The MSI GE62 2QD Apache Pro gaming laptop is one of the best slim profile gaming laptop on the market with good specs and hardware.
Gaming laptops have a reputation of being big, bulky machines with all the firepower to take on the latest game titles anywhere you go. However, for the gamers looking for a portable gaming laptop, MSI has a lot to offer in the form of the GE62 2QD Apache Pro.
A well-rounded gaming machine in every way, the Apache Pro does not hold back when it comes to processing power, offers supreme portability and matches most gaming laptops in terms of GPU capability as well.
MSI GE62 2QD Apache Pro: Design and Build
Constructed out of ecstatic black elements, the model comes with a slight colour contrast of red in all the right places. The underside of the Apache Pro is formed out of high-grade polymer plastic which can be easily removed for upgrading, while the keyboard base and the top lid of the laptop is crafted gorgeously out of brushed metal. Maintaining the qualities of a portable gaming machine, the Apache Pro weighs in at 2.4 Kg, which is relatively lightweight in its category.
The hinges with its underlining red elements not only make the overall design of the Apache Pro stand out but also imparts much-needed stability to the screen as well. Although the aluminium lid of the laptop makes it appear hardcore and heavy-duty, it is relatively light and can be lifted with just one hand with ease. Moreover, the laser cut design with the bright red MSI logo encrusted on the lid makes the Apache Pro a stunning piece of technology.
The Display
Moving away from the 17inch+ sized gaming laptops that weigh a ton, the Apache Pro has been equipped with a decent display of 15.6 inches. Although available in 4K display version as well, the reviewed version was equipped with an FHD 1920 x 1080 pixel display, with eDP (embedded DisplayPort) technology which creates a dedicated connection between the graphics processor and the screen.
The 15.6-inch IPS display does not disappoint, as it offers wider viewing angles, vibrant colours and deep blacks, with an anti-glare, matte finish that makes it perfect for gaming on a sunny day. MSI has added True Color Technology software to the Apache Pro which boosts the accuracy of the colours and makes them appear sharper and gives the user the ability to tweak the display colour settings according to their liking.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Understanding how crucial the keyboard can be for a truly immersive gaming experience, MSI has added the best qualities they can to the Apache Pro. Equipped with a SteelSeries keyboard and extra-large keyboard layout, it comes with multi-colour backlight feature with silver-lining keys, which makes them look incredible at all times.
While the Apache Pro does not come with the ideally preferred mechanical keyboard, the wide-spaced keys with their thicker form factor and smooth keystrokes make it better than most lightweight chiclet keyboards. The 4.3 x 2.4 inch touchpad is smooth, precise and comes with isolated left and right click buttons. The brushed-metal keyboard base offers a fair amount of palm-rest, but since most would prefer a gaming mouse to go, these features are just finishing touches.
Under the Hood
While the exterior may be sleek and cutting-edge, the Apache Pro comes with all the mass of a decent gaming laptop inside its chassis. The reviewed version comes equipped with the latest Intel Core i7-4720HQ quad-core processor, which clocks in at 2.6GHz. With the help of the Turbo Boost Technology from Intel, the processor can be clocked up to 3.6GHz, while the addition of 8GB DDR3 RAM (expandable up to 8GB) makes it rock-solid.
In a time where the Solid State Drive technology has become a norm in storage for modern laptops and computers, the GE62 2QD Apache Pro misses out. With a 1TB HDD storage (7200 RPM), you may enjoy bulking up on loads of data, but the expected transfer rates will be nothing near to with the SSD drives deliver.
Coming to the main component of this gaming laptop, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M for unprecedented gaming performance, and additional Intel HD Graphics 4600 make the GE62 2QD Apache Pro a formidable gaming machine. With the 2GB DDR5 960M graphics, you can cruise through most of the latest gaming titles on high settings, although the frame rate may be an issue in some FPS games which demand a frame rate of 60.
Pros:
- Sleek design with some premium quality materials.
- Brilliant FHD display with good viewing angles and vibrant colors.
- Finely-crafted SteelSeries keyboard with full-color backlit support.
- Relatively lightweight and thin for a gaming laptop.
- Phenomenal sound quality with Dynaudio.
Cons:
- Battery life is average for gaming.
- No SSD storage brings down content loading and data transfer rate.
The Final Verdict
The MSI GE62 2QD Apache Pro offers a premium gaming machine disguised as a relatively light and portable laptop. While the design, smart use of red and black colors makes it a handsome devil, what it hides under its chassis is equally impressive as well. It is good to see how MSI has introduced the best non-mechanical gaming keyboard available for laptops, and the full-color backlit adds a significant among of bling as well.
In terms of processing power and GPU capabilities, the GE62 2QD Apache Pro does not win the battle with the competitors, but it sure puts up a fight. While the Apache Pro has some drawbacks in the form of the missing SSD storage and mediocre battery life, there are too many good aspects of this budget gaming laptop that cannot be written off.
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