-->*OFFICIAL: MSI GT627 Owner's Lounge*<--

Hi I'm New to this forums and wanted to answer some questions that people have with this model.

Just to let people know if The Turbo Functions work in Vista 64bit and Windows XP 32bit, they both work I just got the MSI GT627-216US and Have quadrupled booted with XP Pro 32bit,Vista 32bit,Vista 64bit,and have recently installed Mandriva 2009 Power Pack though the Turbo Functions does not I repeat does not work in Linux that I Know.

 

Actually before I bash on the rig I should ask: is it normal for decent discrete gpu notebooks to cripple the gpu when on battery? This is bugging me.

Anyway, afait turbo and eco modes won't turn on when rig comes out of hibernation. Both turn off when you go into hibernation. To turn them back on, a reboot is needed.

Edit: I don't know with this machine. Sometimes I can turn on turbo or eco coming out of hibernation, other times I have to reboot.

Nvidia just released beta drivers for 9800m gs, but when I run the setup, it doesn't recognize the gpu. Dont' know what that means but probably nothing good.

Edit also to add, my only gripes are the nerfing of the gpu on battery and the keyboard. I don't want to deter folks to whom those are no big deal from buying this. I still think it's a good price.

 

It looks like I'll be putting an order in for this nb and should have it early this week. Hoping Tuesday. If anyone has any request for benchmarks or general info let me know. Just FYI, won't be doing much on battery power since I don't expect to not have this plugged in at any time.

 

Tigergixxer
could you test, World in Conflict,,it has a built in test.
Thanks
http://www.fileshack.com/file.x/11042/World+in+Conflict+Demo

 

Yes if you want more than 30s (Ok I'm exaggerating SLIGHTLY) of battery runtime, and don't want to experience a melt down(unlikely, but possible).

Try it yourself. Go disable powermizer or override it to always run "normal" GPU clocks, and override OS power management setting to always run the CPU at max clocks... I'll take a stab at 45m - 1h battery runtime, maybe less, plus it'll also likely be noticeably hot.

keyboard flex: It's not really that bad, or you adjust to it, unless you have a tendency to bash on your kb all of the time. The key layout is even easier to get used to, as I did so with light usage(testing) in about 1w. (The ASUS kb layout is as much a part of the reason why I stopped looking at the G50VT as it's size/weight.)

Flex: Yes, MSI need to re-examine how they could provide better keyboard support. I'm disappointed that with the extra space on the gT725 that they didn't more fully separate the alpha-num and keypad more to provide at least a little more support there...

The newegg reviewer is incorrect wrt the FSB. It is specced by the chipset/CPU for 1066, the Turbo mode will up this 15-20% on AC. The FSB should remain at 1066 while on battery, and the builtin Intel CPU frequency stepping will alter(lower) CPU freq as controlled by OS/driver. The FSB should remain @ 1066. (Alot of other buses in the nb are dependent upon that 1066 value so in Turbo mode you could get some weird effects, e.g. ethernet port may fail/modem fail/etc.(mainly PCI devices) and the same would go if you drop the FSB speed below 1066, although most fairly well designed PCI devices should be tolerant of lower PCI bus speeds while almost none are of higher than specced PCI bus speeds(32MHz IIRC).)

[EDIT]
OMG: newegg "review" #2
"I don't have this yet, but..."
and the guy still "reviews" & scores it?!
[/EDIT]

 

Isn't the battery performance just an issue with ECO mode? So shouldn't switching ECO mode to gaming mode it will set everything to max clock speeds?

 

Mark121 and cutterjohn, what drivers did you use when installing xp? I am trying to install the gx620 drivers but it is failing for the card reader.

 

Sorry, can't help, I had a 1651 with faulty kb which got refunded. Now I'm waiting to see if MSI can get their act together and start shipping GT725s before I break down and buy a GT627-218US. (In either case, I expect that I'll be slapping 64b Vista on it and 64b linux.)

