***The Official MSI GT72 Dominator Pro (GTX-980M) Owner?s Lounge***

The general rule has been if it comes with no SSDs as standard it would have 2.5" bays, if it comes with one SSD (mSATA previously) then you would get the adapter included with all the slots.

So following that rule this machine would have 2x 2.5" bays, but since it would be the first GT72 to do so it's hard to say at this point.

 

I would say that rule could be said for the previous GT70 mSATA models, but again, due to the design, I am betting all GT72's will have the M.2 adapters. I can't imagine MSI releasing any GT72 without SATA III, so what will they do to support your theory? Manufacture an alternative SATA III adapter, to support the 2.5 slots only? Or, are you suggesting MSI will do away with SATA III entirely, for those customers who purchase models without SSD's? I can't imagine this, but we'll know soon enough!

 

something similar to this idea me thinks. the 1tb is on a ribbon cable with no screws..kinda ghetto but whatever... .according to that "rule" (ribbon cable no screws) we might see a ribbon cable here as well.

if they wanted to be super dope people, they would create a 3-1 adapter, so we could have 3 m.2 (on bracket thing) and one 2.5" drive (in currently empty space) on a ribbon routed underneath the m.2 bracket. that would be dope and useful since it would make that 2.5 drive sata6. i'd even buy this part aftermarket if it was available.

 

Count me in, too. Then I can have 3x M.2 SSDs in RAID 5 (1TB) as system drive, 1x 2.5" SSD (1TB) as backup system (update on weekly basis), and 1x 2.5" HDD (1TB) just for the heck of it.

One can least dream when one cannot afford to.

Regards

 

I like the 3-1 adapter idea, providing folks with more options, but I think they will most likely include the 4x M.2 adapter, in GT72 SKU's purchased without SSD's. Again, we'll see soon enough.

 

I couldnt see where the CD Drive is on xotic pc youtube review???

 

I'm about to purchase this laptop (Dominator Pro-211) and am wondering if I should add the IC Diamond to it or not?

How much would it make a difference if I just went with MSI's stock thermal compound?

 

The issue will likely be solved in future when the pci express attached devices are natively bootable.

 

You might get a few degree lower when under heavy load with IC Diamond.

I personally don't change stock thermal compound unless the laptop's temperature is unreasonably high; but manufacturers usually apply too much on, so re-apply the thermal compound definitely improve the cooling.

I never used a dual-fans system, but my Alienware M11x (11 inch, single fan, 540m) got 3-5°C cooler after re-apply.

Edit [17/10/2014]: Apparently the GPU side of radiator use thermal pad instead of thermal paste, so theoretically apply after-market thermal paste will only improve the CPU cooling.

MSI have a youtube video about how to upgrade from 8xxm to 9xxm.

Regards.

 

Hey guys, I don't know if you have seen this already but I found this awesome review of gt72 2QE.

Review: MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro - Laptop - HEXUS.net

57.4 Fps in Rome II Total war in max settings, and 86 in BioShock?? Wow! The 980m really is a beast, and great temps! I just can't wait until they release the model with IPS screen and 4980hq.

 

Just bought the GT72 2QE with 980M, i7-4710HQ, 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD. It looks, feels and works like a charm except for one disturbing thing.

I did a Unigine Heaven 4.0 benchmark test on both basic and extreme settings, and noticed that there's a fairly loud rattling sound somewhere between the fans below the keyboard whenever the preview or the test itself begins, and it intensifies when I quit the benchmark, then disappears. It repeats every time I try the test. I've tried turning the fans to maximum rpm but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with that electric buzzing noise, and I've yet to replicate the noise in any other way. Can someone confirm whether they're experiencing this same thing if you try the same benchmark as I did? If not, I will probably take this back on Monday hopefully for a replacement.

Link to Unigine Heaven 4.0 download: Download Unigine 'Heaven' DX11 Benchmark 4.0 | techPowerUp

 

Yeah I think it is best to take it back for replacement and show them what you found. I don't think many users have that issue yet, considering no one has mentioned it, and on reseller's reviews a lot of them do run unigine heaven without problems.

 

wish me luck.
maybe i'll get lucky and will make it work when this thing arrives sometime next week...prime shipping was not available. cost me 16$ including shipping.

Amazon.com: SATA to M.2 Socket2 B+M 2242 SATA Adapter with SATA Power: Computers & Accessories


if it's really 2242 short-fit like description..it won't fit/work...if its like the photo and goes out to 2280, it might fit/work

if anyone can find a better version of this bridge/adapter for sale on a reputable site, please post the link or message me.

by better i mean:

1) non engineering sample- something thats advertised as usable in a pc/laptop.
2) horizontally mounted sata power/data ports- the vertical ones in the product photo will make it hard, due to low vertical clearance inside the laptop.
3) no additional switches that add unnecesarily to vertical clearance and device complexity.

