The first thing I did when I received this laptop was install a 256gb SSD. I don't understand why any PC vendor sells any type of PC without a SSD standard HDD. The performance is unacceptable for your main boot/OS/frequently used applications drive. The price they charge for the upgrade is 3x what it costs which is also just unacceptable.
That said, the performance of this laptop for gaming is truly exceptional. However, I wouldn't buy it again and would return it if it weren't too late already entirely because of the poor quality of the trackpad/trackpad buttons. ESPECIALLY the left-click trackpad button. The left-click button is so unresponsive - it doesn't matter how much pressure you apply it just seems to randomly ignore your press. The trackpad is bad but usable. I have stopped using the left click button entirely and just tap the trackpad itself for left clicks. It's possible I have a defective sample, I hope so.
Some other things to consider before buying - this is a large, heavy, HOT laptop. You aren't going to find a laptop with this kind of performance that isn't hot. You also won't find a 17" laptop that isn't large. However, compared to my macbook pro the size/weight difference is comical. The monitor has a great picture, even compared to the macbook's retina (although the retina has an edge since it's higher resolution).