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

By the way, on Dave 2D's review video of the MSI GS65, you can clearly see that he is playing Overwatch (on 3:53) with 144 FPS. Since he has vsync on, i also think that fps should go above 150 fps. Something is off here.

 

Try disabling or uninstalling Geforce experience. Some people are reporting they are having issues while having this on.

 

VERY easy!

Click 'upload a file' and attach it to your post, then click 'show as full image' (not thumbnail).
Another way is to make an account on imgur.com and then upload them there and post the 'direct links' here for us.
Takes 60 seconds to make an account there.

when you do what the above poster says and clear the yellow boxes BEFORE loading the game, then run the game in borderless, play, when you feel throtte, alt tab, to throttlestop, put it in front with limit reasons showing, and screenshot it.

 

A new version of the Nvidia Graphics driver was released several days ago. It's 397.31. Maybe an update would fix your problem? It has to be manually updated.

 

I've tested as you suggested:
1) FPS is around 80 with dragon center on and current profile, change to performance profile slightly improved FPS but not much. Turning off dragon center FPS goes up to 100-110 but nowhere near the 144hz limit on the laptop display.
2) I may be wrong but I think this comes with 2x8gb but I couldn't be sure.
3) Windows defender was never running, I had norton security, but I also disabled it when testing this.

The stutter is not there anymore, but I'm not sure how to get the FPS up.

 

Thanks, I did update the driver to the latest but it didn't improve the performance.

 

@Lazorous please read my last post and attach the screenshot or post the imgur link.

 

Take a look at this. It shows that some games take a hit (up to %40 percent which is crazy high!) from using only one RAM stick. That MIGHT be the case here. I think 16 gb variant of the msi gs65 comes with a single stick but i'm not sure.

 

Here are the image file
https://imgur.com/4X7Mk0o

https://imgur.com/T4NWJHE

 

It looks like you are thermal throttling on CPU side. You should most definitely undervolt your CPU by -120mV, and then try again, it has been explained on the previous posts on this thread, you can check out those. Lowering your temps under 90 degrees should help with the throttling.

 

Thanks, that's very good comparison. Still gtx1070 max-q should get 10% performance improvement vs gtx1060.

I installed Intel XTU to monitor the thermal throttle, which showed the CPU is thermal throttled pretty much the entire time the game is on. This is quite disappointing as I replaced my Asus because of the thermal problem!!!

I will try to down volt the CPU and see if that would reduce the thermal problem.

 

How are the viewing angles from the top and bottom? Any color distortion?

 

I'm worried about the DeltaE about blue color confirmed even on the final release, according to the review mentioned by @Audicted
He didn't specify if this can be solved with color calibration...

 

Is the laptop Windows hello compatible? Does it have a fingerprint scanner?

Sent from my RS988 using Tapatalk

 

Got it.
Wow
Your bios has PROCHOT set to 90C.
Usually its supposed to be 99C or 98C.
So thats causing thermal throttling.
Only fix is to either undervolt, or do a repaste with decent thermal compound (Coolermaster Gel Maker Nano is VERY highly recommended by me and brother @Papusan ).

 

It is not Windows Hello compatible yet. Tech reviewers said it might have fingerprint functionality in the future but I'm not sure if it's going to be a hardware change or a future firmware update.

 

This video review shows how and how much the chassis bends even clicking on the trackpad, for instance. In the first reviews, it seemed to bend worse, honestly.
...I would definitely 3d print a custom rear grid because that is horrible and feels "cheap" IMHO lol

 

Any updates on display's response time? I doubt that this is real ~7ms display.

Also, is the brightness really that low(250nits)?
Gigabyte Aero 15x uses same panel but it has 300nits.

 

No, Aero 15X uses a LG Panel (LGD05C0); GS 65 uses an AUO Panel b156han08.0.

 

No, Aero 15x is shipped with each different(at least two) panel. Mine is with AUO's, although I forgot the model name and I can't check the brightness in nits since I have no equipment to check that.

 

Even if bios has PROCHOT set to 90 C, can the OEM put in other throttling algorithms that enter before this temperature(who override set PROCHOT temp). Have seen other cripple it this way and throttling start way before. Awful seing how they destroy notebooks this way. BGA is very bad in it's self but crippled firmware on top like this make it even worse. If this is possible

 

Yes the EC can force anything it wants!

 

Thank you, but excuse my lack of knowledge, what's PROCHOT? can I change this?

