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MSI GE62 Notebook Review

Well-rounded gaming notebook. MSI GE62 2QE Apache is not lacking in processing power. The other equipment is also a good match: SSD, HDD, and 16 GB of RAM. The MSI commits one blunder with its built-in 4k display: it is not very bright.

For the original German review, see here.

With the GE62 2QE Apache, MSI presents a gaming notebook in 15.6-inch format. This is a successor to the MSI GE60-2PEi781B, which we have tested previously. The two models do not have much in common. In the GE62, MSI uses a new, somewhat slimmer chassis. In addition, there is a new graphics chip from Nvidia’s GeForce 900M series. Our test report shows whether the GE62 can compete.

Competitors to the GE62 include such notebooks as the Schenker XMG P505, the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro, the Lenovo Y50-70 or the HP Omen.

Case

The GE62's chassis is encased completely in black. A few red elements break up this impression slightly. The covers, as well as the upper surface of the base unit, are finished in brushed metal. The rest of the case is made of plastic. The notebook does not offer a maintenance hatch. However, the underside of the base unit can be removed (more on this later).

In terms of workmanship, the computer offers no cause for criticism. Concerning stability, the picture is slightly different: the upper surface (the area of the optical drive) can be pressed in somewhat. In addition, the lid can be twisted easily, leading to visible image alterations. We would have hoped for more stability from the aluminum back. The hinges hold the lid firmly in position and teeter somewhat. Opening the notebook with one hand is easy.

the MSI GE62
the MSI GE62
The underside of the lid is finished in metal.
The underside of the lid is finished in metal.
There is no maintenance cover.
There is no maintenance cover.

Connectivity

2 sticks can be plugged in at the same time.
2 sticks can be plugged in at the same time.

Ports

The interface configuration gives no cause for complaint; the GE62 offers enough ports. Most ports are to be found on the left side of the case. They are set reasonably far apart from each other, so that (for example) the two adjacent USB 3.0 ports can both be occupied by USB sticks (as long as they are not extra wide).

left side: slot for a Kensington lock, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI, Mini Display port, 2x USB 3.0, microphone input, headphone jack
left side: slot for a Kensington lock, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI, Mini Display port, 2x USB 3.0, microphone input, headphone jack
right side: Blu-Ray burner, USB 2.0, SD card reader, power supply
right side: Blu-Ray burner, USB 2.0, SD card reader, power supply
The speakers are found on the front side.
The speakers are found on the front side.

Communication

MSI has decided to opt for a wireless module from Intel (Wireless AC 3160) in the GE62, which supports the WLAN standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The connection between the router and the notebook remains stable at a radius of 15 meters (~50 ft). In addition to the WLAN adapter, a Bluetooth 4.0 chip is also installed in the notebook. Qualcomm's Killer E2200 Gigabit Ethernet controller handles wired network connections. According to the manufacturer, this chip offers "faster online gaming." This is apparently achieved by giving priority to data packets from games. The built-in webcam produces grainy pictures with a maximum resolution of 1280x720.

Accessories

Apart from warranty information and printed instructions, the GE62 includes no additional accessories.

Operating System

Windows 8.1 (64-bit) serves as the operating system. A recovery volume is not included. Users who wish to purchase the DVD can order one for 49 Euros (~$55) from the MSI Shop.

Maintenance

MSI has not equipped the GE62 with a maintenance hatch. However, it is still possible to access the innards: After removing all the screws on the machine's underside, it can be removed with the help of a pallet knife. The user then has access to all the hardware. Two memory banks are available; each is filled with an 8 GB module (more is not possible). The system hard drive (SSD in M.2 format) can be changed for a faster model or one with more storage space. Alternatively, it can be replaced by two SSDs that form a RAID array. Apart from the SSD, a traditional 2.5-inch hard drive is also included. The hard drive can be changed easily. In cases of defects, the battery could also be changed. However, this is not the case for the processor (it is soldered in).

Warranty

MSI offers buyers a 24-month warranty - including pick-up service. The time can be extended to three years, at a cost of 100 Euros (~$115).

Input Devices

Keyboard

One does not have to spend too many words on the GE62's keyboard, since we have already met the built-in SteelSeries model in other MSI notebooks. The flat, smooth keys have a moderate stroke and a clear pressure point. The keys also offer a pleasingly comfortable resistance. Overall, the keyboard offers a good feel when writing. First-time users will still have to get used to the layout, since not all the keys are in the places that one would expect. The keyboard also offers multicolored backlighting.

