MSI GS43VR Phantom Pro's Owner's Lounge

It's not that difficult to do those HDD / SSD upgrades yourself.

You end up with the original storage drive to use for RMA or backup, and will likely pay less for the SSD if you shop around and/or wait for a good discount sale.

The Sandisk X400 series are fast and inexpensive, from a good company and offer SATA III M.2 drives up to 1TB. If you insist on "spending $", you can also find PCI-E M.2 drives up to 1TB.

For these new MSI's with only 1 M.2 slot, and 1 2.5" slot, you really need to fill them with the largest drive available - there just aren't enough slots to waste it on a smaller SSD.

Better to upgrade yourself, find a better deal on a large SSD, and save that original HDD for servcing - and eventual sale.

It's tough to recoup storage/ram upgrade costs when selling used. It's best to reconfigure to the out of the box configuration and sell it that way, selling the storage/RAM upgrades independently.

So you want to hang on to the original parts.

 

I don't think this is true. Weighs about the same as my iPad Pro 12" with it's big ass cover on. I am curious if the weight could be even further reduced by swapping out a SATA SSD for the HD.

 

I put in a 480 np.

 

Sandisk and Samsung both have respective M.2 SATA III up to 1TB and M.2 PCIE x4 1TB that will work.

Buy them on sale somewhere and do the upgrade yourself. Save $ and save the original parts for servicing and eventual sale - easier to sell original configuration laptops later.

It's not hard to do the upgrade yourself

 

That's... a really good point that I hadn't considered. Thank you! In light if your advice, I may just install that bigger SSD myself!

 

Here are the current prices for the 1TB M.2 SATA III and 1TB PCIE x4:

Sandisk SD8SN8U-1T00-1122 X400 1TB M.2 2280 Solid State Drive - $268 (been on sale for $50 less)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA65C3RM4403

Newegg doesn't have a Samsung M.2 PCIE x4 1TB, but there are other brands, cheapest is $599 for the Plextor:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&N=100011693 600038493 600640786

Plextor M8Pe M.2 2280 1TB PCI-Express 3.0 x4 MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) PX-1TM8PeGN - $599
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820249079

I don't think RAID will work in the new models between M.2/2.5", but you can also fit a 1TB X400 for $238.

SanDisk SD8SB8U-1T00-1122 X400 SATA 2.5" Internal SSD - 1TB - $238
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0D9-0006-000G8

 

That was exactly what I was after... remove PCIE and HDD and put in 1TB SATA III M.2 Gain weight, noise and heat...

 

You mean lose weight, noise, and heat?

 

Hello. I'm considering selling my gl502 asus for the msi gs43. What is the leap between 980m and 1060m? Is it a considerable margin? thanks

 

Moving from the 980M to the 1060 is not worth it. You won't notice much in games other than a 20-30% increase in FPS. You should probably consider saving more and opting for a 1070 or even 1080.

 

@Miss Maven has been posting some awesome info about the GS43VR in the comments on her YouTube video, including FireStrike scores! Check it out! All credit goes to her! Click here

 

Hey guys,

Thanks lot to the community for all the info provided so for. Kudos to @babblin5 and @Miss Maven !

So I want to upgrade from a Asus Zenbook UX32VD (Yeah I know its been a while) to this sweet GS43. So far it looks like a great machine. I play games, and will use the extra processor power for database management that I do for work. (Jumping from 2 cores to 4 cores, increases the speed of STATA MP quite a bit).

I am into lightweight ultrabooks, my Zenbook is 1.5kg and this is 1.7 kg (or so they claim in their product description). So for 200 grams more, this is not a big compromise, unless the AC adapter is really heavy. Is it?

Also the GS43, has an IPS screen non glossy, similar to my zenbook which has a quick ass screen. I hate those glossy screen where you can see your face when gaming. The Zenbook has around 350 nits of brightness, any idea how bright this GS43 is? GS40 was around 290 nits, so I would expect at least this.

Anyway, the only thing holding me up from pulling the trigger on this one, is the really small 128gb ssd. I could upgrade by myself but I´ve heard this voids the warranty right? Apparently there is a really aggressive sticker avoiding you opening the laptop.

I would install only programs on the SSD for work, (Office, Python, ArcGIS etc). Don't need that much really. So how much free space does the 128gb actually have when you open the box? Of course windows 10 takes up some space, but I've also heard there is a recovery partition and a lot of bloatware. If the space is too small in the SSD I might buy the GS63 that has more options on the SSD side of things. Or wait until eventually a Zenbook gets a Pascal 1050 x or something (hopefully!).

