14 DAY TRIAL // Even though DirectX 11 can be seen as the current major trend when it comes to enthusiast computing, there are still rather few games capable of taking advantage of this graphics technology. As such, PC suppliers don't exactly see it as a mandatory feature in gaming PCs, at least not yet, which is why Micro-Star International settled for a previous-generation NVIDIA GeForce video controller when it put together the GT660 notebook.
Reportedly described as MSI's “most powerful notebook of all time” (despite lack of DirectX 11), the machine doesn't shy away from packing more storage and memory than many high-end desktops, nor does it neglect enabling support for the next-generation SuperSpeed USB 3.0 standard. In fact, the system combines the might of the Intel Calpella platform, in this case the Core i7-720QM central processing unit, with up to 12GB of RAM, a 16-inch, LED-backlit LCD and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285M graphics adapter (1GB VRAM).
Other specifications of the laptop include one or two hard drives, for a maximum storage capacity of 1.2TB, and a DVD or Blu-ray drive. As for connectivity and I/O, the GT660 boasts Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth (optional), a 1.3-megapixel webcam, an HDMI output, a 4-in-1 card reader and a speaker + subwoofer sound system. The audio system was developed jointly with Dynaudio. Finally, end-users will have the opportunity to overclock the CPU via TDE (Turbo Drive Engine) or use the ECO Engine to reduce power consumption.
The MSI GT660 weighs 3.5 kg, has a scratch-resistant coating on the display cover, is designed with a chiclet keyboard, comes with orange LED lights on the sides and runs Windows 7 Home Premium or Ultimate (64-bit only). Unfortunately, the price of this product is still unknown.