Touchpad

Instead of a mouse, there is a multi-touch capable model. The pad has an area of about 10.9 x 6.1 cm (~4.3" x 2.4"). The finish matches the brushed metal optics of the wrist rest, and it is easy to slide the fingers across it. Gesture commands present no problems. Two mouse keys are found underneath the pads. These offer a short stroke and a noticeably audible (and tangible) pressure point.

The keyboard has been equipped with backlighting.
The keyboard has been equipped with backlighting.
The touchpad is multi-touch capable.
The touchpad is multi-touch capable.

Display

The test machine provided to us presents a glossy 4k display (3840x2160 pixels). Users who want a matte panel will have to opt for a reasonably priced GE62 model with a Full HD monitor. The built-in 4k display does not attract attention for its high brightness; indeed, the opposite is the case: we measured a luminosity of 202 cd/m². Illumination is also not the best. Here the monitor reaches a value of just 63%. The purchase price of the machine is around 2000 Euros  (~$2270), and for this price we expect much more. 4k monitors like those of the Schenker XMG P505 (332.7 cd/m²; 86%) and the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD (303.1 cd/m²; 87%) prove that there are better options.

230
cd/m²
239
cd/m²
233
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
230
cd/m²
201
cd/m²
171
cd/m²
161
cd/m²
150
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Samsung SDC4852 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 239 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 202 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 63 %
Center on Battery: 230 cd/m²
Contrast: 676:1 (Black: 0.34 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.59 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 4.62 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
48% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
51.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
75.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
50.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.48
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
IPS 3840x2160
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
IPS 3840x2160
SCHENKER XMG P505
IPS 3840x2160
MSI GE60-2PEi781B
IPS 1920x1080
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
IPS 3840x2160
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
IPS 2880x1620
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
IPS 1920x1080
Gigabyte P35X v3
IPS 2880x1620
HP Omen
IPS 1920x1080
Gigabyte P25X v2
IPS 1920x1080
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
IPS 3840x2160
Display
27%
25%
27%
-1%
24%
24%
18%
25%
21%
1%
Display P3 Coverage
50.2
64.5
28%
64.1
28%
65.7
31%
49.93
-1%
64.7
29%
63.8
27%
61.7
23%
64.4
28%
66.9
33%
50.6
1%
sRGB Coverage
75.6
94.5
25%
92.3
22%
92.5
22%
75.2
-1%
89.3
18%
90.1
19%
85.1
13%
92.6
22%
83.8
11%
76.3
1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
51.9
66.2
28%
64.9
25%
66.8
29%
51.6
-1%
64.7
25%
65
25%
61.7
19%
65.5
26%
61.3
18%
52.3
1%
Screen
32%
52%
21%
6%
24%
29%
24%
18%
29%
8%
Brightness middle
230
301
31%
345
50%
327
42%
241
5%
323
40%
286
24%
374
63%
315
37%
273
19%
290
26%
Brightness
202
303
50%
333
65%
309
53%
228
13%
310
53%
274
36%
350
73%
301
49%
288
43%
257
27%
Brightness Distribution
63
87
38%
86
37%
90
43%
87
38%
82
30%
85
35%
90
43%
85
35%
80
27%
81
29%
Black Level *
0.34
0.3
12%
0.21
38%
0.43
-26%
0.45
-32%
0.43
-26%
0.24
29%
0.45
-32%
0.38
-12%
0.27
21%
0.512
-51%
Contrast
676
1003
48%
1643
143%
760
12%
536
-21%
751
11%
1192
76%
831
23%
829
23%
1011
50%
566
-16%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.59
3.15
31%
3.02
34%
3.59
22%
3.73
19%
3.25
29%
3.84
16%
4.25
7%
4.37
5%
4.25
7%
3.72
19%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.62
3.94
15%
3.6
22%
4.86
-5%
3.23
30%
3.1
33%
5.06
-10%
4.9
-6%
5.46
-18%
2.17
53%
3.11
33%
Gamma
2.48 89%
2.35 94%
2.39 92%
2.35 94%
2.3 96%
2.16 102%
2.4 92%
2.36 93%
2.48 89%
2.57 86%
2.48 89%
CCT
6389 102%
6855 95%
7317 89%
7177 91%
6610 98%
6054 107%
6165 105%
6294 103%
7915 82%
6418 101%
6959 93%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
48
61
27%
59
23%
60
25%
47
-2%
59
23%
59
23%
56
17%
60
25%
55
15%
48.16
0%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
94.4
91.1
83.9
Total Average (Program / Settings)
30% / 30%
39% / 44%
24% / 23%
3% / 4%
24% / 24%
27% / 27%
21% / 22%
22% / 20%
25% / 27%
5% / 6%

