GT80 Titan, or GT72 Dominator PRO G

So I’ve narrowed down my choices to one of the following two laptops. Either a newly refreshed Broadwell GT80 Titan, or a GT72 Dominator Pro G.


I’ve landed on these two because of the True color technology that MSI is putting into it’s laptops since Broadwell has been introduced. Specifically the color temperature controls, and the Low Blue light setting.


I have a neuro-ophthalmological disorder that makes looking at LED/CFL lighting difficult and most often painful. It presents in many ways, and is frequently debilitating. Finding a portable computing device that I can use has been impossible since my 2006 macbook pro died 2 years ago. I’m still using my iPhone 4s with iOS 5 installed, which I can only use comfortably with blue light blocking glasses.


So, with that in mind, I really have no other options then to give either one of these two MSI beasts a shot.


My question is, in terms of both general use, and gaming, which machine might be a better investment? I am very sensitive to fluctuating frame rates, so both the mega power of 2 8g 980m’s and the inherent smoothness of G-sync are appealing. Thus my dilemma.


I think the native 75hz refresh rate screen of the GT72 G would probably be beneficial in day to day use, and obviously G sync will probably be quite good for me in gaming. Plus the portability, and battery life of the GT72 are superior to the Titan.


However, the Titan is both more upgradable, has that awesome keyboard, and all that wonderful power.


Can anyone hazard a guess as to which would be superior for use over the next several years? Which will produce a more rewarding experience in both day to day use, and gaming? Does the inherent smoothness of G-Sync beat out the massive power of SLI 980m’s? Does 75hz in windows using an LED display really make a difference? I can remember always using my old CRT’s at 72-75hz and never having a problem other then in games with hitchy frame rates.


As you can see I’m really at a loss. Whilst the GT80 is hugely expensive, in my mind since these are two machines I can actually, possibly use, the expense is worth it. Plus, if I’m already spending 2500+ on the GT72, a couple hundred more for a possibly longer lasting, possibly better machine seems worth it. Sadly the GT80 doesn’t have G-sync, or seem likely to get it through a driver update or possible hack, so it’s not the instant buy it otherwise would be.


Any insight would be hugely welcome, and I thank you in advance. I am generally excited for the possibility of having a mobile computer I might be able to use again.

 

Does 60fps bother you? The 980ms in sli on the GT80 should max the hell out of any game you can throw at it and hit 60 fps easily. That being said GSync could be beneficial if tearing really bothers you. You have to decide, but the 980m slis should max out most games. HOWEVER, sli does have inherent issues and sometimes can have microstuttering, which is when your hitting over 60fps, but the picture still looks wrong because the frames aren't quite evenly being put out. This could be incredibly annoying to you, and on smaller games that don't optimize for sli, it is very realistic to expect to run into it. That being said, it is possible Directx 12 will fix some of those issues. The GT72 is probably a safer bet for your condition, and Gsync is amazing, but you won't have that crazy overkilling power of the 980ms, so Gsync will sometimes be working to smooth out frame drops. You know your condition best, so you have to make the call of which of those things are more important to your health. Good luck!

Edit: since GSync is an actual piece of hardware it is impossible to get on the GT80 Titan and can't be added or hacked in later.

 

Thanks for the reply Galm17.


I’m not entirely sure if I’m extremely sensitive to sub 60fps or not, although I suspect I am. Some games definitely have a pretty profound effect on me when I play them. They tend to be larger, open world games (farycry’s GTA’s, sleeping dogs, etc. Although oddly I seem to have a problem with all Unity Engine games. There seems to be some kind of sheen over all of their games that just does me in instantly. Something to do with the engine’s rendering, or maybe very pronounced dithering, no idea.), and despite the 780ti windforce 3 OC I’ve got in my machine, I’m pretty sure that even if the game itself remains above 60fps, there is obviously a huge shift second to second.


I’m wondering if G-sync would smooth that feeling out. 75hz native screen even without gaming certainly seems like it could be beneficial.


I’m leaning towards the GT72 now I think. Although, if the G-sync won’t have that much of a pronounced effect I think I would lean towards the Titan as the power and keyboard just seem to hard to pass up.


I figured, sadly, that the GT80 wouldn’t be getting G-sync for a while. All of the recent G-sync laptops seem to share a screen/panel. I suspect the GT80 didn’t get G-Sync with it’s refresh because nobody is currently making a 18 inch screen with 75hz+ capability. Heart breaking really.

 

Given the choice between those two, unless you just have to have the power, the GT72 980m will max anything currently out and the G-sync is a great addition. It alone has me seriously looking at a GT72 or G-sync equipped Sager.

Also, just curious, do programs like F.lux help your eyes at all? Would open up many more choices. After using it for a year or so, I can't stand staring at a screen in low light without it... so much easier on the eyes without the blue.

Good luck in your search!

 

I decided to go with the GT72 1423, the G-sync is what sold me. If it works, along with the advanced color/picture settings, then I'll almost certainly look into purchasing the new Asus G-Sync IPS display that they are putting out soon to replace my Dell monitor. I'll probably think about picking up a new GPU to replace my 780ti OC Windforce 3, or possibly wait till the GTX 1000 generation.

At the end of the day I decided I can't really play very many games on the beastly machine I built last year do to my disorder. So a 60hz screen with a super powerful set of GPU's probably wouldn't change that. I'm hoping G-sync and a native 75hz screen does the trick.

As for Flux I have tried it. On all 11 laptops I have purchased, and then returned, over the past 12 months or so(yeah, seriously, 11, plus two tablets, and a phone) . It doesn't seem to work for me at all. I have no idea why. I'm hoping the new advanced true color suite on the MSI's is more effective. Fingers crossed. I'm extremely excited at the possibility of actually being able to use a laptop again. I'm even holding out hope that I might finally be able to play a video game again. It's been so long.

Don't let me down MSI. You're my last hope.

 

Keep us posted, enjoy the new machine!

 

The GT72 is a hell of an awesome machine I am hopeful about the Gsync tech, and I wish to see it in person. Maybe I can buy a gsync monitor down the road.

 

75hz and g-sync make a world of difference, the GT72 is also easier to take around. The GT80 is better for external monitor home setups though.