The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.
← Previous pageNext page →

    MSI gx660r-060 is what we've been waiting for

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by Tree_Burner, Aug 13, 2010.

  1. essohl

    essohl Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    11
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    School is startin' soon, and I am looking for a decent laptop to work and game as well. How good is this laptop compare to the gx640 and sager np8690? ^^;
     
  2. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    IKAS V:

    What model did you get. I saw that you have the 1366x768. I didn't know the GX660r came with that.

    Thanks
     
  3. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    GX660-053US, with no R on the end.
    Not meant to mislead anyone but it's the only active thread that covers these models.It's more or less the same laptop with lower Rez and no RAID(that's what the R stands for).
    I would rather have 2 independent drives anyway.
     
  4. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    IKAS V:

    Can't you eliminate the RAID on the GX660R?

    I was thinking about replacing more drive with the same SSD as you. Intel 160GB.

    (Edited, noticed that the model you have does have the 5870.)
     
  5. Elmolivez

    Elmolivez Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Well I officially pulled the trigger and bought this laptop it is definitely an upgrade from the Dell I 1520 I currently have and hopefully I won't regret it. I upgraded the processor and went with the 500 GB xt drives as well as the Blu-Ray writer (I wanted to be able to back up huge amounts of data when I needed to, I am sick of buying external hard drives)

    I can't wait to play around with this one. Does anyone know how Linux works on this one, I would like to dual boot into XUbuntu or maybe SUSE.
     
  6. PTRob

    PTRob Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Just got my E-mail from XoticPC, It has been shipped. I should see my new laptop by this weekend..
     
  7. future4

    future4 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Cool...You'll have to let us know how you like it when it arrives.
     
  8. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    Yeah you can it's in the BIOS and easy to switch.
     
  9. genocidew

    genocidew Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    hi there, am a user of 8690 and very tempted with this gx660r.

    here are the points that made me want to change to it.

    - in terms of warranty, msi provide international too in case you are traveling.
    - battery is 8 cell compared to sager 3 cell.
    - 2 hdd option with raid capability
    - 3 slot of rams
    - WAY better~~~~~ sound quality
    - lighting effect ( well this is a ++ for me)
    - usb 3.0, 2 in fact. all other brands mostly only provide 1 usb 3.0

    what i wished could be better.

    - dvi port instead of vga port -_-
    - extra 1 more year international warranty for user like me who is not staying at US, or an option to purchase it.
     
  10. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Odd question, and more of a general computer question, hut here:

    If I were to remove the RAIDed HDDs from one GX660R and put them into another GX660R, would everything be preserved?
     
  11. Homer S

    Homer S Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    314
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    If the hardware really was identical. I'm fairly certain Windows would want to be activated again. A better way to go might be to do a complete drive level backup and restore. There are a few freeware/trialware programs that can do this. Do a search at someplace trustworthy, such as download.com (an arm of Cnet). I think I've used Acronis before. If you do it before you start using the laptop, you basically get the OEMs images. I'm sure they don't sit and install every single laptop, they do it once and then restore images to the hard drives.

    Homer
     
  12. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    What's wrong? You RMAing it?
     
  13. Keith

    Keith Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    889
    Messages:
    788
    Likes Received:
    221
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I would like to think so? I've done that on a Gateway 7805 and the Asus G60. Worked both times.
     
  14. Lionking-Cyan

    Lionking-Cyan Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
  15. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Well I went ahead and got one last night from JandR.com. They have a decent RMA policy, so hopefully no dead pixels, but if I get one, I should be easy to send it back.

    I hope to have it today.

    Was going to wait for the g53 or g73jw, but who knows when those are out.

    Only thing I am worried about is the screen quality and the heat/noise.
     
  16. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    Heat and noise are a non issue, screen quality is good, viewing angles are not that great but head on very nice.
     
  17. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Ya rly. Stupid pixel.
     
  18. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    One dead pickel huh.....I meant pixel ;)
    So besides the lazy pixel what's your verdict on the MSI? Is it what you thought it would be? So far mines has worked flawlessly and well worth it IMO.
     
  19. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    How many memory slots does it have?

    I think I read someone 3 slots?

    Does that disable the dual channel?
     
  20. genocidew

    genocidew Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    328
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    3 slots indeed but the last slot is hidden under the keyboard.
     
  21. sscanlon

    sscanlon Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    103
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Was the 285m a typo on their description? I emailed them and they said that they were informed it was the 285m but I should contact msi to be sure. weird.
     
  22. PTRob

    PTRob Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I was hoping for an actual clear answer on this also.. is it single channel, Dual, Tri?
     
  23. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    3 slots.
    2 on the bottom and one under the keyboard.
    Dual channel.
     
  24. don corazon

    don corazon Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    49
    Messages:
    62
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    So what do you guys think about the GX660r vs the Asus G53 (based on the Asus specs since it isn't expected to be released until end of Sep/early Oct)?

