Review MSI GP60-i740M245FD Notebook
For the original German review, see here.
A new gaming notebook for the mid-range is what MSI introduces with the GP60-i740M245F. The 15.6-inch device is meant to combine a good gaming performance with a reasonable amount of mobility. The computer is not completely unknown to us. Some time ago we tested the practically identically constructed predecessor, the MSI GE60-i789W7H (Core i7-3610QM, GeForce GT 650M). Our test will show if the GP60 is able to outperform the GE60.
For classification of the notebook we consult the competitors Acer Aspire V5-573G-54208G50aii (Core i5-4200U, GeForce GT 750M) and Asus N56VB-S4050H (Core 7-3630QM, GeForce GT 740M).
Since the GP60 is structurally identical with the GE60, we will not go into details concerning the case, the connectivity, the input devices and the speakers. This information is available in the review of the GE60-i789W7H.
Case
The case is in form, measures, stability and weight identical with that of the GE60-i789W7H. However, they differ in color and surface character. While MSI uses a lot of shiny surfaces in the GE60, they are significantly reduced in the GP60. The top side of the base unit and the backside of the lid are kept in a metal look (brushed aluminum). The backside is furnished with a matte-shiny finish while the base unit has a matte surface. Only the bordering of the keyboard is also made of shiny plastic.
Connectivity
Operating System
The GP60 is shipped with preinstalled FreeDos. Those who want to install a current Windows operating system on the computer will not encounter any difficulties. The MSI website provides drivers for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. Additionally, the computer is accompanied by a DVD that holds all drivers for Windows 8.
Maintenance
The big maintenance hatch allows access to the main memory, the hard drive, the WLAN module, the BIOS battery, the CPU and the fan. Two main memory banks are installed in the GP60. One bank is occupied by a 4 GB module. Exchanging the hard drive is easily done. 2.5-inch hard drives with a design height of either 7 or 9.5 mm can be used. The fan could be removed for cleaning purposes. Changing the processor would also be no problem because it rests on a pedestal. MSI economized the mSATA slot, which is installed in the GE60, but not in the GP60.
Display
The GP60 deploys the same display as the GE60. Attentive readers will notice that the measured values of the GP60 display are slightly better. This has two reasons: For one thing, two identical displays are never one hundred percent identical and another reason is that by now we use a different measuring device than we did for the GE60.
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Brightness Distribution: 76 %
Center on Battery: 300 cd/m²
Contrast: 612:1 (Black: 0.49 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.15 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86
ΔE Greyscale 8.06 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
55.1% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
58.5% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
84.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
56.7% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.13
We measured the screen in delivery condition (target color space sRGB) and were able to ascertain an average DeltaE-2000 deviation of about 7.2, which is a quite moderate value. This threshold is exceeded by some red and blue tones. The display shows a blue cast.
Performance
MSI offers several gaming notebooks in the 15.6-inch format within the GP60 series. The notebooks are not high-end computers in terms of performance but are rather found in the mid-range. Therefore, the buying price is relatively low. Our test sample costs currently 699 Euros (~$950). The GP60-i540M28FD variant of the notebook is equipped with a Core i5-4200M processor, 8 GB main memory and a 750 GB hard-drive. Prices start at 669 Euros (~$910).
Cooler Boost
The GP60 offers a feature called "Cooler Boost". When the corresponding key is pressed, the fan runs permanently at full speed. This is supposed to secure sufficient cooling under high load to prevent performance losses. We could not ascertain any differences between activated and deactivated Cooler Boost in the executed benchmarks. All benchmark results of this test were carried out with deactivated Cooler Boost function.
Processor
The GP60 is powered by a Core i7-4700MQ processor. The quad-core CPU is based on Intel's current Haswell architecture. The processor runs at a base speed of 2.4 GHz. Via turbo the speed can be increased to 3.2 GHz (all four cores), 3.3 GHz (two cores) and 3.2 GHz (only one core). The Ivy Bridge series gave birth to two identically clocked predecessors: The Core i7-3630QM and the Core i7-3635QM (the latter has a minimally faster GPU). Due to the Haswell improvements, the Core i7-4700MQ should achieve results, which are about 10 percent better than those of its predecessors. Intel states the TDP of the CPU at 47 Watts. Hence, it is two Watts higher than the predecessors.
