msi ge62 2qe apache lcd panel made in china

Well-rounded gaming notebook. MSI GE62 2QE Apache is not lacking in processing power. The other equipment is also a good match: SSD, HDD, and 16 GB of RAM. The MSI commits one blunder with its built-in 4k display: it is not very bright.

With the GE62 2QE Apache, MSI presents a gaming notebook in 15.6-inch format. This is a successor to the MSI GE60-2PEi781B, which we have tested previously. The two models do not have much in common. In the GE62, MSI uses a new, somewhat slimmer chassis. In addition, there is a new graphics chip from Nvidia’s GeForce 900M series. Our test report shows whether the GE62 can compete.

The GE62"s chassis is encased completely in black. A few red elements break up this impression slightly. The covers, as well as the upper surface of the base unit, are finished in brushed metal. The rest of the case is made of plastic. The notebook does not offer a maintenance hatch. However, the underside of the base unit can be removed (more on this later).

The interface configuration gives no cause for complaint; the GE62 offers enough ports. Most ports are to be found on the left side of the case. They are set reasonably far apart from each other, so that (for example) the two adjacent USB 3.0 ports can both be occupied by USB sticks (as long as they are not extra wide).

MSI has decided to opt for a wireless module from Intel (Wireless AC 3160) in the GE62, which supports the WLAN standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac. The connection between the router and the notebook remains stable at a radius of 15 meters (~50 ft). In addition to the WLAN adapter, a Bluetooth 4.0 chip is also installed in the notebook. Qualcomm"s Killer E2200 Gigabit Ethernet controller handles wired network connections. According to the manufacturer, this chip offers "faster online gaming." This is apparently achieved by giving priority to data packets from games. The built-in webcam produces grainy pictures with a maximum resolution of 1280x720.

Windows 8.1 (64-bit)serves as the operating system. A recovery volume is not included. Users who wish to purchase the DVD can order one for 49 Euros (~$55) from the MSI Shop.

MSI has not equipped the GE62 with a maintenance hatch. However, it is still possible to access the innards: After removing all the screws on the machine"s underside, it can be removed with the help of a pallet knife. The user then has access to all the hardware. Two memory banks are available; each is filled with an 8 GB module (more is not possible). The system hard drive (SSD in M.2 format)can be changed for a faster model or one with more storage space. Alternatively, it can be replaced by two SSDs that form a RAID array. Apart from the SSD, a traditional 2.5-inch hard drive is also included. The hard drive can be changed easily. In cases of defects, the battery could also be changed. However, this is not the case for the processor (it is soldered in).

One does not have to spend too many words on the GE62"s keyboard, since we have already met the built-in SteelSeries model in other MSI notebooks. The flat, smooth keys have a moderate stroke and a clear pressure point. The keys also offer a pleasingly comfortable resistance. Overall, the keyboard offers a good feel when writing. First-time users will still have to get used to the layout, since not all the keys are in the places that one would expect. The keyboard also offers multicolored backlighting.

The test machine provided to us presents a glossy 4k display(3840x2160 pixels). Users who want a matte panel will have to opt for a reasonably priced GE62 model with a Full HD monitor. The built-in 4k display does not attract attention for its high brightness; indeed, the opposite is the case: we measured a luminosity of 202 cd/m². Illumination is also not the best. Here the monitor reaches a value of just 63%. The purchase price of the machine is around 2000 Euros (~$2270), and for this price we expect much more. 4k monitors like those of the Schenker XMG P505 (332.7 cd/m²; 86%) and the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD (303.1 cd/m²; 87%) prove that there are better options.

Contrast (676:1) and black level (0.34 cd/m²) offer more favorable results. Here the GE62 performs relatively well. However, it cannot compete with the values of the Schenker XMG P505 (1643:1; 0.21 cd/m²) and the Acer VN7-591G-75TD (1003:1; 0.3 cd/m²). The 15-inch model does not cover the AdobeRGB and sRGB color spaces; values of 48% and 68%, respectively, are only average.

In factory condition, the monitor"s average DeltaE-2000 deviation was at a level of 4.59, just barely missing the target area (DeltaE below 3). The panel does not display a blue tint. We could only minimally improve these good values with some calibration.

MSI has decided against an IPS modelfor the GE62, which is why the monitor can be viewed from all positions. Outdoor use is only possible in shaded areas; otherwise, the low brightness and glossy surfaces will make things difficult.

