MSI GS40 Phantom-001

So I just got a Razer Core and it works beautifully with my new 2016 Razer Blade 14 inch. I will be selling my GS40, but I'll try to see if the Core works with the GS40 and report back if I have time.

 

Oh please do chhappy7 I know the Razer Core works with the Dell Xps15 but I think I'd prefer the gs40 due to it being lighter and having the gtx970 for when I'm out and about.

If I know it works I can order one this week.

 

So in my short 30 minutes of trying, I was not able to get it to work consistently. It just kept coming in and out at various time intervals.

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2chhappy:
If any help, check out Support for non-Razer Laptops section in this review
http://www.ultrabookreview.com/10761-razer-core-review
This guy made it work with Dell XPS 15.

 

yes I saw that, which was why I was hoping you'd be able to repeat his success with the GS40.

I suspect it will work, but might require bios updates, assuming MSI do that, but I can't spend £1200 on a new laptop on a "maybe"

 

Yeah kinda knew that was going to happen but the 970m has plenty of power for what I need so I will be sticking with that.

 

That power is nothing compared to a GTX 1080.

 

Yea but key word you missed. It's plenty power for HIM. And besides you can't get 1080 on laptop...at least for now. Anyway there's modest people out there that ain't going all out. 1070m likely for me. And yea I agree the 970m is plenty powerful. If I hadn't had it twice already. If have it again but ill stick with my 960m which makes me very envious of his 970m right now.


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It was a joke bro. Anyways, I am getting a 1080 for my laptop soon.

 

That's ok lol. I was just saying cos to some folk. It can be a downer on what they got like it ain't good enough. If they can get 1080 in 15" Alienware and price is good and it doesn't have a numeric keyboard like it doesn't currently. I'll seriously co sided it's fatness for it. Otherwise I'll just stick. I could be good with 1080m if the price is closer to my budget. And by budget I'm cheap as lol.



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I just got one of these laptops last week from Pro-Star for a great deal and they ran out of the SSD I wanted and upgraded it to a better Samsung model for free! I am really happy with their customer service and speed of build and delivery!

That aside, I am pretty happy with this laptop so far. I must say that I haven't used it undocked very much but coming from a Macbook Air back to the Windows world has left me a little disappointed in things like the track pad. The trackpad on the Mac was pretty much amazing. The MSI one isn't that bad though, but it's still levels behind. It is definitely better than any previous laptop I've had before the Mac and better than the current one on my Dell Latitude work laptop.

The laptop I got has 2 SSDs instead of 1 SSD + 7200rpm HDD. It weighs in at 3.84 lbs on my kitchen scale, so I'm pretty impressed at the weight for such a powerful beast of a machine. It's lighter than my work Dell!

I don't really care for the red LEDs too much and I really dont like the giant MSI dragon badge but I've accepted it. So far, my favorite thing about this is the 3.1/TB port. It's pretty awesome. I picked up a USB-C hdmi/usb 3 hub and it works perfectly. I have my desk monitor attached via hdmi to the hub and everything from cooling fan to speakers and DAC/Amp, and mouse/keyboard, phones, and watches, and yada yada attached to the other ports and daisy-chained hubs. It's pretty incredible how much power it can draw in without external power supply like previous USB hubs with monitor support.

I've only played a couple games on it so far. X-Com 2 runs fast and smooth on maxed out settings at FHD. Civ 5, City Skylines, and a couple other games also run nice and smooth. FurTest runs at about 42fps over several minutes and maxed the GPU temp at 74C and CPU at 54C for me. I can live with that. I did go back and add in Arctic 5 thermal paste though and I was in a rush and didn't run a benchmark beforehand. I imagine it's the same or better than before. haha. I'm still in the burn-in period though.

I'm pairing this up with the Antec NB280 cooling pad which can used flat or at a variable angle. It fits the notebook perfectly, edge to edge. I wish it didn't have neon blue leds though, just like I wish the red leds would all just be white, but that's okay.

Anyway, so far I'm pretty happy with this purchase. I really contemplated waiting to see if there was anything new and better for PASCAL but I needed something right away, and I dont, so far, have any regrets. One of the big drivers was having TB3 support, in case I wanted to upgrade to an external GPU later. That pretty much drove me to this, otherwise, I had my mind set on the Gigabyte P35w originally.

 

MSI has just revealed its new version of the GS40, dubbed the "6QD". It has a 960M graphics card and connects to MSI's new eGPU mini dock (using a x16 PCIe port - better than TB3): https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GS40-6QD-Phantom.html

In case anyone is interested, a new thread to discuss the 6QD has been started here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/msi-gs-40-6qd.792609/

 

Quick note...

