help getting a GT72 within budget

I looking to buy a new system and need a 17" none-optimus laptop with mxm 980m for max future proofing, hence I have considered the GT72-G and the Clevo P770ZM-G.
The problem is my budget restraints are bit of an issue these days, and the GT72-G with the 980m is only offered with storage options that needlessly add to the cost since I'll use my own SSD/HDD's.
I recently moved to Canada and can afford up to $1800 cad + taxes, and so far the only system I found below this margin is the GT72 2QE-G at amazon.ca but it comes with a 3GB 970M. Should I grab one now before they run out of stock or perhaps wait for winter discounts?
Also does any one know vendors in US/CA where I can opt out at least ssd storage options so perhaps the 980m G-sync version becomes more affordable ?

Your advise please..

 

When do you need the system? The upcoming refresh may produce other options if none of the current ones suit you. Be aware you can upgrade the GPU in future if you want to.

 

I can hold off for couple of months for 980m to hopefully become cheaper but my fear msi or vendors force even more ssd /ram base options and keep price the same.

I don't think the new skylake refresh would be more affordable since they will add a profit margin for things that are new.

 

980m varients are unlikely to loose much value as the GM204 is still current.

 

I agree with Meaker. The entry point here in the US is around $1500 (probably about 1800 CAD) for a GT72. With the new GT72s expected to ship at the end of the month, you may be able to get a better deal on the current generation in a few weeks.

Unfortunately, MSI hasn't said much about what the new ones are going to cost yet.

From what I've seen in the teardown guides, the GT72 only has one 2.5" bay, so you'll need to use M.2 SSDs. If that's what you have, then rock on.

The 970m is no slouch when it comes to graphics processing. It's played everything I threw at it on high settings - even with an Ivy proc. As Meaker pointed out, the video card is upgradable, so you may want to consider the 970m and replace it with a Pascal when they come out next year. Otherwise, your best bet is probably buying it with a 980 already in it.

Laptop graphics cards are expensive though. The best priced 970/980 kits were at $450 US for a 970m and about $725 US for a 980m. So that's something to consider as well.

Depending on your budget and income, you may want to try to scrape together some more cash.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advise @Meaker and @superguy25. Wow didn't notice they only have one 2.5 HDD bay. I don't have M2 SSD's. Guess I'll have to buy one separately as I really don't need multiple in raid. or swap the optical drive since I barely use it.

 

I wonder if pads would be enough to cool the SSD, both above and below the M.2.... if the cover does not have a metal sheet you could maybe add one to that area to aid in heat dissipation.

 

You can use the other 2.5" if you are creative with cables and adapters if it's essential. I would imagine the 2nd bay being SATA III this time.

 

Where's the second bay at, and where's the connector? I'm guessing we'd have to buy another mounting bracket as well.

While only one 2.5" slot isn't the end of the world, I'd like to at least use my 2.5" 500 GB EVO 850 SSD a bit longer since I bought it within the last 6 months.

 

I bought a new sealed one form a guy on ebay has 1tb, 12gb for 1100 posted.