* ... smaller is better

MSI GE62 vs. sRGB
MSI GE62 vs. sRGB
MSI GE62 vs. AdobeRGB
MSI GE62 vs. AdobeRGB

Contrast (676:1) and black level (0.34 cd/m²) offer more favorable results. Here the GE62 performs relatively well. However, it cannot compete with the values of the Schenker XMG P505 (1643:1; 0.21 cd/m²) and the Acer VN7-591G-75TD (1003:1; 0.3 cd/m²). The 15-inch model does not cover the AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces; values of 48% and 68%, respectively, are only average.

In factory condition, the monitor's average DeltaE-2000 deviation was at a level of 4.59, just barely missing the target area (DeltaE below 3). The panel does not display a blue tint. We could only minimally improve these good values with some calibration.

CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - Color Checker
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - color saturation
CalMAN - color saturation
CalMAN - Color Checker (calibrated)
CalMAN - Color Checker (calibrated)
CalMAN - grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - color saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - color saturation (calibrated)

MSI has decided against an IPS model for the GE62, which is why the monitor can be viewed from all positions. Outdoor use is only possible in shaded areas; otherwise, the low brightness and glossy surfaces will make things difficult. 

outdoor use (shot under an overcast sky)
outdoor use (shot under an overcast sky)
viewing angles of the MSI GE62
viewing angles of the MSI GE62

Performance

With the GE62, MSI has a gaming notebook in 15.6-inch format in its product range. For this test, we used the top-of-the-range model at a price of 2000 Euros (~$2270). Users willing to compromise on hardware (Full HD monitor, 8 GB of RAM, no SSD) can get their hands on the notebook for just 1500 Euros (~$1700).

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
Systeminformationen MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW

Processor

Thanks to the Core i7-4720HQ quad-core processor (Haswell), the GE62 is not lacking in processing power. The CPU does not belong to the class of Spartan ULV processors; it uses a traditional mobile processor with a TDP of 47 Watts. The CPU runs with a base speed of 2.6 GHz. Using turbo, the speed can be increased to 3.4 GHz (four cores), 3.5 GHz (two cores), or 3.6 GHz (one core). The Turbo can also be used when connected to a power supply: the CPU Cinebench tests run the processor at 3.3 GHz (Multithread) and 3.4 to 3.6 GHz (Single thread). When the tests are run under battery power, the clock rates come out slightly lower (Single thread: 3.2 to 3.5 GHz; Multithread: 2.6 GHz).

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5473
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
20003
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5192
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
56.3 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.22 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.57 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
95.3 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
664 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
137 Points
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
664 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
653 Points -2%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
653 Points -2%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
652 Points -2%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
660 Points -1%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
709 Points +7%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
629 Points -5%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
650 Points -2%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
631 Points -5%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
506 Points -24%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
137 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
136 Points -1%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
108 Points -21%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
130 Points -5%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
135 Points -1%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
142 Points +4%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
134 Points -2%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
129 Points -6%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
146 Points +7%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
134 Points -2%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Multi 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
7.22 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
7.1 Points -2%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
7.16 Points -1%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
7.12 Points -1%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
7.2 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
7.53 Points +4%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
6.76 Points -6%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
7.13 Points -1%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
6.85 Points -5%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
4.59 Points -36%
CPU Single 64Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
1.57 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
1.53 Points -3%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
1.56 Points -1%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
1.5 Points -4%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
1.55 Points -1%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
1.62 Points +3%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
1.5 Points -4%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
1.67 Points +6%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
1.48 Points -6%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
20003 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
19521 Points -2%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
19941 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
20410 Points +2%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
19386 Points -3%
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
5192 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
5058 Points -3%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
5190 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
5242 Points +1%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
5010 Points -4%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3339 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
3252 Points -3%
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
12499 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
12211 Points -2%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
81.1 ms *
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
96 ms * -18%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
82.9 ms * -2%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
82.8 ms * -2%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
85.7 ms * -6%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
1946 ms *
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
2009 ms * -3%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
1956 ms * -1%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
1935 ms * +1%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
1997 ms * -3%
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
17144 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
16207 Points -5%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
16641 Points -3%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
14810 Points -14%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
16503 Points -4%
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3144 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
3019 Points -4%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
3236 Points +3%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

It is not surprising that the system is fast and smooth. A fast SSD, a powerful processor, and 16 GB of RAM make this possible. The results in the PC Mark tests come out very well. However, HP Omen performs even better despite a nearly-identical CPU. The higher resolution of the GE62 monitor (4k vs. Full HD) is responsible for this. When the PC Marks are run with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, the MSI's ratings rise to a comparable level (see table). 