I've tried undervolt to -150ms so far and it seems to improve the FPS performance when playing on the laptop screen. still getting thermal throttle but the FPS is much higher and more stable around 130 to 140. I'm going to try undervolting a bit more to see if it helps.

As for repaste, since is this brand new laptop I'm not entirely comfortable opening it and potentially void the warranty. I'm going to contact either the shop or MSI to see if they would let me swap a new machine. I paid $AUD3000 for this laptop and I expect it to work just out of box without much issue since it's marketed as a performance gaming machine.

Also the machine does get hot especially the bottom, feels like 50 to 60 degrees celsius or more. I have a laptop stand which the machine sits with mesh wire for ventilation so it's not flat on the desk, still it gets quite hot.

I read that maybe turning off turbo boost will reduce heat further but I don't feel I should wear the sub performance for a laptop costing this much.

 

Viewing angle top and bottom seem fine not much colour distortion.

 

I'd love for you to outline any non-BGA alternatives that are around 4lbs. with similar performance?

 

LOL sorry guy, I didn't notice this. So Gigabyte sent a "better" (?) panel to reviewers (LG) but solds it with other panels like an year ago with Aero 15.

Are we sure that the GS65 is manufactured with the AUO panel only?

This is interesting because we could pick up the Pantone color profile from an Aero 15X

 

@Lazorous Check if the overwatch performance increases from single to dual channel. (Check your ram configuration to check if this is possible). According to this, the difference is massive:

https://us.battle.net/forums/en/overwatch/topic/20753727800

 

Thank you for the info, I think I have the single channel, but according to Dave 2D this laptop is difficult to get into. I'm going to contact MSI and see if they can tell me exactly what I have and what options I have to upgrade it.

Still, Dave 2D gets 144 FPS on a supposedly same machine, well he said he got the engineer's testing sample so they might have given him a better spec machine for review.

Having said that my friend who has Aero 15x v8, which is pretty much identical spec to this can get consistent 144hz and I believe that is also a single channel ram, but at 2666mhz rather than the 2400mhz.

 

Download and open CPU-Z, go to SPD tab and check if there's only 1 slot occupied or 2 slots. If there's only 1 slot showed as occupied and if CPU-Z is not saying "Dual Channel", you have only 1 RAM stick.

In Italy, the deliver is expected to be on May 18th 2018, so at the moment I can only watching you playing with this baby monster

 

PROCHOT = PROCESSOR HOT.
Control CPU Performance With ThrottleStop
Not everyone might be interested in just keeping their CPU temperatures lower. Some people might not want the CPU performance to get affected due to these high temperatures. So, if you’re one of them, you should disable “BD PROCHOT” by unchecking the box. It basically stands for bi-directional processor hot. This might sound complicated, but we’ll let you know what that is.

CPU is not the only component in your laptop generating all the heat. The graphics chip inside your laptop generates a good amount of heat especially during long gaming sessions. This essentially increases the overall temperature of your laptop. As a result of this, CPU temperature also goes upwards.

Intel introduced this BD PROCHOT feature, so that if another component like your graphics chip is running very hot, it would be able to send a PROCHOT signal directly to the CPU and force it to cool down by throttling. As a result, the entire laptop cools down. By disabling BD PROCHOT, your CPU will may perhaps continue running at its full speed, even if the temperatures of other components in your system are running pretty hot. All depends on if the engineers have put in other nasty sensors.

No reason to cripple performance. Intel's specs sheets say 100C. DESIGN BEFORE FUNCTIONALITY / PERFORMANCE. Never a good solution.

 

Thank you, I did what you suggested, on Memory tab it says channel # Single. On the SPD tab only slot 3 is occupied but it also says Ranks Dual. I don't know what ranks is but I assume given only one slot is occupied and it says single as channel #, that this is single channel ram.

Let's see if it's easy to install another ram.

Apart from the thermal throttle and the FPS been a bit low, this is an excellent machine. I really like the keyboard, the CPU performance is significantly better than last gen.

I have a bit more testing to do but so far I've managed to undervolt by -200mv and had no problem so far. I use Intel XTU to do the undervolting and did a good amount of stress test. With the CPU undervolted the machine hardly experience any thermal throttle! The FPS is much more stable with playing on the laptop screen, it can still move between 120 to 150, but the game runs smoothly no stuttering. So I'm now happy with it. The extra benefit of undervolting is the fan no longer need to run very fast so the fan noise is much much lower.

I haven't had the chance to test the FPS on my benq 240hz monitor and see how the FPS is after undervolting. I'll come back and update after I test it.