    I am on the fence btw the two but leaning toward the Asus since I will be using the laptop in business settings and prefer its more understated design, but curious to hear expert thoughts on the underlying specs?
     
  25. Masterashs

    Masterashs Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    50
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
  26. PTRob

    PTRob Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I purchased the GX660R because I needed one now, but if you can wait till the G53 I think you should. Make your choice then, at that time there will be more information out if there are any issues with the GX660R and you can get hands on information about the G53. Of course there is the choice on ATI vs Nvidia.
     
  27. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    First off, I'm a pretty loyal customer of Asus. I buy their notebooks, GPUs, mobos, even their ODDs. I was pretty much drooling over the G53 until Ken sent me an email about the GX660R.

    However, the GX660R was just too good a deal to pass up. While I do like the aesthetics of the G53 much better (And it should run very quiet), the features of the GX660R sold me. Two USB3.0 ports, awesome speakers, RAID capability, lots of fun hotkeys, and an interesting cooling system.

    Though I can say I'm more comfortable with nVidia than with ATI, since I've done lots of tweaks with nVidia cards, the 5870 should be the more powerful card in DX9 and DX10, while it might get edged out slightly in DX11 by the GTX 460m.

    Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either machine. Just make sure to get it from GenTechPC, since they're awesome.


    In other news: NO MORE DEAD PIXEL!

    In more news: Tuniq TX-4 isn't hard at all to apply.
     
  28. Keith

    Keith Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    889
    Messages:
    788
    Likes Received:
    221
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Were you able to fit it, or did you get another machine?
     
  29. superoo3p

    superoo3p Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    97
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Did it just go away, or u RMA'd? Btw can someone please run the FF benchmark located here: FINAL FANTASY XIV Official Benchmark

    I really want to see what this laptop can do... I know it is kida big though =S. Please run the full res test if possible. =D
     
  30. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    I RMA'd. Or advanced RMA'd. Details are hush-hush, sorry.

    As for size, it's pretty big, but no bigger than another gaming-class 15-incher.

    On the left is the GX660R. On the right is an Asus G51vx-RX05. (And holy crap, that screen needs cleaning.)

    I'm excited. SSD coming tomorrow, 640GB/7200rpm Samsung Spinpoint the day after.
     

    Attached Files:

  31. Abula

    Abula Puro Chapin

    Reputations:
    1,115
    Messages:
    3,252
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    106
    So you traded the cream n pie for a formula.... i read good stuff about it, to the point was very hard to believe, OverclockersHQ Tuniq TX-4 Thermal Compound Review, quoting from it.

    One the new one that you get, can do you do stock stress test and TX4, i just want to see if its so dramatic as that review.
     
  32. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Er... sorry. First thing I did to the new computer was replace my HDDs, replace the Intel 6200, and repaste the innards.
     
  33. Abula

    Abula Puro Chapin

    Reputations:
    1,115
    Messages:
    3,252
    Likes Received:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Thought you were RMAing it, well i though you were getting a new one again, i guess just swaping screen then?
     
  34. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Well, I can't tell the full details, but I have my new machine already.

    After maxed out Killing Floor for about two hours, with 79F ambient, my turbo-mode CPU maxed 82/77/79/82 while the GPU at 840/1050 was 78C. Passive cooling, as usual.
     
  35. Homer S

    Homer S Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    314
    Likes Received:
    86
    Trophy Points:
    41
    Sounds like he talked (or paid) them into sending the replacement before he sent the return.

    Homer
     
  36. Elmolivez

    Elmolivez Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    9
    Messages:
    47
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I can't wait to get mine in it's going to suck at first as I am in Iraq right now so setting downloading all the updates is going to take forever. Luckily I can just copy my steam and wow directories right over and there won't be an issue with them (or so I have heard).
     
  37. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    I've got a strange dilemma, nothing hardware related but I was offered over $250 more for this laptop than what I paid for it.Person I know has more money than brains and needs a laptop right away.
    Strongly considering to take the offer but a little hesitant because everything is running perfectly.
    What would you people do?
     
  38. Keith

    Keith Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    889
    Messages:
    788
    Likes Received:
    221
    Trophy Points:
    56
    If it were me, I would probably take the cash and turn around and get the 660r. But I know you said you prefer the lower res screen, so not sure if that's of interest?
     
  39. don corazon

    don corazon Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    49
    Messages:
    62
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    You put time into optimizing it, making sure it runs well etc. I think you can in good conscience sell it for a profit. Then buy the G53! :) Or arbitrage and buy another MSI!
     
  40. Affirmative Inaction

    Affirmative Inaction Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    24
    Messages:
    294
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Or just spend that profit on a nice drinking binge, and/or a WD HDD for the replacement!
     
  41. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    So I got mine last night.

    Screen is actually really nice. I am surprised how nice it looks.
    I like the size and weight.