Thanks for your help!

 

I've heard the battery on the GS43VR is hitting 4-5 hours on battery saver at 100%... can anyone confirm this? If so.. this will have to be my university laptop!

 

Quick question (sorry for somewhat off topic). If I decide to swap out the GS43VR's stock 128GB SSD with a Samsung 850 Evo that I buy, and I clone the stock SSD over to the Evo, will the OS both go onto the Evo and remain on the stock SSD? So that if/when I decide to put the stock SSD back inside and sell the GS43VR later, it'll still have the OS on it? I'm a newb to drive cloning, so any help would be appreciated! @hmscott

 

Use Macrium Reflect free (or paid) to make a full disk backup image, saved to a USB 3.0 Flash drive - you make it bootable using Macrium Reflect *first* - then you can boot and restore from that USB 3.0 flash drive to a new M.2 SSD or a 2.5" SSD.

And, the 128GB will still have the same bytes on it; set it on the shelf in case you need it later. It's got the full OS install + your files on it.

The cloning doesn't erase the original, unless you tell it to - you don't want to do that

 

It's off topic but i want to ask. Should i plug the laptop in while the battery is still in it and play game? Or i should remove the battery before plugging the laptop in?

 

Do you remove your car battery at any time, ever?

Why would you think you should remove your laptop battery at any time, ever?

It's likely non-removable anyway, most new laptops have sealed in batteries.

Today's charging circuits leave the battery uncharged to different levels to keep it fresh - even if you leave it plugged in all the time.

They can fail, but they can also last for many many years.

It's covered under most warranties for 1 year to 2 years, and you can get extended warranties - recommended if you want to keep the laptop a long time. Most of us upgrade every 12-18 months.

 

Thank you

 

Thanks everyone, just placed my order today for the GS43VR from B&H, should get to me by Thursday

 

I don't have first-hand experience with an MSI RMA, but I've heard from multiple people both on these forums and elsewhere that MSI doesn't mind if you open the laptop to clean it or make upgrades, despite their sticker - so long as you don't damage it in the process. For example: https://www.reddit.com/r/techsuppor..._that_states_void_if/?st=is3z1yz0&sh=fe56821b

Awesome! Can't wait to hear your impressions next!

 

A user on Reddit has said that their GS43VR maintained 90 C while playing Battlefield 4 on Ultra at 100+ FPS, but that the temp came down when they dialed down the FPS. This won't be a problem for me, as I plan to limit the FPS to 60 or 61 to match the 60 hz screen.

www.reddit.com/r/nvidia/comments/4yg2ce/gs43vr_with_the_laptop_1060_running_hot_is_this_ok/?st=is444a9f&sh=9169a8c8

 

liquid metal ;]

 

Totally agree, I think whatever improvements Kaby Lake brings will be very incremental and will have minimal performance impact esp. in gaming. I just meant that it will be a nice reason for the current Skylake models to drop in price as they are phased out

 

Totally agree with SkidrowSKT here, there will be a boost but it won't be huge at all (1060 replaces the 970M after all). It would, however, make sense if you are looking to drop almost 1kg/2lbs of weight in the process. Otherwise jump for the 1070 if you're looking for a really big performance boost!

 

Yes, it will stay on both!

 

Unless you want to do VR...

 

That's true But honestly this whole VR certification thing is more for the people that don't know about specs, reviews, performance, etc, i.e. not us It's just a marketing stamp, it's not like VR stuff won't run if you don't have the sticker. And with that in mind, a lot of people said that the 970 (desktop), although VR-certified, was not a great option because it was just a little shy of what was needed, and it seems the 1060 is about on par with the 970 (desktop), give or take. I think if I was going to do VR seriously, then I'd go for 1070, but of course the form factors with the 1060 are way more appealing and that's why we are in this thread!

 

On her YouTube video, @Miss Maven has posted pics of FireStrike scores, along with CPU-Z and GPU-Z after 3 rounds of Overwatch on Ultra with auto resolution: http://imgur.com/gallery/HxSvw She also says that temps are in the mid-to-high 80s when playing Overwatch on Ultra (without any cooling pad), and no stutter. Thank you for sharing all this, Miss Maven!