For the card reader though, try checking to see if it gives you any info under hw manager in Windows, or one of the other myriads of utilities like HW Monitor, then try and track down the company's web site and just download their drivers from there.

What WiFi card did they put in the GT627? (Intel 5100 or something else?)

@orcymorky
The GPU clocks are controlled by the nVidia driver (Powermizer setting) and so will run @ whatever powermizer settings are when the drivers detects that it's running on batt...

 

@NoBook
I have my desktop downloading the World in Conflict Demo now. When I get the GT627 I will run the built-in test on both for comparison.

My feelings are that the GT627-218US is going to be very close to my desktop in terms of performance - which would be great. I know there is a difference in the number of shaders between my Geforce 8800GTS and the 9800M GS, but from some initial 3dMark tests (I will test vantage also) I think it'll be close to what I would think is a mid-level workstation/gaming PC.

I'm like an expecting Dad! I keep checking my UPS tracking page - still on track for Tuesday! It's within driving distance now (~6 hours w/ traffic).

 

627-218 should be here tomorrow. Anyone tried anything with 64 bit vista yet?

 

No, but according to many other threads all you will need is a 64b Vista install disk, and then use the key on the notebook. O.w. they say to install with no key then try to add in control panel, then failing that call M$.

I've also read that you can apparently order a 64b Vista install disk from M$ for $10, but haven't bothered to investigate yet.

TRF_INFERNO IIRC said that the MSI turbo/eco apps will work under 32b Vista...

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

I'm pretty sure thats where you order upgrade to 64, although when I enter my product key, it says it's invalid.

 

fallencreations use this link its from the MSI website I'm using the Drivers from the GX620 with Some of the others I got where From Intel main site for the Chipset Drivers and For the Wirless 5100AGN drivers.
For the the Video Drivers I used laptopvideo2go website to get ForceWare Driver version 182.05 and modified INF file.
For the Audio I got From Realtek website latest Version.
Hope this helps you.

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=driver&maincat_no=135&prod_no=1529

 

Pretty much the same games I play... I'm more concerned about Flight Simulator X + Acceleration Pack running at max settings at 30+ FPS!!! That will kick a$$...

I'm sure COD4 will not be any problem since my current rig with a 8600MGT pretty much handles it very efficiently.

Looking forward for your reviews!!!

Cheers!
RayanMX

 

Currently I'm Playing with Crysis and Crysis WarHead and the Crysis Editor.
They work great I'm Using a Custom Config file to increase the quality in the game.

 

There's finally a good english review for this nb. check it out here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=353662

 

Thanks Mark121 and cutterjohn

 

Crap, FF 3.0x is crapping out for me under windoze, but that 32b wrt TRF_INFERNO should be 64b. Also I've read in multiple places that OEM Vista is SUPPOSED to OFFER 32/64b install then "lock" the key to the arch chosen... (I don't care that much personally, as all I'll use it for is gamez that fail to run(or run well) under WINE...)

 

It seems that the 9 cell Battery from the Compal Hel80 works fine with MSI GT627 no problems .

 

I was looking at the Asus G70 too.
Then I saw this and it felt like a dream - better performance, smaller form factor, better battery life! I was like omg.
Then I saw the cramped and wobbly keyboard and the not too pleasing design. .

Anyway, since I was portability (going to take the lappy to college) and better battery life, I guess this one is for me.
Any other high performance 15" you guys have in mind? [Offtopic, I know. But would appreciate any help. ]

BTW, how will GTA IV run on high setting on this one? The notebookjournal.de review says it gets around 28 fps average on 1280 x 800 on high. Guess i'll have to tone down the details a bit.

 

I just saw a Youtube video showing a similar spec'd Notebook (An Asks G50) running GTAIV all Maxed out except Medium Textures an it performed very smooth... Look for it on Youtube as GTA IV ON ASUS G50VT-A1, so I assume the MSI would perform just as good.