 

Have some of you lucky owners of the GT72 2QE tried increasing the screen's refresh rate to 90Hz or 100Hz? Is it working/stable? If you've tried, could you specify on which GT72 2QE model exactly? (or is that question pointless, every individual laptop's screen being different even if it's the same model?)

 

What would the advantage be in overclocking the refresh rate if it is possible?

Most notebook screens are locked to 60Hz, limiting the maximum gaming frame rate to 60 frames per second.

When the gaming frame rate exceeds the refresh rate image tearing will result.

Enabling Vsync may avoid some tearing at higher framerates?

 

Overclocking the refreshrate means literally unlocked he 60hz limit. If you use vsync, you can sync to the new refreshrate, as well as show more frames on screen, so you have even more information for your eyes and brain

 

Yes, I would consider replacing the unit. I ran both 'Heaven & Valley', with no issues whatsoever. Please see my benchmarks and notes HERE.

 

Just received my GT72 (970M) today

Everything seems to be working wonderfully, save for one thing: I can't seem to turn off the dedicated GPU with the GPU button on the left side. The button light is always on, temperatures suggest that the dedicated GPU is running, and pressing the button does nothing.

Is there something I should download and install to get the GPU-switching button working?

 

after you push that button, you should see a on-screen message in a new window asking you to reboot. if you dont see this message , just reboot your laptop via windows button (force a manual software reboot), and see what you end up with.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lN_jYTTYsTs

at 8:16 mark


EDIT:

Separate from the gpu switching.

MSI updated the support page with utilities/bios etc

http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT72-2QE-Dominator-Pro.html#down-bios&Win8.1 64 (striker can update all them links on page 1 now)

scm is updated

looks like new bios as well, but there is no readme file or changelog


new bios shows E version "first release" , according to hwinfo64 my bios shows D implying previous release.


does anyone have any info on this E bios? since it's "first release" is my D edition bios pre-release? this part is sorta confusing. input appreciated.



also apparently there will be a sku with the 4GB 980m since they put the gpu bios on their support page. maybe the "whitebook" version ?

 

FIGURED IT OUT!

The first thing I do when I get a new machine is to uninstall all bloatware, and I normally consider MSI apps to be bloatware. SCM was one of the first things I tend to uninstall because it's rather useless on all other MSI notebooks (those without a dedicated GPU switching button). Your mention of SCM actually gave me the idea, so I reinstalled SCM and now the button is functional. Thanks!

 

Thank you & Done!

 

anyone tried Star Citizen modules on his/her 980M ?

If yes, what were the frame rates and at what settings?

Hugs

 

Considering the state of the game still provably not amazing but playable.

 

Um, what is SCM? Incase I run into the same issue with my upcoming GT72

 

After some research I'm pretty sure it's coil whine, as it only happens whenever the GPU is under stress. My old laptop (MSI GT780DXR) has some as well, but it's not as audible. I tried stressing the integrated Intel GPU and that had a more similar sound to my old laptop, however when using the GTX 980 it's about twice as loud. Maybe because it uses more power? I might just deal with this, as the main problem is I'm very susceptible to high frequencies but most other people, especially much older, might not even know the sound is there, so I'm not certain an RMA would go through for that.

 

SCM = MSI's System Control Manager

Are you saying, because I am an old fart, that I would not hear such a thing? Young Man, I'll have you know my hearing is quite good! LOL!

Seriously though, coil whine, capacitor fizz, whatever..... this happens occasionally, but it's the exception, and not the rule. I would exchange it from where purchased, or go for an RMA..... but that's up to you.

 

MSI's "System Control Manager". It's a pre-installed convenience interface/tool that allows for adjustment of settings like screen brightness, sound volume, WIFI connection, etc., which makes it not very necessary. In the case of the GT72, the GPU switching button relies on it for a pop-up command.

 

Actually with my 780M I have no issues with running ultra on Star Citizen @ 1080p, it does dip to 30 fps here and there but overall its great so the 980M should run about 50-60fps no problem

 

Heh, well I went for the RMA. I'll see whether they'll be fair or if I have to push it on them.

 

Are you in the U.S.? If so, and if you have a problem, get with Geno.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/761676-official-questions-msi-rep.html

 

Hello,

One question regarding fan noise.
I received my GT72 2QE this week and when I play on "watch dog" for example, the fan becoming very noisy.
CPU temp around 60°C.

someone is facing the same behaviour ?