 

It's going to be a little more challenging than normal but it's doable. I haven't written a teardown guide for this model yet but from what I understand, it's very similar to previous models. Here's a guide I wrote for the last model for reference and to see what you're getting into: http://www.ultrabookreview.com/12757-upgrade-ram-ssd-msi-gs73/

 

FYI MSI's own spec sheets say they are using dual channel RAM across the board (2*8 or 2*16) so you may have a case for a return/etc. if you are not seeing the performance you want:

https://us.msi.com/Laptop/GS65-Stealth-Thin-Intel-8th-Gen/Specification

I'm wondering if that was the plan all along but then they realized it would be "cheaper" to just use all 16GB sticks (1x for 16GB models and 2x for 32GB models) and not buy any 8GB sticks.

 

Some review units also have the single RAM. Here is a detailed review (around min 7:00) that compares how the performance is impacted due to single 16GB RAM.

 

So, the consensus is that this laptop has a lot of potential due to its specs, but its performance is capped by how hot it gets under load. Is the Aero 15x a better option in that regard?

Sent from my RS988 using Tapatalk

 

A great testimonial for @Donald@HIDevolution !!

I've pre-ordered somewhere else and I am thinking about switching my THIN-053 pre-order to HID to have them install Thermal Grizzly and Pads.

My concern is anyone opening up the computer from factory. While I'm not doubting HID evolution's expertise, it is going to be a brand new model, each laptop has a specific order of cabling, tape, etc... I'm concerned everything won't be put back the same and I don't want to void any warranty from MSI. Also the other place is offering a free headset, I really need one as my PUBG crew is getting angry at me for my garbage mic and current setup ha.

I've heard bad things about other companies other than HID, where they open laptops and because everything has to be put back exactly as is etc sometimes there are complications in the chassis being loose, or screen bleeding etc because things were not put back 100% I imagine this has to do with a number of factors as well.

I appreciate @Donald@HIDevolution, he has been quick to answer on this forum and seems like he knows his stuff! If the rest of the company is as knowledgeable as him this eases some concern for me.

I don't mean to put anyone on the spot, I'm looking for you to convince me to switch and put me at ease as I would probably benefit greatly from the Thermal pads and grease!

 

I don't see how they could cause backlight bleed by opening it up. The screen either has it or it doesn't. And it'll look worse one day over the next totally at random. Thin lids with IPS screens have always had this issue.

As for the chassis feeling loose? I'm not sure how HID, Gentech or Xotic could have a widespread issue of this sort. They probably take apart a hundred laptops for every one I do, so I'm sure they know what they are doing. They're human though, so I guess it's possible. I've been listening to various threads on this forum for years now and I've never heard of this being an issue with any of them.

But I can tell you from experience that some laptops straight from the factory feel looser than others. Those are assembled by humans too, and they care even less than the resellers do because they don't have to directly deal with returns.

Speaking of returns, the resellers also have to deal with that. So you'll see more negative comments directed at them on these forums because some people feel they need to put them in the spot, especially since they have a presence here. You don't see people calling out Newegg or Best Buy because they aren't listening to you here. I take those negative comments with a grain of salt because I think some people are just trying to justify returning their laptop as a "defect". Not all - many are probably legit but we'll never really know how many.

 

That's the whole point of my post - MSI is misrepresenting the actual configuration that endusers are receiving - therefore those with single channel RAM have a potential case for a return since they are claiming dual channel (2*8 and not 1*16).

 

why not just add 1 stick

not like 100 on a 2000 dollar purchase hurts

 

I think it's a matter of some people are hesitant to open the laptop.

 

Thanks for this. I'm not sure if that can be used as a reason. I'm in Australia so I checked the Australian MSI site:
https://au.msi.com/Laptop/GS65-Stealth-Thin-8RF/Specification

It stats 2400, 2666, 2 slots max 32GB. I agree with you that it maybe their plan so they didn't state whether it is 1x16gb or 2x8gb.

Also on the page right down bottom they said:
”1. The specifications may differ from areas and we keep the right to change without notice. Please check the specific Specification with your local dealers.”

After spending more time tickering with the machine undervolting is definitely the way to go for me.

 

I’m not sure that's the consensus, my friend and I have the Aero 15 and GS 65. Both has it's pros and cons. We like different aspects of the each laptop so it's really down to individuals. The ram is definitely higher spec on Aero but the keyboard is better, in my opinion, on GS65.

As for the over heating, undervolting pretty much get rid of it. My friend also has to crank up the fans on Aero 15 to fastest and loud to reduce the thermal throttle. He is testing the undervolting so if you want to know more I'll come back and update the forum.

