MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Review: A Pascal-Powered Gaming Laptop

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Software

The Apache Pro ships with Windows 10 64-bit. It also comes with an image backup utility called Burn Recovery. Once you have everything configured to your preference, it's a good idea to create a backup just in case something goes wrong down the line.

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Desktop

While there are several custom utilities installed on the Apache Pro, you're not going to find much in the way of third-party bloatware. Most of the icons you see in the above screen capture are programs we installed, such as 3DMark and FurMark.

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Dragon Center

Most of the custom utilities that come with the Apache Pro are accessible through MSI's Dragon Center, a GUI front-end with a straightforward layout that's easy to navigate. There are several self-explanatory categories at the top, including Apps, System Monitor, LED Wizard, System Tuner, and Tools & Help.

One issue we ran into is that we had to update some of the apps for them to work. We're not sure if the latest Windows updates broke something, but after going to MSI's website and downloading the latest versions of apps we ran into trouble with (MSI TrueColor and Nahimic 2) everything ran fine.

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Mobile

You can also access the Dragon Center through your mobile device. There's a free app that you need to download. Once installed, it will search for the Apache Pro on your network, assuming you turned the feature on in the Mobile Center tab. After it connects, you can perform several of the same functions on your phone or tablet, as well as keep an eye on system vitals.

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro SteelSeries

The SteelSeries Engine 3 software is your dashboard for creating custom lighting effects, macros, reprogramming keys, and creating shortcuts. It's pretty robust and even integrates lighting effects with in-game scenarios. Using what SteelSeries calls GameSense, the keyboard can react to in-game situations with special lighting effects, such as when you're getting low on health or ammo. It's basically eye candy and probably won't make you a better gamer, but it's rad nonetheless.

MSI GE62VR 6RF Apache Pro Nahimic

Laptop audio is rarely very good and the Apache Pro doesn't do much to break that trend. To its credit, you can crank up the volume with minimal distortion, but the four 2W speakers and 3W woofer aren't going to rival your multimedia speakers.

Be that as it may, you can upgrade the audio experience through the Nahimic Audio Enhancer software. It doesn't work miracles, but turning Nahimic audio wizardry on makes a noticeable difference (for the better) to the Apache Pro's sound reproduction. There's also an EQ to fine tune the audio to your preference.

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