I was able to successfully connect the Core to the GS40. Depending on when the Gs40 left the factory you may need to do a BIOS, FW and TB3 driver update. You will also need to use Razer's driver for it to detect the Core.

It is not perfect. The desktop driver has downloaded to the internal mobile GPU a couple of times. Not certain why. Not a hard fix but something I have noted. The GPU Switcher works.

I have started and benchmarked a number of games. Seems stable. I will post a 3D Mark Benchmark shortly.

 

Here is the 3D Mark Firestrike Benchmarks. Please see pic. How does it compare to Razer + Core and Desktop only?

 

Votehart thanks for the update, it's great to know that the Razer Core will work with the GS40, although now I have a dilemma over what to buy again...

Do you notice a significant reduction in fan noise whilst gaming with the Core vs on-board graphics? My wife hates my current noisy laptop...

I've read that disabling the on-board graphics helps with using the Core on non-Razer laptops, are you already doing that? How would you rate the stability with the Core?

 

What are your options? GS40 vs Blade 14?

 

I'd love to get the Blade 14, but they don't sell it in the UK, where I live I could import, but then no warranty...

I'd been dithering between the XPS 15 and the GS40, was going to go with the XPS and get a Razer Core later, but the massive number of issues on the XPS in the forum put me off.

Then I saw the GS40 6QD, with the docking station, and that looked perfect, until your post about the Core working with the GS40. Now I'm torn between the guaranteed support of the 6QD docking station, versus the flexibility of a Core (can be used with other computers in the future) and a better onboard GFX for when I'm out and about.

If the Core were more reliably available, then the 6QE would win easily, but it's not available in the UK at all currently, and although it probably will be eventually, support is uncertain, which is why I'm hoping for as much info from Votehart as possible about how reliable it is.

There's also the question of whether there's significant performance loss over Thunderbolt 3, versus the 6QD docking station.
So many questions, I wish the 6QD would just come out so someone could review it for me...

 

Hi,

Yes, the fan noise is reduced to the CPU side only and the internal GPU is completely off. The Core's fan noise is present but the two fans together are much quieter than the GS40 alone when at load. I have noticed the CPU is always working and fan is active whether playing games or not when connected to the Core.

The GPU switcher works. When you connect the Core the GPU Switcher will appear and you select the desktop GPU. I believe this disables the internal GPU rather than needing to manually do it yourself.

Stability is solid. I kept it connected over night downloading 600 GBs of games with no issue. I have started and benchmarked a number of games with no issue. And, I have played a couple of hours with no freezes, stuttering or other issues.

The Core does allow the Razer mouse to connect. When I connected a USB flash drive it did not like it and froze. I shut down rebooted after removing the USB flash drive and was back to business. Not certain why connecting to the Core's ports made it freeze or if that was the cause. I will note I have not attempted multiple screens either. I will be testing other peripherals this week.

Overall, after I updated the BIOS, TB3 FW and loaded the Razer TB3 driver it worked from there on.

 

Thanks for the update, good to know that it's quieter overall, 1 less thing for the wife to complain about ;-)

Presumably you notice a worthwhile improvement over the 970m in the laptop? What card have you got in the Core?

 

I like GS40... Excluding the speakers it is a great set up for me. Plus I like the 970m over 960m. The MSI Dock looks promising but what happens if you decide to replace the GS40 6QD? Will the Dock work with another MSI laptop? The TB3 option also allows me to move the Core to another room so if I wanted to set up a NUC Skull Canyon downstairs I can without issue. And, while testing has not been done on many TB3 equipped laptops with the Core the XPS and now GS40 have proven capable. Tough call...

I added benchmarks above. What do you think of the results. I ran it 3 other times and the results were the very similar.

 

Only using a 970 for testing. I am ordering a 1070 or 1080 when available. There is a guy who has a Dell XPS 15 with 1070 getting ready to post numbers this week. When chatting he said it was a huge difference with the 1070. If you Google Core with XPS 15 his article comes up.

I posted my benchmarks above. I have maxed all the games on a 1080p monitor with no issues. Not something I could do with the 970m.

 

Why would you need to replace the GS40? You could buy a GS30 (i7-4870HQ, NO dGPU) and it still wouldn't bottleneck a GTX 1080. My two main problems with TB3 with eGPU's is that; 1) using the USB hub on the back for anything other than a mouse and keyboard will eat the already limited bandwidth. I have a 8TB HDD that I keep my music, movies, software, etc. on. So I will lose additional performance either out of the HDD or out of whatever GPU I put in the Core.

