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MSI GE62 (GTX 970M) Notebook Review

More power. The GeForce GTX 970M is significantly more powerful than the previously tested GE62 model (GeForce GTX 965M). Sadly, even this 4K panel does not make the cut.

For the original German review, see here.

The MSI GE62 is a powerful 15.6-inch gaming laptop offering a quad-core Core i7 processor and a GeForce GTX 970M GPU, which is a powerful duo, capable of running all games fluidly. Avid readers will be aware that we previously released a review of a different configuration of this model which uses the GeForce GTX 965M.

The competition of the GE62 is numerous and includes, amongst others, the Acer Aspire VN7-591G, the Schenker XMG A505 and the Alienware 15. Of course, the entire Top 10 list of Gaming Notebooks can be considered serious competition for this test model.

As both the GE62 models have the same build, we will not discuss the case, the connectivity, the input devices or the speakers. Please take a look at our previous review for more information on these topics. The following pictures are from the review of the MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW. 

MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 (GE62 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-4720HQ 4 x 2.6 - 3.6 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M - 3 GB VRAM, Core: 1038 MHz, Memory: 2500 MHz, GDDR5, ForceWare 350.12 (9.18.13.5012 WHQL), Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR3-1600, Dual-Channel, two RAM slots (both occupied)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 3840 x 2160 pixel, Samsung SDC4852, IPS, 4K, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU, 128 GB 
, + HGST HTS721010A9E630 (1TB, 7200 rpm)
Soundcard
Realtek ALC892 @ Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headphones, Microphone, Card Reader: SD,SDHC,SDXC, Sensors: Brightness sensor
Networking
Qualcomm Killer e2200 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GU90N
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 27 x 383 x 260 ( = 1.06 x 15.08 x 10.24 in)
Battery
51 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6-cell
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD-Webcam
Additional features
Speakers: 2.1, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Power adapter: 150 W, Cyberlink PowerDVD 10, Magix MX Suite, MS Office Trial, Windows Essentials 2012, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.4 kg ( = 84.66 oz / 5.29 pounds), Power Supply: 525 g ( = 18.52 oz / 1.16 pounds)
Price
1679 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Display

This GE62 configuration also uses a 4K display from Samsung (SDC4852). However, the values are slightly different, which is to be expected as no two panels are ever 100% the same.

223
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
231
cd/m²
229
cd/m²
268
cd/m²
245
cd/m²
198
cd/m²
218
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung SDC4852 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 268 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 227.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 74 %
Center on Battery: 268 cd/m²
Contrast: 687:1 (Black: 0.39 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.12 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.65 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
49% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
54% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
78.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
52.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.5
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - Gray Levels
CalMAN - Gray Levels
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - ColorChecker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Gray levels (calibrated)
CalMAN - Gray levels (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation (calibrated)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
IPS 3840x2160
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
IPS 3840x2160
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
IPS 3840x2160
SCHENKER XMG A505
IPS 1920x1080
Alienware 15
IPS 1920x1080
Asus G751JY-T7009H
IPS 1920x1080
Display
-4%
11%
23%
22%
17%
Display P3 Coverage
52.2
50.2
-4%
64.9
24%
66.1
27%
65.1
25%
66.4
27%
sRGB Coverage
78.7
75.6
-4%
66.9
-15%
92.1
17%
93.3
19%
85.3
8%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
54
51.9
-4%
66.9
24%
67
24%
66.2
23%
62.1
15%
Screen
-9%
13%
33%
17%
13%
Brightness middle
268
230
-14%
322
20%
284
6%
308
15%
329
23%
Brightness
227
202
-11%
325
43%
275
21%
292
29%
326
44%
Brightness Distribution
74
63
-15%
90
22%
87
18%
83
12%
93
26%
Black Level *
0.39
0.34
13%
0.37
5%
0.23
41%
0.28
28%
0.47
-21%
Contrast
687
676
-2%
870
27%
1235
80%
1100
60%
700
2%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.12
4.59
-11%
3.77
8%
2.46
40%
4.28
-4%
3.95
4%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.65
4.62
-27%
5.36
-47%
2.3
37%
4.54
-24%
3.36
8%
Gamma
2.5 88%
2.48 89%
2.39 92%
2.32 95%
2.81 78%
2.46 89%
CCT
6423 101%
6389 102%
7163 91%
6393 102%
7497 87%
5961 109%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
49
48
-2%
61
24%
60
22%
60
22%
56
14%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
92
92.9
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-7% / -7%
12% / 12%
28% / 30%
20% / 19%
15% / 14%

* ... smaller is better

Performance

MSI presents a 15.6-inch gaming laptop which offers more than enough performance for everyday use and gaming. Our test configuration is available for 1,679 Euros (~$1921). MSI offers other configurations as well.

