MSI GE63VR / GE73VR Raider Laptops

Its GTX 1070, and yea was playing battlefield 1 ultra and the fps was 100+ .
2. i did not undervolt my cpu yet.

 

I did not undervolt my cpu yet. will there be decrease in performance if i undervolt?
Cooler boost is loud, but i dont mind if i get lower temps. and it spins at 5454rpm for CPU and 5530 for the gpu. i dont know why gpu fan spins faster. No i did not make a custom fan curve. Is the RPM for custom fan curve higher than the cooler boost? I saw once custom fan curve in dragon centre that i can set the bar upto 150%. i did not try it.
will try undervolting cpu later. for now will play with stock cpu.

 

You won't lose any performance from undervolting your CPU.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

Any GE73 owners that can talk a bit about fan noise during gaming?

It’s my last remaining doubt before biting the bullet. Is it closer to the GS63/73 (acceptable) or to the Razer Blade (unbearable)?

 

I don't own one (yet), but I can guarantee you it's MUCH better than the Blade, and the fan noise is less high-pitched than the GS63/73, also less noisy.
(A good reference you may want to see is Vortez's review of the GE63VR)

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

 

I watched the review a few days ago but don’t recall hearing him talk about fan noise.

 

See at 15:55, If I remember right, There is a moment where he displays the laptop under full load with the sound-o-meter. The wooshing sound of the fans wasn't too bad, in fact even better than most competitors!

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

 

A custom fan curve allows you to adjust at what temp the fans speedup or slow down. If the idle noise is to much you can raise the temp that the fans kick in making your system quieter for email and other easy stuff. For gaming you would set the temp lower so the fans kick in sooner keeping things cooler before they heat up. Easier to keep things cooler than cool them once hot.

 

The GPU fan spins faster because part of its heatpipes are directly connected to the CPU, making it harder to cool during gaming sessions.
No, undervolting the CPU will not decrease its performance, but there is a point where a lower CPU voltage will make the CPU unstable under extreme loads. As long as your undervolt does not go beyond that theshold, you're fine and the CPU's lifespan will increase.

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

 

It is a different pitch than my GT's but quieter. I have open back headset and it is not a problem. If it is irritating for some reason I would recommend a closed back set.

 

I'm looking at the 63VR 1070 Raider vs stealth pro vs the gigabyte p37x. I would prefer the smaller size of the stealth even with the performance lost but the battery just isn't enough. What are you guys getting out of this watching videos and browsing.

 

The extras that I received are: the back pack, mouse pad, stickers, and dragon-toy thing. No I would not pay for any of these. The back pack is designed to carry only laptop, keyboard, and accessories. The mouse pad is big, but I already have one. I would not pay anything for any of these, but I got them for free from GenTechPC.

 

@Kevin@GenTechPC

I have had my GE73VR Raider-045 from GenTech since Friday evening, and I have discovered a few issues with my system.

1.) Coil whine-type noise, very audible, especially as gaming ramps up. I have precisely determined that this is coming from the RAM slots. I have swapped out the RAM with modules that I know are working perfectly, and no matter what RAM I insert, the noise persists. I took off the cover moved my ear to the motherboard, it's definitely the RAM slots.

2.) Coil whine from my power brick. I have had this issue with previously laptops and just tolerated it, but not this time.

3.) I was sent the wrong wifi card. I paid extra for the Intel AC 8265 card, instead I got the Killer card that loads of users online say is crappy.

4.) The MSI logo modification that I paid $39 for, was just a piece of tape. I requested unlit, black, no MSI logo. The unlit part was as expected, but a piece of black tape is not a hardware modification, and not permanent.

I will RMA my laptop for the same, hopefully tomorrow.

 

Ack, sorry to hear you got a lemon! I'm so close to ordering the GE63VR myself. Have you tried to see if disabling CPU C-States in bios gets rid of the coil whine by chance?

 

I did try that. Didn't change.