2 and the biggest problem I have) You take a HARD performance hit while using the laptop's display. Like some people are reporting a 25% or so drop in performance. That's absolutely ridiculous. If I do decide to bring the Core/Dock with me, I'm not going to be bringing an external monitor and external keyboard--I might as well build a desktop. So while yes, I do believe that the Core is a great idea and a great piece of technology, it just wouldn't cut it for what I'm looking for. MSI's docks use full PCI-E 3.0 x16--there's much more bandwidth to alleviate the above problems.

 

Same reason you replace any technology. It gets old and new better laptops become available. You could keep the GS40 and replace the desktop gpu every couple of years forever I guess.

I travel for work and the GS30 and 6QD are underpowered for AAA games on the road. Your right. I don't game and use programs that utilize GPU at the same time. If you do, then the TB3 option may not be good.

Cool, I like a non-proprietary modular set up. I have a monitor or TV to connect too. When I have my laptop only the 970m is fine for me.

 

A little off topic, but just picked up the GS40 from a forum member, and was wondering how do I go about registering the laptop in my name/transferring ownership?

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You are in the same place as I am.

I think msi shouldn't have done their gaming dock like that at all. It's like window surface book keyboard which I have heard is not compatible across 3rd and 4th gen

 

I would contact them (MSI) about it, as I've read conflicting info about this (some reports state it's all serial number based, others are a little more vague and some assert you can transfer the warranty, but that it requires contacting MSI).

 

Thanks! I contacted them and they said as long as I have the serial number and its still under warranty then it will be serviceable. Also provided me an email address to contact in case I still wanted to transfer the notebook to my name.

On another note, I'm planning on installing a samsung 500gb ssd over the weekend. Hopefully that goes well! Any suggestions/recommendations on any software to install or remove?

 

Nice drive! Not much on recommendations as it's up to preference (e.g., a lot of users like the Nahimic software, while I could do without it). I would recommend using the Samsung Magician software that should be included with your drive, at least; lots of handy optimization tools there.

 

Cool will check it out. I was planning on making a usb recovery from the stock drive and then installing the samsung and using the usb to reinstall windows, etc. I'm guessing that will erase the Samsung Magician software?

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If you're copying the OEM image, then yeah, anything you install or uninstall yourself will revert back to the out-of-the-box state. If you make your own Windows image, then anything you've changed up to that point will stay when you reapply the image.

 

When you reinstall, everything else will need to be reinstalled, including Samsung Magician.

 

Hi Everyone,

If you are interested in using the Razer Core with the GS40 I have posted instructions that worked for me.

GS40 + Core Summary and Instructions


I happy to report after a few days of regular use the GS40 and Razer Core are compatible. You will be required to do a handful of updates to make the set up work. Specifically, converting the GS40’s “Superport” to a true Thunderbolt 3 port. MSI does provide step by step instructions on the support page for GS40 6QE. Included in this conversion is a BIOS update, Firmware update and Thunderbolt 3 driver from MSI specific to the GS40 and finally updating the TB3 driver to Razer’s.


Benchmarks for a GTX 970 have been posted in thread above. I will post additional scores when I install a 1070/1080. It will be a couple of weeks though. Traveling. And, frankly I am struggling to determine what card to get. Suggestions are welcome.


1. Update BIOS. Don’t be intimidated. Just follow the instructions. Keep in mind you should confirm and then double confirm you are installing BIOS for GS40 6QE. MSI notes you can brick the laptop if you use the wrong BIOS.

2. Double check BIOS to ensure TB3 updates are “Enabled”

3. Update TB3 Firmware from MSI.

4. Follow Razer’s directions related to physical GPU installation, power plug, TB3 cable and HDMI cable to monitor.

5. Update TB3 with MSI’s driver. During the installation it appears you are removing the TB3 software. You are not. It is updating the driver. Odd though…

Please note this step can possibly be skipped but to be safe I would do it. You will need to have a TB3 device connected to complete the driver update. I used the Core without issue as the device. Keep in mind, this did not make the connection complete and at this point you will most likely not be able to see the Core after the update. But don’t worry you will soon enough.

6. Disconnect the Core from the TB3 port.

7. If you have Razer Synapse software on the laptop uninstall it

8. Install Razer’s TB3 driver from Razer website

9. Disable, uninstall and delete the internal 970m drivers

10. Connect the Core’s TB3 cable to the GS40. At this point Razer’s software should begin to load to the GS40. Including Synapse. If it does not load, then you have not successfully converted the Superport to TB3. Repeat steps 1 through 3 and 8.

11. Install Razer’s GPU drivers.

12. Open up GeForce and update to latest driver. As of now it is 368.39. Not required but I did it without issue. At this point you will be able to confirm the Core’s GPU is being recognized in GeForce.

