***The MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 970M Owner's Lounge***

Yes it has been really frustrating BUT! Here's the update I posted in the other thread:

So after a bunch of fiddling I got the touch pad within an acceptable range where I feel it's actually usable and I will not be reminded that it's horrible every time I touch it.

Downloaded the latest touchpad firmware update ( didn't even realize this existed! ) Installed the latest drivers AGAIN, and now it's actually acceptable. I can draw circle patterns in slow motions just fine, diagonals are about 99% fine ( there is some slight movement but I think some of this can actually be blamed on the texture of the pad itself which almost makes your finger sort of skip on the surface instead of glide ).

So I leave this here so hopefully if anyone else has issues this will help them get it into a reasonable level of function and performance that one expects from a touchpad that isn't on a mac.

 

Thanks for the input

 

You know, this info should be on page one. It's true once you update the driver's for the touch pad, it becomes way better, and very usable. I still wish they'd still work on it though

 

Hey everyone!

Im Kevin, Software Engineering student and a game dev, just picked up the 4K Version of this bad boy off the Microsoft Store for 500 bucks off, just waiting for it to be delivered SUPER EXCITED! has anyone installed the latest Windows 10 preview on it as of yet? Im just looking around for drivers. Also as for the 48hz screen I dont mind that for media but as for games how is it? Im not crazy insane but I do play quite a bit of FIFA 15 and GTA V so im wondering if I will be affected by it or not see the difference at all. Excited to be part of the crew.

Have a good one!

 

Hi Kevin, I haven't had the chance myself, but one thing I know is that you picked up an awesome laptop. If money is not an issue, then also pick up one of those high capacity external batteries.

 

how is the build quality compared to let's say a sager or lenovo? (i pref lenovo)

i'm willing to shell out some more if the quality is good. I was planning on getting the y50

 

I'd say it's better materials than the Lenovo by far. QC at times is hit or miss ( ie some people have had issues with slight mis-alignments, gaps etc ) so I do recommend you buy through one of the boutique sellers as they do a complete check of your system before sending to you which should offer you a bit more comfort in purchase.

It's an almost all metal body BUT expect something more akin to stamped sheet metal and not the super solid feel of a macbook pro ( which is basically cnc'd from blocks of aluminum. ) It's about as good as it gets for metal body that isn't a macbook pro imo. The only thing I've seen personally that's more solid than feeling is probably the asus zenbook, and I think that one is actually a very similar mfg process to macbook pros.

Personally I would try to find a shop/shops that carries both somewhat locally and actually have a a good look if you can.

If build quality is a deal breaker for you I would NEVER purchase any laptop without hands on first.

 

The internal component quality will be higher than lenovo.

 

I personally don't have the Lenovo, I bought one for my dad though. As someone who just replaced the razar blade with this, I can assure you that the build quality is great. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And also this thing is very light. Was wierd for me when I first got it. This laptop is like one of those silent bad motherfuckers. Dosent brag, dosent make noise. It just let's it's quality and features do the talking. It does everything you ask it, without complaint.

Only problem (which is very manageable), is battery.

 

Well, i'm from belgium, if i want one, i'd have to shell out 2k if i want it from a local dealer... Amazon.fr lets me get it for 1650e... massive difference.

Anyone from europe has any suggestions on where to buy one?

 

Just a quick note, Witcher 3 is running very nicely.

 

So I'm looking into purchasing this unit again. I say again because my last unit had a very bad issue regarding gaps on the top left and right hand corners of the chassis. It seem to have split the monitor casing from the lid..

I've read that it is a very common issue and that I shouldn't have to worry about it. I love the thin design of the notebook, but I wanted to know if the build has improved in that regard. :S I think I posted a couple pictures in this thread as a matter of fact for reference.

UPDATE, here's the thread post: http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...0m-owners-lounge.762769/page-120#post-9920156

 

That's just the way the lid is assembled. I've had three from two different generations (love em!), and they all have this to some degree. I never notice it unless I look for it, but if it bothered you before, it will still be there on the next one you buy.

To me it's a total non issue, but we each have our own concerns.

 

What are the chances that this thing is able to power the oculus rift?

 

Running well on mostly high settings but damn my GPU is running hot. Benchmarks and GTA V today have peak temp at 75C. Witcher 3 makes it hit 85C.

 

Depends on which one?

Rift DK2 runs pretty well on MSI GS60 with GTX 970M (I have that combination, it works ok). Rift CV1 will need more firepower (higher resolution + higher refresh rate).

Official requirements for consumer version of Oculus Rift are GTX 970 and direct connection of dGPU to HDMI port. MSI GS60 doesn't satisfy neither of those (only very few existing notebooks do).

https://www.oculus.com/blog/powering-the-rift/

From all mobile GPUs only GTX 980M comes close to GTX 970 (desktop GPU), and only notebooks without Optimus have their ports driven by Nvidia GPU.

