--->The Official MSI GT780/GT783 Owner's Lounge<---

Congrats! We have 'em going and coming, don't we. I am waiting on the UPS guy to pick mine up!

I think you will like it.

Enjoy!

 

D'OH! What did you do? It must have been a user error of some kind. JK, bummer.

Homer

 

Read post #190......

 

I did it... I just clicked submit order. I just got stock cause of budget and lack of patience. (i'll upgrade when i get the chance.) How long do I have to camp outside of my house to wait for the delivery van? *looks at watch*

 

VERY high quality, most importantly the keyboard is just the best laptop keyboard I've ever used hands down. My mom has the latest Macbook Pro, and I have a client that just purchased a Dell Precision M6600 that I set up today. Those are both VERY high end systems in terms of build quality and I honestly feel the GT780R is in the same caliber as those other systerms. Literally my only complaint is the USB 3.0 ports are VERY tight (as in plugging in a device to the port, but better tight than loose I suppose) And there doesn't seem to be a suitable driver for the webcam at the moment.

As much as I loved my Asus G71 when I first got it, as it was my first gaming notebook, it just doesn't compare to the build quality of this system even remotely. MSI did a good job for sure.

 

Hey, the stock model is great! You'll like! Congrats!

 

Glad to hear you're on them about that as a retailer. I imagine they will have to do something about it soon. I'm hoping this wasn't some kind of slip up on labeling and all it needs is a good driver. Tried a few other drivers with no success. Hopefully MSI will write one soon.

On a side note, I'd really love to see someone modify or write their own piece of software for further control of the keyboard LED's

 

Asus G74SX 3D review – new gaming laptop, more powerful than ever

G74SX has similar throttle issues. Weird

 

Mine is out for delivery...I feel like a chicken sticking my head out of the window every half a hour looking for the UPS truck...lol The neighbors across my building probably is thinking I am a piping tom...lmao

 

I dont know about you guys but ASUS dropped the ball on the redesign, sure it's not much different than the G73 but the slight changes make it look worse imo.
The new MSI's look better, i never thought i would say that.

 

Very glad to hear it. Especially your comparison between it and the M6600, as that was also another laptop I was considering. Thanks much for your opinion

 

Just as I suspected: a user error on the website!

Homer

 

Hopefully my refund check from HP will come in the mail today, and I'll be able to place my order, its been excruciating sitting around for a week waiting without a decent computer.

 

Well I have some time to elaborate what I meant. Vertex 3 is faster with benchmarks but reviews like this one shows that the real world performance of the 510, M4 and Vertex 3 are very similar. Even anandtech summurized this year SSDs with

Source: AnandTech - The 2011 Mid-Range SSD Roundup: 120GB Agility 3, Intel 510 and More Compared

Customers that bought OCZ Vertex 2 had lots and lots of problems with it, and drives were dying all over the place, and BSODS and freezes etc. Look at newegg and the people putting in the reviews for their SSDs and you will see. Crucial C300 and Intel X25-M however were almost flawless and newegg says the same. About 3% failure rate and the same for people complaining about it, compared to around 30% complaining about the Vertex 2 drives. The same failures happend to all brands using a SandForce controller, but Intel and Crucial don`t use these. Intel used an Intel controller on the X25-M and the new 320 series, Crucial used Marvell controller with their C300. The newest drives from them, M4 and Intel 510 have a Marvell controller, which is very reliable and gives good speed. So you have to ask yourself: Would you have a SSD which is 1 seconds faster here and there (Vertex 3) or would you have a SSD which is almost as fast, but is reliable without any problems. Just install it and it will serve you for the rest of its life. If you bought the M4 which is an excellent drive you would have to do a LPM tweak in the registry because they freeze now and then due to some error with LPM though. But after they work perfectly. EDIT: I see from the SSD forum that a firmware update from Crucial is available and fix the freezes. Intel 510 does NOT have any of these problems. So you don`t go wrong with that one

