*** The Official MSI GS65 Stealth Owners and Discussions Lounge ***

Hi,
I’m seriously considering buying the MSI GS65 8RF because I need a new laptop. Unfortunately, I cannot buy it thought a reseller that offers custom mods/parts like HIDevolution, as I live in Europe and don’t want to send the laptop overseas and go thought customs in case I have a problem with it. I prefer to have local guaranty as I find it more convenient. Therefore, I would order it thought Amazon or any other shop with the basic configuration (1 x 16 GB 2400 MHz + 1 x 512 Gb M.2 SSD NVMe PCIe) and then upgrade it by myself (I don't have a problem with that as I'm experienced in building custom computers). My plan was to upgrade it to 2 x 16 GB G.Skill RipJaws DDR4-2666 MHz (to have dual channel and faster response memory and because I need 32 Gb) and maybe install another 512 Gb SSD drive to configure a RAID 0. My questions are:

1. Is it worth replacing the 16 Gb 2400 MHz module that comes in place with the 2 x 16 Gb 2666 MHz or would it be better to add just another 16 GB 2400 MHz module to have 32 Gb? Will I notice any appreciable difference in performance between the two 2400 MHz modules and the two 2666 MHz modules considering both configuration would run in dual channel?
2. Is there anything special I would have to do in order to have dual channel memory apart from installing 2 modules or is it automatic?
3. Performance wise, is it worth adding a second SSD drive just to have RAID 0, considering 512 Gb is more than enough for my needs? Is there any noticeable performance gain with RAID 0 versus just one SSD drive with no raid? I know from experience that RAID 0 in the old HDD world makes a great difference, but I don't know if it applies to SSDs too.

Thank you very much in advance

 

@Skylake_

Please don't push this as something to do, it's a completely unnecessary risk when a simple and safe -100mV or better undervolt will get the thermals down 10c at 100% load, and get you out of thermal throttling.

Not using DGC is recommended, but an undervolt is all you should need to drop the thermals enough to stop thermal throttling, along with other tuning (fan, FPS limiter to display refresh, core multipliers if available) you should be able to get the temperature under control without the risks involved with patching your BIOS / removing power safe limits.

Unlocking the power limits and tricking the laptop into allowing more than 45w constantly used by the CPU is not safe.

Even on a full frame laptop with maximum cooling like the GT75 this is pushing the laptop well past design limits and is dangerous there too.

Please heed @Falkentyne 's warnings, he means them:

"DO NOT BLAME ME IF YOU BRICK YOUR LAPTOP BY DOING THIS.
this is at your own risk!! EXPERIENCED USERS ONLY."

DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Doing this on the GS65 stealth is UNTESTED. "

It's just not worth it. Spend time tuning your laptop with an undervolt first, and take that as far as it will go before taking the risk of re-pasting or patching your BIOS.

 

First, a number of boutique sellers also offer configurations through Amazon, and will when requested do a custom build and sell it through Amazon so you have protections offered by Amazon.

I myself purchase retail only, and do the work myself, as I like buying from a local shop - brick and mortar - where I can build a relationship over years that helps us both out in the long run.

But, if you don't have a local shop, then you might as well take advantage of the best of both Amazon and a boutique shop.

1) For Intel CPU's it's not been smooth going for running higher clocked DDR4 in laptops, MSI too. If you want to expand memory on your own, then I recommend using CPU-Z to read the make/model info (SPD tab) and order the same for expansion. If you order from a boutique seller and they offer faster memory that they've tested to work then ask and they will replace the existing memory with the faster memory, for a price.

2) If there's only 2 memory slots then yes it's automatic, if there are 4 slots you need to find out how they are paired.

3) Even though NVME and RAID0 measure faster in benchmarks, for most user level application / game use you won't notice much improvement "wall time" - actual time waiting - over M.2 SATA SSD vs HDD, and M.2 SATA SSD runs cooler than M.2 PCIE x4 NVME and M.2 SATA costs about 1/2 as much for the same storage size, so I recommend SATA M.2 - as far as RAID0 when I run that I use full image backups in case it fails, which is rare but has happened. You could simply run one as C drive and the other as the application / data storage drive instead of using RAID0 to combine storage devices.

Congratulations on your new laptop, and good luck. Please come back and post your experience when you are ready.

 

I thought TDP was only related to thermals. If you increase the TDP without touching anything else and without overvolting, wouldn't the power that the CPU sucks maintain the same? I'm just asking, I have no idea.