PCMark 7 Score
5682 points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3075 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4312 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
3763 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3701 Points
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
3075 Points -17%
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
3729 Points +1%
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
3086 Points -17%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
3174 Points -14%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
3004 Points -19%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
3942 Points +7%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
3669 Points -1%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
3532 Points -5%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
3618 Points -2%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
3669 Points -1%
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
5682 Points
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
5794 Points +2%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
6164 Points +8%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
6054 Points +7%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
6332 Points +11%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
6035 Points +6%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
5919 Points +4%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
6328 Points +11%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
5238 Points -8%

Storage Devices

The GE62 uses a solid-state disk from Kingston as its system hard drive, offering a capacity of 256 GB. It uses a model in M.2 format. The transfer rates of the SSD look good. However, it is not the very best option: the user has the option of installing two solid-state disks in the notebook and using them in a RAID array. A comparison with the similarly-equipped MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K shows that the transfer rates increase noticeably. Apart from the solid-state disk, there is also a traditional hard drive (2.5 inch). This offers a capacity of 1 TB and runs at 7200 revolutions per minute.

Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
Sequential Read: 519 MB/s
Sequential Write: 339.7 MB/s
512K Read: 347 MB/s
512K Write: 336.3 MB/s
4K Read: 29 MB/s
4K Write: 76.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 178.2 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 234.8 MB/s
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro
Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
Schenker XMG P505
Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K
2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
Schenker XMG P505 PRO
Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF
Gigabyte P35X v3
2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
HP Omen
SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
Gigabyte P25X v2
2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
Lenovo Y50
Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
AS SSD
10%
41%
34%
-6%
27%
54%
7%
45%
5%
Seq Read
502
473.3
-6%
1127
125%
889
77%
854
70%
522
4%
803
60%
703
40%
941
87%
495
-1%
Seq Write
329.6
423.6
29%
713
116%
501
52%
89.1
-73%
469.1
42%
624
89%
505
53%
585
77%
414.8
26%
4K Read
33.07
28.15
-15%
26.57
-20%
33
0%
30.61
-7%
30.26
-8%
31.62
-4%
23.24
-30%
27.15
-18%
22.69
-31%
4K Write
67.7
64.3
-5%
73
8%
70
3%
39.2
-42%
91.6
35%
76.7
13%
55
-19%
58.5
-14%
62.5
-8%
4K-64 Read
195.3
334.1
71%
411.9
111%
357
83%
358
83%
368.5
89%
522
167%
401.1
105%
515
164%
285.6
46%
4K-64 Write
258.8
247.1
-5%
220.6
-15%
338
31%
169.1
-35%
279.7
8%
460.9
78%
264.2
2%
429.1
66%
239.5
-7%
Access Time Read *
0.099
0.081
18%
0.099
-0%
0.08
19%
0.135
-36%
0.058
41%
0.076
23%
0.155
-57%
0.082
17%
0.082
17%
Access Time Write *
0.052
0.056
-8%
0.052
-0%
0.05
4%
0.056
-8%
0.048
8%
0.048
8%
0.074
-42%
0.062
-19%
0.054
-4%