During the single thread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks, the CPU ran at 3.2 GHz. Two cores were repeatedly sped up to 3.3 GHz. The multithread tests are run at a constant 3.2 GHz. The GP60 delivers the best Cinebench results. As expected, the Asus Notebook (Core 7-3630QM, GeForce GT 740M) lies slightly behind since it is equipped with one of the identically clocked Ivy Bridge processors. The Aspire (Core i5-4200U, GeForce GT 750M) cannot hold a candle to both competitors. The installed Core i5 is clearly inferior to both Core i7 processors.
System Performance
Concerning system performance there is nothing to complain about. The system runs smoothly and the PC Mark results turn out quite well. The Aspire (Core i5-4200U, GeForce GT 750M) and the N56VB (Core 7-3630QM, GeForce GT 740M) draw about level. The system can be perceptibly sped up by installing a Solid State Disk. Windows boots more quickly and the system in general operates more swiftly. We tested it and observed that our SSD (Crucial RealSSD C300 - 64 GB) lets the PC Mark results skyrocket. The PC Mark 7 result is increased by about 63 percent to 4,791 points.
The Windows 8 performance index of the GP60 has a value of 4.7, relatively low. The desktop graphics performance is to blame. The notebook apparently uses the Intel GPU for the execution of the test. Even an explicit activation of the GeForce GPU does not seem to change anything because the value stays the same.
| PCMark Vantage Result | 8536 points | |
| PCMark 7 Score | 2941 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated | 3231 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated | 3685 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated | 4319 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Devices
MSI treats the GP60 to a hard drive from Hitachi's Travelstar Z5K500 series. It has a capacity of 500 GB and runs at 5,400 revolutions per minute. CrystalDiskMark reports a read speed of 101.8 MB/s. HD Tune states an average transfer rate of 78.8 MB/s. These values are acceptable for a 5,400-rpm hard drive. However, the access time of 19.9 ms is slightly high.
Graphics Card
An Optimus combination consisting of Intel's HD Graphics 4600 GPU and Nvidia's GeForce GT 740M graphics core is in charge of the graphics output. The GeForce core is activated when a lot of graphics power is needed - for example for computer games. Otherwise, the notebook is run by the Intel GPU. Both chips support DirectX 11.1. The GeForce chip is part of the mid-range. It runs at a base speed of 980 MHz. The speed can be increased to 1,058 MHz via turbo.
Contrary to our expectations the GP60 performs worse in all 3D Mark benchmarks than the Asus Notebook (Core i7-3630QM, GeForce GT 740M). One explanation is found when having a look at the technical data of both notebooks: The GPU of the GP60 is connected to its graphics memory via a 64-bit connection. That of the N56VB, however, is a larger 128-bit connection. We expected more from a notebook that is specifically designed for gamers. The Aspire (Core i5-4200U, GeForce GT 750M) is equipped with the strongest GPU and therefore always delivers the best values when the CPU performance has only little influence on the test outcome.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 10246 points | |
| 3DMark Vantage P Result | 6682 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 2013 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 51231 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 6822 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1084 points | |
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| MSI GP60-i740M245FD GeForce GT 740M, 4700MQ, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680 | Acer Aspire V5-573G-54208G50aii GeForce GT 750M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142 | Asus N56VB-S4050H GeForce GT 740M, 3630QM, WDC Scorpio Blue WD7500BPVT-80HXZT3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 06 | |||
| 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x | 10246 | 12832 25% | |
| 3DMark Vantage | |||
| 1280x1024 P Result | 6682 | 8002 20% | 8605 29% |
| 3DMark 11 | |||
| 1280x720 Performance | 2013 | 2462 22% | 2238 11% |
| 3DMark | -2% | 23% | |
| 1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score | 51231 | 39694 -23% | 67664 32% |
| 1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score | 6822 | 5855 -14% | 8226 21% |
| 1920x1080 Fire Strike Score | 1084 | 1420 31% | 1269 17% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 13% /
7% | 22% /
23% |
Gaming Performance
It is no surprise that a gaming notebook should be able to run games. The GP60 displays most of the games smoothly in HD resolution (1366x766 pixels) and with medium quality settings. As previously mentioned, the GeForce GPU has a 64-bit connection to its graphics memory. This causes heavy throttling of the GPU, which is proved in direct comparison with the Asus N56VB. The notebooks different Core i7 processors perform almost identically and they both use the same GeForce GT 740M GPU. The graphics memory of the Asus notebook, however, has a 128-bit connection. Due to this, the N56VB achieves frame rates that are on average 30 percent better in games such as Tomb Raider and Bioshock Infinite. The gap is smaller for games that are very dependent on the CPU.
