MSI GL62M 7REX is an entry-level gaming laptop that comes with a new processor 7th generation Intel Core i7 and graphics card providing desktop-level performance systems In addition, the device uses a number of proprietary solutions from MSI, which allow you to use its gaming capabilities with maximum efficiency.
Since the GL62 series laptops are released in several modifications, it is advisable to clarify that this review covers the 1252CN version, with Windows 10 Home pre-installed.
Features of appearance, interfaces
The laptop comes in a black case, with thin red inserts in the area of the ventilation grilles. The matte finish on the outer part of the case is much more practical than gloss, since it collects less scratches and fingerprints and retains its original appearance longer. MSI GL62M 7REX has successfully passed repeated tests for structural strength. In addition, the hinges securely hold the lid in the position specified by the user.
On the left side you can find a rather impressive set of interfaces:
- two USB 3.0 connectors;
- USB Type-C 3.0;
- MINI DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 interfaces, designed for connecting external monitors;
- microphone input, output for headphones and external acoustics (speakers);
- RJ45 connector, used to make a wired connection to a local network;
- Kensington lock slot.
On the opposite side there is a USB 2.0 port, a card reader for reading SD drives and a power connector. At the top of the screen is the front-facing camera, which shoots in 720P resolution and can be used for video chatting. On the sides of the camera there are 2 built-in microphones.
Keyboard and touchpad
The MSI GL62M 7REX uses a full-length SteelSeries keyboard with flat keys. The keyboard is backlit and does not create much noise when typing, making it ideal for gaming and working at night. There is no Cyrillic engraving on the keys, however, this can be easily fixed with the help of stickers, the cost of which barely exceeds $1. The on/off button is equipped with a light indicator, and for convenience is placed separately, above the digital keypad.
The touch panel clearly responds to touch and has a large enough area for comfortable gesture control. At the bottom of the touchpad there are two short-travel buttons that perform the functions of the right and left mouse buttons.
CPU and GPU Performance
The processor used is a fresh solution from 2017 – Intel Core i7-7700HQ based on the Kaby Lake architecture. The CPU contains 4 cores with a clock frequency of 2.8 GHz, which can be increased to 3.7 GHz in Turbo mode. The video subsystem consists of a built-in HD Graphics 630 graphics chip and a dedicated graphics NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti cards, with 2 GB of GDDR5 video memory (128 bit) and DirectX support 12.
The integrated video chip is used when the device is running on battery power to solve everyday problems. If higher performance is required, it automatically switches to a discrete graphics card. The power of the GTX 1050 Ti GPU is quite enough to provide comfortable gaming in most games running with Full HD resolution and good texture detail.
For example, in GTA V, at medium graphics settings, the frame rate is kept within 120 FPS, at high settings – 60-70 FPS. In dynamic game scenes, a drop of up to 45 FPS is possible, but the picture still remains smooth. For comparison, in Battlefield 4 at high settings you can freely play at 155 FPS, and on ultra graphics up to 50 frames change per second.
The MSI GL62M 7REX is powerful enough to keep you productive beyond gaming. The device can be used for editing multimedia files, playing videos in 2K and 4K resolution. There are also no problems with multitasking: the laptop copes with the simultaneous operation of programs and a browser with several tabs.
Memory and expandability
The version of the laptop in question (1252CN) comes with an 8GB RAM module DDR4-2400 standard, which features impressive read (32 GB/s) and write (36 GB/s) speeds GB/s). The device demonstrates remarkable performance, but this is not the limit of its capabilities. The motherboard based on the Intel HM175 chipset is equipped with two slots for RAM modules and supports RAM expansion up to 32 GB. By using 2 slots simultaneously, the user will receive the benefits of dual-channel mode.
When purchasing, there are two configurations to choose from: standard, with a 1 TB hard drive, or extended, which in addition to the HDD is equipped with a 128 GB SSD drive. To install it, there is a free M.2 slot on the board. If necessary, you can expand the storage capabilities by replacing the HDD or SSD with larger ones.
The standard hard drive does not have high read and write speeds. However, when installing an M.2 SSD compatible with the PCI-E Gen 3.0×4 interface, the read speed increases to 2.2 GB/s. As a result, there is a noticeable increase in the speed of launching games, when copying files between SSD partitions, etc.
Cooling system, energy management
The laptop copes well with heating, regardless of the intensity of the load. For efficient cooling, Cooler Boost 4 technology is provided, the essence of which is the operation of two modules active cooling, combined with heat-conducting pipes and separate heat sinks for the processor and video cards. Powerful coolers ensure constant removal of hot air flows through ventilation grilles.
