MSI GS60 Ghost/ Ghost Pro Thread

Charging a restocking fee for a defective product is certainly abusive. They will likely insist on you paying the fee, however.

I would suggest making a quick youtube video that clearly shows the problem you are having and send it to them. This proves that you have a defective product and are not simply trying to abuse their return policy.

 

This is a potentially constructive solution but the issue is why I buy from Amazon and will not do business with Newegg. As for the wifi issue I've read online (can't remember where unfortunately) that the problem is an incompatibility with some B/G/N routers which does not apply to newer A/C models. I have an Apple Airport Extreme AC (the tower one) and have had no connection or speed issues (fingers crossed) whatsoever. Obviously compatibility with earlier models should be assumed and will probably be fixed via an eventual software or driver update, but if you can get your hands on an AC router to try it may well be worth the effort.

 

Hello,

new owner of GS60 here, previously (and still) owner of Macbook Pro. So far I´m content with my lot, although I do have a few complaints.

1) FAN NOISE - usual stuff, I was reading about it all around the web including this forum, hopefully some fan control application will work with this laptop in future. I would love to keep RPM on 2500 in office, cooling is excessive for this kind of use.

2) SPACEBAR - keyboard as whole is ok, but spacebar "sucks". You cannot hit it anywhere near sides or it doesn´t do anything. In office I use external Apple keyboard for typing though, so ok, for gaming it´s ok.

3) TOUCHPAD - I read some complaints about it, but in reality I find it okayish... It´s not Macbook Pro quality but it does it job.

4) FIRMWARE AND DRIVER UPDATES - I have latest version of bios and firmware, yesterday I have updated all drivers through Intel website and MSI Live Update application. WiFi stopped working correctly with latest driver, so I restored older version and now it works fine again (no complaints about WiFi, shop I bought it at correctly stated on website that it works only with A/C routers, I have such a one. After these updates I also had to reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1 (stopped working correctly) and Dragon Gaming Center stopped displaying Fan Speed and Temperatures (instead it displays N/A). So deleted MSI Live Update, will rather do it manually and more carefully.

Looking forward to Fan Speed/Noise solution in the future, very much so. It´s my only major complaint. I would not like to use some custom firmware etc. though, I really hope applications like Fan Control will be usable in foreseeable future.

Will watch this topic for news!

 

There are various fan tweaks available ranging from 0% upto 50c or 43% instead of stock (lowest the fan will go).
I'll be posting my own version soon.

 

Yep, I would love a setting which would keep fans on 43% up to lets say 65 C. But again no flashing of custom firmware, software solution. I have tried the solution from page 153 (if I remember correctly), but that doesn´t work. I have tried Fan Control application, that one sadly doesn´t recognize the fans.

Will wait and see.

 

Is it possible to disable keyboard backlight per default? Should be in BIOS since it lights up red before Windows even?

 

I've not got my laptop in work with me today but should have time tonight to finish the guide and post the EC's. They definitely work because the fan is much quieter. Did you reset using a pin after copying the modded EC official update package and running it with administration rights?

 

@mardon: I think what he means is that the software called Fan Control does not work with the GS60, and that he is uncomfortable with flashing custom EC firmware.

 

Fair enough. The EC firmware is just a matter of downing the official file from msi copying the modified file over and then flashing as you world normally, shut down the PC, reset using the pin hole and your done. To reset do the same but flash the stock fan.
There was a software version but unfortunately no longer works with later EC releases.

 

Ordered a GS60 Ghost-003 through Xotic yesterday w/ the thermal paste upgrade. I was considering the 870m version, but I was a bit more worried about the temps with that one. Plus the game I play most frequently is FFXIV which should do just fine on the 860m. Plenty of indie/doujin and older games as well. Not too many blockbuster AAA games that'll push the system to its limits.

Hope I don't have any WiFi issues. That's my one concern besides the heat!

 

Congrats on your order! If you do happen to run into WiFi issues let us know we'll be happy to trouble shoot with you.

 

Yep, I do not like the idea of flashing custom firmware but I might change my mind (there might be no other option...). What I like on the software solution is that you can set it by yourself and it´s easy to turn off. It´s not like I do not trust you , but if someone will just say flash this firmware without me knowing the content - it´s making me uncomfortable and flashing firmware sounds so fatal.

