Get up to $90 with purchase on Costco.com with purchase using Chase Freedom Flex card - see below
Net effective cost is either $1140 ($1200 - $60), or $1226 ($1200 - $74), or $1210 ($1200 - $90)
YOU NEED TO ACTIVATE THE 5% BY MARCH 14 (AND I BELIEVE IT APPLIES ALSO TO RETROACTIVE PURCHASES ). WHILE CHASE FREEDOM FLEX, WHICH IS A MASTERCARD ISN'T ACCEPTED AT COSTCO STORE, IT IS ACCEPTED AT COSTO.COM!
Assuming you signed up for the 5X Chase Freedom Flex categories this quarter, you will get 5X points for your purchase on Costco.com. That's worth enough points to get $60 ($1200 times 5%) cash back. Subsequently, if you transfer these points earned to Chase Sapphire Reserve it becomes worth 50% more (i.e., $60 times 1.5 = $90) when claimed as reimbursement for travel or groceries on the the Reserve card. If you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred rather than Reserve, its worth 25% more or $74 ($60 times 1.25).
https://www.creditcards
II. BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE
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from rruff
I'll say it again. You can undervolt the processor a good amount: I boosted my 6 core performance 29%, and it runs cooler. You can basically make it as good as a Ryzen (or better) with no risk to hardware. You have total freedom to manipulate power, temperature, and noise to your liking. For instance it runs just as fast at 35W as it did at 45W stock. If I max out the fans and CPU I can run at ~68W and 91C and 4.3MHz on all cores forever. 
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Undervolting is locked out of most 10th gen CPUs, but MSI allows it. You need to enable it in the bios, and then use Throttlestop. Ryzen processors can't be undervolted. 4th time I've linked in this thread? https://www.techpowerup I'd never done anything like this before. It wasn't hard. |
ASUS ROG Strix G17 Laptop: i7-10750H, 17.3" 1080p 144Hz, 16GB , "RTX 2070 Super" ($1,500 at Walmart; was previously on sale in Dec 2020 for $1,300)
VS
MSI GE75 Laptop: i7-10750H, 17.3" 1080p 144Hz, 16GB , "RTX 2070" (non-super) [The one in this deal for $1,200]
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from netscorer
I'm probably going to stick with MSI. Asus is faster and runs cooler, so it's a win, right? But MSI has more premium finish, brighter display, better keyboard, full RGB keyboard compared to zone RGB in ASUS, way more powerful speakers with added subwoofers, more ports, webcam, SD card slot, better management software ( I prefer MSI Dragon to Asus ROG center), smaller, lighter, cheaper and extra year of warranty.
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Plus MSI BIOS allows undervolting and ASUS locked this in the July BIOS upgrade. What ASUS does have in its favor is ability to set Nvidia GPU as the primary card, which adds another 2% to performance. MSI only has Optimus, which means video signal to laptop display always goes through Intel GPU even if Nvidia is running the show. I'd say if you want raw graphics power, go with ASUS, no question. But if you want a better overall laptop, MSI GE75 Costco deal is the winner. |
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from iGeorge
I just played with this at my local Costco. I didn't pull the trigger on the spot, but it seemed like they had plenty of them in stock in my store. My quick 5-10 minute impressions are below, but note, my Costco apparently doesn't connect any of their laptops to their internal wifi, so I couldn't even open google images or watch youtube to determine picture quality.