 

Is this your first gaming notebook, and do you know how noisy notebook fans can be? As far as fan noise in a gaming notebook, the GT72 is actually pretty quiet. When you say 'very noisy', what do you mean? Also, are you gaming using the default fan profile, or did you switch-on Cooler Booster?

Yes, when playing games, you will hear the fans spin-up (steady 'swoosh'), but it should not be distracting over the game sounds coming from your speakers. Go HERE, and watch GenTech PC's video review. There you will hear the sound the fans make under load, and also a decibel meter is used.

A CPU temp of 60C is nothing to worry about when gaming. Also, read my GT72 thoughts HERE.

 

Anyone know how exactly the GPU switching works? Is the SCM the only thing that can make it happen? Im trying to figure out if there is any alternative way of changing that, as I'm dual booting Ubuntu and want to know if I can do it from there.

 

Hi all,

Got my GT72 on Wednesday. Absolutely loving it so far.

The only problem I'm having is that when I plug in a headset the microphone is not working. I recognises it in 'Recording' as Line in, however I just can't seem to get it to pick up the mic.

Anyone else had this issue?

I'm going to try update the Realtek HD drivers, but there site is absolutely awful for downloads and it has failed on my multiple times already.

Cheers

EDIT - Nevermind, got it working.

 

Thank you Striker for your answer.

- default fan profile (Cooler boost no activated)
- fan speed ~ 3600 RPM ...during playing

so yes, it is very noisy and difficult to not be distracting over the game sounds coming from my speakers.

CPU is not very hot (57°C), I don't understand why fan is running so fast.

 

Hmmm, to be honest, I haven't monitored the fan speeds, so I'll have to check that. What does your GPU temp look like, when playing Watch Dogs, and the fans are spinning at full speed?

Anyhow, if you feel there is really a problem, I would exchange the unit from where purchased, or seek an RMA as soon as possible.

 

Alternatively you can turn on the fan toggle AFTER the fan noise appears, and see if it gets louder. Then you can determine whether or not the fan was at max speed, and make an informed decision.

Regards

 

If you could please tell me, when your are playing, what is your fan speed (using MSI gaming center application) ?

 

I'll check, but again...... What does your GPU temp look like, when playing Watch Dogs, and the fans are spinning at full speed?

 

- GPU : around 62°C
- fan speed : around 3500 RPM (seen in MSI dragon gaming center app).

 

Ok, just ran the Unigine Valley benchmark, allowing it to loop till the system was nice and warm. System topped at 72C, and fan speed went to 3608rpm. System volume was only at 25%, and the benchmark music easily came to the forefront over the fan noise. This notebook flat@$$ kicks-balz, and fan noise levels are great in a gaming notebook.

Your in-game CPU/GPU temps are low, and your fans definitely should not be noisy. Again, I am wondering what you are defining as, 'very noisy'. I don't suppose you have access to a decibel meter, do you?

 

Does anyone know how to change what the quick launch keys launch? I've looked everywhere for a solution and can't find one. I want to make the xsplit button launch OBS instead

 

Anyone? Striker, did you try pushing your screen to higher refresh rates?

 

No I haven't...... why haven't you purchased this notebook yet?

 

I have uninstalled xsplit since moment one. Now when I hit that button, I get a menu that asks me what I want to launch with it. That only happens with SCM running though. Another way to get to that menu is right click the SCM icon on the tray and select P2 Setting.

 

I'm waiting to see what Alienware ends up offering since I'd like to have a 120 Hz screen on the laptop If AW 17s with 120 Hz and the 980M end up too expensive for me (or end up coming out too late), I'll take a GT72. Knowing the GT72 2QE-211's screen can handle 90-100 Hz without issues would help that choice ,-)

 

Is there any risk in over clocking the laptop's display to 90-100hz ?

 

You might get screen burn, not sure how much different TN panels are from IPS panels but IPS panels are affected by screen retention,some owner with the ASUS G751 OCed his refresh rate to 100Hz and had screen burn while he was downloading something on ORIGIN. Not sure how long it took or if it was just a static image but luckily for him it went away after returning to stock settings and some use.

 

There is no risk if you don't go full retard, the key is to up with 5 fps each time and then go up till you see artifacts, then to reduce strain drop 10 fps below where artifacting starts.

 

It's surprising to me that there is no actual information on whether running the monitor at refresh rates above its default settings (without going as far as seeing artifacts on screen) reduces the life expectancy of the monitor.