* ... smaller is better

Graphics Card

The GE62 is equipped with a dual graphics solution (Optimus). This consists of Intel's HD Graphics 4600 and Nvidia's GeForce GTX 965M. Intel's chip takes care of everyday tasks and battery use. The GeForce is responsible for power-hungry applications like computer games. The switch between cores is achieved automatically, but there is always the possibility to switch manually. The GeForce GTX 965M uses an entry-level model in the GPU upper range. It runs at a base rate of 924 MHz. With Turbo, the speed can be increased to 949 MHz. The GPU has a 2048-MB GDDR5 memory device (128-bit interface) at its disposal. The results in the 3D Marks are on par with similarly equipped notebooks like the Schenker XMG P705. The GE62 lags noticeably behind the XMG P705 only in the Ice Storm Test. Apparently, the MSI machine's CPU and GPU ran this test below their full cycle rates.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
26996 points
3DMark 11 Performance
7101 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
78512 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
17879 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
4806 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
7101 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
5210 Points -27%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
9312 Points +31%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
7089 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
7249 Points +2%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
11134 Points +57%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
9770 Points +38%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
10789 Points +52%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
5058 Points -29%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
8234 Points +16%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
4990 Points -30%
3DMark
1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
78512 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
82813 Points +5%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
71993 Points -8%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
97464 Points +24%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
117286 Points +49%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
117521 Points +50%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
71464 Points -9%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
97897 Points +25%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
101562 Points +29%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
118583 Points +51%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
72527 Points -8%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
17879 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
15550 Points -13%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
20356 Points +14%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
16697 Points -7%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
18232 Points +2%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
21648 Points +21%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
20457 Points +14%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
20631 Points +15%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
15749 Points -12%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
18199 Points +2%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
12435 Points -30%
1280x720 Sky Diver Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
14913 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
11750 Points -21%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
15139 Points +2%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
21203 Points +42%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
19186 Points +29%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
20078 Points +35%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
16611 Points +11%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Score (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
4806 Points
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
3733 Points -22%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
6548 Points +36%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
4294 Points -11%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
4810 Points 0%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
8335 Points +73%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
6429 Points +34%
Gigabyte P35X v3
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128L9M (RAID 0)
8230 Points +71%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
3714 Points -23%
Gigabyte P25X v2
GeForce GTX 880M, 4810MQ, 2x Lite-On LMT-128M6M (RAID 0)
5432 Points +13%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
3455 Points -28%
3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
26996 Points

Gaming Performance

The GE62's hardware allows it to play most current games at 1920x1080 pixels and very high quality settings. Only a few extremely demanding games, such as “Assassin's Creed Unity” and “Company of Heroes 2”, overwhelm the notebook at their maximum settings; here some resolution and details have to be sacrificed. We encountered problems with some older games.”Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls” led to massive image problems. “Dead Space 3” refused to start, because apparently the performance of the graphics chip was not sufficient. This is obviously not true: “Dead Space 3” runs smoothly with even noticeably weaker graphics cores.

Tomb Raider
1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
132.4 fps
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
104.6 fps -21%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
187 fps +41%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
130 fps -2%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
187.1 fps +41%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
108.3 fps -18%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
130.9 fps -1%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
57.9 fps
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
46.7 fps -19%
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
80 fps +38%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
38 fps -34%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
80.3 fps +39%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
46.4 fps -20%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
57.3 fps -1%
BioShock Infinite
1366x768 High Preset (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
130.7 fps
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
110 fps -16%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
133 fps +2%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
142.5 fps +9%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
103.7 fps -21%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
101.8 fps -22%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
134.4 fps +3%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
52.7 fps
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Lite-On IT L8T-256L9G
42.6 fps -19%
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
54 fps +2%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
72.5 fps +38%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
40.5 fps -23%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
40.56 fps -23%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
53.3 fps +1%
Thief
1366x768 High Preset AA:FXAA & Low SS AF:4x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
61.3 fps
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
63 fps +3%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
89.3 fps +46%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
47 fps -23%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
39.9 fps -35%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
65.2 fps +6%
1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:FXAA & High SS AF:8x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
34.9 fps
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
46 fps +32%
SCHENKER XMG P505
GeForce GTX 970M, 4870HQ, Samsung SSD XP941 MZHPU256HCGL
47.9 fps +37%
HP Omen
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, SanDisk A110 SD6PP4M-256G-1006
25 fps -28%
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712)
GeForce GTX 860M, 4710HQ, Samsung SSD PM851 512 GB MZ7TE512HMHP
23.9 fps -32%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
34.2 fps -2%
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm
1366x768 High AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
123 fps
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
79 fps -36%
1920x1080 Ultra / Extreme AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
63.2 fps
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
38 fps -40%
Diablo III
1366x768 High AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
245.4 fps
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
103 fps -58%
1920x1080 High AA:on (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
154.2 fps
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
GeForce GTX 870M, 4710HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3128GD (RAID 0)
75 fps -51%
Assassin's Creed Unity
1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
54.9 fps
1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality AA:FX (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
42.4 fps
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:2x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
29.5 fps
Far Cry 4
1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
88.2 fps
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
87 fps -1%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
90.3 fps +2%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
85.1 fps -4%
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
46.1 fps
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
60 fps +30%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
68 fps +48%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
42.9 fps -7%
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
37.1 fps
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K (2QEUi716SR51G)
GeForce GTX 970M, 4720HQ, 2x Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD (RAID 0)
51 fps +37%
SCHENKER XMG P505 PRO
GeForce GTX 980M, 4710HQ, Micron M600 MTFDDAV256MBF M.2
59.4 fps +60%
SCHENKER XMG P705
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston SM2280S3120G
32.4 fps -13%
Batman: Arkham Origins
1366x768 DX11 Enhanced / On (PhysX Off) AA:2x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
111 fps
1920x1080 DX11 Enhanced / On (PhysX Normal) AA:4x MS (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
54 fps
Total War: Rome II
1366x768 High Preset (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
149.1 fps
1920x1080 Extreme Preset (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
34.2 fps
Deus Ex Human Revolution
1366x768 DX11, Shadows, SSAO, DOF: Normal, Post Processing, Tessellation AA:Simple Edge AF:4x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
136.5 fps
1920x1080 DX11, Soft Shadows, SSAO High, DOF: High, Post Processing, Tessellation AA:ML AF:16x (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
75.1 fps
Company of Heroes 2
1366x768 Medium AA:Off (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
55.1 fps
1366x768 High AA:Medium (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
45.4 fps
1920x1080 Maximum / Higher / High AA:High (sort by value)
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
GeForce GTX 965M, 4720HQ, Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1
20.7 fps
low med. high ultra
Deus Ex Human Revolution (2011) 136.5 75.1
Anno 2070 (2011) 192 155 121.7 64.1
Alan Wake (2012) 140.9 97.3 48.6
Diablo III (2012) 281.6 245.4 154.2
Tomb Raider (2013) 358.2 216.5 132.4 57.9
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) 248 138 123 63.2
BioShock Infinite (2013) 190.7 142.9 130.7 52.7
Company of Heroes 2 (2013) 62 55.1 45.4 20.7
Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013) 88.5 109.6 77.1 35.5
The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (2013) 120 120 92.1 53.5
Total War: Rome II (2013) 182.4 149.1 34.2
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) 199 111 54
Assassin´s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) 60 60 55.1 29.8
X-Plane 10.25 (2013) 109.7 55.6 28.8 20
Thief (2014) 73.8 66.8 61.3 34.9
Assassin's Creed Unity (2014) 54.9 42.4 29.5 13.6
Far Cry 4 (2014) 95.3 88.2 46.1 37.1

