MSI GS73 6RF ‘Stealth Pro’ 4K 006UK Laptop Review

The MSI GS73 6RF ‘Stealth Pro' is an impressive laptop catering to the enthusiast audience who place an importance on portability as much as performance. It really does look positively diminutive after reviewing the monster MSI GT83VR 6RF desktop replacement (review HERE) a couple of weeks ago.

The MSI GS73 6RF is a better built system than the earlier MSI ‘Stealth' models I reviewed – there is less flex and the corners and edges exhibit less engineering variances. Not only is it thinner than previous models but it runs quieter and produces less heat which is always something we like to record.

I have to credit Nvidia Pascal for many of the related improvements with this latest, svelte design. The GTX1060 is delivering GTX980m-beating performance, while offering additional overclocking headroom which results in tangible performance benefits. Gaming performance at 1080p is fantastic and while 1440p gaming would be a possibility, our particular panel didn't seem to open up a native 2560×1440 option, replaced instead with a 16:10 2560×1600.

The quad core Intel Core i7 6700HQ is a fast mobile processor and an ideal pairing for the GTX1060. It is powerful enough to handle even modest 3D rendering loads on the move and more than up to the task of 4K video playback and Adobe Photoshop and Premier duties.

On a more negative note, MSI really do need to work on their default software installation. I really do loathe when Norton or McAfee are installed without the user being involved. I don't know anyone who uses either package, as they are bloated, resource-heavy offerings.

I also experienced some issues with the Nahimic 2 software install and losing sound over HDMI when playing games such as Battlefield 1. This software really should be uninstalled immediately as it causes more issues while actually degrading the sound quality. You can read more if you want over HERE and HERE,

On a performance level, the quad core Core i7 6700HQ and GTX 1060 deliver plenty of performance although this has a negative impact on battery performance. You are really going to be struggling to get much more than 3 hours out of the GS73 6RF before a recharge is required.

I was disappointed with the battery life. Under normal working conditions you will be lucky to get much more than 3 hours out of the GS73 6RF before a recharge is required.

The choice of Ultra HD 4k panel will be a talking point for many. There is no doubt that the GTX 1060 is not up to the task of smooth gaming at this resolution. However, 1080p scaling is perfectly acceptable and this is one of the finest 17 inch panels I have used for photo editing and 4k movies. It is worth pointing out that MSI do offer a 1080p 120Hz panel as well in this range – suiting the audience who want to primarily focus on just gaming.

You can buy the MSI GS73 6RF ‘Stealth Pro' 4K 006UK from Overclockers UK for £1999.99 inc vat HERE. If you want a versatile, portable all-round machine that can handle a myriad of tasks, including super smooth 1080p gaming, then this should be right at the top of your shortlist.

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Pros:

• Fantastic IPS 4K panel.
• Very thin design – this is a very portable 17 inch laptop.
• Good keyboard.
• Handles 1080p gaming at the highest quality settings.
• Not too loud under load.
• Overclocking headroom on the GTX1060.
• Fully customisable RGB backlit keyboard.
• Superb connectivity options.

Cons:

• Battery life is quite weak.
• Locked i7 processor.
• Not the easiest machine to upgrade.
• On-board speakers produce no bass at all.
• Default software install is a little bloated.
• 2TB storage drive is very slow (<80MB/s).

Kitguru says: A thoroughly stellar gaming laptop from MSI. It is powerful enough to play the leading games at 1080p and it doesn't make a lot of noise or generate a tonne of heat either. One of the thinnest 17 inch laptops available and very portable.

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