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Review: MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro

by Parm Mann on 15 October 2014, 14:30

Tags: MSI, NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qackcf

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Conclusion

In the market for a big-screen laptop with desktop-like gaming credentials? The GT72 Dominator Pro has you covered, and then some.

Nvidia's GeForce GTX 980M has raised the bar for single-GPU performance in a laptop PC. Taking full advantage of the efficient Maxwell architecture, the best-in-class chip arrives as a go-to solution for manufacturers wanting to create premium systems aimed squarely at enthusiast gamers.

MSI, a frequent champion of gaming laptops, is at the front of that queue and is quick out of the gate with the GT72 2QE Dominator Pro. Priced at a jaw-dropping £1,999, this is a tried-and-trusted solution that gives gamers a taste of the GTX 980M action in a recognisable package.

The latest GT-series chassis is sleeker than earlier efforts, build quality is up to standard, and given MSI's expertise in this field, it's no surprise to find that the GT72 2QE is kitted-out as a desktop replacement. Performance is excellent in most regards and exceptional when gaming, but being quick to market has left room for improvement in certain areas. The 1080p TN display in particular is, we feel, out of touch with the laptop's price tag.

There's going to be plenty of similarly-powered competition in the weeks ahead, but MSI has already laid down a marker. In the market for a big-screen laptop with desktop-like gaming credentials? The GT72 Dominator Pro has you covered, and then some.

The Good
 
The Bad
Better looking than the GT70
Best-in-class GTX 980M GPU
Quad-core Intel processor
Ultra-fast M.2 storage array
Good choice of I/O ports Cooling solution works well
 
1080p TN panel is basic
Lacks Nvidia Optimus support
Pricey at £1,999



MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro

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The MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro laptop is be available to order from Scan Computers*.

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At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



*UK-based HEXUS community members are eligible for free delivery and priority customer service through the SCAN.care@HEXUS forum.



HEXUS Forums :: 9 Comments

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mmmm sexy :D
The mobile maxwell GPU is very impressive.
I just bought the 970M version of this series; the lack of Optimus support will probably be good for me, I hear it interferes with the Oculus DK2.
The other unexpected omission is the lack of Nvidia Optimus technology. Rather than have the laptop switch automatically between the Intel HD 4600 IGP and the Nvidia GTX 980M, MSI has opted instead for a manual configuration that allows the user to switch modes by pressing a hardware button. Doing so requires a full reboot, and as a consequence we suspect most users will have the Nvidia graphics chip engaged at all times.

I don't think people realize how horrendous dynamic IGP-GPU switching actually is, otherwise this paragraph would never come into existance. It's an immense boon to actually have hardware muxing as it circumvents literally all issues that IGP-GPU switching has, even though Optimus is the lesser evil by a large extent. Now, ideally there would be the option to have an automatic switching system as well as a manual one, but if only one can be picked, manual switching wins every single day for system usability purposes.

So, major thumbs up for MSI to go on and revert the evil that is the current state of software muxing, and a slight thumbs down for not offering the option for those who which to use so.
tribaljet
I don't think people realize how horrendous dynamic IGP-GPU switching actually is

…on Windows.

It doesn't have to be like this. My Macbook switches GPUs perfectly happily and totally seamlessly as and when needed when running OSX.

tribaljet
Now, ideally there would be the option to have an automatic switching system as well as a manual one

No. Ideally a Windows laptop should have a 100% reliable and automatic system just like a Mac has.

But like you, as automatic switches are a little flakey on a PC I'd prefer a manual switch.