To control system performance parameters, temperature, cooler speed and noise level, MSI Shift technology is provided. It contains 5 profiles of operating modes, ranging from the most productive, designed for games, and ending with economical mode for office tasks, when activated, it reduces energy consumption, reduces the temperature and noise level created cooler To quickly switch between profiles, use the FN + F7 key combination.
Display
The MSI GL62M 7REX has a Full HD (1920×1080) display, with the most common diagonal for most laptops – 15.6″. The matte surface of the screen has anti-glare properties, so a bright light source will not interfere with the comfortable use of the device.
Thanks to Matrix Display technology, the laptop can work with two external monitors simultaneously connected via HDMI and MINI DisplayPort interfaces. At the same time, content can be broadcast in 4K resolution with a frame rate of 30 Hz. There are at least two advantages to using a multi-monitor configuration.
First, by properly distributing screen content to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, productivity increases. Secondly, additional monitors on the sides allow you to significantly expand your view of the gaming world. By taking advantage of peripheral vision, the user receives more information about what is happening on the screen, and at the same time a new gaming experience.
Audio system
4 speakers are built into the lower part of the case, which demonstrate a fairly high sound volume, without pronounced low frequencies. However, when connecting high-quality headphones or external acoustics, the user will experience the benefits of the built-in Nahimic Sound 2 software audio processing technology. The objective of the technology is to create a surround sound “presence effect” for greater immersion in the gameplay.
When you start the game, a three-dimensional acoustic space is recreated, in which the sounds of the game world are conveyed as realistically as possible. For example, if it's a shooter, the technology emphasizes the power of the blast by enhancing the bass. By adjusting the treble, the emphasis is placed on important sound effects that will help the player experience better navigate the map, determining by ear the location of the firefight, the direction from which the steps of the approaching enemy can be heard etc.
Thanks to Nahimic technology, gameplay streamers and video bloggers who record gameplay will appreciate the high quality audio obtained during video capture. In addition, the noise reduction system reduces the level of noise and interference in recordings resulting from exposure to electromagnetic waves emanating from various electronic devices and internal components laptop.
Battery and autonomy
Considering that the MSI GL62M 7REX is an entry-level gaming laptop, in order to maintain an attractive price, the manufacturer made a compromise by installing a low-capacity battery. Autonomous power supply is provided by a 6-cell Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 41 Wh. This is a very modest figure, especially for such powerful hardware. Approximate operating time on a single charge: about 4 hours of web surfing with an active Wi-Fi connection, or 3.5 hours of Full HD video playback.
The laptop comes with a power supply with a maximum output power of 160 W. It fully powers all components and can be used to recharge the battery. Overall, battery life is the weakest link of this device. On the other hand, to operate a laptop at maximum performance levels, you still need to be connected to an external power source using a power supply.
Wireless interfaces
The laptop is equipped with an Intel 3168 network module, which provides wireless Internet access using dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac. Also includes an integrated Bluetooth 4.0 adapter for connecting wireless devices.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- high performance;
- dedicated graphics adapter;
- no heating under load;
- availability of a free M.2 slot;
- RAM expandable up to 32 GB;
- support for connecting two external monitors;
- efficient cooling system;
- audio component optimized for gamers.
Minuses:
- modest autonomy;
- low resolution of pictures and videos from the front camera;
- Initially, the RAM does not work in dual-channel mode.
conclusions
The MSI GL62M 7REX 1252CN is an affordable gaming solution with memory upgrade potential and excellent performance for its price range. The power reserve of the processor and video card allows you to use the laptop not only for running 3D games with Full HD resolution and high graphic settings, but also for performing other resource-intensive tasks tasks. At the same time, the device is not subject to heating, thanks to a high-quality active cooling system.
IMPORTANT!
Gearbest is launching a sale on MSI GL62M 7RDX gaming laptops. The start is already in 13:00 August 14, 2017. Sale ends August 20th.
Additional terms:
1. The first 100 laptops will cost $899.99, the next 150 laptops will cost $959.99.
2. The first 250 buyers will receive a free set of accessories for MSI GL62M 7RDX
3. When you purchase any MSI brand product over $250, you can get the MSI GL62M 7RDX Bag for only $9.99
4. After August 20, the price for MSI GL62M 7REX-1252CN will increase to $1009.99
Warranty
We remind you that when purchasing a gaming laptop MSI GL62M 7RDX, not only discounts apply, but also local warranty service: bought in China, repaired under warranty anywhere in the world!
Forget desktops: MSI has the power to do it all! And exactly 2 times cheaper than in Russia!
