The Official MSI GS73VR Owners' Lounge

Even though I really like my Blade, I may make a slight size compromise and try out the GT62 next.

Sent from a 128th Legion Stormtrooper 6P

 

So at this review's laptop inside picture,

http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-GS73VR-6RF-Notebook-Review.172138.0.html

it seems user upgrade (add ram, change nvme m.2, change 2.5 hdd) seems very hard? Should go to service center for just upgrade?

 

This screen is also in the GT73VR Titan and is Gsync. It might be something that gets added later. Hope so.

Edit: I should add that I have had Vsync off for every game I've played and I have yet to see any tearing. Anyone know of a way to verify if Gsync is on without minus just looking for tearing?

Edit edit: nm, I forgot about Optimus...

 

I've done it with the GS60. Not too hard but very time consuming. Just keep track of all your screws and connections you disconnect do you don't forget anything.

 

Ya man its a shame to hear about lack of g-sync and that it uses optimus.

 

2.5 inch drive is easy to swap out. Literally just unplugged it and swapped it.

 

Actually I think it's not the same screen. The one on the GT73 is an AOC branded (or something like that) with a different reference then this. And is AHVA type with G-sync, not TN. GenTechPC showed the reference in the GT73 thread.

 

Ash I see it now. Good to know, thanks!

 

Finally get my GS73 yesterday and I finally can shre my feedback here.

I guess I still can't add photos here since I'm Newbie.
So I just write down my test result first.

1. 3DMARK Fire Strike score: 9489 (test with MSI sporty shift mode)
   • Graohics score: 11 596
   • Graphic test1 : 54.53 FPS
   • Graphic test2: 46.88 FPS
   • Physic scor 9378
   • Physics test 29.77 FPS
   • Combined score: 4047
   • Combined test 18.83 FPS
   
   
2. In-game test: Overwatch setting: 1920*1080/ Custom limit FPS/ EPIC graphic quality/ 100% Render Scale/ Local Fog detail Ultra/ Dynamic reflections high
   • FPS:97
   • TEM: 83°C
   • VRM: 1301MB
   • PMG: 61MS
   • RTT: 85MS
   • IND: 24M
   
   
3. Noise and temparature: I don't have any device to test noise and temperature, so I only can judge with my perception. The temprature is always acceptable and never overheat during the game. I touch the hotest part with my hand but I just feel warm. According to their product pages, they use 3 fans and 5 heatpipes for the cooling and one of 3 fans is a big fan with very thin blades. Really curious how they put 3 fans in a slim model as GS73. as caitsith01 said, it's quieter than I expect. With AC on on my home, I barely heart the noise when runing the Fire Strike test. With my AC off, I can hear the fan is runing. not really noisy but the frequency is kind of high, which I don't like.

1. 120Hz: I won't use 60Hz anymore anyway. nothing I have to say. Must try it.

 

The screen is something to check in person, for a fast refresh screen IPS fails and TN wins - your priorities need to be checked as you can't have both in the same display, yet.

Optimus - Can't - Be - Disabled.

Sayonara... GS73, didn't even know you, now I don't want to


I have heard it's the same for all MSI laptops under the GT73/GT83 versions, hopefully there are some exceptions...

http://www.notebookcheck.net/MSI-GS73VR-6RF-Notebook-Review.172138.0.html

"Optimus is supported for switching to the integrated HD Graphics 530 when desired, but there are no G-Sync options across the series."

No - Gsync - Across - the - Series...

Cons
-M.2 SSD and SODIMM access requires additional disassembly
-no individually backlit keys; no Macro or auxiliary keys
-fans are always active; loud fan noise under load
-removing bottom panel will void warranty
-center of outer lid could be more rigid
-high-pitched fan noise when gaming
-spongey feedback on clickpad
-no RAID or G-Sync options
-coil whine on our test unit
-tight port placement
-slow SDXC reader

 

Genuine question. Everyone is going nuts about Gsync not being present, but does it actually matter when you have a machine comfortably pushing out over 60fps in games and a 120Hz panel? My understanding is that Gsync/freesync are mostly valuable when you have a lower refresh rate screen and you are achieving frame rates slightly below that refresh rate. Eg a 60Hz screen with a machine producing 50fps is the problem it addresses, not a 120Hz screen with a machine producing 85fps.