 

Actually, I had the same concern since I want LM repasted on the CPU and GPU, and I sent an e-mail to ask @Donald@HIDevolution. He replied, "you can rest assured that any upgrades that we perform will be covered under warranty... Yes, any leakage of LM will be covered by your warranty. However I can tell you have haven’t had a single warranty claim for LM leakage" I guess the HIDevolution will take care of the warranty because they open the laptop.
Hope this helps. And always, you can ask him before placing your order. He seems to be a nice guy and responds quickly.

 

Thank you for your response Derek! --These are things I have heard from various people, which was the reason for my post. I don't really trust things I just hear, I tend to ask people who actually know, which is why I posted here.

I appreciate you for clarifying some things. And so I am clear as well, my intentions were to open a topic of discussion and not put anyone on the spot. I hope this was evident in my post. I value the opinions of people that actually have experience in a certain field of expertise, as in this forum.

And I agree with you, I think some people do come up with false defects for returns. We are living in an "Amazon" age where you can claim anything you want and the re-seller is stuck dealing with the return and issue. People tend to order and try before they buy. -- I might copyright this rhyme. "Order and try before you buy".. Has a nice ring to it. You heard it here first!

 

Awesome, thank you. I am going to reach out to him next week!

 

Check out the fine print on HIDevolution. They will take care of you when a machine needs to be replaced. The quality control is exceptional. And I'm sure that I have bothered Ted quite a bit, but he has been very prompt and does a great job answering my newb questions that I send him on a regular basis. You will not get this kind of support through Amazon or elsewhere. Plus, they are very close to MSI and work with them a lot. Plus, I can bother @Donald@HIDevolution here too.

 

Thanks. I'm glad you backed down from your BGA trolling.

 

Don't forget to ask Donald for the NBR Discount and if you do join the HIDevolution Gaming Team, feel free to tag me if you want me to tweak your taptop. These are the Phoenix Tweaks:

1- Uninstallation of all the Windows Store Garbage Apps like 3D Paint, Print 3D, Alarms & Clock, Feedback Hub, Maps, Groove Music, News, Weather, etc.
2- Removing all Windows 10 Privacy Invasion stuff like Telemetry, sending your keystrokes to Microsoft, automatically installing suggested apps in the background, allowing Microsoft to conduct experiments on your laptop, disabling automatic driver updates through Windows updates, disabling Windows 10 ads, disabling Cortana, Cloud Search etc.
3- Removal of nVIDIA and Intel Telemetry
4- Adjusting a lot of options in PC Settings like disabling Windows Tablet Mode (you have a laptop not a tablet), disabling suggestions appearing in the start menu, disabling automatically connecting to Paid WiFi Hotspots, disabling Game DVR which reduced performance in games, and a lot more.
5- Replacing Cortana with a much better search tool that finds results instantly called Everything which finds any file you want as soon as you start typing even a few letters of its name and it doesn't even rely on the Windows Indexing Service to do this!
6- Restoring the classic Windows Photo Viewer
7- Restoring the Classic Windows 7 Start Menu
8- Removal of the new and useless 3D Objects Folder that appears when you open "Computer"
9- Completely disabling Windows Defender from its roots (including all scheduled tasks and startup files) for those who want to install their own AV. ESET NOD32 Antivirus is highly recommended if you want the utmost security with the least system performance impact.
10- Updating all drivers to the latest versions in case they weren't up to date.
11- Disabling the performance hit that is caused by the Meltdown and Spectre patches recently released by Microsoft (optional, only if you don't mind having this security vulnerability and would rather have your CPU's full performance back)
12- Overprovisioning your SSD anywhere between 10-20% depending on how much space you can spare to ensure optimal and consistent performance at all times.
13- Blocking the Google Chrome Software Reporter Tool (which causes a high system load when it is scanning files)
14- Updating all drivers
15- Creating a system restoration image using Macrium Reflect

 

Guys, interesting question now that we're on the subject of RAM. While it's true that Coffee Lake supports 2666mhz RAM, do you need to have BIOS support for it to work (XMP in BIOS or anything similar - as per how it used to work AFAIK)?

Or is even that not needed and compatible RAM automatically upclocks to 2666 as long as you're running a CF-H processor?

Inquiring minds need to know

 

I'm interested in a lot of the tweaks, although, I want to retain the windows 10 start menu. Can you help me with this? I'm still on step one as some of the apps won't allow me to delete uninstall them.