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon
System information - MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11

Processor

MSI equips the GE62 with a Core i7-4720HQ quad-core CPU (Haswell). This processor is a ULV model and has a TDP value of 47 W. It operates at a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz. Turbo Boost allows the speed to rise to 3.4 GHz (all cores), 3.5 GHz (2 cores) and 3.6 GHz (1 core). The Turbo feature is also fully used: in the multithread tests the laptop runs at 3.2 to 3.4 GHz and in the single-thread tests the processor offers between 3.4 to 3.6 GHz. On battery, the Turbo is only available in the single-thread test (2.6 - 2.7 GHz; sometimes 3.1 GHz). However, it is used far more conservatively. Multithread applications are always run at the base clock speed.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
19577
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5482
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5206
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.1 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.57 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
57.7 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
95.6 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
642 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
139 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
642 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
664 Points +3%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
642 Points 0%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
506 Points -21%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
538 Points -16%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
647 Points +1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
661 Points +3%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
139 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
137 Points -1%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
138 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
134 Points -4%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
142 Points +2%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
140 Points +1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
136 Points -2%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
7.1 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
7.22 Points +2%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
7.07 Points 0%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
4.59 Points -35%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
5.87 Points -17%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
7.04 Points -1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
7.22 Points +2%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
1.57 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
1.57 Points 0%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
1.56 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
1.48 Points -6%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
1.57 Points 0%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
1.56 Points -1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
1.52 Points -3%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
19577 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
20003 Points +2%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
19831 Points +1%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
19192 Points -2%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
19469 Points -1%
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
5206 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
5192 Points 0%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
5123 Points -2%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
5072 Points -3%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
5008 Points -4%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
3262 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3339 Points +2%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3302 Points +1%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
12160 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
12499 Points +3%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
12551 Points +3%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
82.1 ms *
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
81.1 ms * +1%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
94.4 ms * -15%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
85.2 ms * -4%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
1955 ms *
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
1946 ms * -0%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
1979 ms * -1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
2052 ms * -5%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
16518 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
17144 Points +4%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
16556 Points 0%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
14872 Points -10%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
3000 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3144 Points +5%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3036 Points +1%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system performance of the MSI laptop leaves no room for complaint: the system operates fluidly. After all, this is a high-end gaming laptop as can be seen from the great PCMark benchmarks. However, similarly-equipped laptops, like the Alienware 15, outperform our test model. The reason: the latter is equipped with a FHD panel whereas we use a 4K display. Once the resolution is dropped to FHD, the laptop performs at a similar level. The system performance of the GE62 can be further increased thanks to two empty M.2 slots which can work in RAID mode.

PCMark 7 Score
5866 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3061 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4464 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3678 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
3061 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3701 Points +21%
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3075 Points 0%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3019 Points -1%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
3746 Points +22%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
3769 Points +23%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
4854 Points +59%
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
5866 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
5682 Points -3%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
5804 Points -1%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
5238 Points -11%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
6042 Points +3%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
5627 Points -4%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
6325 Points +8%

Storage Devices

MSI gives the GE62 a Solid State Drive as its main drive. The SSD is an M.2 model which offers a capacity of 128 GB, of which the user is left with 100 GB. The rest of the storage space is occupied by the Windows installation. The transfer speeds of the SSD are good and you can always install a second Solid State Drive (M.2 Type 2280). As 100 GB is too little storage for a gaming notebook, the laptop is equipped with a traditional hard drive. The hard drive offers a capacity of 1 TB and runs at 7,200 rpm. The Recovery Partition of Windows is placed on this drive.

Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
Sequential Read: 524 MB/s
Sequential Write: 470.1 MB/s
512K Read: 427.7 MB/s
512K Write: 434 MB/s
4K Read: 21.39 MB/s
4K Write: 68.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 375.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 185.2 MB/s

Graphics Card

The GE62 has switchable graphics (Optimus) which swaps between the Intel HD Graphics 4600 IGP and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M. The Intel IGP requires little power and suffices for everyday and battery use. If you require more performance, the GeForce GPU can be utilized. The entire process is automatic and can be manually controlled if necessary. The GeForce GTX 970M is a top-class GPU which operates at a base clock speed of 924 MHz and Turbo boosts it to 1,038 MHz. The GPU has 3,072 MB GDDR5 VRAM (192-bit interface). The results of the 3DMark benchmark are high, as expected. In comparison to the previously tested GTX 965M configuration, the laptop offers up to 40% better scores in the 3DMark benchmarks.

