MSI CX623 Laptop Review – Core i5/Geforce 310M

If you buy one of these there is a ‘warranty void' sticker over one of the screws so be aware!

The internal design is nothing radical, both CPU and GPU are cooled via heatpipes which lead away to a block which is cooled by a fan. There is an exhaust at the right here to expel the hot air.

This system is nVidia Optimus capable which means it has a dual system of Intel HD graphics and Nvidia Geforce 310M. The Intel HD graphics operate when not under load, and when the demand requires it, the nvidia solution takes over.

The wireless antenna and the 500GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue Hard drive. These are fantastic 2.5 inch hard drives, being one of the quietest on the market. It also incorporates the Western Digital ShockGuard technology to protect the drive mechanics and platter surfaces from shocks.

4GB of DDR3 memory is installed, running in dual channel mode. This is A-Data HY73I1B0873Zs running at 1066mhz (it is capable of running at 1333mhz).

When the system is first powered on, it goes through the MSI configuration for first time set up. You get the option to install a variety of software from a list – an option we really like, as you can remove some of the prebundled items if you wish.

If you choose to install everything, the list above shows a ‘full install suite'. We aren't sure everyone will want the ArcSoft bundled package or Norton Internet Security, but apart from this, the install is relatively clean.

A total score of 4.6 with the Windows Experience Index gives an early indication of a high performance, balanced laptop. The limiting factor is not the mechanical harddrive, but the nVidia 310M graphics solution.

Today we will be comparing the CX623 to several other systems we have reviewed in the past. The ASRock Ion3D system, to give an indication of potential benefits when upgrading from an ATOM powered computer, and the MSI FX 600 Laptop, which features an Intel Core i3 330M processor.

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