 

This may be oversimplifying it, but as long as your minimum frame rate meets or exceeds the refresh rate of your panel, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

Unreal! They

Gsync does more than that. I've read it improves latencies. In addition the 1060 the GS73 will not in all games or situations produce a constant high frame rate. You will get dips and these dips and lower frame rates will continue to get worse with age. Even current games can reduce dips and with Gsync they are far less perceivable than without Gsync.

Bottom line Gsync should have been included and takes away from the overall premium-ness and does not justify the price.

I have Gsync on both my 144hz 1440p desktop monitor and now on my GT62 @63hz and its value cannot be understated. It's not a gimmick like some may think.

 

If you haven't had G-sync, you might not miss it. There are solutions for limiting screen tearing that work for me without G-sync just fine, for many years before and after G-sync they work fine.

I set up a frame rate limiter, Rivatuner to set FPS limit to refresh rate +1, 61 or in my case 101 for 100 FPS. For the 120hz screen and games that perform over that, set the limit to 121.

Then you will limit temps and load as well as reducing tearing.

G-sync gets in the way of many things, as it is a frame limiter as well. 120, or 60, or 30 - it halves frame rate below what it can handle at the preferred frame rate. (AFAIK).

It's not a deal breaker, but for me Optimus is a deal-breaker, which is why no G-sync - so that as the core cause also gets in the way of the dGPU controlling the internal display.

Check which outputs, HDMI / DisplayPort connect directly to the dGPU - you need to use that for feeding VR hardware and external G-sync monitors.

If you run G-sync now, I have heard you will miss it when you don't have it, so bear that in mind, once you go G-sync you can never go back

 

Yes once you see g-sync it really is sort of hard to go back. Much like when you experience 144hz or 120hz monitors. While I really love my high refresh rate monitors I would still rather have g-sync or free sync.



This is what I mean by smoothing out low fps and making lower fps situations far less noticeable and thus would extend the life of your laptop as sub 60fps situations would more tolerable and even very playable in many situations. Setting a frame limiter with rivatuner will not produce this quality of image and game play or g-sync and free sync wouldn't be around. You have to see it to understand the difference it really makes.

 

I've yet to try G-Sync so I am half happy I don't know what I am missing.

 

Yeah, I know what you are talking about, but up until G-sync it's been screen tearing that's the visible artifact most listed as the problem to be solved, the other benefits are even more important after getting G-sync running.

A frame limiter isn't the same as G-sync, but if you aren't aware of the other issues, solving screen tearing gets rid of the main irritant and is the best solution available without G-sync.

So yeah, a current day laptop should support G-sync on the internal display, no doubt

 

Another benefit to your frame rate limiting that I realized was it actually took some load off of the CPU, and allowed for higher GPU usage when you are CPU limited or bottle necked. I tried your suggestion for frame rate limiting when I had the GE62 i5 6300HQ/970m combo and in some cases was CPU bottle necked and this did alleviate that a bit. So thanks.

 

all I really cared about was the dgpu was wired to the HDMI port. As long as I can use VR I am happy. I really should grab a GSync screen, I was thinking of getting the Acer Predator x34 to replace my 55" 4K TV but the default resolution on the predator makes me balk. Even my 1080 GTX would struggle pushing 4K at 60fps......

 

Well guys I am off for the next week thanks for the monthly transitions at my job requiring me a dropped (but paid) trip. I may go check out my local Frys and Micro Center and see if they have one on display. While the laptop doesn't have g-sync and IMO was a huge mistake I still think the 120hz display is a great step in the right direction for laptops. The 1060 is no slouch at 1080p and I'm still interested to see what options may available in the Nvidia control panel (DSR and Fast Sync). I also need to go see if my keyboard issue can be replicated on other steel series laptops. I didn't have the issue on my GE62 so I am hoping its isolated and isn't a widespread GT62 issue.

