Razer Blade 2020 Base External Display - Disappointing, hopefully I am doing something wrong. | Razer Insider

Razer Blade 2020 Base External Display - Disappointing, hopefully I am doing something wrong.

H
Hi there, I recently picked up a 2020 15" Base model blade. Mea culpa, but I did not notice this model no longer has a mini displayport, only HDMI.

This is an issue (ish) for me, as I have a monitor that supports up to 144hz, which the HDMI port cannot support.

I then tried to use the thunderbolt connection, only to discover that apparently it goes to the integrated GPU, as opposed to the dedicated GPU.

It now appears I have no means to get the higher refresh rate output to my monitor that supports it?

I hope I am missing something here, as I would hate to need to return the laptop, but I am at a loss on how to move forward with this setup as a partial desktop replacement.

Edit:
Bump for input?
This topic has been closed for comments

13 Replies

Razer.Caziel
Userlevel 7
Have you tried running a game with the external monitor plugged into the Thunderbolt 3 port? While playing the game, can you see that it's using the Intel graphics? Do you mind putting up a screenshot of the advanced display settings with that setup?
H
The game would run at whatever capability the internal gpu can support, but you cannot even open nvidia settings when using the display that way, as it detects that the monitor is not plugged in to nvidia gpu

Edit:
I just set it up again and verified it is not using the nvidia GPU when on thunderbolt > dock > displayport. My last ditch effort will be to try a usb c to display port cable from the other side of the laptop, but I imagine it will be the same results.

This is really disappointing, and, overall, an absolutely baffling decision, both to remove the mini dp and then to also prevent the thunderbolt from utilizing the dedicated gpu.

By providing only hdmi out, this makes any higher end monitor with > 144hz limited to 120 hz or lower in most cases, somewhat eliminating the blade series as a viable gaming desktop replacement.

This stings especially because that was not the case in the 2019 models, which makes it even more confusing.
Razer.Caziel
Userlevel 7
Design choices aren't something I can comment on and I am currently working offsite, so I can't test things out. I honestly think you'd need an adapter of sorts, but If you'd like, we can consult our Systems Team about this. PM me if you want to go that route.
H
I'll touch base once I get to test the USB C to DP adapter, had to order one. To be clear, I'm not intending it as a 'ra rah, i'm mad, I want a refund' type thing, I very much do not want to need to return it. If the C to DP adapter doesn't work, I'll PM you to pass along the feedback on the design.
Razer.Caziel
Userlevel 7
Horus829
I'll touch base once I get to test the USB C to DP adapter, had to order one. To be clear, I'm not intending it as a 'ra rah, i'm mad, I want a refund' type thing, I very much do not want to need to return it. If the C to DP adapter doesn't work, I'll PM you to pass along the feedback on the design.

I totally get it and even if you were mad and wanted a refund, I wouldn't be mad at you. Shoot me a PM, I'll be here if you need me.
A
@Horus829 i use a type c to DB adapter on my 1080p benq 144hz display and can confirm it works just fine with my razer. I hope you have the same luck. Here as well if you need any assist. just @ Me !
H
autoFawnPERIDOT525
@Horus829 i use a type c to DB adapter on my 1080p benq 144hz display and can confirm it works just fine with my razer. I hope you have the same luck. Here as well if you need any assist. just @ Me !

@Razer.Caziel

Good news, as with autoFawn, a direct USB-C to DP did work when I bought a thunderbolt compatible one and used the thunderbolt port.

I am going to do further testing on the USB-C port on the other side, with a different usb-c dock, and a thunderbolt dock if I can get a hold of one at a reasonable price, and will let you know if that works as well.

So far I was able to test HDMI 2.0 cable to the monitor to do 4k at 120hz, 4k @ 144hz with the USBC->DP, but I have no means of testing 244hz.

One bit of feedback so far, I have found similar issues to my initial across reddit and even a few other spots on this forum, and @autoFawnPERIDOT525 was the first response I have seen in any of those threads to lay out that solution, simple as it may be.

If I can't get any of the other two docks to work I will update here.
Razer.Caziel
Userlevel 7
@Horus829 Docks are rather expensive so if this works, I won't push you any further. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.
H
Razer.Caziel
@Horus829 Docks are rather expensive so if this works, I won't push you any further. Thanks for keeping me in the loop.

Yep, just being as thorough as possible so people down the road have as much data to work off.
Razer.Caziel
Userlevel 7
I appreciate you for doing all of that. Keep us posted! 👊
123than
Hi all,

I am considering upgrading to the 2020 Razer Blade 15 Advanced but wanted to make sure the dedicated GPU is used for external monitors. It sounds like this year's model is still directly connected to the CPU.

So, to clarify the end result of this thread:
@Horus829 you ARE indeed able to get external monitors to use the dedicated GPU via a USB-C or Thunderbolt docking station?
H
123than
Hi all,

I am considering upgrading to the 2020 Razer Blade 15 Advanced but wanted to make sure the dedicated GPU is used for external monitors. It sounds like this year's model is still directly connected to the CPU.

So, to clarify the end result of this thread:
@Horus829 you ARE indeed able to get external monitors to use the dedicated GPU via a USB-C or Thunderbolt docking station?


I was able to use a USB-C (the particular one I got was thunderbolt compatible) to Display Port to get it to use the dedicated GPU.

When I was using a usb c dock, the computer would swap over to the integrated gpu. I have not yet been able to try a different usb c dock or a thunderbolt dock, and instead used a USB hub (the monitor I am using has a bunch of usb ports, so I am sort of using the monitor as the hub
B
Hi all, just ordered a razer 15 advanced laptop! I'm also surprised that they decided to get rid of the mini display port... Does that mean no more VR as well?
I got this cable do you think it will do the trick ( I have a 1440p@144Hz monitor):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RY75V7Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(
USB C to DisplayPort Cable (4K@60Hz, 2K@165Hz, 2K@144Hz) WARRKY 6.6ft [24K Gold-Plated, Slim Aluminum Shell] WFH Must Thunderbolt 3 to DP)
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