If you want some notebook today that would work with CV1 , you can get Clevo P750ZM with GTX 980M and no Optimus (on these forums called "Batman"):

http://www.clevo.com.tw/clevo_prodetail.asp?id=747&lang=en

Though I would suggest to wait till CV1 will launch, sometime in Q1 2016. By that time there should be some new notebooks with better GPUs available (likely one more Maxwell GPUs batch will happen, and if we are lucky maybe even first Pascal GPUs batch could launch).

If you just wants something to use with DK2 then yes, GTX 970M and MSI GS60 will work ok.

 

I'm not sure if this has been asked but does anyone else have a problem with games not running using the 970m even though the settings are set to? I'm having issues with SC2 and WoW

 

Yeah, when I leave mine unrestricted I hit 84C on the GPU with this game. While still no where near too hot or a concern (I've had plenty of previous machines run well into the 90C's without issue), I actually prefer locking the framerate at 45 fps via NVidia Inspector, and it keeps everything completely smooth and also lowers the hit on the hardware, keeping temps in the low 70C's. I prefer a solid smooth framerate as opposed to the fastest possible, just seems to make for a more immersive experience. 45fps is still totally smooth to my eyes, so that's what I typically go with if 60fps isn't totally stable with settings I want enabled, especially for a single player third person game like Witcher 3.

Loving the game so far!!

 

I've yet to ever run into a game I couldn't get working properly with Optimus once you set the Nvidia control panel to use the proper card. I don't recall others mentioning this problem before with those games, my best advice would be to do a clean install of new video drivers.

 

Is this laptop worth the buy? I was looking at the GS60 gold with 860M 4gb or 4K one with 970m 6gb. Do the pros outweigh the cons?

 

Thanks for that buddy. I'll give that a try tonight and see how I get on. Cracking game

 

Never had that problem with SC2. Maybe try a fresh install of the driver? Another workaround would be to try running something like fraps beforehand to force the GPU. Only issue I have with SC2 is getting the cursor to work in 3k in fullscreen mode but that's Blizzard's fault.

 

Spend the extra money on the 970M. They generate about the same amount of heat except the 970M is much faster. I'm not sure there are any cons to getting the 970M version. I have had this laptop for over 8 months now and still love it.

 

Actually the 970 generates less heat and uses less power cause it's based on the new architecture. I forget the names. The 960 is just an overclocked 860.

 

Do you think I should get the gs60 with 970m 6gb for 1799 or the new GE62 Apache pro with 970m 3gb for 1399? is the gs60 worth the extra money?

 

Well if you like sleek, thin, light, then go with the gs60 if those dont matter to you then go with the apache. I prefer the gs60.
The gs60 I take it to work and meetings, travel etc, and it makes me look professional. I dont know what your use will be. Then again if weight and all the above dosent matter then just go get a gs70 pro and call it day.

 

Same position for me. I'm happy bringing it to work and it's light enough to carry around anywhere. The only advantage the GE62 might have is cooling but that is resolved for me with a cheap laptop cooling fan(which I don't even plug in). I'm done with thick and heavy laptops. Never again.

 

I'm very conflicted. I own a 2011 XPS laptop and it's done me justice. I plan on giving it to my dad and getting myself a GS60.
I wanted to do some gaming, but my XPS isn't really good for that. I have no space for a desktop so I figured this is the best route for me.

Now the part that really gets me is that I love Gold. My Xperia Z3 is gold (case), Tablet is gold, PS4 is gold, N3DS is also gold xD. I've been eyeing the Gold GS60 since it first came out. The model with the 970M comes with the 4K screen and from all the things I've watched & read, the locked 48hz seems to be a big issue. I don't know too much on how or why the hz affect gaming, but if it's like the TVs i really don't want it. I don't want to play any 4K games.
The black gs60 I'm able to get it with a 1080p the screen and the 970M but that gold, T.T

Are the hz really an issue for gaming or should I just get the black one?

 

For gaming I would stick with 60hz 1080p.

 

Does the Gold one have that option though?

 

Options depend on your region, the 3k version will do 60hz if you don't mind some slight scaling down to 1080p for gaming.

 

It's just color, but the actual option varies depending by sub-model number.

 

Yeah, but the issue is I can't get the Gold GS60 with the 970M without it having the 4K display.
When I change it to the 3K or normal 1080p panel it automatically changes the color to black or gives me the
older GS60 444 with the 860M.


Where can I even find the Gold GS60 3K?

 

How bad is the touchpad for the GS60? Heard it's pretty bad to move around, also worried about the placement being annoying for typing

 

4K is way too tiny on such small screen, and you will have to scale it but it may cause problems with legacy applications if you have any.