I might bring a USB stick with me with some programs for testing I have a feeling they may not like me installing software on their floor model.

 

I don't usually do the whole post thing...But, I've kinda went around and around looking for the right laptop. So, I'll post what I've found and hopefully that will help someone. I purchased a laptop from Computer Upgrade Kings on Amazon. (see below)

https://www.amazon.com/Stealth-Note...ie=UTF8&qid=1472271934&sr=1-7&keywords=GS73VR

What I can confirm is that per CUK tech support, the laptop above contains a 120Hz 5ms display with G-SYNC. I also talked to MSI tech support, and they confirmed that the GS73VR, GT72VR, and GT73VR have options for the 120Hz 5ms displays. (sorry didn't ask about G-SYNC at that point)

 

As an FYI, some of the 120hz screens are certified for G-sync and shipping, but some are in certification - or already certified - but still are shipping as non-g-sync with non-gsync GPU's.

After they are certified they will show up in drivers as g-sync screens, but the GPU's that they shipped with won't, so still no g-sync.

Waiting for a little while should straighten that out and get G-sync certified 120hz screens with G-sync GPU's... it could take 1-3 months, but it could be less - no one is saying.

So, something to think about, the same model might ship with a 120hz G-sync configuration at some point...hopefully

 

It's $100 cheaper on the CUK website, and you can customize it too

MSI GS73VR Stealth Pro-025 17.3" Full HD NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB VR Ready Gaming Laptop
http://cukusa.com/msi-gs73vr-stealth-pro-025.html#specs

It's the standard 60hz 1920x1080 non-G-sync model...and it's a 1060, not a 1070...

This one is $100 more than the amazon priced version, $200 more than the website version of the above, and has a G-sync IPS Display and a 1070 @ $1999:

MSI GT72VR Dominator Pro-015 17.3" i7-6700HQ Full HD GTX 1070 VR Ready Gaming Laptop
http://cukusa.com/msi-gt72vr-domina...hd-gtx-1070-vr-ready-gaming-laptop.html#specs

Something to consider, get more educated as to what's out there before buying. Spend hours and hours on the MSI, Asus, Clevo, Aorus, Gigabyte, Razer (nooooo!!!), etc sites and dig in and make some notes and graphs - or copy from the websites, and review those same saved urls a few dozen times - every day - for a couple of weeks, and the one you want will jump out at you - and the find it on sale and in stock.

The hunt is just as fun as the feast, and can last as long as you want

 

Hi

I am stuck between the gt73 with twin sli 1070 4k or the gt83 twin 1070 sli and 18" 1080p

what are your thoughts on the 4k screen?

would you choose the gt73 mainly due to size over the gt83?

i keep switching my pre order thats due for shipment on the 31st i just want to make sure i am buying the right version.

i would value your opinion

 

Would really like to know this as well. Considering the 4K version. Are there any downsides to it? Can 1060 even run anything well at 4k? And if not, could this actually be worse than 1080p version for 1080p games?

 

I've been using 3k/4k laptops as my main machine for about 3 years straight now. I've never had any trouble with FHD gaming or noticed it looks any worse. The most annoying thing I've ever had to deal with on 3k/4k laptops is that some older apps and poorly programmed newer apps scale horribly. Some of them you can fix by messing with the registry but the easy fix is to quickly switch to FHD when you use those apps.

I'm using a FHD GS73VR right now and while I like the 120Hz screen, I'm finding I'm missing the higher dpi screen for day to day productivity. If it's something you haven't seen before, you probably won't miss it but I think I would give up 120Hz and go with the 4k, especially since it's full gamut. Everyone's going to have different opinions on this but that's my two cents.

