for Razer laptops by price range:

• Minimum: 250 GB (productivity), 500 GB (gaming)
• Recommended: 1 TB
• High-end: 1 TB + additional M.2 slot

In conclusion, when deciding on the right SSD for your Razer laptop, it's essential to consider your specific needs, whether it's for gaming or productivity. Upgradability and external drive options should also be considered, along with other essential factors besides storage capacity.

The right display

When it comes to Razer laptops, the display is an essential part of the experience. Fortunately, Razer laptops typically have excellent displays, which was not always the case. So all that remains is establishing clear priorities: resolution, refresh rate, and color accuracy.

Laptop Display Sizes and Resolutions

The screen size is entirely up to you, but if you intend to play games on it, I'd recommend at least 15 inches, especially if you don't plan to connect an external display. Maybe it's just me, but I love screen real estate. When you've decided on the laptop's size, match it with an appropriate resolution. 14" laptops, in my opinion, are OK with FHD, 15" are somewhere between FHD and QHD, and 17" are best suited for the QHD-to-4K range.

What Display Panel is the Most Common in Razer Laptops?

Almost all Razer laptops include "IPS-grade" or "IPS-equivalent" panels. That's understandable, given that IPS is a licensed technology and Razer could use a different panel technology. But, to be blunt, is it any good? In Razer's case, the answer is yes. It's far superior to TN panels. Most Razer models have decent brightness and color coverage; some are even calibrated! The one exception to the IPS-like rule is their OLED model, which is a sight to behold… For OLED reasons.

Role of Refresh Rate in Games

A high refresh rate is no longer considered a luxury. On the contrary, it's almost a must-have feature in a gaming laptop, especially if you play shooters like Valorant, Counter-Strike, CoD, Fortnite, and others. Go for a 240Hz or even 360Hz panel for the best experience, though their fastest panels will set you back a fortune.

Picture Quality and How Well Does Razer Perform?

When it comes to picture quality, color accuracy, and contrast, Razer laptops are top-notch. For those who require color-critical work, Razer laptops can hit 90%+ Adobe RGB, which is quite impressive for a laptop. If you're a professional who needs even more color accuracy, Razer offers an OLED panel that's out of this world. Moreover, some of their laptops now feature Mini LED backlighting, which produces stunning contrast levels that you might expect from a desktop monitor.

Table of Recommendations/Requirements for Various Budgets

Budget	Display Panel	Brightness (nits)	Color Coverage	Refresh Rate
Minimum	IPS	300	72% sRGB	60Hz
Recommended	IPS	350	90% Adobe RGB	144Hz
High-end	IPS Mini LED/OLED	400	95%+ P3	240Hz or higher

In conclusion, the Razer laptop display is an essential factor in the user experience, and there are multiple options available for different budgets. From minimum requirements to high-end options, users can choose the display panel that best fits their needs. With the right laptop display, you'll be able to take your gaming and professional work to the next level.

5 Best Laptops for Razer

Table of the Best Laptops for Razer

Laptop	Price (approx)
HP Omen 16
MSI WE76 11UK
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
GIGABYTE AORUS 15 XE4
Dell XPS 15 9520