MSI Computer Corp has unleashed another new powerful gaming laptop stuffed to the gills with "devastating power," but this time packaged in a "sleeker, lighter, cutting-edge design". The MSI GT72 Dominator Pro gaming notebook is equipped with two key performance components from the Intel and Nvidia stables; namely the Intel Core i7-4710HQ processor and Nvidia GeForce GTX 880M discrete graphics chip.
While the MSI GT72 Pro might be sleeker and lighter than predecessors in the range it is still quite a hulk, packing a 17.3-inch 1080p screen into its 3.9Kg (8.59lbs) mass. Billed as a desktop replacement, "built to perform… forged for the hardcore," it's not surprising it is more luggable than portable but MSI has tried hard to keep it slim and light. We are told it is built with an aluminium uni-body chassis and is less than 2-inches thick.
Andy Tung, president of MSI Pan America boasted "The GT72 Dominator Pro will turn heads with its ultra-sleek design and drop jaws with its pixel shredding performance." He was proud of the redesign effort represented by this latest member of the GT range "The completely redesigned flagship gaming notebook incorporates the heralded elements of previous GT versions into a brand new chassis that maximizes performance and user experience".
MSI is currently listing two models of the GT72 Pro gaming notebook for sale and they both feature the same core performance components. The only differences between the GT72 Dominator Pro-007 and GT72 Dominator Pro-010 are the amount of RAM, the storage config and the price. I've reproduced an abridged spec table below noting the 'Pro-010' spec in brackets.
GT72 Dominator Pro-007 (Pro-010) specs
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4710HQ, 2.5GHz to 3.4GHz w/ Turbo Boost
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 880M with 8GB DDR5
- Screen: 17.3" Full HD Anti-Reflective 1920x1080 16:9
- RAM: 32GB DDR3L 1600MHz (24GB DDR3L 1600MHz)
- Storage: 128GB SSD x 4 RAID 0 + 1TB HDD 7200RPM (128GB SSD x 2 RAID 0 + 1TB HDD 7200RPM), M.2 SATA + SATA, Blu-ray Disc Burner
- Keyboard: SteelSeries Programmable Full Colour Backlit
- Networking: Killer E2200 Game Networking, Killer N1525 Wireless-AC
- Ports: SD card, USB 3.0 x6, HDMI 1.4 x1, mDP x2, Mic, Headphone
- Battery: 9 cells
- Size/Weight: 16.85" long x 11.57" wide x 1.88" thick and 3.9Kg
- OS: Windows 8.1
- Price: $2,999.99 ($2,599.99)
- Warranty: 2 years
Cooling is very important in a powerful yet compact machine and MSI says it has installed an "advanced dual fan thermal" design. Complementing the obvious graphic prowess we have 'Dynaudio' high fidelity speakers which include a dedicated bass unit. The RAID config fixed-storage is also said to help you load your apps at up to 15x faster than a standard 7200RPM HDD. Killer networking, a Steelseries keyboard, gaming shortcut keys and support up to 3 external monitors rounds out the GT72 Dominator Pro spec nicely.
Finally MSI also informs us that this new gaming desktop replacement is easily upgradeable thanks to its one-piece back plate design.