Those who are looking for a notebook to play games should instead choose the competition. Both of them deliver better frame rates. The Acer Aspire V5-573G is especially noteworthy since it is fitted with the strongest GPU. The configuration we tested currently costs about 699 Euros (~$950) - including Windows 8 and IPS display. With a Core i7 processor the price is 799 Euros (~$1086). Those who can live with a glossy HD display (1366x768 pixels) and without a Windows operating system get the computer for just 550 Euros (~$747).
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 2012 (2012) | 119 | 90 | 75 | 31 |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 90.1 | 44 | 23.6 | |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 74.1 | 39.4 | 32.4 | |
| Metro: Last Light (2013) | 33 | 24.4 | 15.2 | |
| F1 2013 (2013) | 80 | 70 | 28 | |
| Battlefield 4 (2013) | 49.7 | 33.9 | 21.9 |
| MSI GP60-i740M245FD GeForce GT 740M, 4700MQ, Hitachi Travelstar Z5K500 HTS545050A7E680 | Acer Aspire V5-573G-54208G50aii GeForce GT 750M, 4200U, Seagate Momentus Thin ST500LT0 12-9WS142 | Asus N56VB-S4050H GeForce GT 740M, 3630QM, WDC Scorpio Blue WD7500BPVT-80HXZT3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | 51% | 35% | |
| 1024x768 Low Preset | 90.1 | 120.4 34% | 111.4 24% |
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x | 44 | 65.4 49% | 57.9 32% |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x | 23.6 | 39.8 69% | 35.3 50% |
| BioShock Infinite | 27% | 26% | |
| 1280x720 Very Low Preset | 74.1 | 86.1 16% | 90.4 22% |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset | 39.4 | 51.2 30% | 49.9 27% |
| 1366x768 High Preset | 32.4 | 43.62 35% | 41.9 29% |
| F1 2012 | -7% | 10% | |
| 1024x768 Ultra Low Preset | 119 | 96 -19% | 146 23% |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset | 90 | 80 -11% | 103 14% |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:2xMS | 75 | 74 -1% | 80 7% |
| 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:4xMS | 31 | 32 3% | 29 -6% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 24% /
21% | 24% /
22% |
Emissions
System Noise
During idle mode, we measure a sound pressure level of 32.6 to 37.5 dB(A), which is a high value. Significantly better values are delivered by the similarly equipped N56VB (28.9 to 32.8 dB(A)) and the Aspire (30.8 to 33.3 dB(A)). Under medium (3D Mark 06 running) and full load (stress test, Prime95 and FurMark running) the level of the GP60 rises heavily to 46.9 and 51.3 dB(A) respectively. The values of the Aspire (40.9 and 43.6 dB(A) resp.) and the N56VB (38.2 and 39.2 dB(A) resp.) are nowhere near. When the Cooler Boost function is activated, the fan rotates permanently at full speed. The sound pressure level lies accordingly at 51.3 dB(A).
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 32.6 / 33 / 37.5 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 33.6 dB(A) |
| DVD |
| 36.5 / dB(A) |
| Load |
| 46.9 / 51.3 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
Temperature
During idle mode, the ambient temperatures of all three devices are at an acceptable level. Under full load, at some measuring points, the GP60 exceed forty degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) mark. The Aspire even exceeds the fifty degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) mark repeatedly. The N56VB stays noticeably cooler. The reason is found quickly: The processor is throttled to 1.2 GHz.