Gaming Performance 4k

Diablo 3 in 4k (Ultra)
Diablo 3 in 4k (Ultra)

Is it possible to use the full monitor resolution? We tested out a few games in 4k (3840x2160) with the same quality options as our regular testing conditions.

 

min.medhighmax. 
Tomb Raider (3,840 x 2,160)56.73625.816.4
Thief (3,840 x 2,160)25.821.314.28.2
Diablo 3 (3,840 x 2,160)59.255.847.347.3

Emissions

System Noise

In idle mode, the GE62 does not emit a single peep; the fan and HDD are quiet. As a rule, the fan runs at minimum speed. The noise level is then on par with the Aspire V15 Nitro. The Schenker XMG P505 can get somewhat louder than the competition. Under load, the GE62's fan really kicks into motion. During the stress test, we measured a noise level of 52.4 dB(A). The Schenker XMP P505 also overshoots the 50 dB(A) mark, while the Aspire runs more quietly.

Noise Level

Idle
29.2 / 32.6 / 35 dB(A)
HDD
32.2 dB(A)
DVD
38 / dB(A)
Load
42.6 / 52.4 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)

Temperature

the MSI GE62 during stress test
the MSI GE62 during stress test

The GE62 got through the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least an hour) on and off battery power with varying results: while connected to power, the graphics core ran at full speed (949 MHz). The processor clocked from 2.8 to 2.9 GHz. We reached this state on battery power as well - at least, for the first ten minutes. Then the GPU (2.4 to 2.6 GHz) and especially the GPU (135 to 500 MHz) throttled back markedly.

The temperature reached just under 50 °C (~122 °F) at many points on the upper surface of the base unit, becoming uncomfortable for the user. The Schenker XMG P505 warms up even more, since it is equipped with a stronger graphics core. The MSI Notebook is undercut by the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD in terms of heat build-up.

