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    GT72 & GT80

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by Lykotic, Jul 31, 2015.

  1. Lykotic

    Lykotic Notebook Enthusiast

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    I know there is an "ask section" but I wanted to ask the MSI enthusiasts on these laptops. I am looking at 4 laptops (Alienware 17, Asus G75 GSync, 2 MSIs) and am wondering on the MSIs which you guys personally prefer.

    I have a price limit of ~$2200 before warranties (I have kids so getting accidental is a must) and am looking from MSI at the GT72 w/ 980m (5500 CPU) and the GT80 Titan w/ 965m SLI (4710 CPU).

    Personally I am leaning towards the GT72 but wanted to see if you guys perhaps some insight into the showdown of the MSIs =)
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2015
  2. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    I think the GT72, the SLI 965M does not compensate for SLI scaling issues you can run into IMO. It depends if you really wanted to the bigger screen and mech keyboard built in though.
     
  3. Lykotic

    Lykotic Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks =)

    As awesome as the mechanical keyboard is, I just don't think I can justify the added bulk since I will be traveling with this computer some. The screen size difference isn't a huge deal so I find it to neither be a positive or negative.

    Due to a recent price change on NewEgg I am now debating between the GT72 and Alienware 15
     
  4. Support.3@XOTIC PC

    Support.3@XOTIC PC Company Representative

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    Depending on the exact model and the hard drive configuration you're looking at the Alienware may not support RAID. If read/write speeds are important to you and the GT72 version you're looking at has 2 or more SSD you will get faster speeds in that regard.
     
  5. Ramzay

    Ramzay Notebook Connoisseur

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    I haven't used the AW15, but I have used the GT72 and the AW17 R2. I'm in the process of finalizing my review on the latter.

    They are slightly different. Alienware still has one of the best warranties in the business. Next business day on site is really something.

    There is quite a difference between 17 & 15" screens, moreso than between 17" & 18". The GT72 keeps its temperature (both component and surface/keyboard) MUCH cooler than the AW, especially the keyboard temps. You can have a look at my AW17 R2 review in my sig.

    Are you looking at the GT72 with G-SYNC? Between the two, I'd be tempted to go for the GT72. It runs cooler and quieter, has a "better display", is easier to upgrade, easier to service (you can actually re-paste the CPU/GPU without having to down a complete tear-down like you do with the AW). It also ships with an appropriate PSU. Oh, it also uses MXM GPU cards, so you have the option of upgrading your GPU in a few years rather than buying a new laptop.

    The AW does have a better keyboard though, and the overall build quality is better. And there's the whole Graphics Amplifier thing if you're into it.

    Short version: if it were me, I'd get the MSI (assuming you're talking about the G-SYNC version).
     
  6. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    The guaranteed upgradability of the GT72 is pretty nice, so rather than relying on a dock you can invest a bit more in the future (it should cost about the same as the AW dock and a high end card to get at least one more generation of performance on the go).
     
  7. Lykotic

    Lykotic Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yep... it looks like I am joining the MSI world. The fact I can treat the device like a desktop (to a degree) sealed the deal for me....

    The 16 year old me cried a little about not picking the Alienware but with age comes a resistance to impulse buy, lol
     
  8. Meaker@Sager

    Meaker@Sager Company Representative

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    I'd say that MSI embody the drive towards performance more than alienware like your 16 year old self is thinking anyway.