MSI GX60 Gaming Laptop Review (A10-4600M/HD7970M)

The Windows Experience Index doesn't offer the most detailed analysis, however it is useful to get a basic overview of the system performance. The system is held back by the hard drive, which isn't surprising as MSI aren't using a Solid State in this unit.

MSI haven't polluted the system with a plethora of unnecessary software, although we would de-install some of the software such as Norton Online Backup.

The system has 8GB of Nanya Technologies DDR3 memory installed which runs at 1,600mhz with 11-11-12-28 timings.

The GX60 is built around the latest Trinity 32nm AMD A10-4600M APU, which incorporates HD7660G graphics.

MSI are using the HD7970M 2GB discrete graphics solution to improve the gaming performance, although GPUz wouldn't run on this system without hardlocking the computer. We know that the HD7970M is fully Direct X11 compliant, with 1280 pixel shaders. The core clock runs at 850mhz and the memory at 1200mhz connected via a 256 bit memory interface.

The GX60 uses AMD's switchable graphics technology in Catalyst Control Center to offer either increased battery life with the onboard 7660G graphics, or enhanced performance from the HD7970m discrete graphics.

This GX60 system doesn't include a Solid State Drive which had a general, negative impact on overall system performance. The single large, mechanical drive is partitioned into two sections, as shown above.

Comparison Systems (for specific synthetic test compares):
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (featuring Core i5 3427U)
Lenovo ThinkPad Edge S430 (featuring Core i5 3210M)
PC Specialist Vortex III HD72 (featuring Core i7 3610QM).
Asus G74SX-91013Z (featuring Core i7 2360QM).
Dell XPS 14z (featuring Core i7 2640M).
AlienWare M18X (featuring Core i7 2960XM Extreme Edition).
MSI CX640 (featuring Core i5 2410M).
Intel Core i7 2600k desktop processor.
Intel Core i5 2500k desktop processor.

Software:
3DMark Vantage
3DMark 11
PCMark 7
Cinebench 11.5 64 bit
FRAPS Professional
Unigine Heaven Benchmark
CrystalDiskMark
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra 11
Cyberlink MediaEspresso
HQV Benchmark V2.
Total War: Shogun 2
Dirt ShowDown
Max Payne 3
Sleeping Dogs

Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Asus USB BluRay Drive
Lacie 730 Monitor (Image Quality testing)
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter
Nikon D3X with R1C1 Kit (4 flashes), Nikon 24-70MM lens.

Game descriptions are taken with courtesy from Wikipedia.

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