Max. Load
 47.2 °C
117 F
49.9 °C
122 F
46.3 °C
115 F
 
 47.2 °C
117 F
49.5 °C
121 F
46.3 °C
115 F
 
 43.1 °C
110 F
43.5 °C
110 F
35.1 °C
95 F
 
Maximum: 49.9 °C = 122 F
Average: 45.3 °C = 114 F
42.3 °C
108 F
39 °C
102 F
43.7 °C
111 F
34.3 °C
94 F
38.7 °C
102 F
38.5 °C
101 F
28 °C
82 F
39.1 °C
102 F
38.1 °C
101 F
Maximum: 43.7 °C = 111 F
Average: 38 °C = 100 F
Power Supply (max.)  59.2 °C = 139 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Voltcraft IR-900
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 45.3 °C / 114 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 49.9 °C / 122 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 43.7 °C / 111 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 33.5 °C / 92 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 43.5 °C / 110.3 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-14.6 °C / -26.3 F).

Speakers

There is a subwoofer.
There is a subwoofer.

The GE62's stereo loudspeakers are found in the front area. There is also a subwoofer, which is placed on the underside. The sound of the 2.1 system does not knock the listener's socks off, though. Despite the subwoofer, the notebook is lacking in bass. For a better sound experience, we recommend either external speakers or headphones.

Energy Management

Power Consumption

As with the competition, the energy needs of the GE62 while idling are clearly above 10 Watts. This is normal for this notebook class. During the stress test, the power consumption rose to 136 Watts. This kind of scenario hardly ever occurs in everyday use. In daily gaming use, power consumption will probably hover around 90 Watts. This is also the case for the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD. The Schenker XMG P505 requires more energy because of its more powerful graphics chip. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 15 / 20.8 / 25.4 Watt
Load midlight 91.8 / 136 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.

Battery Life

While idling, the GE62 manages a run time of 4 hours, 27 minutes. The competing Schenker XMG P505 (2:54 h) gives up earlier. The idle mode was tested via the Reader's Test from Battery Eater. The display runs at the lowest brightness level, the energy saver profile is activated, and the wireless modules are deactivated. Under load, the GE62 shuts down after 59 minutes. The Schenker XMG P505 (1:11 h) manages a few more minutes. The runtime under load was measured with the Battery Eater Classic Test, during which the monitor is on full brightness and the high-performance profile and wireless modules are activated.

The practical WLAN test causes the GE62 to shut down after 2 hours, 59 minutes, equal to the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD (3:01 h). During this test, web sites are automatically loaded in 40-second intervals. The energy saver profile is active, and the display brightness is at about 150 cd/m². We tested the playing duration of videos by playing the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264-coding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a continuous loop. The wireless adapter is deactivated and the display brightness is set at about 150 cd/m². The MSI Notebook manages for 2 hours, 40 minutes. The Schenker XMG P505 achieves a duration of 2:20 h.

We also tested run times while gaming, by running the integrated benchmark of the racing game “GRID: Autosport” (1920x1080, Very High, 4x MSAA) on a continuous loop. The 15-inch model managed 45 minutes.

The runtimes of the GE62 put it in a range that we are used to in potent gaming notebooks. In an absolute sense, these values are definitely meager. The battery has more the function of an emergency power supply.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 27min
WiFi Surfing
2h 59min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
2h 40min
Gaming
0h 45min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 59min
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW
Acer Aspire V15 Nitro
Schenker XMG P505
MSI GE60-2PEi781B
MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K
MSI GS60 - 2PEWi716SR21
Schenker XMG P505 PRO
Gigabyte P35X v3
HP Omen
Gigabyte P25X v2
Lenovo Y50
Battery Runtime
1%
-9%
15%
-1%
-2%
33%
48%
12%
127%
40%
Reader / Idle
267
174
-35%
303
13%
276
3%
307
15%
298
12%
364
36%
260
-3%
831
211%
H.264
160
140
-12%
176
10%
163
2%
210
31%
WiFi
179
181
1%
222
24%
184
3%
194
8%
225
26%
208
16%
338
89%
250
40%
Gaming
45
53
18%
47
4%
Load
59
71
20%
64
8%
36
-39%
36
-39%
96
63%
94
59%
72
22%
106
80%

Verdict

The MSI GE62 2QE Apache offers the user high application and gaming performance. Most current games can be played smoothly in high resolution (Full HD) and with high settings. Despite this performance, the chassis does not warm up excessively. The notebook is not lacking in storage space: Apart from a solid-state disk, the computer also boasts an HDD. Both drives can be easily swapped for models with more storage space. One does not necessarily expect this with a gaming notebook, but the GE62 also offers a good keyboard. The 4k display of the highest-class variant disappoints us a little. It is not particularly bright and has very uneven illumination. This should not be the case with a 2000 Euros (~$2270) notebook. Users who find much to like in the GE62 but do not want to spend 2000 Euros (~$2270), can get their hands on a less well-equipped variant. With a Full HD monitor, 8 GB of RAM and a terabyte hard drive, the machine is available from 1500 Euros (~$1700).

