MSI has launched its new 'thin stealth' GS40 Phantom Series gaming laptops. The Taiwanese PC, components and accessories maker claims "the sky's the limit," for gamers that purchase these laptops, thanks to the performance combo of a 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M with 3GB GDDR5, and other choice components. While it packs plenty of power, the brushed aluminium chassis encased GS40 Phantom Series earns its 'thin stealth' tag by measuring just 19.5~21.8mm in height and weighing in at 1.6kg.
The MSI GS40 Phantom Series is said to be an ideal choice for those who don't like to compromise. As well as the key performance components highlighted above, this 14-inch Full HD screen equipped machine provides fast storage options including PCI-E Gen3 SSD, for read speeds up to 2200MB/s. Users can install up to 32GB of DDR4-2133 RAM. Networking is catered for by the Killer Doubleshot with Killer Shield components promising a "smoother online gaming experience". Sound quality is not neglected, with MSI providing a headphone amp with ESS SABRE HiFi Audio DAC and the now familiar Nahimic Audio Enhancer.
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Model name |
GS40 6QE Phantom |
|
Operating System |
Windows 10 Home |
|
LED Backlight Display |
14" FHD (1920x1080), Wide-viewing angle, IPS level panel |
|
Processor |
Intel Core i7-6700HQ (6MB L3 Cache, up to 3.5 GHz) |
|
Memory Type |
DDR4-2133, 2 slots, up to 32GB |
|
Graphics |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M, 3GB GDDR5 |
|
Hard Disk Capacity |
1 x 2.5" HDD + 1x M.2 PCI-E Gen3 x4 (NVMe) / SATA Combo SSD |
|
Keyboard |
Single colour backlighting (red) SteelSeries keyboard with SSE3 |
|
Optical Disk Drive |
NA |
|
USB 3.1/3.0/2.0 |
1 (USB Type-C 3.1*1)/2/0 |
|
Super Port |
USB3.1 Type-C interface, dual 4K output, 5V/3A fast charger |
|
Card Reader |
SD(XC/HC) |
|
Video output: |
HDMI 1.4 x1 / MINI DisplayPort v2.0 x1 (4K 60Hz support) |
|
Mic-in/Headphone out |
1/1 |
|
LAN/WiFi |
Killer DoubleShot Pro with Killer Shield |
|
Bluetooth |
Bluetooth v4.1 |
|
Webcam |
Full HD type (30fps@1080p) |
|
Battery |
4-Cell |
|
Power Adapter |
150W |
|
Dimension (WxDxH) |
345 x 245 x 21.8~22.8mm |
|
Weight |
1.6 Kg (w/ Battery) |
Further important aspects of the MSI GS40 Phantom Series, which aren't highlighted by the spec table above, are the MSI Cooler Boost 3 technology used to keep this slim, light, yet powerful laptop performing under pressure. This technology relies upon a total of five heatpipes and two fans actively cooling the GPU and CPU. There are three different 'SHIFT' profiles to balance between performance and comfortable user experience; Sport, Comfort and Green.
The IPS panel equipped in the GS40 boasts MSI True Colour Technology, offering close to 100% sRGB. Profiles are available for changing between modes such as gaming, anti-blue, movie, office and designer. If you have extra displays available you can connect as many as three external displays.
Last but not least, MSI has chosen a tactile and responsive Streelseries keyboard with red backlighting, profiles, macros and Steelseries Engine 3 software for user input duties. Xsplit Gamecaster Version 2 software is provided for game streaming, recording and casting.