    Problems so far:

    Track pad is driving me nuts. I really cannot use it. I bought a 15" laptop, to be able to use it away from the desk, and if I cannot use the track pad, I may have to return it.

    MSI LED application wanted me to find the install .msi. I was not able to run the application. When I put the included Drivers/utility disc it gave me the option to repair or remove. I removed the app, and the LEDs turned off. That is exactly what I wanted, so no need to re-install the app.

    IKAS V:

    When you install the 160GB SSD, did you do a clean install or restore.
    I have the same Intel SSD, and that is the next thing I am going to do, if I can figure out what is up the with track pad.
     
  42. NJ.Joey

    NJ.Joey Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Hey guys!!! Just looking for opinions (and maybe a little nudge :) )

    I currently have a ThinkPad T61 (14"). I pretty much have an addiction for collecting notebooks. I've been looking to replace my ThinkPad. I have a number of other notebooks, but they're all lower resolution. It seems like everything is 1366 x 768 nowadays. It's harder and harder to find higher resolutions at reasonable prices. I have a kick-a@@ desktop for gaming so I'm not actually looking for a gaming laptop. I was considering the ThinkPad 410s (another 14" machine). I've posted the specs below. The GX660R clearly trounces it in every way and is only about $50 more. I pretty much just want to keep a higher rez notebook around for those times I want to get some work down without revving up my desktop. Keeping in mind that I'll never really travel with it (I have smaller machines for that) would you think that going with the 660R would be a good idea? I'm not "overly" concerned with size (after all... it's how you use it right :) )... but it will be sharing my desktop with my monitor from my desktop PC. I just can't get a good feel for how large the 660R might be. I know it's a bit chunky, but I can deal with that. They're in stock locally and I've been contemplating picking one up for a little while now and seem to keep talking myself out of it. In all honesty, I can't seem to find a decent high rez notebook in the price range of the 660R... even basic, stripped down i3 and i5 machines. The price is just very tempting along with all the positive comments I've been reading. The specs for the ThinkPad are below... it just seems to make sense to go with the 660R for those few dollars more even though it may be way more than I need.



    Intel Core i5-520M 2.40GHz Processor with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.93GHz
    3MB Smart Cache, 1066MHz FSB
    4GB PC3-8500 1066MHz DDR3 RAM (8GB max)
    128GB SATA Solid State Drive (SSD)
    14.1" WXGA+ (1440 x 900, 16:10) LED Backlight Display
    Intel HD Graphics and NVIDIA Quadro NVS3100M (Switchable Graphics)
    Integrated 2.0MP Webcam
    DVD±R/RW Dual Layer Drive (Ultrabay slim, removable)
    Intel 6200 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN
    Wireless WAN upgradable
    Bluetooth 2.1
    10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
    Fingerprint Reader
    3-in-1 Multicard Reader (MMC, SD, SDHC)
    High Definition Audio and Stereo Speakers
    89-key, ThinkVantage button, multimedia Fn keys, and spill-resistant Keyboard & ThinkLight illuminates the keyboard to improve visibility in low-light conditions
    UltraNav, Tap Zones, scrolling regions label, and multi-touch Touchpad & TrackPoint
    Connections: 2 x USB 2.0 (one powered), eSATA/USB 2.0 combo, VGA, DisplayPort, RJ-45 (LAN), Combo Audio/Mic Jack
    Approximate Unit Dimensions: 13.3 (W) x 9.5 (D) x 0.83-1.02 (H) inches
    Approximate Unit Weight: 3.94 pounds
     
  43. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281

    Made backups when I first got it and then installed everything from the backups.
     
  44. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Anyone else have issues with their trackpad?
     
  45. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    1,073
    Messages:
    6,171
    Likes Received:
    535
    Trophy Points:
    281
    What exactly is the problem?
    Try adjusting the settings in the Synaptics touchpad option area.
     
  46. jhegeman

    jhegeman Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    It barely picks up when I use it. Moving across the screen takes forever.
     
  47. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Maybe increase your sensitivity if you haven't done so already.

    Does your trackpad skip when moving, or is it just slow?
     
  48. equilibrium1736

    equilibrium1736 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Just wanted to let you guys know that I got my GX660R today and the laptop refuses to play Starcraft 2 without crashing due to the 120w power adapter. I know this because I plugged the 180w Targus Universal in and the computer is stable now. My temperatures aren't the cause because my gpu is running at 66C and cpu is at 63C. Btw, I'm very happy with the screen.
     
  49. equilibrium1736

    equilibrium1736 Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Nvm, it crashed again. :(

    Anything I should try doing?

    Edit: I tried installing new video card drivers and updated directx. It worked for a lot longer this time but still crashed. Do I have to remove them completely?
     
  50. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

    Reputations:
    2,360
    Messages:
    5,594
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Is it only SC2 doing this? If it's only that game, looks like a driver conflict. If something like 3DMark Vantage or Furmark or IBT also crash, it looks like a hardware problem.
     
← Previous pageNext page →