Nvidia’s new VR-ready GTX 10-series graphics cards, for notebooks, are already seeing use in products from several companies, with MSI announcing perhaps the most comprehensive release to-date. The company is using the GPUs in 11 new notebooks from its GT, GS, GE and GP series.
Each of the new notebooks uses Nvidia’s 10-series technology: some feature SLI set-ups, while other use single processors. They are the GT83VR Titan SLI (GTX 1080 SLI/GTX 1070 SLI); the GT73VR Titan (GTX 1070 SLI/GTX 1080/GTX 1070); the GT72VR and GT62VR Dominator (GTX1070); and the GT72VR and GT62VR Dominator, GS73VR and GS63VR Stealth, GE72VR and GE62VR Apache (GTX 1060).
Due to their use of the 10-series GPUs, the notebooks support Nvidia’s Ansel technology, which can be used to capture 360° in-game images and view them in VR. Additionally, each can cover 100% sRGB and features low-blue-light and flicker-free modes.
Each of the products has MSI’s Dragon Centre software. This can be used to monitor and control hardware, as well as manage features like VR. The 1 Click VR key, for example, smooths VR gameplay.
Named as ‘king’ of the SLI platform, the GT83VR Titan SLI features an 18.4″ display (1920 x 1080). MSI’s Matrix Display technology supports Surround View; the notebook can drive up to three external UltraHD displays at 60Hz (Mini-DisplayPort, Thunderbolt and HDMI ports are featured, as well as USB 3.0 (x5)).
A Core i7 processor runs Windows 10, with 64GB of RAM and two 512GB SSDs in a RAID 4 configuration, as well as a 1TB HDD. A robust cooling design is featured, with dual fans and multiple heat pipes. The laptop will cost $4,800.
Next is the 17.3″ GT73VR Titan SLI. As well as its graphical power, this model has a 120Hz display (1920 x 1080) with a 5ms response time, covering 94% NTSC. The laptop can be overclocked (if using a Core i7 processor) and features the same cooling as the GT83VR. It has 32GB of RAM and two 128GB SSDs in a RAID 4 set-up, plus a 1TB HDD. Ports are the same as the GT83VR. It will cost $3,000.
The GT72VR Dominator and GT62VR Dominator are classified as ‘enthusiast-level’ PCs. Both use a slightly less-powerful cooling design as the SLI models, but have more display options. The GT72VR (17.3″) can have a 120Hz, 5ms display (1920 x 1080), or an UltraHD display covering 100% Adobe RGB. The GT62VR (15.6″) uses an eDP 1920 x 1080 display as standard, but can feature an UltraHD screen.
Both Dominator products use Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. They have Core i7 processors running Windows 10 and have 128GB SSDs and a 1TB HDD. The GT72VR has 12GB of RAM, while the GT62VR has 12GB. They feature mini-DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C and USB 3.0 (x6) ports. They cost $1,600 (GT72VR) and $1,800 (GT62VR).
MSI’s GS63VR Stealth Pro is a 15.6″ model with the same display options as the GT72VR: 1920 x 1080 or UltraHD with 100% Adobe RGB coverage. It is said to be the world’s thinnest gaming notebook at its size (17.7mm). An Intel Core processor runs Windows 10, with up to 32GB of RAM. Mini-DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB 3.0 (x3), USB 2.0 and RJ45 ports are featured.
The GS73VR Stealth is a 17.3″ notebook made with an aluminium alloy. It uses MSI’s Cooler Boost Trinity cooling design and an UltraHD display (eDP). A Core i7 processor runs Windows 10, with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD. Mini-DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt, USB 3.0 (x3) and USB 2.0 ports are featured. It will cost $2,100.
A very compact notebook, the GS43VR Phantom shares features with the above models, such as the Cooler Boost design, IPS panel and Core i7 (Windows 10) processor. The GS43VR has a 14″ eDP display (1920 x 1080); 16GB of RAM; and 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD. Mini-DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports are featured. It will cost $1,500.
Finally are the 17.3″ GE72VR and 15.6″ GE62VR Apache Pro: low-cost models with the same 10-series GPUs. These use a Cooler Boost design with dual fans and six heatpipes and a Core i7 processor (Windows 10). While the larger model only has one display option (1920 x 1080), the smaller notebook can use an UltraHD screen if so desired.
Both Apache Pro models have 32GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD/1TB HDD. Mini-DispplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.0 (x2) and USB 2.0 ports are featured. MSI only shared a price for the GE72VR: $1,750.