I would post the link to it but I'm posting from my phone right now.

Cheers,
RayanMX

 

you mean asUs not Asks G50

 

Found it here.
So, the GT627 will run it similarly?

That guy's specs are :
Asus G50vt A1; 9800M GS; T9400; 4Gb RAM

And what about any alternate 15" laptop? It would be great if you guys could help me out here.

Another thing, any probable solution to the underclocking prob when not an AC power?

 

I have a good feeling that you can force the video card to stay at stock clocks when on battery via "Powermizer". This is a power setting in Nvidia-based mobile GPU drivers. I can do this on my current laptop (which has a discrete Nvidia card). The problem is your battery will drain very quickly. As for turbo mode, if you could force this to stay on while on battery power, this would drain you battery faster as well for a marginal performance boost.

My point is you can game on your laptop while on battery, but you are only going to get appx. 45 minutes if your video card draws the amount of power that what the 9800m series does (60W). With a 12 cell battery (HP offers these) you won't get too much more time on battery either - perhaps a little over an hour to 1.3 hours. This is a physical limitation of the storage capacity of current battery technology (appx. 85 Watt-hours for a 9-cell battery). If you get a different laptop, unless you get a lower-power (i.e. less powerful) video card, you won't get any better. Think about it - if your system draws 85W for an hour, you drain your entire battery (assuming a full charge). This is perfectly feasible since the GPU draws up to 60W alone.

Just some commentary for a EE's standpoint .

 

so if its underclocked on battery, i remember reading somewhere that it lasts around 2.5 hrs. that's good enough for me.

but except for gaming, general usability is not hampered, right?
for example watching and burning DVDs, etc?
and how much is gaming hampered? for eg, will it be able to play GTA IV low?

 

Well I don't have GTA4 Benchmarks but I do have Farcry2 results
This tests where run with Turbo Button ON.
Settings where Ultra settings and DX10 on

Seems pretty good.

 

GTAIV is supposed to be very texture heavy, and the G50VTs only have 512MB of VRAM, while the GT627s have 1GB of VRAM, so maybe he will be able to leave textures on high... I saw something abot this recently not too long ago, but can't remember where ATM. (Possibly when I was looking over possible desktop cards the other week...)

 

Both were done at 1280x800? Could you re-run them at 1680x1050?

 

Quick question for the 627 owners: did your notebooks came with a 90 or 120 watt AC adapter?

 

For those who haven't noticed, the MSI GT627-218 model is in-stock at Amazon.com now .

 

Yea just saw that a minute ago very tempting but I'm waiting for the GT725-075 to come out here in the US. However if this stays in stock for more than a few minutes and is available in say a week from now and the gt725's aren't out yet I might just get one. Quick question does the gt627 heat up more than your other 15'' laptops or does it run cool? Also what about noise, fan noise loud or quiet?

 

I totally forgot about that small detail cutterjohn!!!

By the way... Hey Mark121, those are pretty impressive FarCry 2 benchmarks if you ask me!!!

I'm sold!!!

I will be placing my order pretty soon!

 

how is the build quality? will it last if i carry it around in a backpack?

 

Just a quick update....

I reformated the OS partition and installed Win7 beta (64bit).... amazingly painless installation. I installed the drivers from the MSI website (they claimed to be 32/64 bit friendly) without any issue.

The "Turbo" button works as it did in Vista 32bit. Overall the system even feels peppier than it was before ( my 3Dmark 06 results were identical using the same nvidia drivers on the MSI website, I have not tweaked them or installed more recent versions available elsewhere). I think MS has a winner in Win7 if they manage to keep the bloatware down.

Overall very happy with the system. My only complaint is the springboard like keyboard. I'm certain it would be instantly fixable if I could figure out how to remove the keyboard. I have not been so bold as to start to pry around with a small screwdriver to see how it is latched in, if anyone could let me know how MSI attaches their keyboards, I'll be happy to post a lengthy description on how to easily cure any keyboard flex issues. This laptop feels very solid in every other way other than the keyboard, I'm certain a judicious application of some spacers under the keys will immediately correct the problem. Very unfortunate MSI didn't take the one small step to perfect this rather impressive little laptop.