OCZ have a long history of cheating and putting out bad SSDs. They sold 25nm SSDs and people thought they got a 32nm drive. Problem is that 25nm have shorter life expectancy than 32nm, and they have less storage space available. OCZ ban people from reviewing their SSDs if any reviewer ever says anything negative (the truth) about them. OCZ refuse to RMA drives that is plagued with problems even though they should. A reseller in this forum, Kobalt, had to pay with their own money for all the problems their customers had with Vertex 3 and 2. So now they are only offering M4 or 510 SSDs from the newest generation. Look at the SSD forum and you`ll see lots of people hating OCZ and SandForce drives. They may look good in benchmarks, but they usually fail on everything else.

So yeah, there you have it

 

They were told it was not a full function pre-production unit and so was I, therefore, I didn't perform any test because the result won't be accurate:

YouTube - ‪MSI GT780R Sample unit‬&rlm;

 

Cloudfire, thanks a bunch for your explanation. I did a bit of research on it myself when you mentioned that I probably should get an Itel or Crucial SSD, and found a lot of what you were talking about. I actually changed my order from a Vertex 3 to an Intel 510 last night. Thanks a lot for clearing things up.

 

My unit arrived today and I've been playing with it for the past few hours! Was it supposed to come with MSI Afterburner? I thought it was supposed to come with it pre-installed but mine did not. Anyway, I downloaded it and it's definitely a cool program. I'm afraid to tweak anything much though. Does anyone have any advice on how I should go about tweaking within MSI Afterburner without going overboard??

 

I'm running 900/1800 stable right now, I went as high as 932/1864 but had some issues playing the witcher 2.

 

Hello all.

First I'd like to say how much I appreciate the effort you all have put into this thread. Lots of great information.

I am currently in the market for a laptop because I am going to be traveling. I've been putting it off forever and need to purchase a laptop sometime tomorrow (17th).

Originally I was set on the Asus g73sw-xn2. Now I'm leaning towards the MSI gt780r.

Any suggestions, thoughts, helpful advice? Have to pull the trigger on this tomorrow so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

 

What kind of travel transportation do you use? If you are flying a 17" may be a bit large to use on the plane...have you considered the MSI GT683R?

What do you use your computer to do? Are you a gamer + business use...animator or ??

 

whats the battery life like and how heavy is it? Do you think it would be good for a college student who wants the extra power?

 

Yes it does:

http://www.gamingrig.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/strestest2.jpg

And I already request BIOS update to fix for G73SW and G53SW.

I didn't test the battery life but I think it should be around 2~2.5 hours.

 

I just brought this beautiful thing to my friend's house for the night. I have to say, it's a GREAT laptop and I don't have one complaint. Everything about it is great. The battery even surprised me. While on normal settings, the battery said I had about 2 and a half hours (while doing basic web browsing). Once I used the battery saving mode (which just disables/dims stuff), that number jumped to about 3 hours and 30 minutes (with the keyboard still on bright). The system temperatures also surprised me. While unplugged on my lap in power saving mode, the system barely produced any measurable amount of heat on its underside.

 

Revellgd, I'm also new to the whole gaming laptop thing. I just ordered my GT780R yesterday. It really depends on your budget and how important certain things are to you. Obviously, I don't have my laptop yet, and I've never even used a lot of the things I got with it (like SSDs), but if you're up for spending the extra money, every I've talked to about it said that upgrading your primary drive to an SSD is a very good idea, and you can't really go wrong with it (though, I've recently been told that getting a OCZ SSD is a bad idea, so yeah). Also, if you ever plan to watch blu-ray movies (and I also pointed out to a friend of mine that PS3 games are already on blu-ray discs, so it's a possibility that PC games might /one day/ get to that), then a blu-ray drive (even the less expensive 4x blu-ray drive) may be a good upgrade. Um, depending how much you use the iternet and the setups you're using, upgrading the wireless card might be a good idea (I got the Bigfoot Network Killer on the recommendation of Striker and Ken). If you plan to push your machine a lot, then possibly a thermal paste upgrade (I personally didn't get one, because I don't benchmark or anything). Hmm. USB mice are always a nice touch. Haha. I personally didn't upgrade the processor, one reason being that the cheapest upgrade was nearly $400, and another reason being that I've read in many places that upgrading to an SSD would be a better choice, but I suppose if your budget allows it, and you want the extra boost, go for that. I don't think all resellers offer sound card upgrades for certain laptops, and I read that it's useless anyways. I'm not sure what we collectively came up with as a group in regards to the screen upgrade(s) offered by resellers as it being worth it or not. If you prefer glossy screens, then there's always the 90% color gamut glossy screen. I think that's about all the advice I have. Sorry most of it's probably useless and/or obvious. I'm sure some of the more experienced guys can give you better advice.

