GTX 980M vs 980M SLI

Hey Guys,

I've already asked this question to a lot of members, and I'd like to thank them again with their thorough replies and help! I am about to make my final decision this week to buy my very first gaming laptop, and I just wanted to get more opinions as some of you guys recommended to do so.
I have narrowed down my options to MSI GT72 Dominator Pro-445 and Sager NP9377-s(Clevo P377sm-a). My budget is $3500 max. My only goal with this new machine is going to be gaming, and I will be gaming on a 1080p 60hz display. I mainly play MMO, RTS, and some shooters including: WoW, Rift, Total War games, BF4, Far Cry, Company of Heroes etc. I want to be able to play games in very high/max settings for at least 2 years, optimistically 3. I certainly think that I am above what you would call an "average joe" but I am no tweak master either, so I don't think I will be doing pro level OC'ing or such. I just can't make the final call between these two great machines. I need your help to determine which one is better for my situation, and more future-proof (I know this is a cliche term but I don't know what else to use lol) My configuration for both machines are:

1) MSI GT72 Dominator Pro-445
32GB Memory, GTX 980M, 4x128GB m.2 + 1TB 7200 Rpm HDD, i7 4980HQ, IPS Panel

2) Sager NP9377-S
16GB Kingston HyperX (8x8) Memory, GTX 980M SLI, 120GB Crucial mSata + 512GB Crucial SSD + 1TB 7200Rpm HDD, i7 4910MQ, Matte Type LED Display

I have reasonings for both case scenarios:

1) Get the GT72, hopefully max out everything until 2015, get the 900m series refresh in 2015, (MSI Specifically promised that it will be compatible, so I have official support, I guess?) and game on very high/max until pascal 16nm gets released, save until then and ball out on a pascal system.

2) Get the NP9377, just save and ball out on pascal in 2016-17?

The trade-offs are (I believe) MSI has better keyboard, overall build and "luxurious" touch. Sager is an old school straightforward gaming laptop, with good build quality. I will not be getting that "high end" touch with Sager but I will have SLI

I am aware that SLI is a huge performance gain, however will refreshing my single 980M be a better option while waiting for pascal? Is a single 980M enough to max out the games I play? (most reviews imply so) Are there any owners of either system here who could share their experience with me so far? System noise is really not an issue for me, I will be using headphones. I just want the BEST performance in my situation.

Thanks in advance

Edit: This is the video where the viking dude from MSI officially promises the next upgrade at 12:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZ5hGDZpI8

 

id be all over the 444 gt72 if i could find one in aus. and due to the upgradable promise.... i'd be more inclined to get the gt72 and wait for pascal release

 

I believe XoticPC ships to Australia, not sure about taxes though. Yeah gt72 is really tempting one Thanks for your reply!

 

only a 1 year global warrnty tho asus offers >1 year) so its a dilemma im facing

 

yeah that's a tough one :/

 

GT72 is guaranteed to be compatible with the Maxwell refresh next year, not Pascal. Just wanted to clear the air on that.

Honestly the power of the 980M is too awesome for the 4710HQ processors that the MSI machine uses.

I would get a Sager. Metabox is an Australian reseller. I'd send them a message and see when they are getting 980M. Based on their clearance sale of 880M machines, its got to be very soon.

Information About Metabox Gaming Laptops

The P377SM-A (Sager NP9377) is a really nice machine but the fans are loud and its big. Personally big isn't an issue as it gives more heat dissipation potential and SLI is quite nice. But the price is what is really killer compared to the likes of MSI. You can't beat a Clevo for price.

 

I'm not spending $3k USD, without coming away with an SLI machine. The higher GT72 SKUs are just too expensive for single GPU machines.

 

That's why I suggested Clevo/Sager as an alternative.

Xotic's base P170SM-A/8278 is only 1701 with a 4810MQ (which can be overclocked +400MHz instead of +200MHz on the 35 dollar less expensive 4710MQ) and 980M.

Even with 2 500GB Samsung 840 EVO mSATA in RAID0 and a 1TB 7200RPM drive, its still only 2419.

MSI's machines are a huge rip off.

 

no IPS screen, which i assuming is the driving factor

 

Well, no, I'd still take the $2399 SKU over any single GPU Clevo alternative. The higher quality amenities are still worth the premium for me. Hopefully they eventually refit the lower SKUs with the IPS as well.

 

4710HQ is such a limiting factor, its not even funny.

You couldn't pay me to take a base 4710HQ machine.

I have 120hz. I don't care about IPS, not a selling point for me. IPS panels are just too damn slow.

 

120hz screens are awesome. It would be much easier for me to pick the 9377 if Clevo would still offer them with 120hz screens. Sadly they are discontinued

 

If you buy from xotic all their 9377 motherboards have the eDP connector and you can get the panel on eBay and install it yourself if you want.

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I'll buy it but I am almost sure that I will not be able to install it to my machine. Do you know any company, like geek squad that can do it for me in NYC? Thanks for your reply btw!

 

Unfortunately I have no idea. Xotic might do it for you if you pay them labor. I would email them, they are an extremely customer friendly company.

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I asked them before but they said they won't be able to due to their agreement with Sager. If it is not on Sager's website, xotic pc can't support it

 

That's what I figured. Hmm... Well technically any laptop repair company should be able to do the upgrade but no idea how much they would charge.

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Well I guess I'll do whatever it takes. Should I just type clevo p377sm-a 120hz screen on ebay?

 

Its LG LP173WF2 (TP)(B1)

 

This is the 120Hz panel that Clevo used in the P370SM3. If you want to ensure compatibility I'd try to source one from somewhere. A cursory eBay search turned up quite a few hits, so I'd start there.

 

Thanks man! I found this website
LP173WF2(TP)(B1) Replacement Laptop LCD Screen From $75.99 Brand-new screens.

it says only for 3D laptops but it would work right?

 

Yeah it says 3D because it isn't compatible with laptops that have Optimus. That's the display I have.

The 9377 doesn't have an emitter so it can't do 3D but it does 120hz and looks amazing.

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As long as the motherboard has an eDP connector. 3D requires 120Hz, so all 3D laptops are 120Hz capable.

 

I think i found it, and it is brand new!

New LG Philips LP173WF2 TP B​1 LP173WF2 TPB1 Laptop Screen 17 3" LED FHD 3D | eBay

what do you say guys? should I just go with np9377 980m sli? I am only worried that I have not seen any review yet or any benchmark of 980m yet. What if I have heat issues like 880m sli people did?

 

I see, thanks!

 

I'll buy it from xotic so I believe it has an eDP connector on the mobo

 

Make sure to ask the seller prior order that (s)he has THE EXACT part number. They LOVE to ship compatibles.

 

100% COMPATIBLE and Glossy or Matte (Depends upon availability) is what tells you it's not EXACT screen. Pay attention on those phrases. Your best bet is to ask mythlogic or upgradeyourlaptop (ebay) if they have any in stock.

 

That's why I said ask seller. In like 70% of the times (and I have asked quite a lot, many different sellers, about many different panels) they have it, but you have to ask, otherwise they'll ship you the closest they have to their hands

 

I think this is the real deal, what do you say? it says 100% OEM product

New LP173WF2 TP B1 17 3" WUXGA Matte LED Screen | eBay

 

Send them a PM and ask if it's a 50pin 120hz panel, no info on that

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They said it is a 50pin 120hz panel. I'm assuming it will fit. Now back to the original question, should I buy it , or go with gt72?