Two Core i7 gaming notebooks by MSI

With Intel's launch of the mobile version of its Core i7 processor, several notebook manufacturers are introducing their first laptops based on the new quadcore. MSI is among the first, announcing the GT740 and GT640 gaming notebooks. Both machines are based on the Core i7 720QM, the entry model that has a clock frequency of 1,6 GHz. This may not seem very potent, but the agressive Turbo mode makes it possible to overclock a single core up to 2,8 GHz. Combined with 8MB of shared L3 cache and an integrated dual-channel DDR3 memorycontroller, this makes the processor perform rather well.

The implementation of the Turbo mode solve the dilemma of deciding between a fast dualcore or a lower-clocked quadcore chip. The Core i7 chip is combined with the PM55 chipset, forming the 'Calpella' platform. The new GT740 and GT640 models are equipped with 4 GB of memory, a GeForce GTS250M graphics card with 1 GB of GDDR3 and a 5400 RPM hard disk with a capacity of 500 GB.

MSI's new laptops also sport 802.11n wireless and a Gigabit ethernet connector. Other connectivity includes USB, audio, e-SATA, HDMI and VGA-connectors. The difference between the two notebooks is the size; the GT740 has a 17" screen, while the GT640 sports a 15,6" display. Both notebooks have a glossy panel with a 1680x1060 pixel resolution.

The laptops are equipped with a 6-cell battery and their weight is specified at 3,5 and 2,8 kg for respectively the GT740 and GT640. The GT740 gaming notebook as mentioned above has a pricetag of 1.499 euro, while the smaller GT640 model is to cost 1.399 euro.

MSI adds to Core i7-based gaming notebooks to its line-up

Tags: corei7 ddr3 gts250 hdmi overclocking usb

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