With the GE62, MSI has a gaming notebook in 15.6-inch format in its product range. For this test, we used the top-of-the-range model at a price of 2000 Euros (~$2270). Users willing to compromise on hardware (Full HD monitor, 8 GB of RAM, no SSD) can get their hands on the notebook for just 1500 Euros (~$1700).

Thanks to the Core i7-4720HQ quad-core processor(Haswell), the GE62 is not lacking in processing power. The CPU does not belong to the class of Spartan ULV processors; it uses a traditional mobile processor with a TDP of 47 Watts. The CPU runs with a base speed of 2.6 GHz. Using turbo, the speed can be increased to 3.4 GHz (four cores), 3.5 GHz (two cores), or 3.6 GHz (one core). The Turbo can also be used when connected to a power supply: the CPU Cinebench tests run the processor at 3.3 GHz (Multithread) and 3.4 to 3.6 GHz (Single thread). When the tests are run under battery power, the clock rates come out slightly lower (Single thread: 3.2 to 3.5 GHz; Multithread: 2.6 GHz).

It is not surprising that the system is fast and smooth. A fast SSD, a powerful processor, and 16 GB of RAM make this possible. The results in the PC Mark tests come out very well. However, HP Omen performs even better despite a nearly-identical CPU. The higher resolution of the GE62 monitor (4k vs. Full HD) is responsible for this. When the PC Marks are run with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, the MSI"s ratings rise to a comparable level (see table).

The GE62 uses a solid-state disk from Kingston as its system hard drive, offering a capacity of 256 GB. It uses a model in M.2 format. The transfer rates of the SSD look good. However, it is not the very best option: the user has the option of installing two solid-state disks in the notebook and using them in a RAID array. A comparison with the similarly-equipped MSI GS60 2QE Ghost Pro 4K shows that the transfer rates increase noticeably. Apart from the solid-state disk, there is also a traditional hard drive (2.5 inch). This offers a capacity of 1 TB and runs at 7200 revolutions per minute.

The GE62 is equipped with a dual graphics solution(Optimus). This consists of Intel"s HD Graphics 4600 and Nvidia"s GeForce GTX 965M. Intel"s chip takes care of everyday tasks and battery use. The GeForce is responsible for power-hungry applications like computer games. The switch between cores is achieved automatically, but there is always the possibility to switch manually. The GeForce GTX 965M uses an entry-level model in the GPU upper range. It runs at a base rate of 924 MHz. With Turbo, the speed can be increased to 949 MHz. The GPU has a 2048-MB GDDR5 memory device (128-bit interface) at its disposal. The results in the 3D Marks are on par with similarly equipped notebooks like the Schenker XMG P705. The GE62 lags noticeably behind the XMG P705 only in the Ice Storm Test. Apparently, the MSI machine"s CPU and GPU ran this test below their full cycle rates.

The GE62"s hardware allows it to play most current games at 1920x1080 pixels and very high quality settings. Only a few extremely demanding games, such as “Assassin"s Creed Unity” and “Company of Heroes 2”, overwhelm the notebook at their maximum settings; here some resolution and details have to be sacrificed. We encountered problems with some older games.”Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls” led to massive image problems. “Dead Space 3” refused to start, because apparently the performance of the graphics chip was not sufficient. This is obviously not true: “Dead Space 3” runs smoothly with even noticeably weaker graphics cores.

In idle mode, the GE62 does not emit a single peep; the fan and HDD are quiet. As a rule, the fan runs at minimum speed. The noise level is then on par with the Aspire V15 Nitro. The Schenker XMG P505 can get somewhat louder than the competition. Under load, the GE62"s fan really kicks into motion. During the stress test, we measured a noise level of 52.4 dB(A). The Schenker XMP P505 also overshoots the 50 dB(A) mark, while the Aspire runs more quietly.

The GE62 got through the stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least an hour) on and off battery power with varying results: while connected to power, the graphics core ran at full speed (949 MHz). The processor clocked from 2.8 to 2.9 GHz. We reached this state on battery power as well - at least, for the first ten minutes. Then the GPU (2.4 to 2.6 GHz) and especially the GPU (135 to 500 MHz) throttled back markedly.

The temperature reached just under 50 °C (~122 °F) at many points on the upper surface of the base unit, becoming uncomfortable for the user. The Schenker XMG P505 warms up even more, since it is equipped with a stronger graphics core. The MSI Notebook is undercut by the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD in terms of heat build-up.

The GE62"s stereo loudspeakers are found in the front area. There is also a subwoofer, which is placed on the underside. The sound of the 2.1 system does not knock the listener"s socks off, though. Despite the subwoofer, the notebook is lacking in bass. For a better sound experience, we recommend either external speakers or headphones.

