MSI GT80 or MSI GT72?Which to buy?

So my budget is about $3000 dollars and I see two options buy the gt80 titan with sli gtx980m's or buy the gt72 with the desktop gtx980. Which is better? I like the look of the gt72 and also it has g-sync, but then I also like the mechanical keyboard in the gt80. Any advice?

Thanks

 

My advice: if possible, find a local shop that has them and compare them. If you have a Micro Center, Fry's or a Tiger Direct in your area, you can often see at least one of them on display. The GT80 is powerful but it's pretty big. The GT72 will be a bit more portable. Getting your hands on them can make all the difference in your decision.

Here's a video comparing a 980m SLI config vs a single desktop 980. It's a bit old, but it can give you an idea:



On paper, 2 x 980m looks more powerful than a single desktop 980, but of course, the proof is in the pudding. You may be able to find newer benchmarks that can tell a better story.

I'd also take a look at the specs of each machine you're looking at, make a list of their pros and cons, and prioritize what's more important: G-Sync or mechanical keyboard? Size? Weight? Power and cooling? etc

As you make your list and prioritize, one or the other should become a more obvious choice.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

 

Hey thanks. Yeah I have an old MSI gx740 and I compared the specs with the MSI gt72 and there pretty similar, so I think I have a good idea of the size for that one, on the other hand I really don't have anything to compare the gt80 titan too. Im leaning towards the Msi gt72, but the 2 gtx980m sli seem soo good lol.

 

Well, it does depend on your budget. 980m in SLI are more powerful than a single 980, but games that only use single GPU, the 980 will have roughly 30% more performance.

the mechanical keyboard is really good but you have to decide if such feature is important to you I went with dual GPUs to test sli and indeed the system is great, but the cost of the system is quite a lot.

I think even right now, I would be inclined to consider the GT72 with 980, just to avoid any SLI issues, but I am really torn on it. This isn't about which is better, but what you want. They offer different things, and both offer great gaming performance.

GT80 has more potential, mechanical keyboard and SLI GPUs, but it is bigger, does not have a traditional numberpad.
GT72 is somewhat less powerful in games that use SLI, but it is more portable, and bound to less hassle because of single GPU and has G-sync.

Both currently offer 6820HK so any choice will be good CPU wise.

As superguy25 said, it would be great if you could compare and use any of them. Both are top performers, and unique in their own way.

 

As ryzeki said, i think it really comes down to personal preference between the two. I really do like the mechanical keyboard, The GT72 is slightly more portable and likely a little nicer to use not on a desk, however the GT72 weights 8.4 pounds and the GT80 weighs 9.9 lbs, so either way you cut it they are fairly heavy for a laptop.

I'm also assuming that you are looking at the GT80-002 that has the 6820HK as well, otherwise that could be a possible difference from the GT72 to the GT80 (at least something to consider).

All things considered, i'd go with the GT80-002, but I really do like those GT80's .

 

The real question is always "Which is better for you?"

The GT80 will give you more power and a bigger screen at the expense of portability and different aesthetics. Both are excellent systems, either way.