MSI GS60 Ghost Pro 247 vs Gigabyte P35 V3-CF1

[TheDigitalRealm]

Okay, so I sold my desktop as I won't be at home as much anymore...yes, the one with the beastly specs in my signature.

So, I've been looking for a light, powerful laptop I can game on, but that also has the horses to keep up with my interest in photography and graphic design (meaning photo editing and occasionally 3ds max, possibly CAD in the future) these are hobbies at the moment, and should they become professional, I'd build another desktop.

My budget is £1250

These laptops have identical specs other than the Gigabyte using a 6GB 970m instead of the common 3GB version, and the GS60 using m.2 instead of mSATA.

1080p eDP IPS Display

128GB SSD

1TB HDD

8GB RAM (I will upgrade this myself in the future)

GTX 970m

So the GS60 Ghost Pro 2QE 247UK: http://www.debenhamsplus.com/DE_MSI_Notebook_10100898/version.asp?refsource=DEadwords&crtag=DE&gclid=CjwKEAjw56moBRD8_4-AgoOqhV4SJADWWVCckwB0OZwGYawvwXEL4e3zCtvmgH_p3Atc17-nuotx1BoCSmfw_wcB

+ M.2 means faster potential storage upgrades down the road - increased longevity. Raid 0 also possible with a second M.2 under the motherboard.

+ All metal construction and magnesium alloy make it lighter and better built.

- This model only uses a 3GB 970m, and the 6GB model is £250 more expensive.

- No ODD and space for up to 3 drives only.

Gigabyte P35W V3-CF1: http://www.ebuyer.com/676572-gigabyte-p35w-v3-cf1-gaming-laptop-9wp35wv33-gb-a-003?utm_source=google&utm_medium=products&gclid=CjwKEAjw56moBRD8_4-AgoOqhV4SJADWWVCcfqDqoowns3LwM9kLVulxg7QbbMVmsACwNEHBjKkS_BoCWrDw_wcB

+ Comes with an ODD that can be replaced with another 2.5" drive bracket for up to 4 Drives total

+ Uses a 6GB 970m which may help with Photoshop and 3ds Max, and cope better with mods for games like Skyrim, Fallout etc.

- Uses mSATA for its SSD slots which are limited to 6Gb/s but raid 0 could mitigate that.

- Subjectively cheaper looking and uses plastic in a lot of the chassis.

What do you guys think between these two? Which would you go for and why, given my requirements and that MSI is an objectively more reputable brand for gaming notebooks. Are there other thin and light 14-15" notebooks I should be considering? (Yes, I would get the Razer Blade 2015 if I could afford it)

[ShadowCaptain]

SNIP

 

the MSI has better cooling  and build quality (and looks arguably) but otherwise its a close call

 

also check out the p34w v3 for a 14" model with a 970

 

Aorus X3 and X3 Plus

 

Some XMG models from mysn.co.uk are very slim and powerful!! and could save you money

 

specialists do some decent custom builds too

 

I am in a similar boat, looking for a 13-15" , thin <2kg 970m equipped gaming laptop

[vembutech]

Can go with MSI.

[TheDigitalRealm]

the MSI has better cooling  and build quality (and looks arguably) but otherwise its a close call

 

also check out the p34w v3 for a 14" model with a 970

 

Aorus X3 and X3 Plus

 

Some XMG models from mysn.co.uk are very slim and powerful!! and could save you money

 

specialists do some decent custom builds too

 

I am in a similar boat, looking for a 13-15" , thin <2kg 970m equipped gaming laptop

The P34W V3 would be perfect if it weren't for it being known to thermal throttle quite badly in most of the reviews I've read. I don't mind heat as long as the laptop is still performing at its peak so I think the Gigabyte P34W is a no for me.

The Aorus X3 Plus is over £1600 in the UK, so £350 over budget unfortunately. It's perfect for my needs which is a real shame. I just can't spare the extra cash.

How slim are we talking? Because all the models I'm looking at are 0.8" thick or less and I wouldn't want to go any bigger. I'll have a look anyway The custom builds tend not to be great value for money, and usually thicker.