Broadwell Update

Loki

Loki

Loki

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Over the coming few weeks you will see some new laptops featuring Intel 5th Generation Broadwell on our range of Gaming Notebooks

Broadwell Updates
We’re sure you haven’t missed the new Broadwell CPUs – also known as the 5th Generation Core CPUs from Intel. As ever, the new CPU family brings out performance increases and improved battery life due to a new 14nm manufacturing process. We’ve already established that the new CPU family beats the old Haswell (4th Gen Core), but in case you’ve missed this, Bit-Tech has conducted an independent test of the PE60 and its Core i7-5700HQ CPU.

The i7-5700HQ is a direct successor to the i7-4720HQ, widely used across our range of notebooks, and the performance increases are clear to see, despite a 100MHz turbo boost deficit compared to the older CPU. In fact, Bit-Tech points out that “the Intel Core i7-5700HQ was an even match, even for the Intel Core i7-4800MQ” which is a notch higher up than the i7-4700HQ series. Or, to put it another way: “Thanks to the addition of hyper-threading, the Intel Core i7-5700HQ was able to topple desktop quad-cores such as the Core i5-4670K convincingly in Cinebench R15”.

Broadwell therefore shrinks the gap between mobile and desktop CPU performance even further, and we’re extremely happy to announce that our Gaming and Prestige series are both being shipped out with Broadwell CPUs as you read this. Also, the transition couldn’t be simpler, see the very handy guide below.


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Just a slight correction the GT72/GT80 on the high end used the 4950hq ;) The 4930mx was a socket based CPU which could be placed in the GT60 and GT70 series and was a lot of fun then.

You guys should prod intel to make a 6930hx since I know soldered CPUs are not going anywhere but some of us like it fully unlocked :D
 
Mmm. I have been shopping around for an MSI for a couple of weeks.
Settled on the MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro-682UK. Currently out of stock, but available a bit cheaper elsewhere (with a 16GB memory upgrade + headphones, goodies etc).
However, this makes me think it might be worth waiting for the upgrade now.
I didn't realise that there were far more variations of the MSI stuff available than OC sell... surprised OC don't sell a larger selection.

It is a shame that the GTX980 doesn't come with a pile of games bundled like the MSI HD 7950 Twin Frozr III Boost Edition card did in our OC tower system.
 
Trying to get MSI answers is like trying to get blood out of a stone! I am clinging to the want of an MSI, but nobody ever answers my questions.

I have found the GT72 I want, but it has a 5700HQ CPU, which doesn't match the chart above... unless I am understanding it wrong.
I thought the G/P series was different to the GT72 series.

Looks like I will have to buy an MSI and then suss out the blu-ray drive afterwards.
 
That chart simply states that all G/P models come with at least the 5700hq, while the GT72 and GT80 have the option (at purchase) of being fitted with the 5950hq (note this is soldered and can't be changed).
 
Stevolution said:
Trying to get MSI answers is like trying to get blood out of a stone! I am clinging to the want of an MSI, but nobody ever answers my questions.

I have found the GT72 I want, but it has a 5700HQ CPU, which doesn't match the chart above... unless I am understanding it wrong.
I thought the G/P series was different to the GT72 series.

Looks like I will have to buy an MSI and then suss out the blu-ray drive afterwards.
Click to expand...

Hi Stevolution.

Sorry for not getting back to you before now.

1) In regards to the bundle, OcUK will be getting stock of headphones this week, rest assured that you will be able to get the Warranty Upgrade and headset. OcUK will also be offering the latest Metal Gear Solid with our GTX970M & GTX 980M

2) In the past we have had our 'Dragon Edition' GT70 that has featued the 4930MX. We can include the 5950HQ but we want to try and balance the best price against performance. The feedback we have had is that the 5700HQ offers the best all round bang for buck. Not to say there is not demand for a GT72 with 5950HQ. For example we carry 3 x GT80 model. The flagship at £3499 carries the 5950HQ

Hope this helps
 
Thanks Loki.

