MSI GT72 (GTX 980M) Notebook Review Update

No exterior modifications are seen at first glance. The laptop's chassis and most of the hardware correspond to that of the former device. Therefore, we would refer to our existing review for information concerning "Case", "Connectivity" and "Input Devices." The only innovation is the so-called "Shift" function. The present mode can be easily switched to "Sport" (maximum power), "Comfort" (limited GPU clock) or "Green" (limited CPU & GPU power) via FN + F7. Switching in the Dragon Game Center is also possible.

However, our practical experience shows that the advantages are limited. We did not notice any differences in either power consumption or system noise in idle mode. There is no getting around the "Sport" option in 3D mode from a gamer's point of view anyhow.

In the writer's opinion, "Shift" is only a pseudo-replacement for the omitted Optimus technology. MSI intentionally leaves out graphics switching to make multi-monitor setup with three external screens possible (including 3D Vision support). The manufacturer also places importance on maximum reliability (keyword: game detection). Since Optimus usually operates impeccably, and only very few buyers will use multiple monitors for gaming, we cannot approve of this decision. Especially because the manual graphics switching that MSI installs requires rebooting.

Processor

Despite the laptops' steep price, MSI only integrates the "entry model" of the Core i7 line. The Core i7-4710HQ's clock of 2.5 - 3.5 GHz places it clearly behind the i7-4810MQ (2.8 - 3.8 GHz) or i7-4910MQ (2.9 - 3.9 GHz) - at least on paper. Unlike the MQ CPUs that can be exchanged when required, the HQ models are soldered to the motherboard.

Aside from that, there is no reason for complaint. Although the processor is the limiting factor in some games/settings, Intel's Haswell generation (22 nm) is still state-of-the-art and clearly stronger than the competition from AMD.

The weightiest modification concerns the dedicated graphics chip. Rather than the GeForce GTX 880M (GK104 based on Kepler), the GTX 980M (GM204) operates in the review sample. Nvidia's new top model that comes from the Maxwell generation again has 1536 shader units and a 4 - 8 GB GDDR5 video memory that is connected via a 256-bit bus.

The first advantage of the GTX 980M is its higher clock. Depending on the load, the 28 nm product achieves up to 1127 MHz (default: 1038 MHz). The GTX 880M only managed 954 - 993 MHz, which equals a minus of roughly 10%. The improved architecture results in an even higher performance. Compared with Kepler, Maxwell operates considerably more efficient.

As expected, the laptop model cannot quite compete with its desktop counterpart. The GTX 980 offers 33% more shaders (2048 CUDA cores), an 8% higher core clock (1127 - 1216 MHz), and a 40% higher memory clock (3.5 vs. 2.5 GHz). Nevertheless, we have to greatly praise Nvidia. In contrast to the 50 - 100% lead that the desktop chips often had over their laptop counterparts, the performance plus is now only 25% (average rate of 24 games in ultra-settings). We have to keep in mind that mobile GPUs are both significantly smaller and energy efficient.

We are rather skeptical about RAID arrays made up of multiple SSDs. Though the sequential performance is worthy of reference with 1335 MB/s in read and 1115 MB/s in write (AS SSD benchmark), the performance with smaller files is barely different from a single SSD. Then there is the enormous cost factor. Four M.2 modules with 256 GB each (4 x 128 GB @ SKU9, 2x 128 GB @SKU10 & 11) are not exactly cheap.

The laptop could be sold for considerably less with a single, high-capacity SSD that would also achieve higher rates in the 4K field. But the marketing department would not have so much work. After all, manufacturers want to advertise with as many as possible features.

Although the fans operate rather unobtrusively, the high-end machine does not tend toward high temperature development. The entire chassis was pleasantly cool during basic tasks. Our thermometer recorded an average of just 26 °C after two hours of idling. There is no comparison with thinner 17-inch laptops, such as the Aorus X7 v2 (~39 °C).

Solely the rear heated up noticeably in 3D operation. While the wrist rest remained below 29 °C, 40 or even 50 °C were reached in some corners in extreme cases. These temperatures are, however, absolutely harmless when compared with other laptops (maximum 63 °C @ MSI GS70; up to 76 °C @ Schenker XMG P505). The GT72 never felt really hot.

We particularly liked the situation on the components. The Core i7-4710HQ did not exceed over 90 °C for a change. It looked even better for the GeForce GTX 980M. Nvidia has done such a good job with the Maxwell architecture that we could only educe a maximum of 78 °C from the graphics chip during full load (Furmark + Prime95). The GTX 880M was roughly 10 °C warmer in this scenario.

In case the screenshot of the GPU clock is confusing: the graphics card throttles its clock in Furmark - like in the former GT72. However, this is not related to the laptop but rather with Nvidia according to MSI. A 40-minute test using Crysis 3 previously confirmed that there was no throttling in gaming operation. That should also be true for the GTX 980M.

The battery runtimes are neither good nor bad. Although the 17-inch laptop lasted for up to 6.5 hours in Intel Mode (maximum energy-saving options, minimum brightness), not quite three hours of DVD playback and three hours of Internet browsing are not overwhelming. Gaming on-the-go is possible for approximately 1.5 hours with the GT72. Replacing the 9-cell battery is very difficult for construction-related reasons (at least for inexperienced users).

MSI largely relies on the proven design. Understandable because major drawbacks had to be minutely searched for in the first GT72. Of course, some details are controversial (inaccessible battery, no Optimus, touchpad's "rubbery" surface, middling Wi-Fi reception), but these points do not alter anything about the overall good performance.

MSI has a classic high-end laptop in its line with a dual-fan system that ensures stress-free gaming marathons. The whole bundle is supported by a great sound combo and a high-contrast (though not particularly color accurate) TN screen. The generous configuration belongs to the other highlights. No matter whether interfaces, upgrade or expansion options, the GT72 is quite customer-oriented. The system noise and temperatures are also acceptable.

The 17-inch offspring makes a generally appealing impression. The aluminum cover and backlit keyboard enhance the quality impression. Overall, we can give a clear purchase recommendation. The GeForce GTX 980M even makes it enough for 88% this time.