And I'm glad someone asked about OCing. Personally, I've never OCed anything on a computer, so I wasn't going to mess with it. I may be wrong, but I also figured that without OCing, you get a longer life out of the GPU/CPU (though I think the GT780R only OCs the GPU, cuz I heard Sandy Bridge processor OCing is still unreliable and a bad idea). But again, I could be wrong on all this. I may OC a little bit when I'm playing a game that I really like the scenery in, but I'd probably use the TDE for safe OCing. Any thoughts? I'm a person that would rather get reliability and longevity out of something than ridiculous scores and performance. But playing games on high settings when I wanna see pretty cinematics and scenery is something I wanted, which is why I went with the 780R over some of the more expensive, "looks at me I have six graphics cards and three twenty-seven core processors" type computers. Plus I like the design and backlit keyboard (because I have really bad eyesight, especially in the dark, and it'd be fun to show off xDD), and the speaker setup because I love music. I would have really liked an upgrade to a 6970m GPU though. I have high hopes for the 560m, though. Anything will be better than both of my current computers, combined and multiplied by six. xDD

EDIT: Wow. I write way too much.

 

Hmmmmm...... I see from the main two GT780R related threads, we seem to have:

SSD WARS! The saga continues..... Intel -vs- OCZ!

This is interesting, because I just sent my GT780R back to Ken for more upgrades, including increasing the size of SSD. While 120 GB ( as primary OS drive) may be enough for most, I was uncomfortable with the unused space I had remaining on the drive...... especially given OCZ recommends not exceeding 80% of capacity. With a recovery partition, the OS, and a few of my favorite programs installed (and ALL media on my secondary drive), I was down to only 50 GB remaining.

As far as 'SSD WARS' go, after much reading on the topic, I am inclined to favor the Intel SATA III drive...... but the battle wages on!

Anyhow, I MAY be changing my SIG again, LOL! We'll see! Wish me luck folks!



EDIT: OK...... the battle is over, and Handyman KENshiro just settled this argument to my satisfaction! I am going with the Intel SSD!

 

I must say that you're very loaded, haha.. Wish I could afford that much as you do =)

Already you upgraded your rig to the 2820QM, u're again upgrading your SSD.. Why is the remaining space of 50GB uncomfortable to you?

As far as I know,even if the space of the SSD is full, the performance is not affected at all, unlike a HDD.

Supposedly, the best alternative would be Intel since it's more reliable, just my two cents anyway based on the SSD Wars, lol~

 

As to the remaining 50 GB, it's just a personal comfort thing...... especially if I heed the 80% recommendation. It's just a matter of choice here, and I do not want to be ever concerned with 'space remaining'. I am OCD in this way, and it will bug the stew out of me, LOL!

Agreed on the SSD brand choice, and thanks for your input! Read my 'EDIT' above!

 

Too bad there isn't the like button such as the one in Facebook otherwise I'd do that to your post XD

80% recommendation? What does dat mean?

I heard that the 1103 Bigfoot (3 antenna) will be out around July or August, wonder how great it will be as compared to the 6300 Ultimate.

