GX660R Configuration

[PTRob]

I finally selected my next laptop after almost a week of researching and checking out different options, learning about new technologies (which still is a bit confusing) I have finally picked the one I want.

I'm not too crazy about the lights but everything else is fine. Screen is apparently not the best but, I'm already use to having to look at a screen directly so its not a deal breaker for me. The Audio on this system really attracted me + it will fit in my current backpack even if a bit heavy.

MSI GX660R-060US - Gaming Laptop
- 15.6” FHD 16:9 LED Backlit Wide screen (1920x1080) Super Clear Glare Type Screen
- - Intel® Core™ i7-740QM, 1.73-2.93GHz, (45nm, 6MB L3 cache) - Standard
- ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD5870 1024MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11
- - 6,144MB (6GB) DDR3 1333MHz Dual Channel Memory (2GBx3)
- - 4X Blu-Ray Reader / 8X DVDRW/CDRW Super Multi Combo Drive - Standard
- - 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) - Standard
- - 320GB 7200RPM WD or Seagate (Serial-ATA II 3GB/s) - Standard
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Internal Bluetooth + EDR
- Built-in 802.11 Wireless B/G/N - Stock Wireless Card (this is a Intel 5100 according to the video)
- Integrated Digital Video Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Pre-Installed + Drivers & Utilities Disk
- 2 Year MSI US Parts & Labor 1 Year Global Warranty w/ Lifetime Tech Support
- 1 Year of Accidental Damage Protection
$1599.99

2 upgrades I am considering
80GB Intel G2 X25-M Solid State Drive (SSD Serial-ATA II) ( + 218 )
Intel® Advanced-N 6200 - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module ( + 35 )

I will use the computer will be used for classes and Final Fantasy 14 MMO so main programs will be the Game, Office programs and web surfing.

So my questions for you techno gurus are these.

The standard twin 320GB 7200rpm 16mb cache in Raid 0 vs. getting a 80GB SSD and leaving the other 320GB for storage. The loss in storage does not bother me at all as I will probably never fill up 1 - 320GB anyway but the price is a big jump. As I understand it this is the fastest top of the line way to go, but is the performance worth it?

Also as a side note, I'm not worried about losing my information in RAID 0 as I back all my music and important stuff on a external HD.

2nd the Intel 5100 vs 6200 on the wireless. They both have 2 antennas and both say support 300mbps so I'm not sure what to think on here. Intel's site did not give me much info other than stats.

Thanks again for all the help guys/and or ladies.

Edit: one more question. If I do any of these upgrades am I correct in saying my warranty goes to XoticPC.com instead of MSI and it is only for 1 year?

[mangbhoy]

Go for the Crucial C300 SSD - for the added cost (roughly $100), you'll get the best performing SSD to date. It's certainly better performing than the Intel G2 X25-M plus some 20GB more. http://techreport.com/articles.x/19049/2

As for the Intel Advanced-N you should definitely get that. Re: the 5100 v 6200, please read through this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/networking-wireless/459682-difference-between-intel-centrino-advanced-n-6200-wifi-link-5100-a.html

I'm not familiar with RAID0 setups. The rest of the guys will be able to. Though there are threads around here discussing that. Search around first.

I'm not so sure about your last question regarding warranty. I think it's best if you ask the Xoticpc guys for that via live chat or phone.

Oh yeah, I'm also looking forward to FFXIV :D Though I'm still cautious.

I'm not a guru by the way.

[mrmatt]

The wireless adapter is worth it for sure, and if your interested in saving some money, you can wait till you get your computer, back it all up, and buy your SSD from a third party.

[PTRob]

Not sure why my copy and paste shows the 80GB X25-M for 273 instead of 218. I will edit it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the C300 though and the Intel 6200. I just need to make sure about the warranty with them first.

[powerpack]

Where is this RAID talk coming from? HM55 chipset does not support RAID. I commented last night to someone said I would take their word it RAID'd. But now I know HM55 no way guys, sorry.

Well I guess my work is done.

I guess that means SSD is going to happen?

[PTRob]

Where is this RAID talk coming from? HM55 chipset does not support RAID. I commented last night to someone said I would take their word it RAID'd. But now I know HM55 no way guys, sorry.

Well I guess my work is done.

I guess that means SSD is going to happen?

If you watch XoticPC's video review he says it comes set with Raid 0. I have seen it stated more than just there though.

But yes I'm 90% sure I'm getting a SSD anyway so it won't make a difference for me.

[powerpack]

Yea I admit I am mistaken.:-/