 

XoticPC want to charge about 70-80 CAD extra for them

Personally I was only really interested in the backpack (I too have no need for the rest as I have all of the relevant items already) but it doesn't seem anything fancy

I'm probably better off buying a third party backpack than pay 80 bucks for the stock one

That said, I just realized that I wanted a coollaboratory liquid ultra paste done to the laptop as well since from what I read online, it will significantly reduce the temps (and thus in turn improve the shelf life and durability of the laptop?)

That'll cost me another 80 bucks as well (hopefully this will be far more worth the cost than the bundle)

I guess I have no choice but to wait then afterall...

 

That sucks because when we order laptops from these resellers, we expect notebooks that are perfect. During the in house testing, Gentech should have heard the coil whine and just scrapped the laptop to send it back to MSI.

I can understand the mishap with the WLAN card and that's a simple fix. I could have sworn the Raiders that Gentech sells come with the Intel 8265 and if you wanted something different you had to pay for that.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

I am seriously considering the MSI GE73VR Raider-045.

I am slightly concerned about the quality concern posted here about various noises.

I am curious about people's thoughts about allows resellers to open and repaste their computers and perform other mods. To me, this seems like this allows them the opportunity to easily send you a unit that has already been returned (for whatever reason) since you are expecting the unit to have been opened. Am I being overly cautious here? The repasting is all I am interested in that would require them to open the seals. I could have them upgrade the drives and memory but I think it might make the most sense to stick with stock and do that later since the reseller sites charge way too much for this.

I am excited about the speakers in this unit. Maybe too much. I would love to hear people's thoughts.

The Raider-045 model comes with GTX 1070, 16G, and 256GB SSD and Windows 10 (not pro). Are these the only differences between the GE73VR models? Because there are strange differences listed on the official MSI site.

https://us.msi.com/Laptop/GE73VR-Raider.html#hero-specification

The webcam (720p and 1080p) and power supply (180W vs 230W, which doesn't seem to align with the 1060/1070) are strange differences. I know the webcam is something stupid to worry about but I do prefer 1080p. Can someone confirm the resolution?

 

You can easily tell whether or not laptop components are new by checking the battery wear and/or the HDD/SSD write cycles. Either way you are almost guaranteed to get a new one.

Out-of-the-box issues are rare when it comes to MSI because their post-production quality control is GOOD. But that doesn't mean you're guaranteed to get a flawless unit! As of now most of the owners in this thread are satisfied, with the exception of (probably?) 2 having a few issues (or thinking they have issues, heat for instance is not an issue as long as it does not exceed 90 degrees). Not to mention the happy silent owners who don't bother visiting forums because their units work as intended

The different specs you see in the official site (Screen, GPU, Webcam) for the same MSI laptop depend on the model number (045 for instance). You'll have to ask the resellers who perform upgrades to the laptops because that is the only way to fully know the exact specs for the unit you are eyeing. Also, 180 vs 230W doesn't really matter unless you are maxxing out the CPU and GPU (GTX 1070) at the same time. Though I thought Raider only comes with a 720p webcam xD

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

 

You can guarantee for a fact that HIDEvolution will give you exactly what you ask for. And in the very off chance something goes wrong, they will take care of it. Just make sure you show respect and patience because you're dealing with human beings. Note: I did not purchase mine from HID, but my next laptop WILL be from them. @Donald@HIDevolution

 

MSI made an error regarding the AC Adapter, and they are in the process of correcting it. If fact, the nVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 comes with 180W and the nVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 comes with 230W. So the GE73VR Raider-045 is 230W. You will see that it is correct on our website.

The webcam is 720p HD.

 

I went to HID and started to customize my machine. Then I saw this.
--
Minimize LCD Backlight Bleed

Hate backlight bleed? Despite the LCD panel manufacturer’s best efforts, backlight bleed on dark backgrounds around the panel edges remains a side effect of the technology, and most IPS/PLS/AHVA/TN and similar types of display panels will exhibit this phenomenon.