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Screen - My biggest question is still how many nits does this goes up to. In store, it definitely felt more than 300 (my current laptop is around 250 nits, and I could tell this one was way brighter). Matte display on this was perfect to drown out the harsh factory lights in costco. Resolution of 1080p was fine, but I really wish it was 1440p. I have pretty good eye sight, and the text and icons felt a little too big for me (yes, I set the scaling to 100% on the demo unit). There were some stock pictures in the "photos" app that I looked at, and to be honest, colors looked pretty damn good, ESPECIALLY for viewing inside a damn harsh lit giant warehouse.Couldn't tell if there's backlight bleed on the demo unit, since you know, I can't request my costco to turn all lights off in the entire warehouse lol. I couldn't quite figure out how to view the LCD panel model number to google it once I got home (I tried device manager but couldn't see a specific model). Keyboard - pretty cool seeing the RGB in person. The demo unit wasn't allowed to open dragon center (I clicked the icon, wouldn't open), so I couldn't really play around with colors too much (other than the HARDWARE button on top right of keyboard that flips a couple color modes). Windows key on the right of the space bar kept throwing me off, just muscle memory for me to click it on the left. This was a major annoyance for me honestly. Keys actually felt good IMO, travel was very nice. Font is a little "gamery". Yes, I toggled the hardware "max fan" button while playing with the demo unit, had to rev up that engine lol Touchpad - Actually not bad, I was very surprised. I kept reading it's plastic (which it is), but it felt way smoother than my plastic Dell Inspiron one. Pretty smooth gliding, even on a germ infested demo unit that probably has been used and abused by people at Costco walking around eating the chicken bake rolls. Red accent around the touchpad is kind of wack, but in terms of touchpad, I was pleased. Physical keys under touchpad felt firm, solid clicking (unlike my dell latitude from work that's soft and mushy). Build - Deff a tank IMO. Not extremely "T H I C C", but deff aint a macbook. Felt very solid, especially when closed. It's quite heavy (I tried picking the demo unit up as much as it would allow with the security wire), and I could deff tell it's hefty. Granted, you guys are all aware of this... Physical size isn't what I'd consider the standard, giant 17 inch laptop. It actually appeared a little bigger than a 15 inch laptop, but not a "17 inch laptop" so that was nice. Hinges - I actually enjoyed the "stiff" feel of the hinge when opening and closing the laptop, it made the laptop feel sturdier to me. Don't know if that's squeezing the crap out of the LCD display or not, but the hinges being this "stiff" felt GOOD to me. OS "Snappiness" - Moot point, since this demo unit was literally tied to a demo setting where I couldn't even open dragon center. Also, I looked at task manager, it has been on for over 10 days straight... Plus, since it's not on wifi, I guarantee you it wasn't up to date with latest drivers AND windows updates. Kind of a shame really, I hate seeing this type of beastly hardware neglected like that. There was some constant demo playing on the laptop, that when I viewed task manager, was literally using the cpu at 45%. Overall feel - I didn't pull the trigger, but it's very tempting. I did confirm there's a "tamper seal" on the bottom of the laptop over a screw, so that's still something I'm concerned about (updating hardware aka breaking the seal, and god forbid having to return for a different issue and being given a hard time since you "opened" it). This would be my first "gamery" laptop, so I understand what comes with that. You can't expect macbook thinness and tolerance (tight seems, fit and finish), but I can't imagine how beastly this would be if you actually buy it, do all windows and driver updates, and even upgrade the RAM and SSD. Overall 5-10 minute demo in store, I'd say 4 out of 5 stars. Leaving out a star since I still don't know how the brightness and color of the display is in a normal bedroom setting and not a giant warehouse show floor. |
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from rruff
There is no such thing as "standard wattage" for 3000 series cards. 2000 series had MaxQ and "everything else" which narrowed it down a little.
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---- 3000 series cards have an optional feature whereby they can boost to a higher power level if the CPU demand is low. For instance the max on a 3060 is 115W-130W, where that extra 15W is the extra boost. When RTX 2060 115 watts is used as a base (100%) for comparison: 3060@60W= 94% 3060@75 W = 100% (inserted by RussianBytes for MSI "GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop" RTX 3060 GPU for $1300 at COSTCO) 2060@115W= 100% 3060@90 W = 105% (75 Base Watts+15 watts boost, (inserted by RussianBytes MSI "GF75 Thin Gaming Laptop" RTX 3060 GPU, $1300 COSTCO) 2070@115W= 110% (inserted by RussianBytes for MSI "GE75 Gaming Laptop" RTX 2070 for $1,200 at COSTCO) 2060@115 watts AND further undervolting and overclocking: 110% 3060@115W= 115% 3070@ 90W = 115% (per joon82) 2070S@115W= 120% ("S" stands for the "SUPER" version of the RTX 2070) |
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from atoneapone
Good information in this thread to compare RTX 2000/ 3000 GPUs. So the 2070S is the only 2000 gpu that rivals a full 3060.