Yes... the i7-5700HQ is fine. To be honest, I am no great gamer and something way cheaper would probably be fine.... but you know how it is. I have in my head that I would like a 980M graphics card.

My idea purchase is probably this:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=LT-205-MS

I keep finding various specs for MSI laptops all over the place and its confusing!

I have to say however the MSI GT72's are cheaper elsewhere, which challenges my O/C dedication.
Most are giving away Metal Gear solid 5, 1+ year extra warranty, Steel series dragon headset, keyring and McAfee (ha... don't need that).
But like you said... you are getting stock in.

I also want to get the MSI laptop backpack (the soft rucksack version) - but is WAY more expensive (as in 3 times) on O/C than other places.

Finally my setup would include the MSI Super Genius optical gaming mouse (dragon edition). I don't think O/C stock that.

That's the trouble with Google.... its leads you away.

Oh... anyone updated their GT72 to Windows 10 yet? Wondering if there are any issues.
 
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I have not upgraded my GT72 TO Win10 for a number of reasons. Primarily, I'm not sure I want to agree with the terms and conditions. As someone who has always disabled automatic updates in any software including the OS, forced updates are something I'm reluctant to accept. I will most likely only upgrade when my "need" for DX12 arises.

To answer the question though, if you do upgrade a GT72, make sure you do it with the dedicated GPU active. I have read a report of someone having problems because they activated Win 10 with it effectively disconnected as they use the integrated GPU a lot to save battery life. I find their stated reason of "I want more than 90 minutes of use" comical as I never switch and have had 3-4 hours usage on a 980m.....not gaming of course.
 
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You do get an extra couple of hours on the igp as you don't have to power the core or a hungry gddr5 bus.

There are a lot of varieties out there. Some with G-sync and some without for example.
 
I'm not suggesting there are no gains to be had using the integrated GPU. I simply found their estimate for battery life on the dedicated funny because you can pretty much double it if you are just browsing the web watching a bit of YouTube and downloading stuff. I got the impression they had never tested it.
 
Stevolution said:
Thanks Loki.

Yes... the i7-5700HQ is fine. To be honest, I am no great gamer and something way cheaper would probably be fine.... but you know how it is. I have in my head that I would like a 980M graphics card.

My idea purchase is probably this:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=LT-205-MS

I keep finding various specs for MSI laptops all over the place and its confusing!

I have to say however the MSI GT72's are cheaper elsewhere, which challenges my O/C dedication.
Most are giving away Metal Gear solid 5, 1+ year extra warranty, Steel series dragon headset, keyring and McAfee (ha... don't need that).
But like you said... you are getting stock in.

I also want to get the MSI laptop backpack (the soft rucksack version) - but is WAY more expensive (as in 3 times) on O/C than other places.

Finally my setup would include the MSI Super Genius optical gaming mouse (dragon edition). I don't think O/C stock that.

That's the trouble with Google.... its leads you away.

Oh... anyone updated their GT72 to Windows 10 yet? Wondering if there are any issues.
Click to expand...

Hi Stevolution,

Headsets will be online with OcUK today. If you are buying through OcUK, then I am sure I can help you out if you PM me ;)
 
Thank Loki. Top man.

I don't like the auto-updates on Win 10 either... but its coming at some stage.

When I get 5 minutes free, I need to sit down and sort this out.

Just as a quick question Loki..... any idea when the OC stock of i7-4720HQ will be upgraded to the 5700HQ?
 
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Stevolution said:
Thank Loki. Top man.

I don't like the auto-updates on Win 10 either... but its coming at some stage.

When I get 5 minutes free, I need to sit down and sort this out.

Just as a quick question Loki..... any idea when the OC stock of i7-4720HQ will be upgraded to the 5700HQ?
Click to expand...

I would check for i7 5700HQ over the course of the next few days and you will see some of our Broadwell laptops going live :)
 
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