I think I'm pretty much sold on this laptop at this point. Much better temps/performance than I was expecting.

 

@Prototime Thanks for your earlier reply! Seems like upgrading does not void the warranty. So I started looking at larger m2 SSDs and a 512 is a bit pricey ($333). ( https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-950-...F8&qid=1471814419&sr=1-1&keywords=ssd+950+pro).

So Amazon has a great amazon exclusive model on the GS63vr with a 512 m.2 ssd already for $1700 ( https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GS63VR-S...TF8&qid=1471811190&sr=8-1&keywords=msi+gs63vr). So if I get the GS43vr it would $1500+$333 of the SSD for a total of 1888. Now if I get the GS63, it would already include the SSD, has a bit bigger screen, and apparently better cooling. For a lower total price than the GS43vr.

So I am kind of undecided now between the GS43vr and the GS63vr (amazon model)! The only minors of the GS63vr, is the bigger footprint, it is a tad heavier (100 grams), and the smaller battery (Which I honestly won't be using much, since I am most of the times next to a plug). Also I am on the fence regarding the weight of the AC, hopefully its not bigger than the GS43vr! Any news regarding the weight of the AC adapter for the GS43VR? I've read this things can be horrible.

 

You're welcome!

Also, I would consider buying the Samsung 850 Evo instead of the Samsung 950 Pro. It's cheaper, and in most real-world applications like gaming, there really isn't a performance difference between PCIe SSDs like the 950 and top-model SATA SSDs like the 850. Here's a pretty good guide comparing the two types of SSDs: http://techreport.com/review/28032/a-fresh-look-at-storage-performance-with-pcie-ssds

 

@Prototime great thanks again! Really useful info. So with the 850 Evo you suggest, the GS43VR would total 1660 (1500+160, of a 500GB ssd), and the GS63VR would be 1700. Only 40 bucks price difference! Also just found out both should have the same AC adapter since both have a 180w power supply (probably both horribly big).

So I guess the only remaining question for me is if they have similar brightness in their screen. Also here I found a cool website where you can compare sizes of two items ( http://socialcompare.com/en/tools/compare-sizes). So the only real difference in size is 1.4 inches long bigger the GS63vr, but it is also a tad thinner 0.2 inches. Guess the 1.4 inch difference is not much of a bigger footprint. Kind of cleaning towards the GS63VR, it has more ports bigger keyboard and apparently better cooling.

Any suggestions?

 

Where are you getting the info that the gs63 has better cooling than the 43? Has anyone done a comparison in the same environment?
Cooling/noise are the primary factor for.me between these 2 laptops or a Clevo 650rs (with a 1070).

 

@Punchdrunk, nope no one has done a proper (same environment) comparison yet. I said apparently, according to this review for the GS63VR: http://www.tbreak.com/reviews/msi-gs63vr-6rf-stealth-pro?page=2, "The maximum temperatures logged was 78 degrees.", while here for the GS43VR ( https://www.reddit.com/r/nvidia/com...nning_hot_is_this_ok/?st=is444a9f&sh=9169a8c8) they said "So playing bf4 on stock clock and was sitting at 90c the entire time). So yeah not". This is the only info available, not conclusive yet, but it seems GS63vr might be a bit better.

Regarding the noise, the review on the GS63VR claims that is very low, same here in the forum for GS43VR. We'll have to wait until notebook-check or some others pros do the proper comparison, meanwhile that is the info I've found out there. Hope it helps!

 

Has anyone seen any battery tests yet? I saw that someone ran a test for a video which lasted under 2 hours. I would be using this laptop for work and hoping that I could get at least 4 hours like I do with my Gigabyte P34.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

For the first time ever, I'm thrilled with a notebook, this notebook, and I've been through a LOT of them over the years. I've even come to appreciate the speakers a LITTLE more in games. I have a USB C dongle expansion that gives me another 3.1 port, C pass through, and HDMI that works really well in overcoming the 2 USB 3 port shortcoming (we can never have enough USB ports, can we?), and I'm golden.

 

The brick is around 1.5-2 pounds in my guesstimation.

 

Well, remember that redditor also said the temp maintained 90 C while playing Battleground 4 at Ultra at over 100 FPS. Once they decreased the FPS, the temperatures came back down. So unless you're planning on trying to get tons of FPS over the 60 FPs that the screen can really display, those high temps won't really be seen.