I'm eager to find out =)

So, striker, another upgrade? XD

 

Initially I had the 120GB Vertex 3, and OCZ recommends not exceeding 80% of the SSD's capacity.

As to the Bigfoot 1103 upgrade, PROBABLY, if it bugs me! DANG YOU! Now why did you have to bring that up? Now you've gone and seeded my brain! LOL!

 

Owh, there is such a case?

SSD is non electromechanical, I thought that performance is not affected one bit even if it's full? Wonder what is the consequences if u surpass 80% occupancy =/

Haha, I knew I'd get u XD
I'm just trying to keep you up to date since u're already using a 1102 =x

Omg, u're seriously planning on a 1103?
Gimme your money,darn it XD

 

'Don't fill your SSD beyond 80 percent capacity', item#3, under 'Simple Don'ts'.

Trying to keep me up to date? Some of us don't need more to ponder! I'll look at it, and if the 1103 provides added performance and functionality, MAYBE!

 

You`re so lucky. Can you give us your honest opinion about keyboard flex, screen quality and if it is noisy (when surfing the internet and when gaming)? Thank you

The GT683R doesn`t have that slick brushed aluminum look right?

 

Gamer mostly.

I'll be driving (or riding shotgun) across country. I did consider the 15inch but after a lifetime of dedicated desktop usage with a 23' inch widescreen I'm worried that I've become spoiled and that a 15inch might seem small.

After traveling I will be planting this laptop on a desk for a few days/weeks at a time between trips. So I consider this my "desktop replacement".. for now, until I'm not moving around so much and can get a new desktop.

I would really like to upgrade to an SSD drive for the primary but if I do go with the MSI instead of the ASUS I'll be out of laptop funds for upgrades, just have to take the basic model for now and upgrade later.

Yeah I would also recommend staying away from OCZ. I own a Vertex 1 120g in my desktop that is one of the few better working OCZ SSD drives I've seen and it's still bumpy at times.

Basically, I have read some mixed reviews over the ASUS G73SW which make me concerned. On the other hand, the MSI hasn't been out long enough to have lots of reviews like the G73SW.

What do you guys think I should do? G73SW-XN2 or GT780R?


p.s. Really appreciate all the helpful advice guys. First timer to these forums but I'm already hooked. It's nice having people that understand laptops help me pick one. I asked a "serious" laptop user to help me out and his suggestions? "Don't buy the MSI.. the cd drive opens where your mouse will be and the side exhaust will warm up any drinks nearby.." >.<

 

G73SW-XN2 vs GT780R

GTX 460M < GTX 560M
8GB RAM < 16GB RAM
500GB 7200RPM < 2 x 500GB 7200 RPM RAID (much faster and bigger)
1080p glossy screen < 1080p matte screen (in my opinion since some actually prefer glossy)
Entire laptop is plastic < Lid and palmrest is brushed aluminum
Speakers + Subwoofer < Speakers + Subwoofer by Dynaudio (The best sound out there)
A bit hotter < A bit colder
Quieter > A bit more noise
Backlit keyboard with one colour < Backlit keyboard with changable colours
"Regular" keyboard < Steelseries keyboard
$1300 > $1600

Probably more but this is what I remember just off the bat

 

I can't find it anywhere in writing (online) but i'm pretty sure for G73-XN2 "newegg model," the screen is glossy as matte screens are a premium, which is what you get on the gt780r as default. Never liked the "<>" sign, anyway. So, for screen, my opinion is that matte wins and thus < for "1080p screen <> 1080p screen (about same quality too I think)" Thank god, neither has ssd. was hoping for a non-ssd topic

 

Yeah you`re right. It is glossy. So that matte screen from MSI is an advantage. I will change it

 

Quick tip and request for help.

My neighbor just bought this, and I was helping to set it up. He is setting it up using OCZ Vertex 3 and WD 750GB HDD as storage.

