MSI Gaming laptop used by anybody?

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

My away from home Railworks laptop has broken and is too old and weak to repair.

I am looking into a replacement and have set my eyes on the MSI GE60 2PE Apache Pro. I want a 15" screen, not larger.

I'll want it to run Railworks at 2x2SSAA at 15 fps with all settings maxed out.

Anybody has any experience with this model or can suggest an equivalent?

It comes delivered with Windows 8.1 which will be replaced by Windows 7.

[peterhayes]

It comes delivered with Windows 8.1 which will be replaced by Windows 7.

Why? TS2014 runs very well in Win 8.1 Upd 1 - 64-bit - using less resources.
It is a very stable OS in its latest version and you don't need a touch screen and sure it has learning curve but so does everything.
I would go for the latest 4th generation cpu, a SSD if possible, 8GB RAM and higher end M series NVidia card.
I run TS2014 on a middling HP Envy and it runs fine with TSX off - with TSX ON not so good.
PeterH

[plethaus]

2x2 SSAA is asking a LOT from a mobile gaming GPU, but I guess 15fps might be possible.

[cor726]

I use a MSI GT60 (GTX 675m) and I can max out the graphics and it is acceptable on most routes - It occasionally gets a little jumpy in areas with lots of detail but it handles the game well imo.

[plethaus]

I use a MSI GT60 (GTX 675m) and I can max out the graphics and it is acceptable on most routes - It occasionally gets a little jumpy in areas with lots of detail but it handles the game well imo.

With 2x2 SSAA?

[cor726]

I just set it to highest and it was acceptable. I didn't play any further - at least not yet that is.

[plethaus]

I just set it to highest and it was acceptable. I didn't play any further - at least not yet that is.

OK, I only asked because OP mentioned they want to use 2x2 SSAA which is much more demanding than FXAA + MSAA which the "Highest" overall setting defaults too.

[cor726]

I just set it to highest and it was acceptable. I didn't play any further - at least not yet that is.

OK, I only asked because OP mentioned they want to use 2x2 SSAA which is much more demanding than FXAA + MSAA which the "Highest" overall setting defaults too.

Yeah - I can't speak directly to 2x2 SSAA but I can speak to that fact that the laptop does a decent job with TS. Most laptops don't stand much of a chance though.

[cor726]

If you want any further specs or want me to test a setting for you I can. Just tell me what you want it set to and what route and I will tell you what FPS I am getting.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

I specifically asked for 2 x 2 SSAA at a fixed 15 fps, with all other settings at high or highest. I have set my desktop to that setting and find it smooth (motion) enough and sufficiently pretty. I do not know the natural resolution of Railworks, i.e. the assets aren't either scaled up or down. I tend to believe that any setting above 1400x900 doesn't add more detail. Full HD takes more power, but adds nothing extra IMO.

Railworks is not optimized for either CPU or GPU, so with the current game and graphics engine it will be always be a compromise.

Many labour of love freeware routes are laden with assets and clutter and tend to be fps hogs. DTG's desert and sparse environment routes hardly load the system.
Stevens Pass is said to be a demanding route, perhaps you can run a busy scenario and have FRAPS, DXTory or another such programs graph fps vs time of gameplay.
Any scenario with lots of shadowcasting lights will also bring your computer down to its knees, but is hardly a valid performance test.