MSI GS60 6QE (Ghost Pro 4K) Skylake Laptop Review

We have been reviewing the GS60 range now for many years, and this latest model is their best yet. The GS60 6QE is a great looking, slim laptop that manages to cram in some powerful hardware, without suffering from thermal and throttling issues.

The new Intel Core i7 6700HQ Skylake processor is undoubtedly a beast. It isn't quite as fast as the older generation i7 4980HQ Extreme Edition, but it is only a couple of percent slower and significantly less expensive … when we look back in time to the release pricing.

The adoption of DDR4 memory in the latest Ghost Pro laptop is unlikely to make much of a real world difference to the majority of readers, although the Sandra Memory Bandwidth test did highlight tangible benefits in specific environments. Around 4GB/s of additional bandwidth over the fastest dual channel DDR3 laptops we reviewed. 3D rendering on this laptop is actually extremely impressive and just as quick as one of my older desktop systems based around a Core 2700k processor.

Thanks to the inclusion of a fast Solid State Drive overall system performance is snappy. The additional 1TB HDD means that there is plenty of room to store personal documents, images, videos and back up files.

The Nvidia GTX970m is a good choice. There is no doubt the GTX980m is a more powerful, albeit it more expensive solution, but due to the greater power demands and heat dissipation it is unlikely to work properly in such a thin chassis. MSI have taken a more balanced approach and it makes more sense. Unfortunately, the GTX970m does tend to run out of steam at 4K resolutions, but thanks to the pixel density and Windows 10 scaling, the overall experience is fantastic.

We really do love the Ultra HD 4k screen in this laptop, it is one of the finest panels I have used in the last year. Colour rendition is simply beautiful, text is crystal clear and photographs and video content look very three dimensional. Viewing angles are stellar and there is very little, if any hint of grain. I would have liked another two levels of brightness for outdoors use, but it really is a minor point to make when everything else is so good.

I enjoyed using the keyboard, although a double height return key would be a better fit for me. The trackpad is smooth and the build quality overall is first class. I have to admit to being a little disappointed with the onboard speaker system, however due to the thin design of the chassis compromises with bass response have obviously had to be made.

Another miss for me, is that I would like to see a standard USB 3.0 port on the right side of the laptop, specifically for the use of a corded mouse. You will be forced to buy an adapter for the USB 3.1 Type C port, or run a mouse cable around the back of the laptop from the left hand side. Not ideal, but again many will consider this a non issue. It is actually commendable that MSI included the USB 3.1 Type C port in the first place as I have only seen one so far on the new Google Chromebook Pixel and Apple Macbook.

At the end of the day if you are in the market for a premium grade, svelte, well built laptop with a top quality screen and want to game on the move, then the GS60 6QE comes very highly recommended. Another winner for MSI.

The MSI GS60 6QE is available direct from Overclockers UK HERE.

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Pros:

• great build quality.
• the 4k screen delivers a marvellous image.
• Core i7 6700HQ Skylake processor is very powerful.
• DDR4 memory.
• USB 3.1 Type C port.
• GTX970m is a good gaming card at 1080p.
• 802.11AC Wifi performance is excellent.
• fast SSD.
• backlit Steelseries keyboard.

Cons:

• 4K gaming is out of the question, unless you reduce image quality.
• No standard USB port on the right side.
• Nortons software installed by default.

Kitguru says: The MSI GS60 6QE is a world beater. It combines looks with performance and will suit a wide audience of people who want to game, yet also deal with more intensive tasks, such as rendering and video editing. The 4K screen is stunning and makes using the laptop a pleasure.

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