MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH

***craig5320*** · Mar 2, 2009, 06:53 PM

MSI GT725 Review
________________

MSI are a big player in the computer industry, manufacturing everything from high end motherboards and graphics cards to MP3 players and laptop computers. A couple of months ago we looked at their little Wind Netbook, an atom powered ultra portable laptop. Today we are going to look at an offering from MSI on the opposite end of the spectrum, a dual core 17 inch notebook set to facilitate a proficient workstation, portable gaming rig and media centre system.

comp_ali · Mar 2, 2009, 07:19 PM

Great laptop with reasonable price & nice review Dh , btw why don't you guys include GTA IV in laptop gaming tests?

lepel · Mar 2, 2009, 11:59 PM

I was interested in this laptop and it turns out to be a good one too! Too bad about the screen, but I don't think it'll bother most people.

I find it a pity that they used the orange line around the body. Laptop makers should look at how Apple designs their products and learn something from it!

Great review. I'm eager to see the Asus w90 review to compare these two laptops.

Zardon · Mar 3, 2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comp_ali

Great laptop with reasonable price & nice review Dh , btw why don't you guys include GTA IV in laptop gaming tests?

Its not really a great test for laptops because it really relies on a quad core CPU as we have discussed before.

If there are any games you feel we are missing however, please feel free to bring it up (as well as anything else) in our feedback forum. We do spend a long time selecting the games to make sure we cover a good cross section as well as detail performance with a variety of leading engines.

Zardon · Mar 3, 2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lepel

I was interested in this laptop and it turns out to be a good one too! Too bad about the screen, but I don't think it'll bother most people.

The screen isn't bad as such, its just not a class leading panel and we felt it was important to mention. The rest of the system is brilliant however so as you say it might not be a massive issue for many people.

Quote:

I find it a pity that they used the orange line around the body. Laptop makers should look at how Apple designs their products and learn something from it!

I actually quite like the orange trim, its a 60's retro look IMO and works well, although I notice more manufacturers are buying in these chassis for their machines so its becoming less original now. As for Apple, I agree totally, they never have a plethora of stickers all over their machines and their designs are really second to none.

Quote:

Great review. I'm eager to see the Asus w90 review to compare these two laptops.

That machine is on the cards, however the review will be delayed, its a little indepth for a discussion in this thread but we do aim to cover it as soon as Asus give the goahead.

42nucleus · Mar 3, 2009, 12:58 AM

Quote: "Unfortunately, for anybody seeking to tweak further power out of the system, there are no options for BIOS level overclocking."

There are options for BIOS level overclocking.
Just press ALT + Insert in the BIOS.

Mac Daddy · Mar 3, 2009, 02:31 AM

Great review and this one just moved to the top of my list. I actually just received a press release on this today so it should be available in NA ATM or very soon ... not sure about the UK.

The display issues mentioned I don't think would really bother me and the only one that would is lack of X64 offered as an OS.

Looks solid

lepel · Mar 3, 2009, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the info on the w90 review, Zardon. I'll be looking forward to it. ^^

shALKE · Mar 3, 2009, 09:37 AM

Very nice laptop i'd have to say ...

Zardon · Mar 3, 2009, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42nucleus

Quote: "Unfortunately, for anybody seeking to tweak further power out of the system, there are no options for BIOS level overclocking."

There are options for BIOS level overclocking.
Just press ALT + Insert in the BIOS.

Thanks for the info, we will get this confirmed with MSI as the machine is no longer with us, then append the review.

comp_ali · Mar 3, 2009, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

Its not really a great test for laptops because it really relies on a quad core CPU as we have discussed before.
.

I am speaking not only of this one but Alienware as well.

I guess this thread would be better if placed in Dh reviews forum rather than Dh news.

Tipstaff · Mar 4, 2009, 03:17 AM

I posted THIS in the other thread, but it's probably better to post it here:

"BTW, Nathan, I noticed in the review that you said it only comes with Vista 32bit, but I've seen references to it coming with 64bit as well.

Edit: Just to clarify something: which model did you get? UK or US? Specifically, is it the GT725-075US, or the GT725-087UK? The reason I ask is that the US model "supposedly" has a screen resolution of 1920x1200 (according to the MSI rep and their site), while the UK model has 1680x1050, as does the lower US model, the GT725-074US."

Zardon · Mar 4, 2009, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 42nucleus

Quote: "Unfortunately, for anybody seeking to tweak further power out of the system, there are no options for BIOS level overclocking."

There are options for BIOS level overclocking.
Just press ALT + Insert in the BIOS.

Got a reply from MSI on this:

The combination keys access advanced menu, where you can get change for example OC settings.

However this menu is hidden for a reason and it’s not meant for testing purposes not end users use

End users may want to adjust overclock % value, but it's not recommended to do that; if the user adjusts it above factory 16% it may cause system to be unstable when pressed Turbo key or worst which we won’t cover under warranty.

NathanMarks · Mar 4, 2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

I posted THIS in the other thread, but it's probably better to post it here:

"BTW, Nathan, I noticed in the review that you said it only comes with Vista 32bit, but I've seen references to it coming with 64bit as well.

Edit: Just to clarify something: which model did you get? UK or US? Specifically, is it the GT725-075US, or the GT725-087UK? The reason I ask is that the US model "supposedly" has a screen resolution of 1920x1200 (according to the MSI rep and their site), while the UK model has 1680x1050, as does the lower US model, the GT725-074US."

Hey Tipstaff

We recieved a UK spec laptop, I did see myself on several websites that the US spec was offered with 1920x1200, I have contacted MSI to double check that.

As far as the 64bit OS query goes, I specifically contacted MSI about this and they said that it was a mistake on Amazon.com's website and that the 32bit OS on this specific model is a global policy.

