Which MSI model has these features?

Hi there,

I'm just wondering, are there any MSI models in existence (15.6" preferably, but can deal with 17.3") that have either a Radeon 7970M or a GTX 680M that aren't outrageously priced, like above $1700+? The only model I could find was the GX60 1AC-021US and of course, it has the crap AMD Trinity CPU in it instead of the 3rd Gen i7 Quad like I want. What's with MSI's decision making process with their latest gaming laptop models? They stuck their latest models with the GTX 670M and 675Ms, such a waste.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

 

There is the gt60 0ne-249US

Gtx680m, 3630qm CPU, blueray writer, 750gb 7200rpm hd, 12gb ram and killer 1202(probably missing a few things)

It starts at $1900, but is supposed to be a great laptop. Over 4 hours of battery life, etc.

I've ordered one, and am excited to start using it.

If you aren't set on MSI there is currently a great deal on the p150em for thanksgiving/blackfriday.

 

16F3 barebone.

[MOD EDIT]: NO ADVERTISING!

 

Yeah, seems like a great system. What I forgot to mention was - I'm from Canada. We get screwed hard when we do cross border shopping in the way of Shipping charges + brokerage, and then 13% tax on all of that. It's fine for those few that have super fat wallets, but for most, costs like that is just insanity. I've done a lot of research on all the popular US custom laptop makers/resellers and I haven't really seen an incentive to order from the US. I'll, sadly, probably have to order from within Canada at this point, which totally sucks might I add because a custom looks like something I'd much rather want.

 

The other option is to try and find a barebone and build it up from more locally sourced components to reduce the amount of tax.

I'm in the UK so I do feel your pain. We have to pay 20% tax + transatlantic shipping + brokerage.

But you can still extract some decent value.

 

I live in Canada do, but am waiting until Christmas to get mine, as I'll be in Florida then.

You can but the gt60 0ne from places like Canada computers or NCIX, but yea no customization.

There is one Canadian reseller for gaming laptops, I think. Reflex notebook.

 

It sucks. I see the latest MSI laptops with so much potential, and one of the top reasons to buy a gaming notebook is for a superb video card for high end gaming, and they go and screw it up with a measly GTX 670M. They have no mid way point in terms of price between models with the GTX 670 / 675M to the 680M. Price jumps from around $1399 for the 670/675M all the way up to starting at $1899 for a GTX 680M. Even a model in the GT60 or 70 line with a 3rd gen i7 and a Radeon 7970M would have been perfect to make it more affordable, but no, that would be too easy.

 

Dude the issue is not MSI. The 680m is one freaking expensive GPU.

Only barebones can fit your needs, and you have to stock up on the other components by yourself. HD7970m is the cheaper alternative, but MSI only handles that with the low end AMD CPU, so you might as well branch to another brand if you want an HD7970m.

 

Sounds like an interesting idea on paper, but for someone who has only worked thoroughly on desktop PC's and has never opened up a laptop aside from changing out RAM and Hard Drives, it sounds like a complicated task. Also, where do you even get the parts from? I honestly would have no idea where to begin. Would this route not end up around the same price anyway?

 

I worked on desktop PCs all my life until about 5 years ago when I also started opening up laptops completely etc. I can honestly tell you that machines like MSI's current gaming laptops tend to be such an easy task to upgrade/install regular components.

It's a single back panel, which once remove you have access to GPU, CPU, RAM, HDDs etc etc, basically everything (other RAM slots etc are under the keyboard, that once you remove the back plate, can also be removed easily via unclipping it from a corner).

Manuals explain how to tear appart most of it, I changed the screen and bezel on my previous machine in 15 mins.

Price will come around lower if you find parts by yourself. Obviously not a huge deal but a decent amount. The problem is, the sole GPU, like the 680m, costs like nearly half the machine when you try to buy it alone elsewhere. I think it's like up to 800dlrs?

CPUs are still installed similar to regular desktop CPUs, put it in the socket, apply paste, align and press heatsink, screw it. GPU's same deal but installed to their MXM/propietary connector.

People tend to try and buy QS versions of the CPUs to save money and get higher end parts. But to be honest a regular 3610qm should be good enough for all your gaming needs.

the best route for money saving and high end mobile performance would be going for a Sager/clevo with HD7970m, so you can pair it with an ivy bridge CPU. Underutilization problems seem to have been mostly addressed with current drivers so their performance should now be strong regardless of settings.