The Elantech touchpad is good, you can also configure it using its utility to make it suitable to your needs.

 

You have to update the driver's once you get it. After that, it becomes perfect.

 

I don't even want the 4K. Lol. I just want the Gold Frame and the 970M. I just can't seem to find it for purchase without the 4K panel.

 

Anyone has an idea how the customer service is? Any good?

I guess it won't be as good as Dell?

 

Does the placement of the touchpad bother you? seems as if it's very close to the palm rest position and might accidentally be moved. Also, my last question is, does the gs60 get hot. (that is my biggest concern) I am looking at the Broadwell 5700HQ / 970M 3GB verison

 

The 970M gets pretty hot if you play demanding games. Hot is such a relative term because some people think Ultrabooks without GPUs get hot and they get nowhere near as hot as these ones do. That said, I can play on my lap but without long shorts or pants,my lower thighs get very uncomfortable. A cheap laptop cooler fixes any issues I have and many of the games I play(>4 years old) don't tax the GPU all that much. You're pretty much trading off weight for heat with this one because all laptops this thin with a 970M will get hot. The 870M was intolerable IMHO and always required a laptop cooler to use on your lap.

The trackpad is properly placed except it's proximity to the edge. I'm used to using laptops with the screen tilted way back and the keyboard inverted with my legs, while laying in bed. This makes it easier to type without sitting up(Sorry - tough to explain). Unfortunately I'd get ghost movements even through clothing sometimes. I've learned to adjust but it was a minor annoyance for me at first. Normal day to day use, it works perfectly fine though.

 

Trackpad placement I have no issues with.

Depends what you mean by hot... internally, temps are fine and the GPU/CPU run plenty cool, no concerns. Externally, the keyboard and top doesn't get anywhere near uncomfortable, just warm in spots, but the bottom will get warmer than you will want on bare legs wearing shorts like mentioned by Xentar712. It's cooler than the 860m version I had before, but I still use a simple lap board when playing intense games on the couch with it on my lap. General usage does not get that got, only while gaming. The good thing is, the fans pull most of the intake air from the top grille above keyboard, so blocking bottom vents are not a concern.

 

I'm not too concerned with heat when gaming. It's when I'm laying on the bed or couch and surfing the web/YouTube/doing homework and the laptop gets hot, spews really hot air out the back for no reason.

 

can anyone tell me how the ventilation/heat issues are?

I really wonder if the small chassis can handle the heat...

 

I had ordered a 2015 QHD Blade, was happy because I seemed to benefit from a pricing error; $2160 CDN.

Then a GS60 2qe popped up on MemoryExpress for $1699. It was open box, so I got 5% off and they were out of Witcher 3 vouchers so I got Batman. It was an easy decision as the QHD screen is not a selling feature for me, and I prefer matte non touch screens (I have a Surface 3 Pro for when I need touchy stuff). So I cancelled the Razer.

What a great machine this new GS60 is. I had the last gen Ghost with Kepler 860m for a while before swapping it for a retina MBP 13" and this new one seems to have really improved the actual performance and thermal characteristics. Everything I have tried so far runs Ultra at 1080p no problem.

 

The 970m is a HUGE step up from the 860m, it does change the type of machine it is really.

 

Any cons to it so far? Surface heat, fan noise, overall heat bothering you? I don't mind a laptop getting a little warm when gaming, but when it gets hot during simple browsing, thats when its annoying

 

Ok here is the deal, the placement used to bother me, I came from a razer blade pro, but I got used to it.

About heat, it goes like this, if you are just browsing, Excel, word, things like that, it's pretty cool.
Gaming : if you are playing old games / non demanding games, it gets warm. You can still put it on your lap,
But for serious gaming, there is no laptop that you can put on your lap, and game at the same time. In fact, why would you do that??.
So heat really and truly is not an issue, unless you're using the / a laptop the wrong way.
Don't go play Oblivion or something like that, put the laptop on your bed, then start complaining it's getting hot. That is the fault of the user and not the laptop.

 

So overall, what ur saying is.... get this laptop?!!! haha

 

What im saying is this laptop is a jack of all trades, and Master of most.
And what's the worst case scenario, ???
Return it,
If you are like me, like coding, designing, browse alot, reddit, blogs social media, gaming casual 80%, serious 20%, have a desk at home for gaming and work, go to office, see clients, sit on couch in front of TV, or in bed, like sleek, thin, lite, not shiny as in don't like attention,
THEN PULL OUT YOUR WALLET AND FORCE THEM TO TAKE YOU'RE MONEY

 

Worst case scenario is paying $100 to ship it back !!! lol. I'm 99% league of legends, 1% YouTube/homework/reddit. Literally the only game I play. Hey the screen is IPS right