MSI GS43VR Phantom Pro's Owner's Lounge

If someone is interested, the gs63 is being sold in Spain ( http://www.pccomponentes.com/msi_gs..._i7_6700hq_16gb_2tb_512ssd_gtx1060_15_6_.html) but I think the info is wrong, 2 TB 5400rpm and 256ssd mvn *2?? is that possible?

 

Hard to say for sure, but I would think it is more likely to be a mistake. 2TB is obviously possible, and I've seen a UK store (Overclockers) offer 256 + 2TB, but I'm not so sure about the NVMe x2. The only look I've had at the internals was a) the video on Amazon where they show the HDD and SSD being right next to each other and b) the image below from NewEgg.

It ain't a great pic but from the Amazon video it seems the SSD should be right next to the HDD, which leaves that M2-looking thing on the right side between the fans and the battery pack as a possible second M2 slot. However, it also kind of looks like the slot for the wireless card.

 

AFAIK, there is one 2.5 HDD slot, and 2 M.2 slot. One of which is occupied by the wireless card. The other one is for M.2 SSD/NVME.

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For those interested in some benchmarks for the msi GS63VR, here are a bit of benchmarks:



Seems like the cooling is good.

 

Yeah, atm it looks really good for GS63VR
Has anyone from NBR got one? cant wait for one to share their experiences with us.

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@Prototime so are you getting a GS43?

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I will definetely get one and set my 680m away..

 

I just took the plunge. I bought the GS43VR.

Once I get it (should be around Friday, September 2), I'll post my impressions here and in the Pascal thread. I'll include pics of internals and externals, benchmarks, temps, and so forth. I'll also be tearing through the VBIOS to see if there's some way to turn off Optimus. And I'll undervolt the CPU at some point using Throttlestop and share the results of it. I'm also planning on getting a decal to hide that ugly dragon logo, I can share pics of how that ends up looking.

I'm having the reseller apply IC Diamond Thermal Compound to the GPU and CPU and switching out the Killer wireless card for Intel Wireless 8260. I'll be installing my own Samsung 850 Evo in the M.2 SSD slot - shout out to @hmscott for saving me from making the mistake of having a reseller do it for me.

If anyone has any particular requests, let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate!

 

Nice, congrats! Can't wait to hear all about it.

Is the wait till 2nd Sep to do with the extra time of the thermal paste and all that, or is stock low? Just curious

 

It's because it has a long travel distance and also because the stock has been low. The reseller (Prostar) has actually been kind enough to expedite the IC Diamond application/wireless card swap since they didn't have any GS43VRs in stock when I first submitted my order.

 

I'll get your data on the edge of the time when I have to make my choice and definately buy a new laptop - Been leaning myself to gettin' a 1060 P650RP6 though, HIDEvolution has it as a bargain and I'm very concerned about thermals.

Also, I think I could benefit about the slightly larger size, as long as it doesn't feel too big.

Expecting your data anxiously!

 

@Prototime, gratz dude!
Cant wait for your thoughts when you get it.

Edit: lately have been getting concerned about temps in these GS laptops... Ive been looking at the P650RP6 too because of that. From all that ive read so far, its totally a mix bag.. But i should say mostly positive i guess.. When can we expect some reviews for these laptops? notebookcheck has put up the clevo P650RP6 review some hours back. The cpu 80c max and 1060 around 70c. Thats such a good result. Mind you notebookcheck stress test with furmark and prime95 is quite unrealistic with everyday gaming.. Im hoping that the GS lineup will be the same or similar but oh god please not much worse...

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@Prototime congrats! Waiting to hear from your tests.

On my side I am about to take the plunge for the amazon GS63VR (MSI VR Ready GS63VR Stealth Pro-068 15.6" Slim and Light Gaming Laptop Geforce GTX 1060 i7-6700HQ 16GB 512GB SSD + 1TB Windows 10) for $1700. That is a lot of space for files around 1.5 TB ! And would be almost the same price if upgrade the GS43VR.

The only thing holding me back is the bigger much overall footprint compared to my current laptop, I am upgrading from a Zenbook 13.3" . I love taking this guy around at 1.45 kg, but currently lightweight with quad core and pascal, there is only the GS63VR or GS43VR at this point....