 

I know what you mean. It's an expensive bit of kit to just be installing something that a random person on the Internet advised you to do.
When I get round to doing temp tweak guide you could follow that to create one for yourself with the fans speeds preferable to you.

 

Just wondering if any users could answer this but how hard is it to remove the back to upgrade the 2.5" drive?

 

Just got my msi gs60 ghost pro 3k 2 days ago. Everything is pretty much great, except for the most important thing, the WIFI!!! Same problem as most have reported. Disconnection and poor network connection.Been trying to fix it since 2 days ago trying all sorts of updates. There must be a solution!!!

 

Very easy. I had Gentech take out the stock drive and installed a 2TB 2.5' drive myself.

 

Mskiller is that the 2tb drive that's a bit fatter than a standard 2.5" drive? I saw them on Amazon and didn't think they'd fit. If not would you mind posting the link of the one you got? Cheers.

 

You can check our video review at about the 7:40 mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bVyNHxk9HE&list=UUJ9O0vRPsMFk5UtIDimr6hQ

 

Looking forward to it!

 

It's notebook sized, and I did my research before ordering, and people on Amazon all have it working in laptops/PS4's. And of course, it fits perfectly in my GS60 pro.

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Backup-Portable-External-STDR2000103/dp/B00FRHTTJE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405449039&sr=8-1&keywords=2+tb+slim+external+hard+drive

 

I confused. That's an external drive? Did you dismantle it?

 

Yea, took it apart. But be careful, since it pretty much voids the warranty.

EDIT: It's this http://www.storagereview.com/samsung_spinpoint_m9t_hard_drive_review drive.

 

Yeah those external drives are pretty much just regular 2.5 hard drives and an enclosure.. So you can just take the hard drive out and use it for a device that uses 2.5 hard drives. Though, usually it's cheaper to just buy the hard drive without the enclosure.

 

5,400 rpm makes me sad

 

Is the back attached to the laptop with clips or does it just slide right off?

 

Yea unfortunately, but it is the only 2TB laptop sized HDD and I use it mainly for storage. One of the reasons I got the Ghost and not the Razerblade is because it can hold an extra HDD as well as 16 GB RAM (seriously though, Razer having 8GB is such a turn off).

There are screws, and after you take out the screws, the back is attached by some snapping mechanism by the hinge. Not hard to take off at all.

 

Haha it makes me sad too... this day and age anything slower than an ssd is too slow! Though, if its just for storage I guess that would be ok.

 

One more thing. I´m having issues with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.1, after installation it kept giving errors after Windows start up (Win 7) and Dragon Gaming Center and MSC stopped working. I have fixed that by downgrading back to version 4.0 and reinstalling those two applications. Is there any other way to fix it? Or do I have to use outdated .NET Framework?

Well the other option would be deleting those two applications instead, would probably be little loss?

 

Glad the HDD upgrades are easy enough. I wish the mSATA ports were just as easily accessible. I have plenty of experience disassembling laptops and building computers but removing the mobo from a brand new $1700 laptop isn't high on my list of priorities regardless of experience.

If I find that I am very happy with the laptop I'll probably move the HDD to my PS4 and get a 500GB SSD for GS60. Hope it is in my hands next week.

 

Hey guys, does the MSi GS60 model come with the Killer E2200? I've read a lot of posts here concerning the unstable wireless card AC7260 from Intel but my local supplier lists the wi-fi card as Killer E2200:

MSI GS60 2PC-012US Ghost w/ Core i7-4700HQ, 16GB, 128GB SSD + 1TB, 15.6in FHD, GeForce GTX 860M, Win 8.1 at Memory Express

Also, just to confirm, is it the 7260 that's causing the problem or is it just happening randomly in all variants of the GS60?

I play competitive online games like SC2 and CSGO so an uninterrupted connection is crucial.

 

So if my router uses 802.11n, would I need to buy a new one?


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According to the shop I bought GS60 at it works only with WiFi 802.11ac. For example I´m using this router - Networking - RT-N66U - ASUS (WiFi router 802.11a/b/g/n) - so far GS60 works with it without any issue and I have already tested some online gaming (although not for prolonged periods).

So I would say yes, buy new router OR buy some USB WiFi stick or something.

I´m wildly guessing most of the WiFi complaints are from people who didn´t read the tech spec.

_________________

Patiently waits for fan speed/noise solution!

