MSI GT683DXR

amazon MSI GT683DXR reviews

Beautifully designed, sporty design, hardware configuration no less competitive than desktop PCs, MSI’s gaming console makes it easy to complete tests at Test Labs with remarkable scores.

The MSI GT683DXR hardware configuration consists of a quad-core Core i7-2630QM (2.0GHz, 6MB L3 cache), capable of automatically acclimating to 3.5GHz with Turbo Boost technology. In addition, the GT683DXR is equipped with a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX560M graphics card, four RAM slots with a total of 16GB of memory, two traditional HDDs with a total storage capacity of 1TB (terabyte). The default operating system comes with Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.

In addition to system performance evaluation tools such as WorldBench 6, CineBench R11.5, Test Lab also tested some of the heavyweights Far Cry 2 (DirectX 10), Lost Planet 2 (DirectX 11), Metro 2033 (DirectX 11) and Just Cause 2 (DirectX 1, Desert Sunri)

In general, the test results show that MSI’s “gaming machine” gently completes tests with respectable scores. Powered by quad-core Core i7-2630QM and GeForce GTX560M graphics cards, the MSI GT683DXR scores 146 at WorldBench 6. In 3D graphics tests with Cinebench R11.5 (64 bit), the machine achieved 4.35 points on CPU tests and 39.22 frames per second on OpenGL tests.

Equally impressive is the HDD component score at the ATTO test, which shows that the data access speed is comparable to that of a SATA 2 SSD with a read speed of 165.7 MB / S and 199.9MB / s.

On actual battery life, the GT683DXR reaches 3 hours 18 minutes when running multi-tasking with the MobileMark 2007 tool; Pretty good compared to the gaming laptop.

In addition to the system performance evaluation tools, Test Lab also tested some of the heavyweights Far Cry 2 (DirectX 10), Lost Planet 2 (DirectX 11), Metro 2033 (DirectX 11) and Just Cause 2 (DirectX 1, Desert Sunrise scenario).

At 1280×720 (HD 720p) resolution, high-quality graphics settings, 4xAA and 16xAF, GT683DXR can flip through most test games with average frame rates higher than 30 fps. In that Just Cause 2 reached 116.37 fps, higher than the benchmark of 3.88, Metro 2033 reached 31.09 fps and lowest was Lost Planet 2 with 26.9 fps.

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Also keeping up the high quality graphics setting, 4xAA and 16xAF, Test Lab pushed the resolution to full HD (1920×1280), the average frame rate of Far Cry and Just Cause 2 was still above 30 fps. Metro 2033 dropped to 24.68 fps and Lost Planet 2 was only 18.3 fps.

So, with heavy games at full HD resolution, gamers can still fine-tune the graphics quality level, reduce AA anti-aliasing, AF or some other visual effects to improve the speed image processing in the game.

Keyboard and Touchpad

Keyboard

The MSI GT683DXR features a full-sized, chiclet-style keyboard with well-spaced keys and good travel. The keys offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. The keyboard layout includes a dedicated numeric keypad, which is a welcome addition for users who frequently work with numbers.

One notable feature of the keyboard is its customizable backlighting. Users can adjust the backlight color and brightness to suit their preferences, which enhances visibility in low-light conditions and adds a touch of personalization to the laptop.

Touchpad

The touchpad on the GT683DXR is generously sized and supports multi-touch gestures, such as two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and three-finger swipe. The touchpad surface is smooth and responsive, providing accurate cursor control. The integrated mouse buttons are located at the bottom of the touchpad and offer a satisfactory click with each press.

For gamers, the inclusion of a touchpad disable button is a useful feature, as it prevents accidental cursor movement during intense gaming sessions when an external mouse is typically used.

Connectivity

Ports and Slots

The MSI GT683DXR offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, catering to various needs and peripherals. On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find the following ports:

• HDMI port: For connecting to HDTVs and other HDMI-compatible devices.
• VGA port: For connecting to external monitors and projectors.
• Two USB 3.0 ports: For faster data transfer with compatible devices.
• E-SATA/USB combo port: For connecting external storage devices.
• 3.5mm audio jacks: For headphones, microphone, and line-in.

On the right side of the laptop, you’ll find:

• Two USB 2.0 ports: For connecting additional peripherals.
• RJ-45 Ethernet port: For wired internet connections.
• Optical drive: A DVD-RW drive for reading and writing CDs and DVDs.
• Kensington lock slot: For securing the laptop in public places.

Additionally, the laptop features a multi-format card reader on the front edge, supporting SD, MMC, and MS cards, which is useful for transferring files from digital cameras and other devices.

Wireless Connectivity

For wireless connectivity, the GT683DXR includes 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0, providing reliable wireless internet access and the ability to connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones, headphones, and speakers.