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In Review: MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW. Test model provided by MSI Deutschland.
In Review: MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW. Test model provided by MSI Deutschland.

Specifications

MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW (GE62 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-4720HQ 4 x 2.6 - 3.6 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 924 MHz, Memory: 2500 MHz, GDDR5, ForceWare 344.75 (9.18.13.4475), Optimus
Memory
16 GB 
, DDR3, 1600 MHz, Dual-Channel, two memory banks (both occupied)
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 3840 x 2160 pixel, Samsung SDC4852, IPS, 4k, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM87 (Lynx Point)
Storage
Kingston RBU-SNS8100S3256GD1, 256 GB 
, + HGST Travelstar 7K1000 (1TB, 7200 rpm), shafts: 3x M.2 & 1x 2.5-inch
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: Headphone (7.1 S/PDIF), microphone, Card Reader: SD, SDHC, SDXC
Networking
Qualcomm Killer e2200 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 3160 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.0
Optical drive
HL-DT-ST BD-RE BU20N
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, 4730 mAh, 6 cells
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD (30 fps @720p)
Additional features
Speakers: 2.1 Dynaudio (Sound Blaster Cinema), Keyboard: Chiclet by SteelSeries, Keyboard Light: yes, power cable: 150 Watt, Cyberlink PowerDVD 10, Magix MX Suite, MS Office (test version), Norton Internet Security 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
1949 Euro

 

the MSI GE62's input devices
the MSI GE62's input devices
A number block is available.
A number block is available.
The keyboard offers multi-colored backlighting.
The keyboard offers multi-colored backlighting.
Our test machine is equipped with a Blu-Ray burner.
Our test machine is equipped with a Blu-Ray burner.
The hinges ...
The hinges ...
... hold the lid firmly in position.
... hold the lid firmly in position.
The subwoofer is found on the underside.
The subwoofer is found on the underside.
After removing all the screws ...
After removing all the screws ...
... the underside can be removed with a pallet knife.
... the underside can be removed with a pallet knife.
The processor is firmly soldered in.
The processor is firmly soldered in.
A large cooler bleeds off heat from the GPU and VRAM.
A large cooler bleeds off heat from the GPU and VRAM.
The Notebook includes two working memory banks.
The Notebook includes two working memory banks.
A SSD takes care of the operating system.
A SSD takes care of the operating system.
Two further free M.2 slots are available.
Two further free M.2 slots are available.
A traditional hard drive provides data storage.
A traditional hard drive provides data storage.
Good: two WLAN antennae.
Good: two WLAN antennae.
The battery ...
The battery ...
... is secured with just one screw.
... is secured with just one screw.
The capacity amounts to 51 Wh.
The capacity amounts to 51 Wh.
The power cord brings the weight up to 525 grams.
The power cord brings the weight up to 525 grams.
The nominal capacity is 150 Watts.
The nominal capacity is 150 Watts.

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Test Library

  • Additional internal test reports

  • Available external tests sorted by display format

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  • Search for test reports in the comprehensive library of notebookCHECK.com

Links

Price Comparison

Pros

+2 hard drives (SSD + HDD)
+Good input devices
+Blu-Ray burner
+2 free M.2 slots
+4k IPS display
+high performance
 

Cons

-Lid is too easy to twist
-Meager monitor brightness

Shortcut

What we liked

The application and gaming performance. And the ability to build in more hard drives.

What we'd like to see

A brighter display.

What surprised us

MSI still uses its own keyboard layout, one which  doesn't offer any apparent benefits.

The competition

HP Omen, Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G, Lenovo Y50-70, MSI GS60 2QE, MSI GS60 2PE, Schenker XMG P505 PRO, Schenker XMG P505, Gigabyte P35X v3, Gigabyte P25X v2

Rating

MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW - 02/17/2015 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
78 / 98 → 80%
Keyboard
79%
Pointing Device
81%
Connectivity
74 / 81 → 91%
Weight
60 / 10-66 → 89%
Battery
74%
Display
79%
Games Performance
97%
Application Performance
92%
Temperature
76 / 95 → 80%
Noise
72 / 90 → 80%
Audio
50%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
73%
82%
Gaming - Weighted Average
Sascha Mölck, 2015-02-28 (Update: 2018-05-15)