MSI is probably the company that offers the widest choice of
gaming products , so wide that it could even risk confusing the buyer.
After several weeks of testing I can say that the MSI GE72
7re Apache Pro is the right device for gamers who want to buy a gaming notebook
at a low price but with excellent performance. In fact, both for gaming and for
work, even using demanding programs such as those for graphic / video editing,
the PC is always satisfactory.
Specifications
This model offers all gaming enthusiasts a 256gb SSD , a 1tb
HDD , an Intel Core i7-7700hq processor , an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti 4 gb GDDR5
graphics card , Two 8GB Ram for a total of 16GB DDR4 and one screen 17.3 ''
FULL HD that offers much more than we might expect. We also find an integrated
HD webcam (720p @ 30 fps). Windows 10 64 bit operating system .
Connectivity
As for connectivity we have 1 USB 2.0 port, 2 USB 3.1, 1
HDMI input, 1 mini DisplayPort, an SD Card Reader slot and audio inputs for headphones
and microphone.
Shape and weight
the MSI Apache Pro is equipped with a black aluminum body
with the classic illuminated MSI logo, a keyboard with backlit keys (1.9mm
height) that is stable and comfortable even after prolonged sessions, excellent
for both typing and gaming . The touchpad is also comfortable and precise. The
feeling is that of a solid , compact and relatively light notebook (2.98 kg)
when compared to other gaming notebooks. Excellent ergonomics, comfortable if
we want to take it with us for some Lan Party!
The display
The Full hd IPS monitor pleasantly surprised me ! The 120 hz
guarantees a clean and “immutable” image thanks to the quite high frame rate
and high contrast. The Software MSI True-Color optimizes the picture giving you
a nice feeling of depth. For the most demanding gamers it is possible to choose
the version with the 4k screen but I can tell you that Full HD is fully
satisfactory . The screen is also accompanied by four 2W speakers and a 3W
subwoofer. If on the one hand the surface of the display is opaque then we will
almost never have problems with annoying reflections, on the other hand the
brightness is not optimal for outdoor use. of the pc.
Battery
Quite modest capacity, Apache Pro is equipped with a battery
with a capacity of 51 Wh. If it were an ultrabook it would be good, but for a
17-inch gaming laptop it is very little. even with the battery saving option, 3
hours of battery life are never exceeded. In Gaming with the settings at
maximum you do not exceed 2 hours . You should therefore always have the
battery and socket close at hand!
Software and Customization
Complete customization is one of the features of the MSI
range , several software programs that allow you to adapt the gaming experience
and not only to the needs of each individual gamer with interfaces that are
always very intuitive and all manageable from the Dragon Center, the nerve
center of the PC .
True Color : already mentioned in the display section, the
True Color software allows you to adapt the scenarios for the different uses
you make of the PC. It is possible to choose between different preset profiles
such as "gaming", "designer" or "reading" to
always obtain an image optimized for our needs. Also interesting is the
Anti-blue function that allows you to
minimize eye fatigue while reading.
Nahimic 2: MSI's audio software allows you to manage custom
profiles for game audio, music or movies. It gives the best in gaming by
allowing you to balance the different audio options also based on the type of
game (shooter, strategy, role play, racing game). Obviously we could rely on
both standard profiles and independently manage each setting (bit / sample rate
and audio format).
SteelSeries Engine : thanks to this software it is possible
to customize the color of the keyboard , which as I mentioned is equipped with
an excellent RGB backlight. We can decide to manually set the colors of the
three areas into which the keyboard is divided or we can decide to leave the
software the ability to change the color of the chosen area based, for example,
on the health of the ammunition in game.
Temperature
The laptop generate a lot of heat especially if pushed to the
maximum and for several hours but never impacts excessively on the keyboard ,
so I didn't find it too annoying. However, it is possible to increase the fan
speed for immediate cooling using a key located at the top left of the keyboard
at the expense of the silence of the machine even if the noise is never too
intrusive .
Performance
Thanks to its quad-core processor, 16GB of RAM and an SSD we
have a very powerful laptop.
I tried the Apache pro with Ghost Recon Wildlands and
Battlefield1: with high settings (1920x1080p) I got a frame rate anchored to
40fps with the first, it easily reaches 60fps with the second title, giving
excellent performance.
We could probably enjoy Ultra settings with most of the
lighter competitive games like Counter Strike, League of Legends or even
Overwatch.
The same goes for demanding Adobe Creative suite programs
such as Adobe Muse and Premier Pro: you work well, never a sign of suffering on
the part of the PC even when switching from one program to another.
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