Just as an FYI, I have had zero heat issues (very much unlike my alienware m15x) in some very prolonged gaming sessions. 5 + hours of playing Wow at high detail led to no problems whatsoever (and very impressive framerates). I was surprised at how well the "Turbo" button actually works. Before I actually used the laptop, I was planning on reformating the HD and never installing the "turbo" software. I though the turbo was nothing more than a cheap gimmick. After having the chance to use it, however, I must admit it is a very well implemented feature. Since the multiplier on the CPU is fixed, it manages to speed up the system by playing with bus speeds, and does it seemlessly and without trouble. You can actually see a tangible increase in framerate in games when you hit the turbo button. It is a feature that I would welcome on any system.

 

Thank you for the information! I'm sure many of us would appreciate it (including myself) if you can confirm that the keyboard flex can be easily fixed on this unit. As for taking out the keyboard itself, TRF-Inferno says "The keyboard is easy to remove, and can be done within a minute or two. Pop off the touch panel by pushing out the tabs, and remove the screws holding the keyboard to the chassis." Hopefully this helps.

Also, how is the battery life when having a minimal power setting and just web browsing? Do you have the 218 model with a 9-cell battery? The reason I ask is I've seen different information regarding battery life. Some users have reported about 2.5 hours with the 9-cell battery when web browsing. The review on this website says "The GT627 stayed on for 2 hours and 35 minutes with the screen brightness set to 70%, system on the "balanced" power profile, and wireless active." I'd expect the 9 cell to get 50% more battery life when compared to a 6-cell, so this would be just shy of 4 hours.

Also, how is the screen quality? Is it easy to see in an office environment at max brightness, or is the screen dim?

Thank you for any contribution! I'm very close to buying this laptop, and the only big thing keeping me back is keyboard flex.

 

Does anyone have a RME or MOTU firewire audio interface they can try to connect up for me? I have been having problems with the expresscard slot and want to see if this is an isolated hardware conflict incident. Preferably someone with a texas instrument based expresscard. Thank you.

 

Someone asked if I could Run the Benchmark again with 1680X1050 well i don't have 1680X1050 screen but I used a SAMSUNG model 2343BWX with HDMI to DVI cable.
2048x1152@60HZ resolution. here are screen shots.
Well some what still playable played for 30mins some slow downs TURBO Button was on the whole time.

Also for the keyboard flex is Okay for me I don't Bash the keyboard so no problems for me.

 

20-30 fps, I don't think it's playable

 

well the screen res is over 1680x1050 so i guess if you would run the game
at 1680x1050 on very high instead of ultra high the game would play good.

 

wow Mark121..seems you got the turbo to work in 64-bit. I noticed you have 64-bit vista in your screenshots. seems like i can look forward to 64-bit on my baby soon.

*EDIT* never mind....its still clocked at 2.27. I thought I saw 2.71. -_- seems sad for x64

 

My 627 finally got here. Thought UPS was going to miss the delivery but they just waited until the last minute instead. Doing the first boot up now.

 

Well the Turbo Button ON it overclocks to 2.7GHZ Look at the screen shots I posted carefully.

 

abishai hope you like your MSI 627 like I do.

 

so that means the turbo button does work in x64!? wow

 

yes, yes it does.

 

so the overall build quality is nice?
meaning it will survive being carried around in a backpack?

thanks a lot for your inputs guys...
it helps those a lot who still are undecided about this laptop, including me

 

MSI GT627 comes with a backpack but I gave it away do to it being red.
A Black backpack would have been nice.

 

and the overall build quality?

 

very good I like it metal finish is nice. feels solid.

 

Mark121, perhaps you can be of some assistance?