As far as gaming goes, don't count on playing too many games at 4k on the 1060. Some will be fine but most will struggle unless you turn down the graphics settings(which defeats the purpose of upping the resolution). If you plan on doing mostly gaming and little productivity, there's really no point in the 4k screen. 3k would have been a better option.

 

Thanks for the info. For a laptop like this, I definitely have mainly gaming in mind, when it comes to screen consolidations. So 4k screen does not have 120hz, correct? In this case, since most games will be at 1080p, I'd just be essentially giving up 120Hz.

Final question on this laptop. Does anyone know how this 6GB 1060 would compare to 8GB 980? Would you go for the 980 with similar specs?

 

Yes, the 4k screen is 60Hz only.

I'm sure they run similar but my guess is the 980 runs hotter. If that's the case, I would go the 1060 and OC it. I would look into that and see what people's temps have been though.

 

YouTube review of the GS73VR.

 

At this point I would wait for actual hand-on results of testing with the GT73VR SLI and GT83 SLI to make sure you are getting what you expect.

The GT83 SLI "should" cool better, but you can't be certain.

The GT83VR should cool better because it's larger and should have a higher volume cooling system - but the 1070 SLI and 1080 SLI GT83VR's might have different cooling and the 1070 SLI cooling might be more or less better than the GT73VR, we don't know.

The screen is the drag with the GT83VR, it's just 1080p, not G-sync and just kinda sits there like an old lump

Nothing sexy or new, but it's 18.4", so it's got that going for it

IDK which I would choose, the 17.3" 1080p 120hz G-sync or the 1080p 60hz (I OC'd mine to 100hz, but no guarantee's) 18.4"

It's too early to tell, is my opinion

Unfortunately, it's gonna take a good 30-90 days to know for sure.

I want to see user reviews from a time period after the heady first weeks go by, and people really start kicking it.

Rhe GT80S 980 SLI battery drain situation didn't show up for a couple of months - it should be known quicker this time because people know to look for it, but there could be something else lurking as yet unknown.

Caution is indicated with the Pascal *Nuke* factor coming to light.

The Pascal mobile 1070/1080 are all little Chernobyl's waiting for the right load to glow.

Lots of reports of high heat under heavy load, gaming load too, nothing that Nvidia is worried about - so they say on the subject, but GPU's living at 90c for long periods are worrisome.

The giant Clevo P870DM2/DM3 owners are discovering this up first, as 1080/1080 SLI configurations are delivering into owners hands over the last couple of weeks.

Lots to think about, and watch for in these new Pascal laptops.

We have groups for these non-GS73VR discussions

***The Official MSI GT83VR Titan SLI Owner's Lounge (NVIDIA GTX-1080's)***
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...an-sli-owners-lounge-nvidia-gtx-1080s.794897/

The MSI GT73VR series......
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/the-msi-gt73vr-series.794968/

**Official Clevo P870DM2/P870DM3 (Sager NP9873/NP9872) Owner's Lounge! - The Phoenix 2 is here!**
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...e-the-phoenix-2-is-here.794530/#post-10329434

 

Hi everybody to be honest I was choosing between the gs73vr and the gs63vr. I'm a college student and, to be honest I feel like the gs73vr has better capabilities what with the 120hz screen and more screen real estate. I'm going into animation and the gs63vr's display from Best Buy seemed to have rather washed out colors. According to the review on youtube the gs73vr has a pretty good display (although i know this should probably be taken with a grain of salt). However, I was wondering, in your opinions, if this laptop is portable enough for college sitting in lectures and taking notes n whatnot. I know it's slightly heavier than the gs63 and is bigger in general. Thoughts? thanks for any help

 

Another more than positive review about the baby :
http://www.ultrabookreview.com/12167-msi-stealth-pro-gs73vr-review/

 

Dimensions should be as follows: 16.85" (L) x 12.36" (W) x 1.76 (H)
Weight: 8.59 lbs (with battery)

I wouldn't deem that highly campus friendly as far as portability goes, but it would, at least, be the envy of your classmates.