 

I posted a review here if anyone is interested: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/20439-msi-gs65-review/

 

As the CPU draws more power it will generate more heat, there is no getting away from that.

So unlocking the power limits and allowing the CPU to draw more power than 45w long term will create heat that the laptop can't expel causing heat to build up and CPU temperature to rise, and in laptops with limited cooling that happens quickly.

 

Thank you very much for your answers

Going back to the first point, I think the laptop has been built to support 2666 Mhz modules (as the Aero 15x v8), but it's just MSI that sells the computers with 2400 Mhz modules in my country (maybe to cut prices on). Considering this, It's still unclear to me if it would be worth it the extra cost of buying 2 new 16 Gb @ 2666 Mhz modules instead of buying just one 16 Gb module to couple with the existing one (of course the latest will have to be of the same brand and specifications as the one that comes installed by default).

Regarding the shopping options, I was thinking about the regional amazon on my country (not amazon.com) or any other local shops, maybe I didn't explain well. They all offer the same configurations, and we only have two options: 1 x 16 Gb RAM @ 2400Mhz + 1 x 512 Gb NVME SSD (around 2.300 €)
2 x 16 Gb RAM @ 2400Mhz + 2 x 512 Gb NVME SSD (around 3.000 €)

Thanks

 

I completely agree with you in the conclusion, increasing the power the CPU draws will translate in more heat problems. But I thought TDP had nothing to do with the power the CPU draws, I thought they were completely different settings and concepts. Maybe I'm wrong

 

It's possible you can go through memory make / models in the 2666mhz range to find a pairing that works with the MSI motherboard, but it may not be the same make / model that Gigabyte motherboard finds compatible.

Laptop BIOS's don't usually have memory timing's available to tune to make your memory under test work properly. The BIOS has built in timings for supported memory, and limited XMP settings supported. The BIOS would need to be updated to support additional memory.

Unless you have access to a wide range of memory kits that you can test for compatibility, and then be able to return the ones that don't work, you may in the end be frustrated - which is why I mentioned matching higher speed DDR4 memory in Intel laptops hasn't been smooth going.

There really isn't much performance advantage going from 2400mhz to 2666mhz, likely only measurable via a specific memory test, but won't show up in apps / games. It's likely not worth the trouble.

Plus you are now "stuck" holding on to the single 16GB 2400mhz memory to swap back in for RMA or resale later.

If you could run 3000mhz / 3200mhz memory then maybe it might start being worth doing, but even then it's only going to be a couple of FPS difference in games. I doubt that would work.

You could open a ticket with MSI to ask what memory is compatible with your model, and ask if 2666mhz or higher speed memory is supported.

Amazon US might ship to your region, and most boutique shops will do international shipments and international support.

 

Power draw in watts is what matters for actual heat generation, and for 45w Intel CPU's that are locked will reduce power down to right at 45w power draw after the Turbo Timeout expires.

" Thermal design power. ... The thermal design power (TDP), sometimes called thermal design point, is the maximum amount of heat generated by a computer chip or component (often the CPU or GPU) that the cooling system in a computer is designed to dissipate under any workload."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_design_power

When you are unlocking the power limits you are unlocking the power draw limit, not the thermal design point limit. The thermal design point (power) or TDP matches Intel's specification for power draw.

 

OK, it makes sense now. As the TDP of this CPU is 45 W and they were talking about it, I understood they just meant increasing the TDP in the BIOS, not increasing the power draw. I didn't know the power draw was also 45 W, I was confused.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

That would be pretty cool if a BIOS setting could increase the laptops power dissipation potential.

 

Thank you again.
I would then buy just another 16 Gb @ 2400 stick to couple with the one that comes integrated and have 32 @ 2400 dual channel. I understand upgrading to 2666 Mhz is not worth it specially taking into account that I would have to leave spare the old module in case I have to return the laptop. The RAID 0 upgrade won't be worth either as you said there would be no noticeable performance improvement and I'm OK with 512 Gb.
I have seen HIDevolution offers a configuration with 2666 MHz but they don't specify the brand, so I don't know which one would be compatible. Anyway, I prefer to shop in a retail shop or in a regional online shop that offers local guaranty in my country, just for the commodity in case I have any problem.

 

I know the desire to install faster memory is strong, and if you have the time and resources it can be fun, but you could wait and use what it comes with for a while until you can find compatible 2666mhz memory make / model info confirmed by owners here (or elsewhere). Let someone else go first, and then you are sure it will work for you first time.