(And compared to the GS43VR, the GS63VR is not that different in terms of footprint, its only 100 grams heavier and 1.4 inches longer...they improved the whole chassis of the GS63VR from the GS60. According to BH, its only 1.8 kg!, What do you think @aban714 ?)

 

@alejo099
I think going for the GS63VR over the GS43 would be better in my humble opinion.

Some advantages that i see are :
1- Bigger footprint. Although not a whole lot bigger, but still i believe it would make some differece. Correct, the GS43 is thicker than GS63 thus more room for airflow which equals to better thermals. That might be true, but my guess is that the bigger footprint and the new cooling design (which actually is really good according to many of which ive read, see a few posts above) will ultimately perform better in keeping the temps cooler than on the GS43.
2- Keyboard. Looks like MSI didnt change much on either models in regards to the keyboard. That being so, we could technically compare the keyboards of the previous gen. Having read oh so many reviews of both the the GS40 and GS60, i can say that when it comes to this aspect of the notebook, the keyboard, all most all reviewers prefer the GS60s keyboard. Also, reviewers who did the GS40 sometimes do compare to the GS60 saying that the bigger brother having such an excellent keyboard, one would expect such from the smaller sibling that is the GS40, but are disappointed that isnt so. That said, i believe MSi would have done some improvements on the keyboard of both notebooks, as this is a new model. I would give the GS63 the advantage over the GS43 in the keyboard side. Besides, i would like to have RGB and numpad pls, but thats purely personal preference.
3- this thing is so damn thin! Seriously. I played around the GS60 and was really impressed. So light. So thin. And this time around with the GS63, its lighter and slimmer!
4- i prefer a 15'6 over a 14'. Daily tasks and gaming included. I feel that 15'6 is a good balance between power and portability. But again, maybe a matter of preference.



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@aban714 Thanks for your detailed reply! Taking the plunge as soon as this baby is back in stock (saw in stock in Amazon a couple of days ago). (Plus amazon has a great 30 day return policy, if something goes wrong).

 

Nice! We'll have to compare notes after yours comes in

Good comparison. I went with the GS43VR over the GS63VR because it's smaller, lighter, and has better battery life. True it's not that much smaller or lighter, but I'll take what I can get, and I appreciate the more reasonable battery life too Overall these things add up to make the GS43VR a nice improvement in portability over the GS63VR. We'll have to see how the temps of the thicker GS43VR stack up against the bigger GS63VR though. And I do wish the GS43VR rocked a RGB keyboard backlight, or at least had a white backlight instead of red, but I'll manage.

BTW, someone should start a thread for a GS63VR owner's lounge, it definitely needs one!

 

Where is this review? I've been trying to find a good one of the P650RP6 or P650rs for days. I cant see it on notebookcheck?

 

only in German at this time: http://www.notebookcheck.com/Test-Schenker-XMG-P507-Clevo-P651RP6-G-Notebook.171275.0.html

 

Ahh ok thanks, i hope an English version is up soon then. Are they reviewing the clevo with a 1060 or a 1070 do you know?
If it's a 1060 I'll stick with the msi as my front runner...

 

No doubt. for anyone who prefers portability, the GS43 would be much better than its bigger brother. Also, such performance in such a small package, cannot beat that!
Having already owned an MSi notebook, i really like their build quality. Im really glad that MSi made improvements in both these laptops when pascal came out. Kudos!

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Can you post the link for the P650RP6 review? I cant find it somehow.

NVM: Saw the review in German...

 

Guys check out the other thread concerning the GS63VR. One of the users did some benchmarks and game test, checked thermals. He reported perfectly acceptable thermals in my opinion.

Sorry on phone and such a hassle to linl stuff...

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I'm really close to ordering as well. Only that there is no sellers with it in stock right now in the uk.
Also is there only 1080p in the gs43?


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I havnt seen any other option than FHD.

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Hey guys, I've had this for 2 days now and I am sort of experiencing buyer's remorse. There's an asus laptop that has caught my eye: The GL502VS, the key additions are: 15 inch, powerful GTX1070 and gsync and the price is only 200USD higher.

I really love this laptop so far, the portability (I'm awestruck at something this small and thin playing overwatch on 1080p at max) but I feel I can go slightly higher to 15 and that the 1070 + gsync monitor will provide some much needed longevity.