13. Load Razer’s GPU Switcher. It works for me. You may or may not be prompted to restart

14. Restart the laptop and you are in business with the Core’s GPU

15. Enable the internal 970m and reload drivers.



Caveats…

1. When disconnecting the Core I suggest using the GPU switcher. Not required but I have had been able to without issue.

2. Use the GPU Switcher, if it does not work manually disable the internal 970m. The Switcher is 80% functional on my laptop. Same goes when disconnecting. It has required a restart but not every time

3. You do not need to do a fresh install on windows.

4. The Core does act as a dock but it is finicky. I have successfully connected a flash drive and mouse without issue.

5. I have not tried Game-Streaming

6. Check the 970m has it’s driver installed before leaving wifi access. Keep in mind, it is not officially supported by Razer and MSI so inconveniences are expected. You can always download with you phones hotspot if needed.

 

Yeah... I agree. Proprietary set ups are antiquated.

 

The new GS40 will be the forth MSI laptop compatible with either dock (yes, if you have the old bulkier MSI dock, you can attach a GS32 or the GS40 to it) so I'm sure MSI will continue to support and develop laptops for their docks. Another issue regarding the GS40+Core is price. You're going to spend $1500 on the GS40 itself, $500 on the Core, and then another couple of hundred on whatever GPU you decide to get. I'm hoping that the new GS40 will be sold for $1700 or so WITH the dock.

 

Thanks for the guide! Just out of curiosity, when the GS40 is connected to the Core, does it also charge the laptop or no?

 

It wont charge the laptop, it doesnt provide enough power to charge the Razer Blade 14, only the Blade stealth

 

That's a pretty good write up on how to get the core to work. Thanks for taking the time to share that with us.

 

Yeah, the dollar figure is up there for my ideal set up (GS40 + Core + GTX 1080 + 4k monitor). But the Core is modular and for now not proprietary meaning other laptops and desktops with TB3 have the potential to work with the Core well into the future. Where MSI's set up is great it does not offer the flexibility of a TB3 EGPU. For example, my GS40 is not compatible with MSI's dock.

 

Well thank you! XoticPC is where I purchased my GS40. Great service and assistance throughout the process.

 

Could someone provide the link to the MSI drivers page for the GS40 Laptop? When I go to the MSI Product Support page, all I'm seeing is SCM Utility driver. This is the link I was using:

https://us.msi.com/Laptop/support/GS40-Phantom-6th-Gen-GTX-970M.html#down-utility


Also, I thought I remembered reading somewhere in this thread that the Razer charger is also compatible with the GS40? Is that true? Could someone also provide a link for the correct charger? The MSI one is a brick!

 

Someone said it's compatible, but the specs are different. MSI charger output: 19.5V 7.7A, Razer: 19V 7.9A. I don't know if the small difference will have some effect.

 

It won't have any effect. That's within the margin of tolerance. It will work.

 

Here is the link I used for BIOS, Driver, FW, etc...

https://www.msi.com/Laptop/support/GS40-6QE-Phantom.html#down-driver&null

Not sure about the charger.

 

MSI GS40 + Razer Core + GTX 1080 3DMark Firestrike Score - Please let me know your thoughts.

 

You're awesome, tyvm for the guide. Any comments on the stability? Because I've heard that with some other non-Razer laptops the core disconnects and reconnects every now and then.

 

Stability is solid. I changed out GPUs in 20 mins and was back in business. I am using the GPU Switcher each time without issue.

 

I'm glad that the Core is working well with the GS40. I love the Razer Blade 14 but the fact that it only has a slot for one SSD is another deal breaker for me. The fact that MSI always manages to fit in a 2.5" drive bay makes them one of my favorite manufacturers.

 

Awesome! Always glad to see that kind of feedback.

Yes, the GS40 has some more options over the Razer, which is nice to have.

 

So I was able to successfully install the 500gb ssd and reinstalled windows last night. I noticed that the wi-fi tends to cut in and out, and stops working for periods of 1-2 minutes every 15 minutes or so. I'm going to reinstall/update drivers from the MSI website tonight, hopefully that will fix the issue. If anyone has any other suggestions please let me know!

Also, as others have mentioned, the audio output through the speakers is weak! I'm also going to uninstall Nahimic and update the audio drivers too. Are the drivers on the MSI website the most up-to-date?

 

You might want to go in to the device manager for your computer, and right click the wireless card for the properties. In the advance settings in the properties, you can make sure it is running on all the appropriate wireless bands for best connection, as well as other settings in there that may be appropriate for your router.

Usually MSI's site (like a lot of other manufacturer's) will have the drivers they have tested and would work best. There might be other newer drivers available that you could try if you aren't getting the results you would expect from the current ones you have or the ones from MSI's site.