 

This is ridiculous, why would they release a wifi card that's essentially not backward compatible. Im not having it.
I've been in communication with MSI recently about RMAing mine due to a blemish in the screen construction. I tried to discuss the wifi issue with them and was getting nowhere.

 

I'm a little bit confused by your post. Your router is not ac but you aren't having any issues?

To be more specific, mine is listed as 802.11 b/g/n. I'm hoping it's compatible as a cursory glance through routers has me rather put off with the prospect of having to pay that much money to replace something that I feel should work.

Also about people not reading technical specifications: Intel's specs for the card state that it's certified for ac/a/b/g/n. I believe the shop told you that it only works with ac because they were getting too many complaints/returns.

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My router is WiFi router 802.11 a/b/g/n. I guess the A is enough.

About the shop - no idea, they state in tech spec notebook is only compatible with A/C and I have checked my router before buying. If it is an actual error instead of spec I truly cannot say!

 

It doesn't say anywhere in the spec that it only supports "ac" in fact it says the opposite. Who would buy such a product.
That would be like buying a mobile that only worked on 4g which would result in it only working (admittedly really well) in 4g areas.

 

I would! I only use WiFi at home, else I have LTE/3G modem, so as long as it works home I don´t care. Anyway! *cough cough* Firmware guide *cough cough*.

Still undecided if I will keep this notebook, I might return it and get Retina Macbook Pro... Much costlier though. Still 2 months to decide, I have purchased additional service which allows me to return it within that period for no reason given.

 

I don't think that's how it works. 802.11a is something else entirely. In any case, your situation should be proof enough that Intel 7260ac card works with more than just 802.11ac, but it seems no one is quite sure what it chooses not to work with.


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Regarding the guide was thinking about it last night. It's taking me ages to type evening up. I think I'm just going to do videos!

 

god damn mardon
i'm so looking forward to the vids

 

The 7260ac is supposed to work with any of the following 802.11 standards: a, b, g, n, ac ARK | Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260

As of this point, there is no real consensus in this forum as to why some people are having wifi issues while others do not, but most people with ac routers seem to have no problems. Personally, I have no wifi issues and am using a b/g/n router.

 

I think it's also down to distance from the router.

I'll look into some recording software tonight rather than do it all with a video camera regarding the guide.

 

In that case I´m glad it works with mine and I cross my fingers for the rest of you!

 

Good point. My router is about two meters away from the GS60 whenever I'm gaming, but I have no problems with youtube if I relocate to a different room. I can't go too far because my building is a hellhole of wifi interference and none of my devices get a decent wifi signal from more than 8 meters away.

Just as an added information, my router is configured to work in N only mode, to get faster speeds.

 

Does it just have less range than a typical laptop? I am curious because in my room I am a good 40 feet from the router. My desktop, phone, tablet, consoles, etc. work fine. Will be able to test first hand soon enough.

 

Shouldn´t be this. Actually I was catching WiFi signal better than with Macbook Pro (I have noticed the difference) and definitely better than my HP desktop. In room where iPhone 5s gets barely any WiFi signal, GS60 displays max signal.

I can test it more thoroughly when I get home though.

 

It's very sporadic. In my room which is on the 2nd floor and the router is on the ground with my Clevo W110er I get 7mbps download speed. With the GS60 I get the same unless I do something intensive then it ether cuts out complete or drops down to maximum 1mbps. So there's definitely something up. The W110er is fine all the time.

 

People seem to have a lot of different fixes, from getting a new router, getting a usb wifi adapter.. One guy on this thread I think fixed it by getting a wifi extender, to make the strength stronger.. So for him maybe it is a distance thing? It seems to me no one really knows what the problem is and that you nee to try all these fixes to find out what works for you.. I think it's probably a driver issue and they'll fix it with an update.. some day.. but thats just my guess.

 

I don't mind trying out some of those fixes if needed, but I don't intent to only use this laptop at home. I purchased the GS60 to have a light powerful laptop to use when I am NOT home. If it has issues with different networks wherever I am that could be a bit of a pain. Best for me just to stop thinking about it for now and just see how it is when my laptop arrives.

 

When we buy these laptops they should work out of the box.. if i were having these problems I would just get a usb adapter for like 20 bucks. I know we shouldn't have to, but at the end of the day... what ever works and for me,, with the least amount of headache to fix it..