MSI MS-1036 pros/cons

Ive had my ms-1036 for nearly a month now and can say that it is a pretty awesome system for $1129.00 barebones. A simple list of what I like and don't like about the system:

What I do like:

1. Can use DDR400 ram. Up to 2gigs.
2. Uses the Turion CPU. More powerful price/performance than the Intel Centrino's.
3. Capable of playing current games at high frame rates, depending on the graphics settings. I can play WoW on almost full effects, 1600x1050, 2xmultisample, minus anisotropic filtering.
4. Has a full keyboard, usefull for me considering I am a computer engineering student, and thus like the keypad for number entry.
5. Large clear screen at 17" widescreen with glossy finish. No dead pixels found (used dead pixel buddy).

What I don't like:

1. System was sent to me without a badge, or front trim sticker to cover the IR port hole. (However, the reseller was kind to get me a badge from MSI, and the front trim as fast as possible).
2. System was built using overclocked VGA memory frequency. It should be set to 350MHz, but it set by the factory at 400MHz.
3. The systems only fan has the bottom vent blocked by a mylar sticker. It runs cooler if you remove it. In fact, if you look at MSI's instructions on building the system, they have the sticker covering the fan removed! ( http://www.msicomputer.com/product/notebook/MS-1036IG.pdf)
4. ATITool will crash the system if using POWERPLAY simultaneously.
5. Tray for securing the hard drive is flimsy and feels very fragile. The hard drive tray in my old emachines is sturdier than this thing.
6. Heatsinks at the vent openings are aluminum and not copper.
7. All systems from MSI should ship with a dos boot cd, if the laptop doesn't come with a floppy drive.

I will update this thread as I discover new things about this particular model.

And just in case anybody is wondering my system specs are:

AMD Turion MT-40 @ 2.2 GHz.
Hitachi Travelstar 7200 rpm 80Gig Hard drive.
2Gigabytes of Patriot 3200(DDR400) Cas 3 memory @ 1 Gig/Stick

 

Exactly which fan are you talking about out of curiosity. My notebook is on its way back to MSI but I was just curiuos.

 

just a few notes:

ATI has always allowed the manufacturer to set final clocks on both desktop and mobile models, and the 350/400 has been stable in most 1036 systems. It actually is quite flexible for overclocking above those speeds.

The fan cover is designed to increase hot air flow exhausting the system, but you are correct that it runs cooler with the air intake increase by removing the cover. It's a simple fix if you are running hot.

ATITool is a 3rd party app and its ability to crash the system is not the fault of MSI or ATI, but a simple software conflict that should be reported to the ATITool creator.

The hard drive tray is designed to hold the hard drive in place without creating undue weight and does so satisfactorily. No complaints or reports of hard drive malfunction due to hard drive disconnection or slipping have been reported. Some of the lighter systems by other major manufacturers use as little as a plastic sleeve to hold drives in place or even simple foam pads.

Heatsinks on most laptops are aluminum to decrease weight, a basic tradeoff used by most manufacturers. Copper would significantly increase the laptop weight as the heatsinks and fins can make quite a difference.

A DOS boot cd is not commonly shipped with any notebook system, barebones or otherwise, from any manufacturer. It is not a commonly used option by the majority of customers and would not be cost-beneficial to be included in the package.

your comments are appreciated, though, it's important for people to know what to expect when ordering a system through the net.

I personally use a 1036 (and a 1013) myself, so i'm very aware of the system and it's pros and cons.

 

I guess you would know better than I, since mine is one out of many. However, even that minuscule percentage is enough to question the validity of their choice to clock the system higher than the recommended spec. It's just a bit irritating when you get a system that should run fine at stock settings but doesn't. I'm not saying all 1036's will have problems at those speeds, it's just if mine does have problems, what are the chances that another 1036 will have the same problem as well? I don't know the manufacturing process of MSI, but if it’s like most products it is assembled on an assembly line where the error/problem will be replicated many times over (if there is one).


And although aluminum may be used by most manufacturers, I like the copper thermal characteristics and would rather take an increase in weight over a poorer heat sink. Especially when their design is a little faster than the recommended spec. As a side note, my previous laptop had two fans (one for the cpu and one for the vga card). And both heat sinks were copper.

And well, if my case is an insolated incident I guess I just have bad luck.

About the atitool thing, yes its 3rd party and not a fault of the 1036. However, a 3rd party software must be used if someone wants to downclock the speed of the videocard. If I didn't have to use it than I wouldn't complain about it, but I do...

 

harbinger,

i understand what you're saying, but since we have not yet heard many issues with the system running too hot or the video card being too aggressively clocked, it's probably more an issue with your system than a design flaw or factory setting. We have forwarded your concerns to MSI for their comment on the clock speeds.

I like copper too, it dissipates heat better, but every ounce counts, especially at the 17" size, where a few decisions could add a full pound to it. At 8lbs or so, the light weight is one of the selling points.

 

I must say although my laptop is at MSI right now being repaired I thought the build quality of the 1036 and the looks were actually better than I expected. Everyone commented on how thin and sharp the machine looked. In addition the quality and quickness of responses on this forum I increase my confidence in being able to discuss and resolve most issues with the machines. As with any product I am sure there are thousands of these laptops sold and a few are bound to have issues, I especially hate that one was mine and I had to deal with an incredibly inept reseller but I found comfort in MSI when they told me if the reseller would not correct the problem that they stand behind their product and they would. Through all my negative experiences I never felt that MSI didn't care about the product or their reputation.

 

That's great to hear! I've read mostly positive things about the 1036. Can't wait until mine arrives on Friday!!

 

Pros: Same as his

Cons:
The powersupply was bad on mine i believe(should get to back to me tommarow hopefully) Xmeld is taking care of it though

I dont like how the Fn key is where the ctrl key is unlike on most other laptops were the Fn key is inside of the Ctrl key.

Not enough USB ports bought a vantec cooler with 4 more ports on it

Runs quite hot froze a few times becasue i think it over heated the vantec cooler should help that though and i will take off the sticker.