Anyone here running 2666mhz memory? Can you please use CPU-Z and post the make / model of the memory in the SPD tab? Please post a screenshot of the SPD and memory tab's in CPU-Z too.

 

Well, I read somewhere that it was possible to reduce the TDP of the Core i7-8850H to 35W througth cTDP-down (reducing also the performance, of course, but I don't know what cTDP-down is and how it could be achieved), so I thought I would be possible to increase it also . My mistake

 

Here is a pdf with some description for cTDP starting on page 83, section 5.1.4:

8th Gen (S-platform) Intel® Processor Family Datasheet Vol.1
https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...cessor-family-s-platform-datasheet-vol-1.html

 

Hey guys how’s your hinges holding up? I keep seeing some gs63 binge breaks on reddit and it makes me worried. My GS65 opens easily with one finger and isn’t very stiff at all

 

So far I haven't heard any issues with them so far. Hopefully it isn't a ticking time bomb type issue.

 

Mine has been fine. It's a different hinge so probably no cause for concern. If anything, it's way better than the GS60/63 because it actually keeps the lid shut. The older models all had issues with a gap or a little play when holding it sideways.

 

Received my GS 65 today- first thoughts after several hours on it;
I have to admit I was nervous about the build quality after reading reviews about flexible areas. I am happy to report those report are blown way out of proportion. My old laptop is a HP envy [best one they made back then] that's about 4-5 years old, and every single area has more flex than the GS65 has. This machine is sturdy in my opinion and I'm very pleasantly surprised after reading all the flex reports. If you're on the fence about this laptop because of build quality feel free to contact me for more details - its very solid.

I do have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. The screen coloring isn't as good as my old HP. I'm sure it can be adjusted I just have no idea how to and would appreciate any help! Here's how I would describe it compared to the HP with both sitting side by side. the whites aren't as white, blacks aren't as black, overall the color doesn't seem as rich or deep as the old machine. I'm sure this screen is a way better screen but the colors just aren't there can anyone help with that? I tried going into intels screen adjustments but it didn't help at all. The HP screen is a LG Phillips LGD03fB but I cant find more info about it.

 

Mine feels fine. Opens with just the right amount of resistance.

 

With regard to the screen, the GS65 does not have an IPS panel. It’s “IPS like”. It’s pretty good but not as bright or color accurate. Plus, it’s an AUO panel. In my personal experience their panels never have good color accuracy and often have backlight bleed

 

The GS65's panel is AHVA that is "similar" to IPS. Probably the panel of your HP is glossy?

Dragon Center has some color profiles and settings for the display, try to deal with it.

 

Hello guys, I can't find the answer to the next question: is it safe and ok to use the GS65 with closed lid? I wonna replace my PC with notebook (at the moment - GS65 is my first choice) to be more mobile when I need to but at workplace I actually won't need laptop's LCD (will use external one), so it can be fully closed. Does the closed lid effects the cooling system and this scenario won't work? Thanks a lot for your answers.

 

IDK specifically about the GS65, but in general it's a bad idea to run with the lid closed due to heat build up. It can cause internal temperature to rise.

I usually run with the lid down as far as it will go before turning off the laptop, usually leaving about an inch or so gap which is enough for cooling and enough to remove the distraction of the display raised fully.

 

This is an interesting question that worries me, too, because I still haven't received the GS 65...
GS65 has top and bottom intake holes, so I think that if you close the lid it will get air intake from the bottom.
In general, I don't think that keeping the display next to hot surface is a good idea... but Mac users do it usually, so I don't know really.

 

Question concerning the GS65 power adapter. It's rated 180w. Is that sufficient? I recall the Surface Book 2 15" power adapter was rated similarly and the battery would drain even when plugged in since the power adapter was too small. And it contained an inferior CPU & GPU. Other vendors are supplying 215w or even 230w adapters for their laptops which contain this exact same set of hardware

 

I have mine set to display only on the external monitor. I keep the lid open but the laptop display itself is off.

 

Here’s a snapshot from HWinfo
Crucial Ballistix 2666 dual channel

 

You could try a higher capacity adapter, but be aware most of the time these days there are limits built into the firmware that keep the power draw to that of the approved / designed sized power draw, so it might run cooler but the laptop won't draw more power from it.

 

Thank you Sam. @Xatanú you could order a set of these and see if you can get it to work. IDK if there are BIOS changes added to support the memory by the vendor, perhaps Sam can ask them if a friend can just swap in this memory into his GS65 and will it work without firmware/BIOS changes.

