Regarding the GPU; I really doubt I'm going to need 3GB VRAM because I don't normally play that many brand new games with graphics turned up to maximum. If you want to check the specs on my current laptop's GPU, look up the Radeon HD 7690M (and prepare to cringe). The 970 is a world of difference and I'm going to be playing mostly the same games I play currently, minus the risk of overheating which is seriously prevalent during the hot Australian summer.
I will stay away from MSI boards; ASUS it is. I can manage a price increase in order to get a more reliable brand.