Acoustic, Power & Thermal Performance
Acoustic Performance
In terms of noise output, the system is exceptionally quiet while browsing the web and doing other basic tasks especially when you consider the Vortex’s size. Once stressed, the noise increases at a rapid rate to keep the processor cool, but it’s actually much less than I initially feared. Of course, cases with various fans and a large surface area will yield a better noise to performance ratio, but that doesn’t mean the MSI Vortex G65 6QF’s is a failure in this department.
Power Consumption
During idle conditions, the system consumes a mere 37.1 watts which illustrate its wonderful selection of efficient components. Under heavy load, the power demands increase to an average of 376.5 watts. This is very reasonable for a system sporting two GTX 980 MXM modules and Intel’s current mainstream flagship processor with an unlocked multiplier.
Thermal Performance
Temperatures-wise, the MSI Vortex G65 6QF reports much better numbers than I envisioned and the CPU’s average output levelled at 87C. On the other hand, there were moments when the processor became perilously close to the Tj Max and reached 95C. Throughout these moments, the CPU throttled by 6% to ensure safe operation. The two MXM chips ran at a temperature of 28 and 32 degrees while idling. Please note, to keep the charts readable, we take an average from both cards and note down individual temperatures in the written section. Once stress tested, the first GTX 980 rose to an average of 70 while the second GPU maintained a thermal output of 64C. This combines to create an average figure of 67C, a very impressive number given the small form factor build.