Choose this option to have our staff pick the top 20% of panels available for your model line that exhibit less backlight bleed. The panel we choose for you will exhibit less backlight bleed than 4 out of 5 panels of the same model line.Yes, quality check and give me a panel with minimal backlight bleed. +$100.00
--
So if I don't pay them $100 I am pretty much guaranteed to get a laptop that has backlight bleed that is higher than than the best 20%. Doesn't this just seem wrong?

 

"Despite the LCD panel manufacturer’s best efforts, backlight bleed on dark backgrounds around the panel edges remains a side effect of the technology" There is nothing that can be done about this. We get what we get from the manufacturer, be it MSI, ASUS, Gigabyte, Aorus, Lenovo, Alienware...whoever. All IPS and IPS-level screens have this characteristic.

When we get a shipment of say 100 pieces, we inspect them all and put the top 20% on the shelf to be used only for those who get this upgrade.

We are open to suggestions if anyone has a better idea of how to handle it. It has already been suggested that we send those back that exhibit any backlight bleed...this is unfortunately not a feasible alternative.

 

I think it is a fair and honest answer and I don't have a better option. At least it is as transparent as I thought. I can deal with that.

 

As a small tweak on that method to distribute the range of backlight bleed screens, how about the bottom 30% get $100 off their purchase if they are willing to take them - rather than sending them back to the vendor?

That way they've saved $100 and as most people know it's easy to get used to using a display with backlight bleed. Pick colors and backgrounds that hide the bleed, watch videos with brightness turned down or in normal light.

You might find a run on the 30% with most backlight bleed and $100 off selling out before the top 20% with least backlight bleed for an extra $100 are sold out.

That way everyone is happy and fewer laptops get RMA'd for backlight bleed.

 

Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion!

If only the manufacturers would price them that way.

With our disclosure, and upgrade offer, we almost never get returns for backlight bleed. People know what they are getting...upfront...and if they think backlight bleed cannot handled using the methods you suggest, they get the upgrade.

Anecdotally, we have more of an issue selling the 20% upgrade units than selling them with no upgrade. I think people have come to understand what to expect, and how to adjust for it, without spending the extra $100.

 

The most important upgrade you want is the dead pixel policy. The last thing you want on a screen is a dead pixel. Some backlight bleed (ignoring the really atrocious AUO IPS bleeds you've seen on the desktop monitors the last few years, that is NOT "IPS glow") is usually better than having stuck or dead pixels ruining your screen. I don't know if HID combines the dead pixel and backlight bleed upgrades or if they are together, but it's a great idea to buy that service.

Imagine if desktop monitors had these services from Newegg or Amazon? Everyone who had to deal with the dreaded backlight bleed IPS lottery would be buying those guarantees. Yet no one does. Be fortunate you can get it on a laptop.

 

The 'Minimize LCD Backlight Bleed' and 'No Defective Pixel guarantee' are separate upgrades.

 

bleed and coil whine are my biggest concerns with ordering this machine. I was looking at gentech because of their free liquid repaste offer going, but it seems only HIDevolution offers the backlight bleed service

 

I believe coil whine has only been reported by one user. If coil whine is present, then just return it for another unit. If coil whine was common, I don't think Donald from HID would be recommending it.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

