MSI GE62 (GTX 970M) Notebook Review
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.
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.
|
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
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.
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 (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
Rendering Single 32Bit (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Geekbench 3 | |
32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P |
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P |
* ... 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 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
PCMark 7 - Score (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
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.
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 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
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 | ultra | 4K | |
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 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:FX AF:16x (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Company of Heroes 2 | |
1366x768 High AA:Medium (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
1920x1080 Maximum / Higher / High AA:High (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Thief | |
1366x768 High Preset AA:FXAA & Low SS AF:4x (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
1920x1080 Very High Preset AA:FXAA & High SS AF:8x (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Lenovo IdeaPad Y50-70 (59424712) | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
GRID: Autosport | |
1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4x MS (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Dragon Age: Inquisition | |
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H | |
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:2x MS (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
Asus G751JY-T7009H |
Evolve | |
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:FX (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
1920x1080 Very High Graphics Quality AA:1TX SM (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 |
Battlefield Hardline | |
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality (DX11) AA:4x MS (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P |
Diablo III | |
1366x768 High AA:on (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
1920x1080 High AA:on (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW |
The Evil Within | |
1366x768 Medium / Enabled AA:FX (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
1920x1080 High / Enabled AA:SM (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 |
Far Cry 4 | |
1920x1080 High Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 | |
1920x1080 Ultra Graphics Quality AA:SM (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
MSI GE62-2QEUi716H21BW | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
SCHENKER XMG A505 | |
Alienware 15 |
GTA V | |
1920x1080 High/On (Advanced Graphics Off) AA:2xMSAA + FX AF:8x (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P | |
1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x (sort by value) | |
MSI GE62-2QFUi716H11 | |
Acer Aspire VN7-591G-727P |
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.
Game | min. | med | high | max. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tomb Raider | 76.4 | 49.6 | 37.1 | 25.1 |
Thief | 33.5 | 28.7 | 21.3 | 15.7 |
Far Cry 4 | 23.4 | 19.4 | 16.6 | 16.3 |
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) |
| ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min: , med: , max: 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
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.
(-) 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.
Off / Standby | 0.1 / 0.3 Watt |
Idle | 14.7 / 20.9 / 25.6 Watt |
Load |
101 / 138.8 Watt |
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.
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
Cons
Verdict
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