Benchmarks and specs comparing Blade 2014 870M, M17x R4 w/ 680M, and Aorus X3+ V3 970M using Arkham Origins

Just ran a benchmark using Arkham Origins and received the following frame rates. This is comparing my main Desktop Replacement to my Blade and my M17x R4. I was interested to see what was getting pushed being that the 870M is two generations newer (and one tier back) from my 680M. Disappointed at the FPS I received doing this test, I expected the 870M to be at least 20% faster than 2 generation old technology but I was mistaken.

All tests done at max settings without AA, DX11 enhanced, no overclock

M17x R4 @ 1080p
Min: 27
Max: 76
Avg: 48

M17x R4 @ 1080p (battery power only no one does this often but nice to know what you would get)
Min: 6
Max: 16
Avg: 10
(This shows that the 14" laptops really shine at gaming on battery)

Razer Blade 2014 @ 1080p
Min: 28
Max: 65
Avg: 47

Razer Blade 2014 @ 1080p (battery power only no one does this often but nice to know what you would get)
Min: 12
Max: 54
Avg: 35

Razer Blade 2014 @ 3200x1800
Min: 20
Max: 40
Avg: 26

Razer Blade 2014 @ 3200x1800 (battery power only no one does this often but nice to know what you would get)
Min: 13
Max: 34
Avg: 22

Aorus X3+ V3 @ 3200x1800 (posted by forum member deekortiz3)
Min: 29
Max: 68
Avg: 37

That's a pretty significant boost comparing the 870M in the Blade to the 970M in the Aorus, that's about 15%+ performance increase compared to the 870M.

Might be returning the Blade to get that Aorus X3+ V3. It's still pretty small coming in at .9" thick which is .2" thicker than the Blade according to the Blade specs page.

Blade weighs 4.47lbs (2.03kg)
Aorus X3+ V3 weighs 3.9lbs (1.8kg)

Blade 8GB ram non-upgradeable
Aorus 16GB ram and replaceable (32GB probably works but not tested)

Blade 128GB/256GB/512GB M2 Sata (not mSATA) ridiculously expensive and limited to 512GB
Aorus 2x 256GB mSATA in RAID-0 (has 3 mSATA slots total allowing you up to 3TB with currently available mSATA SSD's)

I could go on. Honestly, the only thing the Blade has going for it is I was able to get it for $1710 w/ tax and shipping (refurb model) for the 512GB one. For $500 more (or technically LESS than Razer's retail price) one could get the obviously better choice. The MSRP on the Aorus right now is $2199 which has 512GB (2x 256GB RAID-0) standard, the MSRP on the Blade 2014 is 2699 it's literally $500 cheaper retail price than the Blade and outperforms it.

The only thing the Aorus doesn't excel at is the sleek "professional" look of the Blade and the fact it's .2" thicker. The Blade actually weighs more. I couldn't believe that when I read it.

Now I don't personally own the Aorus so I can't speak for other games other than what our fellow NBR graced us with but I am disappointed in my purchase with the Blade. I want others' input on this before I make a final decision to return my Blade. If you were in my position what would you do? I realize some of you are outside your return policy but assuming you weren't.

I also realize the new CPU's are due out later this year but with Intel's constant delays it could be in 2 months, it could be end of the year.

 

I like this research you did / compiled, its very helpful for the community! I'm glad you've found the answers you were seeking. It just doesn't make sense to pay a premium price for outdated hardware. I wish Razer would at least release some info regarding their 2015 14" notebook and what options are available @ the different price points, that way people can decide if they want to wait for a Razer product or go with a different manufacturer. Good info:thumbsup:


Edit ---

There's no need to convince yourself anymore or wait for other opinions. Your reasons are all exactly what a reasonably minded person would tell themselves if they were to do the research and crunch the numbers. Return it! Take the loss in return shipping, return it, and order the Aorus or P34 or whatever Ultra Gaming Notebook you're currently looking at.

 

Thanks! The more I look at the Aorus the more I'm liking it. Just need to get one in hand. Need to wait until one of these Razers gets refunded so I can order.

 

Not trying to sway your decision but the only thing you didn't factor in is build quality. I haven't tried the blade as they are not available in the UK but I had an aorus x3+ with 870m. Here are a couple of negatives in case you are interested:

Buld quality is average at best. there was a lot of flex in the lid. My keyboard bulged on the left side and had loads of flex.
The power button on the side doesn't have a good feeling, there is no discernable click so it is difficult to press, and is difficult to feel for without looking.
The power brick was massive much like any other gaming laptop except the blade. This is a shame when you buy an ultraportable.

Other than that I agree with all your positives for the machine

 

"Had" ? You returned it? Did you do any write up on your experiences?

 

I know others have said that build quality on the Razer Blade was better than the Aorus, but I hadn't heard that it was bad. Flex on the lid, I understand. Most thin laptops are going to have some flex just because of the nature of it's thinness, so I don't consider that "bad". Same with the power supply, but I agree that it would have been nice if the power supply was as small as the Razer Blade one.

But the keyboard bulging is a concern to me. Was it the same or worse than this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko5IxFyROJ8

 

You guys consider that bad? LOL. The M17x R3 had it way worse and those were under extreme conditions. The blade doesn't flex because the whole keyboard area is aluminum (except the keys) I'm guessing the Aorus is plastic there? That lid flex though is confusing. Isn't the chassis full aluminum? Aluminum shouldn't bend like that.

 

Yeah I returned it. I did write my experience on the OCUK forum as I was also in touch with the rep.

The lid flex I would have also been fine with, it was just a point of note.
It was the keyboard that mostly got me and my screen had terrible bleed plus a cluster of dead pixels.

Lastly I forgot to mention the glass track pad wasn't the best either.

 

Well, with the m17x R3 does have a lot of insane flex. So I'm used to it, but I would have liked something better. I wasn't that concern about the flex, but he mentioned a bulge. Which sounds like a defect to me.

As for the flex on the lid, I'm looking towards the Aorus X7 Pro and that also seems to flex as well. But I figure it's a thin lid so there is bound to be some flex. I could be wrong though. Does the Razer Blade lid flex?

 

No flex, all aluminum design. MBP clone

 

Very nice, thanks for taking the time to put these numbers up. I personally enjoy both of my blades, 17" and 14". The Aesthetics and power are fantastic for me. I have a desktop for when I want a truly phenomenal experience. I will say that The only laptop I have ever used were razer blades so I have a heavily biased opinion.

 

That's one thing I will say about the blade. There's 0 flex. The thing is solid as a rock.

 

What do you use your blade for mostly?

 

Games and farting around on the internet..