Early experience has been good btw, I saw 70 and 73 on gpu and cpu after a 2 hour gaming session. What do you guys think about my dilemma? Love to hear some thoughts opinions. I've grown quite attached to the gs43 but you can't deny that Asus one. I'm worried about the thermals on that one: someone reported 91+ temps but it might have been a lemon - this is probably the main concern for it right now.

 

I had the same concerns. I ended up with the ASUS GL502 because of the baseline SSD size and the 1070. I know how I am. The second I see stutter, slowdown, or framerate drop, I'll start killing myself over buying the 1060 as opposed to the 1070. You should know that while it is a slim, premium laptop, it is NOT 4.8 lbs. It is 5.6. Powerbrick is about 1.3 lbs. The fans do go hard. The bezel IS chunky (doesn't bother me any). Keep in mind you've got a desktop 1070 in there and you will never see the 1070 in a 14", at least not this round. You've got the MSI so you tell me - is it quiet? If not, and the fans whirl like a desktop GPU at about 40-45% fans, then you know what the ASUS sounds like.

I also find it interesting how I posted the actual temps, but everyone just flocks to that crazy comment where the guy hit 89c. I guess we all assume the worst. That dude admitted he's crazy about temps and probably did everything he possibly could to max the temps. I have a friend like that and the FIRST THING HE DOES with any new build is try to blow the computer up with Prime 95 + furmark + witcher 3 + WoW to quell his own anxiety. Anyway.

I can't imbed images on this forum for some reason (probably my account is not old enough or have enough posts), but if i could, you'd see temps no higher than 76c after 3 hours of intense games, witcher 3, black ops 3 (not popular on PC, but extremely demanding at max settings). Laptop sits on my desk, room is 74f, normal use. Right side of the keyboard gets hot, left side totally cool to the touch. Good laptop. If this is your main right, get the ASUS (or a clevo with a 1070). If you use it as a travel gaming machine, stick with the MSI, the portability is unmatched.

 

I don't know about the build quality of the GS43VR, but the build quality of the gl502vs is average at best. To my surprise, my local Microcenter had the gl502vs on display. The thing is clunky, thick, and 90% plastic. It could be just me, but I like my laptops to have a little more metal on the outside. From what I can see, the GS43VR at least has a metal palm rest. Furthermore, did I mention the thing looked clunky? it looked like a Dell from the late 90s. I understand that you are paying mostly for the GPU, but I like my laptops to at least look good for the asking price.

 

GS43VR w/t 1060 gpu Review!!!!
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/laptops/2016/08/25/msi-gs43vr-phantom-pro-review/1

 

That's exactly the way I feel when I see a hiccup!! Are you me?? Haha.

Love your feedback on your 502, and everything you cautioned about are more than within reason for me. As to your question to my MSI, the truth is I wouldn't say it is silent during gaming, there is audible fan and air movement during but it is an acceptable level of noise compared to laptops I've owned/seen in the past. It is just quiet enough to be comfortable gaming at a library/study area.

Your temps are stellar for that much power into a 15 incher. I noticed a significant number of people warning about 90+C temps but from my research it was all based on the lemon off of a single guy.

 

As far as I know, it only comes with a 1080p screen.

Those are some good temps for a 14 incher, thanks for sharing! I was tempted by getting a Clevo or Asus with a 1070 as well, but ultimately decided to stick with something more portable.

Excellent find! I'm taking a look at this now. One thing I noticed right off the bat is that the version of the GS43VR that I'm getting is different from the review's unit - mine is coming with a stock 128GB SSD (their's has a 256GB SSD) and with a USB C-3.1 port with Thunderbolt 3 (they're saying their USB C port is only USB 3.0). I'm also pretty sure mine has no USB 2.0 ports, unlike theirs. I think these are regional differences, perhaps - or maybe they just have a slightly different review unit for some reason.

Edit: This review has made me pretty pleased with my decision to buy. The performance and temps look great, though they did report some throttling in Unengine. Using a notebook cooler, limiting the FPS, etc. will probably help with that. So not perfect, but that's to be expected in a 14" gaming laptop. Overall the review looks favorable, which is relief.

 

Oh, we're simpatico on that point. As much as I wanted the portability, I know I'll kill myself for two years over for opting for the 1060 over the 1070, especially at a $200 difference. Sounds like the fan noise is the same as the MSI. It's subjective, of course, but while the fans get loud I didn't find them outrageous. Remember also that clevo offers a 1070 model that is the same dimensions at a lower price point. I'm actually considering returning the ASUS just because the Clevo is less ricey looking, not for any performance or build quality reasons. I do need to break this thing out in meetings once in a while. Clevo: http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8153-clevo-p650rs.html Starts at $1569 and I can assure you, it will be extremely popular.