First time post - thanks for all the reviews and comments - I bought the GE63VR Raider-075 and have had it for about a week. First impressions:
- Keyboard better than expected. Upgrading from a MSI GE60 (Steelseries 1 keyboard I think) and it is a lot firmer and with less flex.
- Screen better than expected. Read some mixed comments and was a bit apprehensive being used to IPS panels. The screen seems to have way average brightness to me (brighter than my external IPS monitors) with vivid color and good viewing angles. Best TN panel I've seen no question. I've never seen 120Hz before and WOW. Torn between gaming on this screen at up to 120fps or using external 27" 4k monitor - the laptop is pushing some games at good detail on 4k at around 45fps. Good problem to have!
- I wasn't able to find out the details of the m.2 slots before I bought it however now as per post #168 in this thread, one slot is PCIe gen3 x4 and the other is PCIe gen3 x2. This is ideal for me as I planned to use a Samsung EVO 960 in one slot and a WD Blue in the other.
- Fan noise probably a bit louder than I expected but I use a headphones so it isn't a problem.
- Temps out of the box playing Rise of the Tomb Raider peaked at about 82c. I think this is an acceptable temp and not as worried as some others about this level of heat. However I figured I would play around with undervolting to see what happened. Running XTU at -50mV and same game resulted in max temp of 72c.. might as well call that cold! I have a tube of IC diamond which I might try later.
- I have the 230W power pack and it is bigger than any pack I have ever seen for a laptop. The brick weighs about 1.8lbs without the cable.
- Purchase included the gift items - MSI backpack, mouse (DS B1), headset (steelseries siberia 200), mousepad etc. I don't really need any of it but it is a good quality pack IMO.
- Opening up the bottom of the laptop to replace the m.2 sticks and HDD was harder than expected. It has a lot of clip points and after taking all the screws out it didn't play nice and took a while to open up. Also the battery is internal and can't be accessed without taking off the bottom cover. It has one screw holding it in place and can be taken out.

tl;dr Great laptop and very happy with the purchase.

Cheers

 

thank you for the detailed review and about the temperatures, was it with auto fan or cooler boost on? whats your ambient temperature? and please try battlefield 1 single player with ultra preset with and without cooler boost. thank you. i dont know whether this temperature is normal but the cpu corssed over 90C during OOCT test.

 

Nice report...thank you!

The specs for the MSI GE63VR 7RF Raider-075 are 2x PCIe NVMe Gen3 x4. What are you using to determine one is Gen3 x2?

 

As far as I've seen on Youtube, it's written inside the slot.

Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

 

The GE73VR Raider-045 7RF I have from GenTech has Gen3 x4 and x2 for M.2 slots. He's talking about the 63VR though so maybe different.

 

Here is my build that I have in my cart from HIDevolution. Thoughts?

Custom Built MSI GE73VR Raider-045 17.3" w/ nVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070

• Minimize LCD Backlight Bleed - Yes, quality check and give me a panel with minimal backlight bleed. - $100.00
  • I need to look at this thing for 3 years and I want it to be good
• Display Warranty - 30 Days Zero Defective Pixel Warranty (perfect panel guarantee) - $35.00
  • see above
• Thermal Paste - Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra 100% Metal Thermal Interface on CPU, IC Diamond on GPU - BEST PERFORMANCE - $50.00
  • I hope this is worth it....
• Memory - G.SKILL Ripjaws 32GB Dual Channel DDR4/2666MHz (2 x 16GB) - installed by HIDevolution - $275.00
  • I want dual channel and 2666MHz because I have read both can give you 3 or 4 FPS in some games
• M.2 PCIe x4 or SATA SSD Slot 1 - Samsung 960 EVO 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 3D-VNAND SSD - Up to 3,200 MB/s Read-1,900 MB/s Write - installed by HIDevolution - $480.00
  • I'm not sure on this but I have read high capacity is good for both performance and endurance... and I don't want to immediately worry about where I store things. I am on the fence about NVME...
• 2.5" Drive Bay - Empty HDD bay (with caddy/adapter) - -$30.00
  • lighter weight, less noise, space to install what I want/need later, save 30
• Wireless Cards -Intel® Wireless-AC 8265 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n 2x2 NGFF w/ Bluetooth 4.2 - installed by HIDevolution - $30.00
  • have read a lot that says Killer has unreliable connections
• Operating System Clean Install - Yes, Clean Install of Windows - $15.00
  • 15 dollars to not do this myself.... why not?

It's a little pricey but it should be the best performance and run the coolest. Any thoughts?