As with the competition, the energy needs of the GE62 while idling are clearly above 10 Watts. This is normal for this notebook class. During the stress test, the power consumption rose to 136 Watts. This kind of scenario hardly ever occurs in everyday use. In daily gaming use, power consumption will probably hover around 90 Watts. This is also the case for the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD. The Schenker XMG P505 requires more energy because of its more powerful graphics chip.

While idling, the GE62manages a run time of 4 hours, 27 minutes. The competing Schenker XMG P505 (2:54 h) gives up earlier. The idle mode was tested via the Reader"s Test from Battery Eater. The display runs at the lowest brightness level, the energy saver profile is activated, and the wireless modules are deactivated. Under load, the GE62 shuts down after 59 minutes. The Schenker XMG P505 (1:11 h) manages a few more minutes. The runtime under load was measured with the Battery Eater Classic Test, during which the monitor is on full brightness and the high-performance profile and wireless modules are activated.

The practical WLAN test causes the GE62 to shut down after 2 hours, 59 minutes, equal to the Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-591G-75TD (3:01 h). During this test, web sites are automatically loaded in 40-second intervals. The energy saver profile is active, and the display brightness is at about 150 cd/m². We tested the playing duration of videos by playing the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264-coding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a continuous loop. The wireless adapter is deactivated and the display brightness is set at about 150 cd/m². The MSI Notebook manages for 2 hours, 40 minutes. The Schenker XMG P505 achieves a duration of 2:20 h.

The runtimes of the GE62 put it in a range that we are used to in potent gaming notebooks. In an absolute sense, these values are definitely meager. The battery has more the function of an emergency power supply.

The MSI GE62 2QE Apache offers the user high application and gaming performance. Most current games can be played smoothly in high resolution (Full HD) and with high settings. Despite this performance, the chassis does not warm up excessively. The notebook is not lacking in storage space: Apart from a solid-state disk, the computer also boasts an HDD. Both drives can be easily swapped for models with more storage space. One does not necessarily expect this with a gaming notebook, but the GE62 also offers a good keyboard. The 4k display of the highest-class variant disappoints us a little. It is not particularly bright and has very uneven illumination. This should not be the case with a 2000 Euros (~$2270) notebook. Users who find much to like in the GE62 but do not want to spend 2000 Euros (~$2270), can get their hands on a less well-equipped variant. With a Full HD monitor, 8 GB of RAM and a terabyte hard drive, the machine is available from 1500 Euros (~$1700).

MIL-STD 810G testing is conducted on select MSI products. The testing is not a representation of MSI products satisfying U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requirements or for military use. Validation process is done in laboratory conditions. Test results do not guarantee future performance under these test conditions. Damage under such test conditions is not covered by MSI’s standard warranty.

MIL-STD 810G testing is conducted on select MSI products. The testing is not a representation of MSI products satisfying U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requirements or for military use. Validation process is done in laboratory conditions. Test results do not guarantee future performance under these test conditions. Damage under such test conditions is not covered by MSI’s standard warranty..

Compatibility: MSI GE62 / GE62 2QC-264XCN / GE62 2QC-648XCN / GE62 2QD-007XCN / GE62 2QD-059XCN / GE62 2QD-647XCN / GE62 2QE-053XCN / GE62 2QE-216XCN / GE62 2QF-255XCN / GE62 6QC-489XCN / GE62 6QC-490XCN / GE62 6QD-026XCN / GE62 6QD-060XCN / GE62 6QD-237XCN / GE62 6QF-013XCN / GE62 6QF-057XCN / GE62 6QF-202XCN / GE62 6QF-203XCN / GE62 Apache Pro-004 / GE62 Apache Pro-254 / GE62VR Apache-Pro 001 / GE63 / GE63VR / GE70 / GE72 2QC-257XCN / GE72 2QD-018XCN / GE72 2QD-059XCN / GE72 2QE-039CN / GE72 2QE-040XCN / GE72 2QF-258XCN / GE72 6QC-287XCN / GE72 6QC-289XCN / GE72 6QD-001XCN / GE72 6QF / GE72 6QF-020XCN / GE72 6QF-073XCN / GE72 series / GE73 / GE73VR / GE73VR 7RF Raider / GL62 / GL62M / GL62VR / GL72 / GL72VR / GP62 2QE-215XCN / GP62 2QE-218XCN / GP62 2QE-275XCN / GP62 6QG-1071XCN / GP72 / GP72 2QE / GT62VR Dominator-027