 

Wrong model? The gs73vr is nowhere near that thick or heavy

 

Yeah I was really sceptical of this device as first. The ultrabookreview does a great review and I find everything to be true for me too. The build quality is great on top but the bottom around the edges is seriously sharp and disappointing. Mine is primarily used a desktop replacement that is portable when I travel so it isn't a deal breaker as much as it is a massive let down. The track pad is really stiff. The keyboard is fantastic to type on but seriously MSI why are you messing with standard layouts? They're a standard for a reason. It means people are used to it. I want my Del key in the normal place and the arrows to not be mushed up between the numpad and standard side.

During normal load (browsing youtube, twitch, email, a few random tabs, skype on), I'd say it's not hot at all. In fact at most I call it warm, I wouldn't even say it's pretty warm. The top vents above the keyboard is barely warm. The CPU and GPU hover below 60c. So I currently, have twitch steaming on source, a youtube 1080p video playing, itunes, this review tab and MSI bloatware in the background. I get avg 50c on CPU and 44c on GPU. The max on CPU is 62c and 47c on GPU.

I only play Dota 2 so I cannot say how it is with other games. I max out everything at 1080p and I'm a little disappointed that I'm not even hitting the max 120 frames. I get between 70 to 110. After 4 hours of game play, CPU hit 82c and GPU never went past 80c. Fan noise is a tolerable. It's not noticeable with headphones on. When idling or just chilling it's low. Sometimes it picks up a bit but nothing that will catch attention of others. During game play it gets a little loud. I think if the noise wasn't high pitch it would be better. I didn't take any readings but I estimate it to be high 40 decibels.

Edit: I'm in UK and my room is cold so ambient temperature high 10s. The above temps are achieved under sport mode and auto fan settings. I'm sure if you go max fan speed the temps will be lower. This tiny thing is somehow pushing 5333rpm on CPU and 5161rpm on GPU. But at this fan speed, from normal sitting position my app records high 50s decibels and 88 by the vents. I removed the HDD and left it empty cos I don't need a slow drive that just adds weight to the machine but it makes the left palm rest hollow and it flexs by just resting my palm on it. I've decided to put it back.

 

Changing the thermal paste definitely seems to help with noise/temps, playing wow and the GPU didn't seem to heat up at all after the change maybe mid 70s. I'm going to try some of the liquid metal pastes next but there is definitely a noticeable change in audible fan noise with the new paste, of course you are voiding the warranty so I would advise against it. But if anyone is looking to buy one new, I would pay the extra money from the companies that offer IC Diamond to get that done and maintain the warranty. It's a massive PITA to take this notebook apart to get to that point even if you don't care about the warranty. Also the sticker flakes apart it's as if it's a paint on sticker or made of the most fragile material ever.

 

Just received mine at work.


First impression : omg this is a beautiful baby... really.
It is so thin ! If the reviews online are right and it stays around 80°c maximum it is really amazing given that how thin it is.

I ll post a longer review this week.

 

Have had my GS73VR for the past week, just wondering what kind of 17.3" cases people are using? I bought a Ogio Renegade Zip Top bag which is rated for 17" laptops, but it's just a few mm too small for this guy (you can't zipper up on the corners of it when the laptop is in the laptop compartment)...

Wanted a more 'tactical' look rather than the traditional business black look, but am having trouble finding ones that fit.

Anyone use a Maxpedition Testudo, does it fit?

 

Congrats on your purchase, and welcome to NBR forum. Please make sure to register your unit on MSI's website to activate ADC as well as other benefits.

 

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I gave some links to check out alternatives - and to give the idea to look for a 1070 close in price to the 1060 link that was posted.

If there is a difference like 16GB vs 32GB, that's ok as that's a minor consideration you can change at any time - to get faster memory and to expand the size of memory.

You are stuck with the GPU you get, you can't change it, so get the highest level GPU that you can afford, even if the storage, ram, and other goodies are less - you can always upgrade those items later, unlike the GPU.