Audio

Built-in Speakers

The audio quality of the MSI GT683DXR is one of its strong points, thanks to the inclusion of Dynaudio speakers. The laptop features a 2.1 speaker system, with two speakers located above the keyboard and a subwoofer on the bottom panel. This setup delivers rich, clear sound with good bass response, making it suitable for gaming, movies, and music playback.

The audio output is loud enough to fill a medium-sized room, and the clarity remains intact even at higher volumes. The built-in subwoofer adds depth to the audio, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Audio Enhancement

The laptop also features THX TruStudio Pro technology, which enhances the audio quality by providing virtual surround sound, dynamic bass, and clearer vocals. Users can adjust the audio settings through the pre-installed THX TruStudio Pro software to tailor the sound to their preferences.

Battery Life

Battery Performance

Battery life is a critical aspect of any laptop, and the MSI GT683DXR offers respectable performance in this regard. The laptop is equipped with a 9-cell lithium-ion battery, providing up to 4 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage patterns and power settings.

For everyday tasks such as web browsing, office applications, and multimedia playback, the GT683DXR can last for a few hours without needing to be plugged in. However, more demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing will drain the battery more quickly, which is typical for high-performance laptops.

Power Management

Users can optimize battery performance by adjusting power settings and using power-saving modes when necessary. MSI also provides its Eco Engine utility, which allows users to switch between different power profiles to extend battery life.

Cooling and Noise

Thermal Management

The MSI GT683DXR features an efficient cooling system to manage the heat generated by its powerful components. The laptop has multiple vents on the bottom and sides, along with dual cooling fans that help dissipate heat effectively. During everyday use, the laptop remains relatively cool, with the fans operating at a low speed.

However, during more demanding tasks such as gaming or video editing, the laptop’s temperature can rise, and the fans may become more audible. While the cooling system does a good job of keeping the internal components within safe temperature limits, users may notice the fan noise during intensive use. This is a common trade-off for laptops with high-performance hardware.

Cooling Performance

The cooling performance of the GT683DXR is commendable, ensuring that the laptop remains stable and performs optimally even under heavy load. The use of copper heat pipes and efficient airflow design helps to prevent thermal throttling, allowing users to enjoy prolonged gaming sessions without significant drops in performance.

User Experience

Overall Usability

The overall user experience of the MSI GT683DXR is shaped by its robust performance, solid build quality, and a host of features tailored for both gaming and productivity. Here are some additional aspects that contribute to the user experience:

Software and Utilities

The MSI GT683DXR comes with several pre-installed software and utilities designed to enhance the user experience:

• MSI Afterburner: This utility allows users to monitor and overclock the GPU, providing the ability to fine-tune performance for gaming and other intensive tasks.
• MSI Dragon Center: This centralized utility offers system monitoring, performance tuning, and access to various system settings. It also includes gaming profiles and optimization tools to enhance gaming performance.
• THX TruStudio Pro: As mentioned earlier, this software enhances audio quality by providing virtual surround sound, dynamic bass, and clearer vocals. Users can customize audio settings to their liking.
• CyberLink PowerDVD: A media player that supports DVD playback and a wide range of video formats, offering a comprehensive multimedia experience.
• Norton Internet Security: A trial version of antivirus software to protect the system from malware and online threats.

Upgradability

The MSI GT683DXR is designed with upgradability in mind, allowing users to extend the lifespan of the laptop by upgrading key components. Here are some upgrade options:

• RAM: The laptop supports up to 16 GB of DDR3 RAM. Users can easily upgrade the memory by accessing the RAM slots located under the bottom panel.
• Storage: The dual-storage configuration can be expanded by replacing the existing hard drive or SSD with higher-capacity models. The 2.5-inch drive bays support both SATA HDDs and SSDs, providing flexibility in storage upgrades.

Conclusion

The MSI GT683DXR is a well-rounded gaming laptop that delivers strong performance, solid build quality, and a host of features tailored for both gaming and productivity. Its powerful Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 570M GPU, and dual-storage configuration provide the necessary hardware to handle modern games and demanding professional applications with ease.

The laptop’s design, while aggressive and gamer-centric, maintains a sense of refinement with its matte finish and sturdy construction. The customizable keyboard backlighting, comprehensive connectivity options, and efficient cooling system further enhance the overall user experience.

While the GT683DXR may not match the performance of the latest gaming laptops with cutting-edge GPUs, it remains a viable option for users seeking a reliable and capable machine at a more affordable price point. Its upgradability, solid performance, and value for money make it a worthy consideration for gamers and power users alike.

Overall, the MSI GT683DXR is a testament to MSI’s ability to deliver high-performance gaming laptops that cater to the needs of a broad audience. Whether you’re a gamer looking for a powerful and immersive gaming experience or a professional seeking a robust and versatile laptop for demanding tasks, the GT683DXR offers the features and performance needed to meet your requirements.