1. If you're setting up in a similar configuration, make sure the SSD (OS drive) is connected to the slot on the opposite side of the touchpad. NOT the slot below the Subwoofer. No matter what you do in the latest Bios, the laptop will attempt to boot the HDD inserted on the opposite side of the touchpad. I couldn't find any markings to tell which is HDD1 or HDD2. Now I know...

Need help with 2 things.

1. The unit's keyboard seem to be either defective, or something is off. Top left of the keyboard is very hard to type. Not physical clicks, but when you type something, such as W, E, Q, 1,2,3 keys, you have to press it hard to get it type it on screen. Very annoying. Any advice on how I can trouble shoot this? How do you open the keyboard slot? Anyone have a video or something we can use to acccess the keyboard connectors?

2. When setting up from scratch, there is a missing driver. I can't tell what it is since there is no post on device ID to even identified. In the device manager, it shows as "PCI Simple Communication Controller" No device ID... I've installed everything from MSI website and double checked the driver disc. Nada...

Thanks.

 

When installing a Vertex 3, first thing you want to do is insure it has the lastest Firmware. It's very important you have firmware version '2.0.8'. Then set-up the OS, without the secondary drive in place. Install the secondary after the OS set-up. Also after SSD and OS installation, it's a good idea to run the W.E.I. index, so WIN7 will optimize it's settings for the SSD.

OCZ - Installing an Operating System

OCZ - Firmware Update

Did you create Recovery Disk? If so, install the OS from these and it should resolve driver issues.

As to the keyboard, something is definitely wrong there. As such, I would suggest my neighbor seek an exchange of the unit.

I hope this helps......

 

Striker, I'm glad you decided on the Intel SSD in place of the OCZ. And for a little advice so you don't have to upgrade to the new Bigfoot wireless card, the GT780R only has two antennas, so any three antenna wireless card either doesn't work good at all, or it requires a third antenna mod from GenTech, which to me, wouldn't be as reliable as a good wireless card with only two antenna. Though, that's just my thinking. I could very well be wrong. Haha.

 

Thanks for looking out for me!

 

As striker said, the unit probably has to be replaced.... Just out of curiosity, from where was this unit purchased?

Thanks,

 

OCZ just released Toolbox 2.37 and firmware 2.08. It can be downloaded from the link -=$tR|k3r gave in post 238 on page 24.

 

Zomg I forgot one obvious advantage that the MSI have over the Asus G73. The sound system

 

how is it on the bloatware side?

ALSO!!! More videos on youtube.
This one's from Frosty Computers.
YouTube - ‪MSI GT780R i7 2630QM Laptop Nvidia GTX 560M 1.5 GB DDR5‬&rlm;
YouTube - ‪MSI GT780R i7 2630QM Laptop Nvidia GTX 560M Benchmark tests‬&rlm;

Yet to see real user videos though.

Still waiting on my unit....... Hasn't been shipped yet... QQ

PS: the videos might be redundant for some of y'all's (as information for those of us who've done the homework is the same) but if you're mad excited like me, it might help to bring you back to earth from cloud 9.

 

Thanks for the videos. As for bloatware I am guessing it have a lot of it since GX660 was packed with bloatware. A clean format is a must, atleast for me

 

Now the owner of a GT780R. Hope I made the right choice.

The waiting game begins...

 

Erm.. does that mean you have it on you or waiting for it to be shipped and stuck in limbo like me? BTW this is torture...

On a side note, NBC updated it's review and by update i mean adding like 4 lines. They must really have some sort of a vendetta against MSI though.

 

It could be just the keyboard ribbon loose, you can check the connection by :

1: remove the control bar.

2: remove 5 screws of the keyboard.

3: check the connection or just reconnect it.

For PCI Simple Communication Controller you just need to install Intel® Management Engine (IME) driver form the disk.

 

Hey Ken, as always we appreciate the info, but didn't you forget something?

KEN-shiro's recommended GT780R repair tools!

 

It's been shipped!!! Now, it's time to camp my front door and throw my asus g50vt into the trash bin.

@Striker OMG not that picture again GWAHAHAHAHHAAH!!!!