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I also found this site that compares GPUs with TDP power. But they left out the lower powered 60w and 80w RTX 3060. I'm guessing they could range to anything between a RTX 2060 90w and RTX 2070, depending on a specific game/resolution, & benchmarks. https://laptopmedia.com/us/top-la...s-ranking/ |
GT > GS > GE > GP > GL > GF > GV
GT Titan Series
GS Stealth Series
GE Raider Series
GP Leopard Series
GL Leopard Series
GF Thin Series
VII: Guide to increasing your laptop's performance by 10% by undervolting and overclocking
The guide is based on this laptops' 2060 TRX cousin but you can use similar logic for the 2070.
https://www.techpowerup
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Undervolting is locked out of most 10th gen CPUs, but MSI allows it. You need to enable it in the bios, and then use Throttlestop. Ryzen processors can't be undervolted.
4th time I've linked in this thread? https://www.techpowerup
I'd never done anything like this before. It wasn't hard.
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By the way The one in this deal is NOT the "2070 SUPER".
Also posting other interesting information posted earlier in this thread from atapone and rruff
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3000 series cards have an optional feature whereby they can boost to a higher power level if the CPU demand is low. For instance the max on a 3060 is 115W-130W, where that extra 15W is the extra boost.
I already made a comparison earlier in this thread... and I'll add the 2070S
3060@60W= 94%
2060@115W= 100%
2070@115W= 110%
3060@115W= 115%
2070S@115W= 120%
I also found this site that compares GPUs with TDP power. But they left out the lower powered 60w and 80w RTX 3060. I'm guessing they could range to anything between a RTX 2060 90w and RTX 2070, depending on a specific game/resolution, & benchmarks.
https://laptopmedia.com/us/top-la...s-ranking/
https://slickdeals.net/f/14887162-1099-lenovo-legion-5-17-3-intel-core-i7-10750h-geforce-rtx-2060-16-gb-ddr4-512-gb-ssd-gaming-laptop-notebook?v=1
1) The MSI Raider in this thread for $1200 (2070 GTX) 115W for GPU
2) The MSI Raider 2060 GTX 115W for GPU that is currently $1399 but will be back at $1100 at Costco (identical to the deal in this thread other than the card)
https://www.costco.com/msi-ge75-r...68605.html
3) Lenovo Legion 5 with 2060 GTX for $1100 (512 GB SSD) (how many watts, quality of screen? - see link below)
4) Lenovo Legion 5 with 2060 GTX for $1200 (256 GB SSD + 1TD HDD) (how many watts, quality of screen? - see link below)
https://slickdeals.net/f/14887162-1099-lenovo-legion-5-17-3-intel-core-i7-10750h-geforce-rtx-2060-16-gb-ddr4-512-gb-ssd-gaming-laptop-notebook?
Will appreciate the feedback. Thanks!
-The Legion5 and MSI GE75&65,63 raiders, GL65, have been my favorite gaming laptops this past year, for price & high performance on Slickdeals. I also like the HP omen, Asus zephyrus, Alienware, and Dell g7, but those first 2 come on top at prices around $1100 or less, & since I prefer the ability to UV/OC with the highest possible gaming performance.
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Based on experience with my slightly slower 15.6" MSI Raider, I'd just go for this MSI GE75 raider.--either $1100 2060 or $1200 2070. The later is better if you prioritize gaming with 10% extra gpu boost over saving some $$$, but 2060 if you are budget conscious and really need to save.