The CPU runs throughout the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running for at least one hour) using the power supply as well as battery operation at 2.9 to 3 GHz. The GPU remains constantly at full turbo speed (1,058 MHz) during the stress test - no matter if the computer is powered from the battery or the power supply. The CPU temperature during power supply operation leveled off at about 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit).
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 48.3 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 47.1 °C / 117 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.3 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 39 °C / 102.2 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-10.2 °C / -18.4 F).
Energy Management
Power Consumption
In idle mode, we measure a power consumption between 7.4 and 16 Watts. We find that the device could be somewhat more efficient. The Aspire (up to 11.2 Watts) proves to be more frugal. The N56VB (10.8 to 25.1 Watts) is much too power hungry. The GP60 under medium load (3D Mark 06 running) requires 61.6 Watts and under full load (stress test, Prime95, FurMark running) 92.2 Watts. The Aspire's maximum consumption (73.3 and 77.5 Watts resp.) is due to its ULV processor’s lower requirements. At medium load, the stronger GPU of the Acer computer makes itself felt. The N56VB (75.7 and 82 Watts resp.) needs less power under full load than the GP60 because the CPU of the Acer notebook is throttled to 1.2 GHz.
| Off / Standby | 0.1 / 0.2 Watt |
| Idle | 7.4 / 12.7 / 16 Watt |
| Load |
61.8 / 92.2 Watt |
   
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Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940 | |
Battery Life
The GP60 reaches in idle mode a runtime of 6:11 h. This positions the notebook between the N56VB (4:48 h) and the Aspire (8:47 h). The idle mode is examined by the Battery Eater Reader’s test. The display is set to the lowest brightness level, the energy-saving profile is activated and all wireless modules are turned off. Under load, the battery quits after 0:48 h. The N56VB (0:58 h) lasts only a little longer. The Aspire (2:05 h) outshines both competitors by far. The runtime under load is determined by the Battery Eater Classic test. The display is at its brightest, the high-performance profile and all wireless modules are activated.
The WLAN test is terminated by the GP60 after 3:07 h. The N56VB (3:50 h) and especially the Aspire (7:09 h) come off better. During this test, websites are automatically called up in a 40-second interval. The energy-saving profile is activated and the display brightness set to about 150 cd/m². The DVD playback on the MSI computer is already ended after 1:59 h. Once again the Aspire (4:09 h) and the N56VB (2:46 h) last longer. The DVD test is conducted with activated energy-saving profile (or a higher profile if the DVD is not played back smoothly), maximum display brightness and deactivated wireless modules.
The battery capacities of all three devices (MSI: 49 Wh, Acer: 53 Wh, Asus: 56 Wh) are very similar. It is no surprise that the Aspire achieves the best runtimes due to its ULV processor.
Verdict
The MSI GP60-i749M245FD offers very good application performance and good gaming performance. It comes with a bright, high-contrast Full HD display and matte surface. However, the display suffers under a blue cast. Owing to the big maintenance hatch, maintaining the notebook is no problem. The battery runtimes are not exceptional but for such a notebook rather secondary. A negative aspect is the high system noise across the entire load spectrum. In addition to that, the buyers themselves have to choose and install an operating system for the device. This can be seen - depending on the point of view -as either an advantage or disadvantage.
Though we attest the notebook has good gaming performance, all in all we are somewhat disappointed. MSI sells its notebook specifically as a gaming notebook. Therefore, we would have expected a better gaming performance from such a device. The 64-bit connection to the graphics memory is to blame. In this case, MSI should have chosen a different GPU.
The Acer Aspire V5-573G is to be recommended when good gaming performance and longer battery runtimes are in demand. The Asus N56VB is suitable for all users that lay their focus on high-grade materials. The aluminum elements of the Asus notebook simply look better than the plastic cases of the competition. Additionally, the Aspire as well as the N56VB proved to be the better gaming notebooks since they produce higher frame rates.