Update: As @Derek712 noticed it looks like even this 2666mhz memory is only running at 2400mhz ( 1197.7mhz * 2 = 2395.4mhz ). I'd complain to the vendor and ask them to make it work at 2666mhz, or get a partial refund for the extra you paid for 2666mhz memory.

 

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone else that I’d be able to swap memory sticks with but MSI’s website states the GS65 is compatible with both DDR4-2400 and DDR-4 2666. I looked around in the bios and didn’t see anything specific for the RAM so I’d assume it’s plug and play.

 

Weird that it's not running at 2666 for you. They must have it set to 2400 in the bios. I bet if you unlocked it, it would work fine. Probably negligible effect on performance though.

 

It’s in dual channel mode. Each individual stick clocks at 1333x2 making it 2666.

 

Right but at the bottom the clock says 1200

 

Oh I see. Maybe because I wasn’t plugged in and sitting idle? I’ll verify when I get back home this evening.

Or if anyone can fill us in on why it’s showing up at 1200mhz, that would be great.

 

Go into your BIOS then go to the OC tab and then go to the bottom, you will see the memory stuff. Tell us what profile is it using? Default?

take a screenshot if you can and tell us your RAM part number. Use CPU-Z then go to the SPD tab to get that info

 

Thanks for the response. I will download cpu-z this evening and report back.

Since this cpu isn’t unlocked, there is no oc menu in the bios.

 

1200MHz * 2 = 2400MHz which is normal for someone using stock MSI RAM. I'm using 32GB and it shows up as Hyundai HMA82GS6AFR8N-UH.

https://www.skhynix.com/products.view.do?vseq=2210&cseq=75



I doubt they went with 2666MHz parts from MSI, those with those parts probably got an "upgrade" from their authorized reseller or did it themselves.

 

I bought mine with Crucial 2666 from HIDevolution.

 

As @Derek712 noticed it looks like even this 2666mhz memory is only running at 2400mhz ( 1197.7mhz * 2 = 2395.4mhz ).

I'd complain to the vendor support and ask them to make it work at 2666mhz, or get a partial refund for the extra you paid for 2666mhz memory.

 

Oops. Waste of money.

A couple options:

- Wait for a BIOS update that adds XMP compatibility for those sticks.
- "Unlock" your BIOS (not sure if possible yet with this model - I know I could with my Razer Blade 14) so you can tune your RAM timings/settings.
- Wait and use glorious 2400MHz speed until you can do one of the above.

 

Yes you can unlock the bios manually.
There is no XMP in the bios. The XMP profile shows as greyed out or inactive. You have to set everything manually.

 

The cooling system in notebook is often designed with up to 10 or 15% thermal headroom over Intel's thermal specifications (dust build up etc). + the cooling is designed to be used in different Computer environments. Normally in the range of 0°C to 35°C. And most OEM's have put environment temperature of max 35C degrees as within specs. If you run your computer home and ambient temp is a lot lower than what max specs says (35°C), means that you have some more thermal headroom for increasing the power limits. If you use a thermal paste as etc Liquid metal and the notebooks heatsink, pipes and grills isn't on the border regarding thermal saturated, you can even get some more headroom before overheating. Put all and everything under same flag ain't nice.

 

just noticed that after about a week of usage, there is a slight bend in the screen where I put my thumb to open the laptop, causing a 1mm gap when the laptop is closed

edit: actually, the entire laptop seems to have a slight bend upwards in the middle

 

So from what I’ve read so far, DDR4 is 2400 mt/s, or 1200 per stick which is what’s showing. I don’t know where the 2666 plays into that.

Can @Donald@HIDevolution or anyone else shed some light on this?

 

I'd contact HIDevolution's tech support not Donald for these kinda things. He's a salesman not a technician

 

Will do. Thank you.

 

Pure DDR4 2400 ram (2x1200mhz).

Btw... Msi specs... https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GS65-Stealth-Thin-8RF/Specification

DDR4 2400/2666 support. Exactly within Intels specs.

Definition of: MT/sec. MT/sec. (MegaTransfers per SECond) A measurement of bus and channel speed in millions of "effective" cycles per second. Also written as " MT/ s," it is a rating of the actual, delivered speed rather than the frequency of the clock.

 

Thanks for the response. So is the 2666 just the speed at which DDR4 transfers 2400mt/s?