Compatibility: MSI GE62 / GE62 2QC-264XCN / GE62 2QC-648XCN / GE62 2QD-007XCN / GE62 2QD-059XCN / GE62 2QD-647XCN / GE62 2QE-053XCN / GE62 2QE-216XCN / GE62 2QF-255XCN / GE62 6QC-489XCN / GE62 6QC-490XCN / GE62 6QD-026XCN / GE62 6QD-060XCN / GE62 6QD-237XCN / GE62 6QF-013XCN / GE62 6QF-057XCN / GE62 6QF-202XCN / GE62 6QF-203XCN / GE62 Apache Pro-004 / GE62 Apache Pro-254 / GE62VR Apache-Pro 001 / GE63 / GE63VR / GE70 / GE72 2QC-257XCN / GE72 2QD-018XCN / GE72 2QD-059XCN / GE72 2QE-039CN / GE72 2QE-040XCN / GE72 2QF-258XCN / GE72 6QC-287XCN / GE72 6QC-289XCN / GE72 6QD-001XCN / GE72 6QF / GE72 6QF-020XCN / GE72 6QF-073XCN / GE72 series / GE73 / GE73VR / GE73VR 7RF Raider / GL62 / GL62M / GL62VR / GL72 / GL72VR / GP62 2QE-215XCN / GP62 2QE-218XCN / GP62 2QE-275XCN / GP62 6QG-1071XCN / GP72 / GP72 2QE / GT62VR Dominator-027

The world’s top four LCD suppliers for TVs will be mostly from in 2020, while the total shipment from global LCD companies is likely to fall by 8.2% to 265 million units, according to market research firm IHS Markit on Dec. 18.

IHS Markit said this would mark the first time in 10 years to witness a decline in such panel shipments, as unlike Chinese companies that will continue to ship more, South Korean suppliers will be cutting their volume.

As with BOE, CSOT is mass producing Gen-10.5 and Gen-11 LCD panels. CSOT will also be ramping up production from its first Gen-11 LCD production line, the T6, by the end of this year. The T7, which is the firm’s second Gen-11 line, is to begin mass production by 2021.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Innolux is expected to maintain its No.3 status, while China’s HKC will rise to the fourth-largest supplier. HKC had earlier been cited as likely to acquire the Gen-8 LCD production lines at Samsung Display’s suspended panel plant, but Samsung has chosen a different Chinese manufacturer that had no display production lines.

In terms of country, China will ship 58% of the total amount of LCD panels for TVs to reflect a jump from this year’s 47%. South Korean firms, on the other hand, are to see their shipment fall to 17% from this year’s 27%. The 17% will be smaller than the share by Taiwanese firms, which are likely to ship around 22% of the total global volume.

We"ve reviewed the huge desktop replacement 17" MSI Dominator laptops and the slim and light Ghost Pro that"s a gamer"s take on the Dell XPS 15 and 15" Retina MacBook Pro. This time we look at the middle of the family, the MSI Apache Pro. If you"re looking for something more affordable than the Ghost and Stealth models, with much more portability than the Dominator line, it"s the Apache Pro. Whether you need a GE62 15.6 or GE72 17.3 inch laptop, you"re covered since the Apache comes in both sizes with identical specs and ports. The Apaches have the latest Intel Skylake 6th generation CPUs, fast PCIe SSD boot drives, spacious secondary HDDs for your games and media and your choice of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M or 970M graphics. They have full HD 1920 x 1080 matte IPS displays, but no touch screen.

The GE62 is priced around $1,100 and the GE72 starts around $1,300-- both nicely configured with 16 gigs of RAM, a quad core i7, 128 gig boot SSD and NVIDIA GTX 960M graphics. For fairly powerful gaming laptops that can handle pro apps like Adobe Premiere Pro easily, those are nice prices. MSI laptops are tuned for gaming--heat is well managed as is noise and there"s no thermal throttling when gaming. The gamer oriented tuning, optical drive, on-board Ethernet and generous port selection are features that set the Apache line apart from The XPS 15, 15" MacBook Pro with Retina Display and the handful of additional slim and light laptops that take on many of the same chores as the Apache.

Our 15.6" GE62 review loaner came from XoticPC.com. They sell a variety of gaming laptop brands and models and will customize them--handy if you"re not comfortable opening up a laptop. They can re-paste the CPU and GPU with IC Diamond compound, upgrade the RAM and storage, and their prices are very competitive. They also do a full round of performance testing before they send the laptop out--the results of which are included in a binder.