If you are a professional who needs to take your laptop to meetings at work, then the Legion5 design will look less gamer looking & more professional without losing much FPS vs the MSI (after 115w mod on Legion5). But you will miss out on RGB keyboard on the Legion5; keyboard is only white backlit. However, tactile feel of Legion5 kb may be better than other laptops, even though steele series is also good. The build quality is arguably better overall than MSI GE75 due to the hinge problem that the haters bring up in reviews.
If you are a professional who demands the highest possible multitasking CPU power, then you may have to look at Ryzen7 4000/5000 but I don't see any low price 17.3" deals on those.
So All 3 choices are fine: $1100 MSI GE75 RTX 2060, this $1200 GE75 with RTX 2070, or $1100 Legion5 (if you are sure you can load the 115w bios on it, and if you are ok with Newegg and not having the same warranty as Costco). I don't have a Costco in my town and no membership, so newegg may be better choice for people like this. I'd take your 3 choices over HP omen, Asus, Dell, Alienware.
https://slickdeals.net/f/14887162-1099-lenovo-legion-5-17-3-intel-core-i7-10750h-geforce-rtx-2060-16-gb-ddr4-512-gb-ssd-gaming-laptop-notebook?v=1
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https://slickdeals.net/f/14887162-1099-lenovo-legion-5-17-3-intel-core-i7-10750h-geforce-rtx-2060-16-gb-ddr4-512-gb-ssd-gaming-laptop-notebook?v=1
MSI GE75 Raider Gaming Laptop - 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H - GeForce RTX 2070 - 1080p
here at Costco:
https://www.costco.com/.product.1...0_
The four laptops I tested absolutely and 100% did not have ANY of the special characters light up, they all stayed unlit and dark. I hated it.
-The Legion5 and MSI GE75&65,63 raiders, GL65, have been my favorite gaming laptops this past year, for price & high performance on Slickdeals. I also like the HP omen, Asus zephyrus, Alienware, and Dell g7, but those first 2 come on top at prices around $1100 or less, & since I prefer the ability to UV/OC with the highest possible gaming performance.
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Based on experience with my slightly slower 15.6" MSI Raider, I'd just go for this MSI GE75 raider.--either $1100 2060 or $1200 2070. The later is better if you prioritize gaming over saving some $$$, but 2060 if you are budget conscious and really need to save versus having that 10% extra gpu boost.
If you are a professional who needs to take your laptop to meetings at work, then the Legion5 design will look less gamer looking & more professional without losing much FPS vs the MSI (after 115w mod on Legion5). But you will miss out on RGB keyboard on the Legion5; keyboard is only white backlit. However, tactile feel of Legion5 kb may be better than other laptops, even though steele series is also good. The build quality is arguably better overall than MSI GE75 due to the hinge problem that the haters bring up in reviews.
If you are a professional who demands the highest possible multitasking CPU power, then you may have to look at Ryzen7 4000/5000 but I don't see any low price 17.3" deals on those.
So All 3 choices are fine: $1100 MSI GE75 RTX 2060, this $1200 GE75 with RTX 2070, or $1100 Legion5 (if you are sure you can load the 115w bios on it, and if you are ok with Newegg and not having the same warranty as Costco). I don't have a Costco in my town and no membership, so newegg may be better choice for people like this. I'd take your 3 choices over HP omen, Asus, Dell, Alienware.
By the way, the laptop is for a gamer student not a professional, so that works in MSI's favor.
Between the Legion 5 and the MSI, how do the screens compare? The Legion also appears to have a bit more weight (1/2 lb) . Is it because of the battery?
I am assuming the reliability on the Legion is better
Thanks.
The four laptops I tested absolutely and 100% did not have ANY of the special characters light up, they all stayed unlit and dark. I hated it.
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