The 1070 is 26% on average faster than the 1060, that's a whole generation improvement in performance from past GPU releases, definitely worth going for if it's only another $100 out of pocket, even if you get less RAM or Storage.

Many advertise 1080p 120hz 5ms, but are shipping 60hz non-G-sync or 75hz G-sync - I bring this up so you don't get stuck with the unexpected, ask the seller to verify the contents are really what you want before shipping - have them check the side inventory sticker.

New owners expecting 120hz 5ms g-sync displays are reporting getting 60hz non-Gsync and 75hz G-sync displays, very few 120hz 5ms G-sync units are reporting in - except in reviews.

I asked @dunn4 if he got the laptop and if it came with the expected configuration

 

Hey, did you get your laptop ok? Did it come configured as expected?

 

I'm looking to upgrade my existing GS70 stealth pro(970 6gb) to the 4k version of the gs73vr with the 6gb 1060 and have some questions.
1. Does the laptop still come with the pc sleeve?
2. Are there any drawbacks to working with Photoshop and Lightroom in 4k res that I should be aware of?
I know I'm a photographer and should be using a Mac but I can't bring myself to give that much money to a company that has caused me grief and issues in the past. Plus I like being able to game and entertain myself on a long layovers between flights. Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.
CGD

Sent from my LG-V930 using Tapatalk

 

e

 

The 1060 is the lowest performing Pascal GPU.

The 1070 is 26% faster in games, well worth the upgrade over the 1060.

Those links were related to his purchase choice, not a general recommendation.

If you started a conversation with me telling me what you are looking for, and I gave you those links, then you can complain, but I wouldn't have - I wasn't talking to you personally, was I?

Here is an Amazon link with lots of variations in configuration, click around and find a nice 1070 minimum configuration that has the basics you want, don't fixate on storage or memory - those can be changed.
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GT72VR-Dominator-Pro-015-i7-6700HQ/dp/B01IO9Y35G

You might find something you like, different than you have found - or it might be the very same configuration you already have resolved to purchase.

Good luck

 

e

 

The only panels I'm aware of are the FHD 60Hz IPS, FHD 120Hz 5ms TN and the 4k 60Hz IPS. Both the 4k and Tn panels are full gamut too. Afaik, there is no FHD 120Hz 5ms IPS panel. If they are listing it for sale, there is most likely an error. It's not unheard of that retailers contain errors.

Btw, besides the beneath viewing angle, that TN screen could pass as IPS to those who don't know what to look for. It really is a nice screen. I would choose it over 60Hz IPS any day.

 

e

 

That's what I am trying to tell you, the vendors sites and retail sites have had incorrect info. The MSI site has removed all reference to G-sync from all the new Pascal models, for example.

Many have listed IPS and G-sync, but those IPS panel(s) haven't been certified so they are shipping as non-Gsync with non-Gsync GPU's, so they can't be run as G-sync later - you would need to swap the non-Gsync GPU for a g-sync GPU, the panel might also need to get swapped for another sub model that has the g-sync database entry in the updated Nvidia driver.

The IPS 120hz 5ms panels tested have been too slow to actually update at the 8.33ms minimum to fully support 120hz refresh, 25ms as I recall.

The 120hz TN panel has been getting good reports.

 

IPS can have better colors than TN. In fact, most IPS panels do. This one is just an exception. To have an IPS 120Hz panel is one thing, but 5ms? 5ms IPS laptop panels in general aren't around I don't think, let alone a 120Hz one.

There's way too much smoke and mirrors with MSI's press images to even understand what's going on. I've seen images that report 20ms response time with a 120Hz screen and then others with 5ms. I've also seen the term "IPS level" which to me means it could be TN but at a level that compares to IPS. All the word play and confusions ultimately leads to mistakes on the retailer pages. When in doubt, just look at MSI's page and see what options they list.

https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GS73VR-6RF-Stealth-Pro.html#hero-overview

btw, what country are you buying from. If you're in the US, changing the SSD does not void your warranty.