3DMark 11 Performance
9080 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
46514 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
15582 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
6596 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
9080 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
7101 Points -22%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
5398 Points -41%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
4990 Points -45%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
5639 Points -38%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
8636 Points -5%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
11192 Points +23%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Graphics (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
48702 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
99918 Points +105%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
112655 Points +131%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
99612 Points +105%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
121724 Points +150%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
108235 Points +122%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
292081 Points +500%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
15582 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
17879 Points +15%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
16151 Points +4%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
12435 Points -20%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
15511 Points 0%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
20182 Points +30%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
22064 Points +42%
1280x720 Sky Diver Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
17334 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
14913 Points -14%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
12230 Points -29%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
12472 Points -28%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
18030 Points +4%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
6596 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
4806 Points -27%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
3914 Points -41%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
3455 Points -48%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
4071 Points -38%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
6508 Points -1%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
8338 Points +26%

Gaming Performance

Almost all games run fluidly on our test model at high to very high settings with an FHD resolution. A handful of games require lowering the settings and Assassin's Creed Unity is one of these. The test model maintains a clear lead over the GTX 965M configuration in the 3DMark benchmarks.

low med. high ultra4K
Diablo III (2012) 316.9 284.7 269.2 225
Tomb Raider (2013) 376.9 286.4 189.7 88.1
Company of Heroes 2 (2013) 58 60.4 57.8 30.4
Thief (2014) 76.4 71.3 69.9 48.1
GRID: Autosport (2014) 216 115.2 92.9 83.9
The Evil Within (2014) 100.9 96.4 58.3
Far Cry 4 (2014) 86.7 80.8 52.3 48.1
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) 145 127.4 88.5 62.9
Evolve (2015) 157.8 118.4 62.9 55.6
Battlefield Hardline (2015) 154.1 143 87.4 54.8
GTA V (2015) 128.7 115.4 68 29.4 33.6
Tomb Raider
1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
189.7 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
132.4 fps -30%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
109.6 fps -42%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
114.7 fps -40%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
246.9 fps +30%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
88.1 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
57.9 fps -34%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
49.1 fps -44%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
50.8 fps -42%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
104.6 fps +19%
Company of Heroes 2
1366x768 High AA:Medium (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
57.8 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
45.4 fps -21%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
63.4 fps +10%
1920x1080 Maximum / Higher / High AA:High (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
30.4 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
20.7 fps -32%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
41.14 fps +35%
Thief
1366x768 High Preset AA:FXAA & Low SS AF:4x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
69.9 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
61.3 fps -12%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
39.9 fps -43%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
55.2 fps -21%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
86.8 fps +24%
1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:FXAA & High SS AF:8x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
48.1 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
34.9 fps -27%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
23.9 fps -50%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
28 fps -42%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
61.6 fps +28%
GRID: Autosport
1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
92.9 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
83.6 fps -10%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
79.6 fps -14%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
131.3 fps +41%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
83.9 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
51.9 fps -38%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
69 fps -18%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
101.3 fps +21%
Dragon Age: Inquisition
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
88.5 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
53.2 fps -40%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
33.5 fps -62%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
49.9 fps -44%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
69.2 fps -22%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:2x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
62.9 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
36.6 fps -42%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
22.5 fps -64%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
35.9 fps -43%
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
49.5 fps -21%
Evolve
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:FX (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
62.9 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
34.7 fps -45%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
35.1 fps -44%
1920x1080 Very High Graphics Quality AA:1TX SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
55.6 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
30.4 fps -45%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
31.8 fps -43%
Battlefield Hardline
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
87.4 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
49.6 fps -43%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality (DX11) AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
54.8 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
31.2 fps -43%
Diablo III
1366x768 High AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
269.2 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
245.4 fps -9%
1920x1080 High AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
225 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
154.2 fps -31%
The Evil Within
1366x768 Medium / Enabled AA:FX (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
96.4 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
68.2 fps -29%
1920x1080 High / Enabled AA:SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
58.3 fps
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
41.3 fps -29%
Far Cry 4
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
52.3 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
46.1 fps -12%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
36.7 fps -30%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
38.1 fps -27%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
59.2 fps +13%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
48.1 fps
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
37.1 fps -23%
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
31.2 fps -35%
SCHENKER XMG A505
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
30.8 fps -36%
Alienware 15
GeForce GTX 970M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 M.2 2280 128GB
48.1 fps 0%
GTA V
1920x1080 High/On (Advanced Graphics Off) AA:2xMSAA + FX AF:8x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
68 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
41.6 fps -39%
1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ128G8NU
29.4 fps
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GeForce GTX 960M, 4720HQ, Toshiba HG6 THNSNJ256G8NU
17.1 fps -42%

Gaming Performance 4k

The full resolution of the panel (3840x2160 pixels) is possible in most games and we tried out a few games at this resolution. We used the same quality settings we use in regular game tests, Of course, the lower the game requirements, the better it runs at 4K.