 

I hope you and most of people who complains about the killer network card are wrong, because I've ordered mine from gentech with the killer 1535, and now I'm very worried about it...

 

It should be a very easy and inexpensive replacement if it is a real problem. Of all the possible wrong choices, this seems like the best one to make.

I spoke with @Donald@HIDevolution on the phone. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. I have decided to go with this 2 drive (SATA, not NVME) RAID0 drive configuration for the best performance for a normal user with fast boot times.

RAID 0 (Striping - Best Performance)
M.2 SATA or PCIe SSD (for RAID configurations)
HIDevolution Approved 1024GB (2 x 512GB) M.2 SATA SSD

It will save me a good amount of money and is exactly what I was looking for. Now I just need to close my eyes and click the button to buy it! lol

 

An Intel 8265 is $20 from a reputable ebay seller (and I think they let you buy 2 for $30), so that's something that should be far down your list of worries. And I've been hearing that Killer has improved their drivers drastically recently, so you shouldn't have issues, especially if you only install the drivers and not the software. I'd try that with the newest drivers first, before you cry wolf about Killer's spotty past. And don't think Intel hasn't had its problems either---they've had some real stinkers of wifi cards in the past...

The explosion of the esports and overclocking scenes is what caused Intel to step up their game, because gamers need good wifi on the go.

 

So, we checked and MSI specs are incorrect...you are correct. Both the GT73VR and GT63VR Raider models have one each Gen3 x4 and x2.

We will update our website shortly to reflect this correction.

 

I *was* going to get (2) 500 GB Samsung 960 Evo, but now I'm getting (1) 1 TB Samsung 960 Evo. It's actually on sale right now for $360, you can find details on Slickdeals.net

 

@ordinary Did you keep the stock thermal paste or did you re-paste?

I should have read closer. You said you might try it later.

 

@Donald@HIDevolution silly question - why do you guys not offer a liquid paste service for both GPU/CPU? I can't find any literature about why putting non-liquid metal paste on the GPU would be superior.

 

Not worth the risk of frying your board.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

Not seeing why the risk is any different between CPU/GPU here considering other builders like gentechpc offer the service for both components.

 

LM on GPU has fried the GPU before. They decided it's not worth the risk. Some of the GPU's they put LM On wound up frying after rough movement by users. GPU's have tons of tiny resistors around the slug. A lot of them (or inductors or whatever). If even one micro drop of LM touches that, you have a conductive ball of doom destroying your GPU. CPU's only have a very few, most much further away from the slug. And LM on GPU's will only lower temps by about 5C compared to IC diamond. It's not worth the risk and the RMA's.

 

Yup, what they all said.

We stopped offering Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra (CLU) on the GPU because we had a few GPU's overheating after some time. Not only that, but the CLU would become runny (like water) and run down to the resistors causing them to fall right off. This is not covered under the manufacturer's warranty if it happens.

We could apply it, but we would be responsible for the GPU overheating (more than usual) or just not working after some time, and we are not willing to take that risk, nor do we recommend that anyone should do it.

It simply does not offer enough reward to offset the risks.

 

gsus, could you guys stop making me crazy about choises that I made?! I've ordered the Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra on CPU/ GPU...

 

I think you've already confirmed this but I'm going by one slot being clearly marked as x4 and one as x2. I haven't explicitly tested them. I'll upload a photo if anyone is interested once I've opened it up again.

 

Take it easy and don't over think it. I have liquid ultra and doing fine. There are any number of things that can go wrong with a system. It is more likely I will drop my system and crack the LCD than have an issue with the thermal paste. If your goal with the system is to run stress test and games at the thermal limits then maybe there is a better choice. After a year I generally will re-paste and at that time I will most likely not choose metal since I will be doing it. Enjoy your new system.... use it within it's normal operating parameters and worry more about handling your system in a way that protects in from rough handling that is more likely to cause problems.