MSI cracks open 'Red Bull effect' laptop

Boost button ups CPU performance, but won't give you wings

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

18th May 2009 12:17 GMT

Everyone needs a boost now and again. And so do laptops, at least according to MSI, which has launched a 17in gaming machine with a turbo boost button.

The MSI GX723: its 2GHz CPU can be boosted by 16 per cent at the flick of a switch

The GX723 is fitted with a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 processor, but MSI’s promised that the machine will run more smoothly and “to the best of its abilities” when you press the boost button to up the CPU’s performance by roughly 16 per cent, provided your machine's hooked up to the mains.

The 1680 x 1050 resolution screen should also make MSI’s laptop a tempting treat for movie fans. The notebook is fitted with a DVD super-multi drive and five speakers for 4.1-channel surround sound.

The graphics are powered by Nvidia's Geforce GT 130M graphics chip.

Under its shell you’ll find Intel’s PM45 chipset, 4GB of DDR 2 memory – expandable up to 8GB - and a 500GB hard drive.

Wi-Fi 802.11n support will let you hold video chats with friends using the laptop’s integrated 2Mp webcam. A four-in-one memory card reader’s also fitted, as are three USB 2.0 ports.

MSI’s GX723 will be available later this month, priced at £999 ($1521/€1130). ®