Gamemin.medhighmax.
Tomb Raider76.449.637.125.1
Thief33.528.721.315.7
Far Cry 423.419.416.616.3

Emissions

System Noise

Ideally, the MSI laptop should be quiet. This can occur now and then when the two fans turn off (laptop is idle) and the traditional hard drive is still. However, the fans are often running, and they get quite loud at load. During our stress test, we measured an emission of 51.8 dB. In a normal gaming session, the laptop is a little quieter. We recorded emissions between 43 to 50 dB (average 46 dB). The fan is known to quickly turn up and down but overall we feel the GE62 models are okay in terms of noise emission.

Noise Level

Idle
29.4 / 31.8 / 36 dB(A)
HDD
31.8 dB(A)
DVD
37.2 / dB(A)
Load
46 / 51.8 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GTX 970M/4720HQ
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GTX 965M/4720HQ
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GTX 960M/4720HQ
SCHENKER XMG A505
GTX 960M/5720HQ
Alienware 15
GTX 970M/4710HQ
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GTX 980M/4710HQ
Noise
1%
5%
2%
1%
3%
Idle Minimum *
29.4
29.2
1%
30
-2%
29.2
1%
29.4
-0%
33.6
-14%
Idle Average *
31.8
32.6
-3%
32.2
-1%
30.8
3%
30.7
3%
34.8
-9%
Idle Maximum *
36
35
3%
35
3%
42.6
-18%
34
6%
35.2
2%
Load Average *
46
42.6
7%
41.7
9%
41.6
10%
46.2
-0%
36.8
20%
Load Maximum *
51.8
52.4
-1%
42.6
18%
43.8
15%
53
-2%
43.8
15%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

Stress test.
Stress test.

We could only run our stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least an hour) while the laptop is plugged in, as on battery, the test crashes the laptop within a few seconds. The CPU runs the stress test at 2.0 to 2.3 GHz and the GPU operates at 680 to 700 MHz. The surfaces heat up a little more than on the GTX 965M model. We noticed that the device crossed the 50 °C mark in quite a few spots. Both GE62 models heat up more on the top than the bottom.

Max. Load
 46.9 °C
116 F
52.7 °C
127 F
50 °C
122 F
 
 47.7 °C
118 F
53.4 °C
128 F
50.3 °C
123 F
 
 42.5 °C
109 F
43.4 °C
110 F
34.1 °C
93 F
 
Maximum: 53.4 °C = 128 F
Average: 46.8 °C = 116 F
43.3 °C
110 F
41.3 °C
106 F
42.1 °C
108 F
38 °C
100 F
41.3 °C
106 F
39.8 °C
104 F
31.9 °C
89 F
41 °C
106 F
40 °C
104 F
Maximum: 43.3 °C = 110 F
Average: 39.9 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  55.7 °C = 132 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Voltcraft IR-900
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 46.8 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 53.4 °C / 128 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.3 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31.1 °C / 88 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(-) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 43.4 °C / 110.1 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-14.5 °C / -26.1 F).
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GTX 970M/4720HQ
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GTX 965M/4720HQ
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GTX 960M/4720HQ
SCHENKER XMG A505
GTX 960M/5720HQ
Alienware 15
GTX 970M/4710HQ
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GTX 980M/4710HQ
Heat
-2%
-12%
-18%
10%
15%
Maximum Upper Side *
53.4
49.9
7%
53
1%
56.4
-6%
43.2
19%
43.3
19%
Maximum Bottom *
43.3
43.7
-1%
53.2
-23%
61.8
-43%
53.3
-23%
48
-11%
Idle Upper Side *
34.7
37.1
-7%
38.6
-11%
41.3
-19%
28
19%
27.7
20%
Idle Bottom *
39.6
41.5
-5%
45.9
-16%
40.2
-2%
30.1
24%
27.9
30%