I'm the guy posting normal temps in that GL502 thread and I'm being totally ignored. Anyway, I'll blow it up again tonight.

 

I am SO digging that clevo laptop you linked to the point that I am seriously considering it too. I've never ordered a sager/clevo before, do you have any ideas on what ETA 8/30 means? Also I heard it takes around 2 weeks to build/assemble?

 

The only competition to the GS43 is going to be from clevo. And also razer i guess. But itll be some months before clevo will show us the new P640.

As for the GS63, many rivals i guess clevo P650RP6, GL502 from Asus, and many more. Initially, i was going to get the clevo P650RP6. But as of now ive settled for the GS63. Their are now several reports of thermals for P650RP6. Im amazed actually. High 60s mid 70s. thats so so so much better than GS63. But then again, the msi is slimmer and lighter. Its hard to pick between the two i guess hehe

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There's also the upcoming Aorus with a weird "13.9 inch" screen. I decided to get the MSI GS43VR now, instead of waiting around for the 14"-ish competition, for a few reasons...

1. It's the only 14" out now.
   
2. The upcoming Razer Blade will almost certainly have worse cooling and higher noise, based on Razer's history and from what we already know about the upcoming Blade
3. The upcoming Aorus has a weird screen size, and I've heard not-so-great-things about Gigabyte laptops. And I recall their 14" gaming laptop being inferior to the GS40 in the last generation.
4. We have no idea when Clevo will come out with a new 14" laptop... or whether it'll even contain a 1060. Maybe they're waiting to make a 14" laptop with a 1050 or 1050ti. Who knows. It's a shame, because a Clevo would probably be better cooled than the GS43VR, look more subdued/professional, have a few more features, and be less expensive (though probably thicker and worse battery life). But there hasn't been so much as a peep on when a 14" Clevo is coming out or what it'll have inside, so, oh well...

 

@Prototime , yes i agree. For me, Aorus and also Razer are too expensive. But i guess Razer has the top notch build quality going for them.

I was actually looking to buy the P640 just before pascal came out. Rumors of Pascal running wayyy too hot scared the crap out of me, also lost hope for slim laptops. But oh boy am i happy i waited!

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You know, from razer's build quality I always hear "top notch" or amazing etc etc. But I've never seen an actual in depth analysis of their buld quality, and I feel it is self proclaimed because they use certain materials that people mistakenly think they are automatically premium.

Similar to how people praise mackbook pro's when you find out they actually have very thin bezels prone to breaking at the screen holding, as well as lack of ventilation resulting in premature failure of very small resistors/capacitors etc. Among other things.

Meanwhile people pan regular laptops or work laptops like lenovo because they are "plastic" yet their design is quite superior when it comes to lasting quality, resistance to damage etc.

 

Would any owners who have the time mind booting a recent Linux on their GS43VR? It would be great to see how it runs. I am particularly interested if this machine has all display outputs wired to the Intel GPU. In theory that is how it is setup given that it does not appear to support GSync. Running an "xrandr" command while even booted to a live usb should show what is connected. In theory it should have a eDP1 (internal LCD), DP1 (mDP on back), DP2 (thunderbolt 3), and HDMI1.

 

Normally I don't speak highly of razer but blade build quality is great.
I have compared the gs40 and blade before. The blade just feels it got more things done right.
There is very little flex in everywhere.

In fact what's stopping me from buying msi gs series is because they seem to care more about features and not a solid design.

I read on a Chinese forum that users were complaining about last year's 15inch slim model.
The issue was the monitor fall out from the main body. Some lesser issue noticed the monitor was uneven.
Turns out the joint between monitor and thr main body was placed on a plastic part and it couldnt stand the heat and high temp.

After seeing the gs63 has a poor power input location, I just don't trust their engineering enough to make the purchase.
their cs seems to be rather poor and msi doesn't have a service center in Hong Kong

 

Yeah, but it weighs a ton At that weight you can get a 1070 laptop, even a different Clevo.

