MSI GS70 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Y510P – Which is the Better Gaming Laptop?

Today let’s compare two gaming laptops, one featuring a slim design fully loaded with gaming features, while the other is powered by a dual GPU in SLI mode – MSI GS70 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p. Both gaming laptops are powered by an Intel Core i7 Quad Core Haswell processor but come with different set of features, specifications and prices. So which do you think is the best gaming laptop for you? Let’s find out below when we compare the MSI GS70 and Lenovo Y510p’s features and specifications side by side.

UPDATE: There is a newer model of the MSI GS70, it’s called the MSI GS70 Stealth Pro, featuring the next-generation GeForce GTX 870M. Check it out here.

MSI GS70 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Y510P : Specs vs Specs

For us to have a better look at the differences of both gaming laptops, below is a table comparing their respective specifications. This way it will be easier for us to compare which one is better in this area, and which one isn’t.

Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4700MQ

If you have noticed, both are powered by the same Intel Core i7 quad core processors but with different name extensions. The MSI GS70 has 4700HQ and the Lenovo Y510p has 4700MQ. So, which is the better processor between the Core i7-4700HQ and Core i7-4700MQ?

Technically, none is better; both processors are just the same. They have the same clock speeds, cache size, features, integrated graphics processor, and etc. And in terms of performance they are also just the same. They are like twin CPUs. So what’s really the difference between the HQ and MQ?

The Core i7-4700MQ has a removable socket. Meaning you can remove the CPU and replace it. It’s upgradeable. Meanwhile the Core i7-4700HQ is not. The CPU is soldered into the motherboard. You can’t remove it or upgrade it.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 765M vs GeForce GT 750M SLI

The GeForce GTX series are the better graphics processor, even in Desktop GPU. They are the high end series, while the GT series are in the mid-range level. If you compare a GeForce GT 750M with the GTX 765M, there is no doubt that the GTX 765M will outperform the GT 750M easily. But what if you put two GT 750M (in SLI mode) vs a GTX 765M, will the result still be the same? Check out the graph below.

As you can see from the graph above, a single GT 750M is no match for a GTX 765M. But a GT 750M SLI (or two GT 750M) can outperform the GTX 765M. The performance difference is not that significantly high, but the GT 750M SLI is faster than a GTX 765M alone.

So the question is which one should you go for, GeForce GTX 765M or GT 750M SLI? Most of the times, the answer will really depend on the user (a.k.a user preference). The GeForce GTX 765M might not perform as fast as the GT 750M SLI, but it will consume less power since there’s only one GPU that needs to be powered. The GT 750M SLI, however, is faster and may yield higher frames per second when gaming compared to the GTX 765M.

But it will consume much more power since you are powering two GPUs in one gaming laptop, not to mention it will produce more heat. Another thing is that, some users are complaining that they experience problems in some games while they are in SLI mode. SLI in laptops/notebooks are not as stable as SLI in Desktops.

MSI GS70 vs Lenovo Y510p: Conclusion

Both the MSI GS70 Stealth and the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510P are good gaming laptops. Each has its own unique features, and advantage over the other. Judging from the specs and features that both gaming laptops have, the MSI GS70 Stealth is really built for gaming purposes. The only thing that made the Lenovo Y510p perform better when it comes to gaming is because of the GeForce GT 750M SLI. But the rest of its specifications are not really geared towards gaming.

So how do you choose now between MSI GS70 vs Lenovo Y510p? The Lenovo Y510p offers a much affordable price compared to the MSI GS70. There is a significant price difference between these two gaming machines. If you are budget constraint and do not really need the other gaming features than the MSI GS70 offers, then the Lenovo Y510p is a good option for you.

Personally, if budget is not an issue, I would go for the MSI GS70 vs the Lenovo Y510p, considering not only the graphics processor but also the other specs and features that it has. If you would go for the Lenovo Y510p, just make sure to get the one with GeForce GT 750M SLI (Built-in GT 750M plus another GT 750M via UltraBay) or you won’t be enjoying much if your purpose is for gaming.

Price and Where to Buy

UPDATE: Check out the latest and best prices of the Lenovo Y50 gaming notebooks here, and visit here for the MSI GS70 gaming notebooks.

Note: Be sure to check out Lenovo US’ latest deals and discounts here.

MSI GS70 Gallery

Lenovo IdeaPad Y510p Gallery