Just to confirm I have seen the US spec offered in several places

Mac Daddy · Mar 4, 2009, 12:49 PM

Thanks for the updates guys

NathanMarks · Mar 4, 2009, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by comp_ali

I am speaking not only of this one but Alienware as well.

I guess this thread would be better if placed in Dh reviews forum rather than Dh news.

Regarding the Alienware machine. The 3870s really weren't great in the title and we encountered a few issues while testing. Results were all over the place and we were unable to get the cards to provide a consistent set of results that we could draw conclusions from.

comp_ali · Mar 4, 2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanMarks

Regarding the Alienware machine. The 3870s really weren't great in the title and we encountered a few issues while testing. Results were all over the place and we were unable to get the cards to provide a consistent set of results that we could draw conclusions from.

Ah . I see , thanks.

Tipstaff · Mar 5, 2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NathanMarks

Hey Tipstaff

We recieved a UK spec laptop, I did see myself on several websites that the US spec was offered with 1920x1200, I have contacted MSI to double check that.

As far as the 64bit OS query goes, I specifically contacted MSI about this and they said that it was a mistake on Amazon.com's website and that the 32bit OS on this specific model is a global policy.

Just to confirm I have seen the US spec offered in several places

Thanks for that clarification, Nathan.

Falstaff · Mar 27, 2009, 06:38 PM

nice sunday morning review...
good work DH..

scipioafr · Mar 27, 2009, 08:29 PM

I would liked to have seen a 7200 hard drive, but nice review

nik385 · Sep 26, 2009, 03:04 AM

I have recently purchased an MSI GT725 and am very happy with it. It's very easy to use and very easy to overclock. The sound system is phenominal and image quality is astonishing. There are a few small downsides, such as the bright light-bleed at the bottom of the screen, but it doesn't show when the screen is at it's highest brightness. The factory-set partition of 40 gigs for OS and 250 for data storage is nice, but I'm considering getting a new HDD.

Mar 2, 2009, 06:53 PM	#1
*craig5320* HH Administrator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 8,282 Rep Power: 428 System Specs	MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH MSI GT725 Review ________________ MSI are a big player in the computer industry, manufacturing everything from high end motherboards and graphics cards to MP3 players and laptop computers. A couple of months ago we looked at their little Wind Netbook, an atom powered ultra portable laptop. Today we are going to look at an offering from MSI on the opposite end of the spectrum, a dual core 17 inch notebook set to facilitate a proficient workstation, portable gaming rig and media centre system. __________________

Mar 2, 2009, 07:19 PM	#2
comp_ali Sniper Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Egypt Posts: 10,441 Rep Power: 331 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Great laptop with reasonable price & nice review Dh , btw why don't you guys include GTA IV in laptop gaming tests? __________________

Mar 2, 2009, 11:59 PM	#3
lepel HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 552 Rep Power: 39 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH I was interested in this laptop and it turns out to be a good one too! Too bad about the screen, but I don't think it'll bother most people. I find it a pity that they used the orange line around the body. Laptop makers should look at how Apple designs their products and learn something from it! Great review. I'm eager to see the Asus w90 review to compare these two laptops.

Mar 3, 2009, 12:58 AM	#6
42nucleus DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Quote: "Unfortunately, for anybody seeking to tweak further power out of the system, there are no options for BIOS level overclocking." There are options for BIOS level overclocking. Just press ALT + Insert in the BIOS.

Mar 3, 2009, 02:31 AM	#7
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 78 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Great review and this one just moved to the top of my list. I actually just received a press release on this today so it should be available in NA ATM or very soon ... not sure about the UK. The display issues mentioned I don't think would really bother me and the only one that would is lack of X64 offered as an OS. Looks solid __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 3, 2009, 09:26 AM	#8
lepel HardwareHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 552 Rep Power: 39 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Thanks for the info on the w90 review, Zardon. I'll be looking forward to it. ^^

Mar 3, 2009, 09:37 AM	#9
shALKE HH Panther Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Romania, Bucharest Posts: 176 Rep Power: 27 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Very nice laptop i'd have to say ...

Mar 4, 2009, 03:17 AM	#12
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,658 Rep Power: 187 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH I posted THIS in the other thread, but it's probably better to post it here: "BTW, Nathan, I noticed in the review that you said it only comes with Vista 32bit, but I've seen references to it coming with 64bit as well. Edit: Just to clarify something: which model did you get? UK or US? Specifically, is it the GT725-075US, or the GT725-087UK? The reason I ask is that the US model "supposedly" has a screen resolution of 1920x1200 (according to the MSI rep and their site), while the UK model has 1680x1050, as does the lower US model, the GT725-074US." __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Mar 4, 2009 at 06:04 AM.

Mar 4, 2009, 12:49 PM	#15
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 78 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH Thanks for the updates guys __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen

Mar 27, 2009, 06:38 PM	#19
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,047 Rep Power: 206	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH nice sunday morning review... good work DH.. __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Mar 27, 2009, 08:29 PM	#20
scipioafr DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 80 Rep Power: 22 System Specs	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH I would liked to have seen a 7200 hard drive, but nice review

Sep 26, 2009, 03:04 AM	#21
nik385 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Re: MSI GT725 Gaming Laptop @ DH I have recently purchased an MSI GT725 and am very happy with it. It's very easy to use and very easy to overclock. The sound system is phenominal and image quality is astonishing. There are a few small downsides, such as the bright light-bleed at the bottom of the screen, but it doesn't show when the screen is at it's highest brightness. The factory-set partition of 40 gigs for OS and 250 for data storage is nice, but I'm considering getting a new HDD.