We go hands on with MSI's upcoming lineup of GTX 10-series gaming notebooks

MSI gaming laptops

Along with its Dynaudio speakers, 32-bit Hi-Res Audio is also possible thanks to the inclusion of an ESS SABRE HiFi DAC Amp.

Models powered by the Intel Core i7-6820HK processor are also eligible for Turbo Mode, enabling users to unlock higher levels of performance through overclocking. Though its GeForce GTX 1080 SLI graphics and overclocked Core i7 K series CPU means that power consumption for this model can go higher than 600W, the whole system is kept cool and stable by MSI's "Cooler Boost Titan" system.

Next up are the GT72VR Dominator and GT62VR Dominator series notebooks the enthusiast gaming platform, supporting GeForce GTX 1070 and GTX 1060 graphics and settings optimised for the HTC Vive.

MSI gaming laptops

MSI also announced its lightest, thinnest gaming notebook in the GS63VR Stealth Pro, weighing just 1.9kg with a 15.6" display and a thickness of just 17.7mm. It's got a GTX 1060 graphics card and a Cooler Boost Trinity system with 5 heatpipes and enhanced Whirlwind Blade fans.

The GS43VR Phantom is a powerful 14-inch gaming notebook that packs GTX 1060 graphics and a Cooler Boost Trinity cooling solution into its compact frame. It's got a Full HD display that can be used at Ultra settings and is VR Ready.

Finally, the GE72VR and GE62VR Apache series of gaming notebooks promise to deliver a VR ready experience without breaking the budget (although pricing has yet to be announced). Each model is powered by GeForce GTX 1060 graphics, and features a thermal design that takes advantage of Cooler Boost 4 technology.

MSI gaming laptops

Center the Dragon

Gamers of the hardcore variety love to tinker with settings, which is why each of MSI's GTX 10 series gaming notebooks will come with the company's unique Dragon Center software built-in.

Useful for detailed hardware monitoring and tweaking of MSI's unique laptop features, Dragon Center offers gamers a level of control over these 'dragons' that would make Daenerys Targaryen blush.

Dragon Center also allows gamers to enable smoother VR gameplay with the VR key, which prevents background software interruptions which can affect frame rates.

MSI's X-Boost also provides faster data access for SSDs and USB drives, and provides True Colour editing tools so that players can tailor their own visual experience. And, all of this can be controlled entirely using the Dragon Center mobile phone app in real time.

Unfortunately, no pricing information was offered by MSI for any of the new gaming notebooks in its expansive range — and those top-end models will almost certainly prove to be quite expensive. However, those for whom money is not an issue should get extremely excited about the future of laptop gaming that MSI has unveiled. Consider the desktop performance cliché well and truly shattered.

Stephen Lambrechts
Senior Journalist, Phones and Entertainment

Stephen primarily covers phones and entertainment for TechRadar's Australian team, and has written professionally across the categories of tech, film, television and gaming in both print and online for over a decade. He's obsessed with smartphones, televisions, consoles and gaming PCs, and has a deep-seated desire to consume all forms of media at the highest quality possible. 


He's also likely to talk a person’s ear off at the mere mention of Android, cats, retro sneaker releases, travelling and physical media, such as vinyl and boutique Blu-ray releases. Right now, he's most excited about QD-OLED technology, The Batman and Hellblade 2: Senua's Saga.