* ... smaller is better

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The power consumption is once again similar. While idle, the consumption of both configurations is clearly above 10 W. We measure a max of 25 W, which is to be expected of gaming laptops. If you want lower consumption, look for a ULV CPU, which often drops the consumption to below 10 W while idle. At full load (stress test), both laptops consume 140 W. The difference in consumption of the GPUs is only noticeable while gaming: the GTX 965M model requires 10 W less than the GTX 970M model.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 14.7 / 20.9 / 25.6 Watt
Load midlight 101 / 138.8 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
GTX 970M/4720HQ
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GTX 965M/4720HQ
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
GTX 960M/4720HQ
SCHENKER XMG A505
GTX 960M/5720HQ
Alienware 15
GTX 970M/4710HQ
Asus G751JY-T7009H
GTX 980M/4710HQ
Power Consumption
2%
4%
6%
10%
-30%
Idle Minimum *
14.7
15
-2%
16.2
-10%
11.2
24%
10.1
31%
22
-50%
Idle Average *
20.9
20.8
-0%
20.2
3%
18.6
11%
14.9
29%
27
-29%
Idle Maximum *
25.6
25.4
1%
22.8
11%
26
-2%
26.2
-2%
32.6
-27%
Load Average *
101
91.8
9%
96.4
5%
100.2
1%
90.5
10%
93.3
8%
Load Maximum *
138.8
136
2%
126.9
9%
147.6
-6%
165.9
-20%
212.8
-53%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

While idle, the GE62 runs for 3:54 h. One of the main competitors, the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-727P, gives up a little earlier (3:36 h). The Battery Eater Reader's test checks battery life while the laptop is idle: the panel is set to the lowest brightness, the "Power Saver" profile is on and all wireless modules are turned off. At load, the GE62 gives up after 1:03 hours. Once again, the Aspire (0:58 h) is a few minutes behind. The runtime at load is tested using the Battery Eater Classic test. In this test, the display has max brightness and all wireless modules are on. 

The practical WLAN test gives us a realistic estimation of the runtime of our test model: 2:42 h. The Aspire (2:46 h) is the same. In this test, our script loads random websites every 40 seconds. The "Power Saver" profile is on and brightness is set to around 150 cd/m². We test the battery life during video playback by running Big Buck Bunny (H.264, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless module is off and brightness is set to around 150 cd/m². The GE62 lasts 2:45 h and is on the same level as the Aspire at 2:56 h.

The battery life while gaming is short: while running the integrated benchmark of GRID: Autosport (1920x1080, Very High, 4x MSAA) in a loop, the 15.6-inch laptop lasts 39 minutes.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 54min
WiFi Websurfing (IE 11)
2h 42min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
2h 45min
Gaming
0h 39min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 03min
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11
51 Wh
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
51 Wh
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P
52 Wh
SCHENKER XMG A505
62 Wh
Alienware 15
92 Wh
Asus G751JY-T7009H
88 Wh
Battery Runtime
5%
-2%
48%
109%
26%
Reader / Idle
234
267
14%
216
-8%
352
50%
696
197%
272
16%
H.264
165
160
-3%
176
7%
208
26%
305
85%
WiFi v1.3
162
166
2%
Gaming
39
45
15%
Load
63
59
-6%
58
-8%
105
67%
91
44%
85
35%
WiFi
179
216
266
220

Pros

+ 4K IPS panel
+ Lots of storage space
+ Fast SSD
+ Good input devices
+ Two free M.2 slots
+ High performance

Cons

- Display cover can be bent too easily
- Modest brightness

Verdict

The MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11. Test model provided by notebooksbilliger.de
The MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11. Test model provided by notebooksbilliger.de

The MSI GE62 is a powerful 15.6-inch gaming notebook. Most games run at high resolutions (Full HD) and high settings fluidly. The notebook is equipped with an SSD and an HDD, which offers users the advantages of both devices. The 4K IPS panel did not blow our minds, as it is neither very bright nor does it offer even illumination. We expect more given the price.

Finally, we want to mention the performance of the different GPUs. The GTX 970M is much more powerful than the GTX 965M and achieves (on average) 40% higher frames per second. Thankfully, the great performance lead requires merely a little more power: an additional 10 W is consumed by the GTX 970M configuration while gaming. Furthermore, it gets only slightly hotter.

As the price difference between the GTX 970M configuration and the GTX 965M model is very small, we recommend the purchase of the former. A little more money will equate to a lot more performance.

Our test model costs about 100 Euros (~$114) less than the previously tested GTX 965M configuration. The reason: the latter has a larger SSD and a Blu-ray burner.

MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 - 05/09/2015 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
78 / 98 → 80%
Keyboard
79%
Pointing Device
81%
Connectivity
75 / 81 → 93%
Weight
60 / 10-66 → 89%
Battery
73%
Display
81%
Games Performance
97%
Application Performance
92%
Temperature
76 / 95 → 80%
Noise
68 / 90 → 76%
Audio
50%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
73%
82%
Gaming - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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Sascha Mölck, 2015-05-17 (Update: 2015-05-20)