The Apache Pro sports MSI"s familiar but slightly updated look with a double "waterfall" crease in the black aluminum lid and a fairly slim design--though not wildly skinny like the 15" Ghost and 17" Stealth models. In terms of practicality, unless portability is paramount to you, the Apache"s less waifish design allows for quieter cooling and surface temperatures that won"t singe the hairs off your hands and thighs when gaming. They"re still modern looking laptops that aren"t chunky by any means and their weights at 5.3 and 6.5 lbs. respectively are manageable. For gaming laptops, their look is understated with a tiny bit of red trim and MSI"s Ferrari style logo hinting at what"s inside. The backlit SteelSeries keyboard has multicolor zone lighting that"s programmable, so you can go with a single staid color at work and a veritable rainbow when gaming. It"s a very good keyboard that I find more enjoyable than the GT72 Dominator Pro keyboard, and it"s fine for writing at length. Unfortunately, MSI continues to lead the path to the bottom when it comes to trackpads. Synaptics trackpads are generally quite good, but the Apache Pro trackpad has barely adequate tracking and it tends to ignore two-finger gestures half the time. Get a mouse. Really.

Build quality and esthetics are typical MSI, which is to say that the machines look and feel like they were designed by engineers rather than designers. They"re well put together with practical designs and the internals are a delight if you"re like me and analyze motherboard and component layouts with relish. Intelligently laid copper heat pipes, dual fans with quiet bearings and upgradable RAM, SSD, HDD and WiFi cards are hallmarks of MSI design. They"re a company that makes some of the best gaming motherboards for desktops--they know what they"re doing.

The laptops have aluminum lids and wrist rest areas and plastic bottoms (fine with us since plastic doesn"t get as hot as metal). The design and port selection is identical on the MSI Apache Pro GE62 and Apache Pro GE72--the choice between them comes down to display and laptop size preference. The 15.6" GE62 has a larger than average footprint in terms of width (left to right), which again is typical for MSI because they include a number pad in the keyboard area. Thus, the size difference between the two isn"t as much as you might expect. The depth and thickness are competitive with the Lenovo Y700 models, which are also available in 15 and 17 inch sizes. Our only complaint with build quality centers on the display bezel, particularly on the 15" GE62--it has flex across the lid (the price of a thin design) and it"s disconcertingly easy to push the bezel in at the bottom center area. I"ve owned a few MSI gaming laptops and I"ve yet to have the bezel fall off, but it doesn"t inspire confidence. The 17" GE72 has less flex--you"d think an even longer expanse would give more, but apparently there"s more reinforcement on the larger model.

The laptop"s Dynaudio stereo speakers fire from the front edge (dual drivers left and right) and there"s a subwoofer on the bottom. MSI gaming laptops have very good speakers that are considerably louder and fuller than the Windows competition. I love using them as a Netflix TV when exercising on loud gym equipment for this reason. MSI switched from SoundBlaster to Nahimic sound software last year--I have no strong preference, though I know some folks liked SoundBlaster"s software better.

The Apache Pros have a DVD burner, 3 USB 3.0 ports (right and left side), a USB-C port, Gigabit Killer Ethernet, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, SD card slot and 3.5mm stereo out and mic in with an ESS Sabre audio amplifier. They have Intel AC 3165 dual band WiFi 802.11ac with Bluetooth. In comparison, the larger and more expensive Dominator Pro GT72 is available with a Blu-Ray drive, NVIDIA GTX 980M, Killer WiFi 802.11ac, optional G-Sync display and several full size USB 3.1 ports.

Both models have 1920 x 1080 IPS non-touch matte displays, and both of our review units had panels made by LG. The pixel density is higher on the 15.6", so it looks a little bit sharper, and our GE62 15.6" model had a brighter panel that measured 290 nits of brightness vs. 260 nits on the 17" GE72. Both have good color gamut that cover 94% of the sRGB spectrum and 73% of Adobe RGB. These aren"t crazy full Adobe RGB gamut displays like the much more expensive Dell XPS 15 with 4K Infinity display, but for those who work professionally with web graphics and video, they do cover the sRGB spectrum used for the web. Color calibration with the default setting (MSI has a color settings app) wasn"t superb, but calibrated to near perfection easily. These displays are good enough for pro work if you"re a photographer, even if they don"t rate quite as high as the more expensive Dominator GT72 1080p matte display. Black levels were decent but not exceptional at 0.4 and contrast was good at 550:1. In comparison, the more expensive Dell XPS 15 with full HD display has a 1200:1 contrast ratio and slightly better 0.34 black levels.