The recently released GE75 not only features the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics but also sports a redesigned chassis denoted by the inclusion of the numeral “5” in its model number. Let’s explore the alterations made to enhance this 17-inch MSI GE series laptop.
Technical Specifications for MSI GE75 8SE
Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 / Intel UHD630
Display: 17.3″ Full HD, IPS, 144Hz
Memory: 2x 8GB DDR4-2666 (expandable up to 32GB, 2 SODIMM slots)
Storage:
- 128GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0×2 (Kingston RBUSNS8154P3128GJ)
- 1TB 7200RPM HDD (Seagate ST1000LM049)
Surrounding the Laptop
The most notable alteration to the GE75’s chassis involves the elimination of the RGB light strips on the lid, a departure from the previous GE73 Raider RGB model. It’s worth noting that not everyone appreciates extravagant RGB lighting on a laptop, but this adjustment seems to give the laptop a somewhat subdued aesthetic. Nonetheless, the absence of the two RGB stripes doesn’t impact gaming performance, and MSI has still introduced a Raider RGB variant.
The 17.3-inch IPS panel maintains a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), offering a standard 144Hz high refresh rate display for a smooth visual experience. Without G-Sync or FreeSync support, users need to fine-tune the visual settings in games to prevent screen tearing or stuttering.
The keyboard panel retains the steelseries gaming keyboard with individual RGB backlighting, showcasing consistency. Typing and gaming on this keyboard felt natural, and I found no faults, even as someone who generally prefers mechanical keyboards. However, the key arrangement is a source of irritation for me.
Transgressions of the Keyboard:
Error #1: The absence of the Left Windows key, replaced inexplicably by the FN key. It seems the keyboard designer, whether from steelseries or MSI, dismisses the importance of the left Windows key.
Error #2: Unexplainably, steelseries has positioned the “” key between the spacebar and the Left ALT key. The duplication of the same key on both sides of the keyboard lacks justification. Attempting to rationalize it as a universal design for various keyboard layouts worldwide is unacceptable for such an anomaly.
Error #3: The arrow cluster seamlessly blends into the overall keyboard, causing difficulty in differentiation. This often leads to pressing the wrong key, especially with the Numpad “0” key situated right at the corner.
Error #4: The “Delete” key should swap places with the “Insert” key for a more intuitive layout.
On a positive note, the trackpad is smooth and responsive to finger gestures, providing a useful alternative in the absence of a computer mouse. However, for gaming, depending on your palm size, it might be advisable to disable the trackpad, as it is sensitive enough to detect inadvertent palm touches.
Connectivity Options
The laptop features Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm mic jack.
Additionally, there is an SD card reader and 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports.
Notably, the USB ports are illuminated with LEDs, providing easy access in low-light conditions. The relevance of this feature may vary, and it’s uncertain if gamers frequently use computers in dimly lit rooms.
On a side note, a preferable arrangement would have been to position the USB connectors on the left side of the laptop. Plugging USB cables into the right side could potentially interfere with mouse movements.
Gaming & Performance Overview
The laptop is powered by the conventional 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H processor, delivering generally solid performance, albeit with the trade-off of higher temperatures under heavy CPU loads.
Regarding storage, the pairing of a 128GB NVMe PCIe3.0x2 SSD and a 1TB HDD provides a balance between a speedy boot drive and ample storage for games. However, an improvement could have been made if the boot drive had a larger 256GB capacity.
Performance Benchmarks
Cinebench R15: 1394 points
Cinebench R20: 3285 points
Geekbench: Single-Core 6035, Multi-Core 27309, OpenCL 303448
Time Spy: 10029 points
Fire Strike: 22047 points
Port Royal: 5983 points
Battery Life Performance
The GE75 equipped with an RTX 2060 features a moderately sized 51Wh battery accompanied by a 180W charging adapter. In contrast, the RTX 2070 variant boasts a larger 65Wh battery but comes with a bulkier 280W charging adapter.
Under typical usage scenarios, involving web browsing and several YouTube video playbacks, a full charge is expected to endure approximately 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes)
Temperature Overview
The laptop’s thermal performance is a critical aspect to consider. During demanding tasks, such as gaming or high CPU loads, temperature management becomes crucial. It’s advisable to monitor and ensure efficient cooling to maintain optimal performance and prevent potential overheating issues.
The MSI GE75 Raider 8SE, priced at RM7,399, offers a cost advantage of around RM600 compared to the recently updated GE75 9SE/9SF/9SG featuring the 9th gen Intel Core i7-9750H. Aside from the new CPU, the laptop retains its existing features. With a modest 6% performance improvement and a one-year release date gap, many users would likely lean towards the latest variant unless there’s a compelling sale.
The laptop exhibits excellent performance, particularly with the GPU temperature consistently below 82 degrees Celsius even under continuous loads. However, managing the CPU temperature proves more challenging. Nevertheless, unless the laptop is intended for intensive rendering tasks, its gaming capabilities meet expectations.
Pros:
Impressive overall performance
Effective GPU thermal control
SSD for the boot drive, complemented by a 1TB HDD for storage
144Hz refresh rate
Cons:
Limited 128GB SSD capacity
Challenges with CPU temperature control
