What you need to know
- RazerCon 2024 is currently underway in Hamburg, Germany.
- Among many other announcements, Razer unveiled news that Intel’s Thunderbolt Share feature is coming to all Blade 18 (2024) models.
- Thunderbolt Share was first introduced by Intel in May 2024 as a solution for speedy PC-to-PC connectivity.
- Thunderbolt Share works with Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ports, but laptops must be officially “Thunderbolt Share” licensed for it to work.
As a seasoned tech analyst with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen countless product announcements come and go, but RazerCon 2024’s unveiling of Intel’s Thunderbolt Share feature on the Razer Blade 18 (2024) is nothing short of a game-changer.
Known for being one of the top gaming laptop and accessory manufacturers, Razer consistently incorporates cutting-edge innovation into its premium offerings. At present, their RazerCon 2024 expo is taking place in Hamburg, Germany, where they are displaying a plethora of new hardware, software, and upgrades.
One major piece of news that caught my attention involves Intel’s Thunderbolt Share technology coming to the Razer Blade 18. The Blade 18 for 2024 is the most powerful laptop we’ve ever tested at Windows Central, and it’s also one of the only laptops on the market to feature the latest Thunderbolt 5 connectivity.
With a staggering bi-directional bandwidth of up to 80Gb/s and DisplayPort 2.1 compatibility for external monitors, the new Blade 18 models have already impressed many. But wait, there’s more! These models are now Thunderbolt Share licensed, making cross-PC data transfers a breeze.
Why Thunderbolt Share matters for PC users
When it comes to transferring data between computers, Thunderbolt Share appears to be the swiftest and most hassle-free option (provided your computer has a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 port). This software is something you download, which, upon installation on a licensed PC, grants access to useful features.
During Intel’s 2024 Tech Tour in Taipei, my colleague Ben Wilson witnessed Thunderbolt Share firsthand as Intel demonstrated “effortless file transfer and desktop sharing.” Now, we can expect to see this feature on laptops with the recent Blade 18 announcement from Razer.
What makes Thunderbolt Share stand out is its convenience for individuals like myself who often have multiple computers running simultaneously on my desk. It appears to offer a straightforward solution not only for transferring and sharing files, but also for establishing a KVM (Keyboard-Video-Mouse) setup, allowing me to share peripherals and displays effortlessly between different PCs.
Thunderbolt Share allows two computers that have valid licenses to connect directly. If you insert a Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 docking station in between, it can still work. This feature is beneficial for professionals who use multiple computers in their workflow and also for PC gamers, which is why it’s compatible with the Blade 18.
Instead of juggling multiple screens with various game guides, maps, and streams while playing PC games, fearing that additional software might drain resources, consider using Thunderbolt Share. This innovative solution allows you to run two computers side by side on a single desk: one for gaming and the other for running support software without any resource hiccups!
Simplifying the process, it means having the capability to transfer files seamlessly from one computer to another, or even move entire systems, without requiring external applications or online storage. This method not only enhances security but also safeguards privacy as it reduces dependency on third parties.
To clarify, Intel’s Thunderbolt Share is compatible with any desktop or laptop computer that has Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 ports and satisfies the necessary prerequisites. Here’s a summary of those conditions:
- PCs with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Windows 11 as an OS
- A certified Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 cable
- Intel Graphics Driver version 0.101.4826 (or newer)
However — and it’s a big however — at least one of the PCs must have Thunderbolt Share licensing. So let’s say you have a Razer Blade 18. You can connect it to any of the best Windows laptops with a Thunderbolt 4 or 5 port (or with a Thunderbolt dock in between) to gain access to the features.
As a researcher, I’ve discovered that Intel has included Acer, Lenovo, MSI, and Razer among laptop manufacturers participating in Thunderbolt Share, but it appears that the Blade 18 is the initial laptop authorized for this new technology. It’s anticipated that this feature will eventually be incorporated into other Blade laptops, including those equipped with Thunderbolt 4. Additionally, dock manufacturers like Belkin, Kensington, OWC, and Plugable are part of the program. Ben Wilson tested and evaluated the Kensington SD5000T5 EQ, one of the first Thunderbolt 5 docks to debut on the market globally.
Razer’s Blade 18 (2024) is a monster gaming laptop
For those high-end PC gamers who are already considering the Razer Blade 18, the latest addition of Thunderbolt Share licensing now makes data transfer and sharing peripherals between computers a breeze.
Earlier this year, my coworker Ben Wilson assessed and appraised the Blade 18 for 2024 model. After thorough examination, he bestowed upon it a Windows Central Best Award and an overall score of 90%. While it’s not flawless, as Ben stated, it remains “the most potent gaming laptop on the globe.
In his assessment, Wilson notes that this laptop, boasting an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, seamlessly handles most games at top settings. He appreciates the selection between an LCD screen with UHD+ resolution at a speedy 240Hz or a QHD+ mini-LED display offering 300Hz refresh rate, and he adds that it comes equipped with Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports.
I find this device quite hefty and boasting a substantial space requirement – attributes that seem fitting given the top-tier hardware within. Its battery life leaves much to be desired (as one might anticipate), while its fans put in considerable effort to maintain coolness. Despite these aspects, it’s significantly more portable than a full-fledged desktop gaming PC, which it aims to mimic.
The starting price for the Razer Blade 18 is an impressive $2,800, and it escalates swiftly as you opt for more potent performance components.
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2024-09-28 21:10