 

I'd probably have an external screen connected most of the time, so temps might still be a concern.
Although to be honest i don't have the budget for a new laptop AND a fancy new screen currently ;-)

 

BTW, I picked up a cheapie Targus cooling pad at Bestbuy for 12.99 that fits like it was made for this laptop. I looked it up on BB's website and it shows as 29.99, so I don't know what's up with that:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/targus-...stem/8848369.p?id=1219371616011&skuId=8848369

So get it in store.

 

Nice! Thanks for the tip! Have you seen any improvement in temps using it? I need a cooler, so I may pick this one up if it's good!

Also, do you happen to know whether it pushes air toward the bottom of the laptop, or pulls air away from it? @Miss Maven mentioned that she actually got worse performance with a cooler she had that blew air toward the bottom vents.

 

Just like @alejo099 said, unfortunately no comparison has been done. Reviews are really scarce as of now. Im guessing we'll see more reviews near the end of this month.

At this point, we're just guessing, kinda. The main argument is that surface area of the GS63VR is bigger than GS43. Also the newly implemented cooling by MSi on GS63VR. 3 fans vs 2 fans, dont know by what margin, but its logical to say the former will do a better job. Yes, the GS43 is a little bit thicker than the GS63VR, thats and advantage in heat dissipation i guess.

This is how we are guessing and saying that the GS63 will be a little bit, mind you not that big a difference im sure, in temps. We'll just have to wait and see.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

Holy. You can hear the fan cranking hardcore in that video of the Blade.

Edit: in its defense I'm sure it was warm in there, but still.

 

There are now two reviews of the GS43VR on Amazon, both of which are favorable. One of the reviews is pretty thorough and talks a bit about thermals; at default fan speeds, HWmonitor reported temp fluctuations between 44C min and 81C max while the reviewer was typing the review, had several Chrome tabs open, and was running a scan at the same time. When CoolBlaster was turned on, the fans (and noise) ramped up and the temps fell down to the 30s. The reviewer said that they will update their review soon with more info on performance and temperatures after they have a chance to take some benchmarks.

Check out the reviews here: https://www.amazon.com/product-revi...fferlistingpage_text?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

 

I'll check that out and let you know. I do know it keeps my lap from getting warm...lol.

 

Dear All,

I have a few questions related to this MSI GS43VR laptop. Your feedback is much appreciated

1. The 60Hz IPS screen on the GS43VR DOES NOT support G-Sync, correct?

2. Will its Display Port in the back support G-Sync if I connect it to an external G-Sync monitor?

3. If the IPS screen doesn't support G-Sync, what's the best way to get a smooth gameplay with minimal tearing, stuttering and input lag on its 60Hz screen? From what I read on http://www.tweakguides.com/NVFORCE_8.html, I should use the combination of Adaptive Vsync + Frame Limiting to 58 fps. Is that correct?

The site says:
"Note that you can combine VSync or Adaptive VSync with an FPS Limit to help reduce input lag by setting an FPS limit just below your refresh rate (e.g. 58 FPS Limit on a 60Hz monitor) when VSync is in effect. To set an FPS limit for any game you will need to use the Frame Rate Limiter functionality of the Nvidia Inspector utility as covered under the Advanced Tweaking section."

Thanks.

 

In response to your first question, according to MSI's manual for the GS43VR and to XoticPC's website, the GS43VR has Optimus, which means its internal display does not support G-sync. As for your second and third questions, I would love to know the answers to them myself!

 

They can't support both simultaneously, but many systems can switch between hybrid graphics (optimus) and discrete (GPU only) either in BIOS or in the case of some higher end models an external switch. I don't have one of these I can look at right now, but if the spec included both Optimus and G-Sync, that wouldn't be impossible.

 

Thanks! The specs on the MSI website and MSI's manual for the GS43VR don't mention G-sync at all, so I'm fairly certain there's no MUX switch or ability to turn on a dGPU-only mode.

 

If it has a GTX 10 series graphics card... it will definitely support g-sync on an external gsync monitor.. surely? seing as the "Gsync" is built into the monitor

 

Assuming the port that you connect the external monitor to is wired to the NVidia card, yes. And that should be the case, but there's really no way to be 100% until someone tests it.

I really, really dislike v-sync. If I enable it in any game, the delay between moving the mouse and the cursor moving, at least for me, is unbearable. For an FPS it makes things downright unplayable for me, and for a strategy game it's more of an annoyance.