I think the ASUS GL502VS is amazing value, i.e. performance/dollar, but I think it is going after a different audience vs the GS43 or GS63 - it is ~35% thicker than the GS43 and 70% thicker (!) than the GS63 (more than 1cm/half an inch), and it is almost 2lbs/1kg heavier than the GS43/63 (slightly less for 63). Just look at the heft of the ASUS from the side:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/Notebooks/Asus/Strix_GL502VS-FY032T/Anschluesse_2_von_2.jpg

The ETA is the estimated time of arrival at Xotic, i.e. it is not in stock yet. Once it is in stock, it should not take weeks to assemble, these are pre-built as far as I know.

 

Interesting review, but I'm skeptical of their reports that the USB-C port is NOT thunderbolt compatible given that everything else I've read says that it IS thunderbolt compatible, and the same port in the GS40 (it's predecessor) WAS thunderbolt compatible, why would they have removed it?

 

I've never understood the debate over build quality for the exact reasons you've said. Are you bringing this thing into a ****ing demolition derby? Are you a WWE guy and you're using this as a prop? No, it sits on your desk or table and you KBM or play with a controller.

 

It's baller for sure. Just meat and potatoes, and that's how I like my laptops. I've owned a clevo for 5 years and it has never failed me. I still have it right now, it's an older P150 with a 560m. I normally would not consider an ASUS over a clevo, but I thought at the time I ordered that this GL502 was 4.8lbs vs. the Clevo's 5.6. But it turned out to be misleading.

Clevos do take a extra few days to assemble, they are not prebuilt laptops chillin' in a box ready to ship. Sometimes the resellers have them in stock, and sometimes they have to wait for the chassis to come in. The other advantage is that they are custom jobs. You can change out parts more easily, and you have more build options out of the box. Otherwise they are the same as any other laptop.

I like the 4k screen option - like you, I think about the future - but I have never owned a 4k screen, and I don't know what a game will look like if I set the resolution to 1080p rather than 4k. Will it look crisp like it does on my standard 1080p monitors? or will it look crappy and blurry because it's at a lower resolution?

Ultimately, MSI and Clevo will have the best 14" books available. They always do.

 

Thanks for the reply about the max screen resolution. I won't rush then. I'll wait a month. By then the next wave of games will be coming and I'm going to reinstate my old Xbox account for the cross play since its been since Xbox one release since I've played Xbox. Be good to max some gorgeous games as well as pc.
Hopefully there be more models or maybe I've heard something else in the 14" range.
Although aorus has had negative feedback. I owe them a purchase so I'll weigh up the price difference. In effect I'll be paying for the 3200x1800 and rainbow keyboard. I'd like something noticeably different in my next laptop. Although a red keyboard in the gs43 would be a welcome change


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What not-so-great things have you heard about Gigabyte laptops? I've seen some people say they don't hold up well over time and that throttling and heat is a problem on the thinner models (no surprise there, look at the ASUS GL502VS which is barely managing to control heat while the Gigabyte P35X v6 is like two-thirds the thickness). All reviews of AORUS that I've found have been pretty flattering.

Also, in my mind, AORUS is a different animal and I don't necessarily think that Gigabyte's rep translates to them. Dell might have a gaming Inspiron/XPS, but I think that's a very different animal vs. Alienware.

 

Basically I heard the same things as you. Gigabyte's previous 14" offering was said to have worse performance and heating issues compared to the GS40. I'm not too educated on the quality differences between Gigabyte-branded laptops and Auros-branded laptops, though.

 

Just got my gs43vr
It looks fantastic, first thing I did was weigh the charger and laptop:
- Charger: whopping 588 grams (1.3 lbs)
- Laptop : 1894 grams (4.175 lbs)

Will post my impressions once I get some time to play around with it etc.

 

Hah, I knew it was going to be heavier than MSI's 3.75 lbs claim, but good to know it's still pretty light, and so is the charger!! Thanks for weighing them and sharing

 

how does the gs43vr compare to the gs40 in terms of the physical body? It looks almost exactly the same.

 

I bet that MSI reported the Canadian versions weight as it doesn't have a second HDD and just a 256GB M.2 SSD. Sneaky

 

I think they are wrong about the Thunderbolt. This is the 256GB SSD Version in Canada. I'm going to pick up one that's on hold for me right now, I'll double check ports before leaving the store. I'm also going to grab a 500GB 850EVO 2.5 for installing games. The 256GB m.2 is a Samung 951 I believe.

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX63431