Best products from r/MSILaptops

So I got the bestbuy MSI GS65 8SE when they had the sale, these are a few things I'll be doing.

​

SSD upgrade:

I've been looking at several ssd NVME. I have the 512gb kingston SN520. The specs online say its a PCI 3.0 x2 gen, the actually real world speeds are pretty good so I'm happy with it. But seeing as I need more space I'm planning on getting the intel 660p 2tb. I did so much research on the topic concerning speeds, pricing, and endurance and alternatives. I know its QLC etc. But what it comes down to for me is this.

I want lots of space for a good price while not needing it to be super quick as a boot drive. I looked at the speeds and as long as I dont go over 60% I'll still have a huge SLC cache of about 100gb. see the link https://img.purch.com/r/711x457/aHR0cDovL21lZGlhLmJlc3RvZm1pY3JvLmNvbS9XL1IvNzg5MTQ3L29yaWdpbmFsL1NjcmVlbnNob3RfMi5wbmc=

That means I'll be able to go over 1tb and still retain good speeds whereas if I would get a relatively quick TLC 1tb for about 150$, I wouldn't be able go beyond 750gb without seeing a hit to the speeds. Also, I would strongly advise not to get a double-sided NVME as you need space for the thermal pad which I think should be 1mm thick thermal pad. So for the price and the situation, it's going to be the best option for me. There is a 5 year warranty and a guarantee of 200tbw, that would mean after writing on it for 200tb I will see problems with the drive, that would amount to 109gb of writing every single day a day of writing if I want it to last up to 5 years. I had a good think about that and I'll never reach that daily amount especially not as a secondary drive. Also in real life test for games etc it was as fast as the 760p and evo 850 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OffzVc7ZB-o

​

Ram upgrade:

I think I'll be going for the kingston hyperx 16gb, although I've always bought Corsair for the past 10 years, I'm hoping both my rams being Kingston will help even though I know it might not make a difference at the end of the day.

​

Thermal pad:

I've been trying to figure out which thermal pad to get for the ssd nvme and also for future replacement. I'm getting the 1mm, as it looks like that thickness eyeing it on this vid, https://youtu.be/rehA0elife4?t=674, good for a one sided nvme ssd. getting this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UYTTXSM/

​

Thermal paste:

Most likely I'll be going with thermal grizzly kryonaut.

​

1 question I had for the people who have already repasted their CPU and GPU, in this video there is some paste on what I think is the vram south of the GPU -> https://youtu.be/698R4kdSjgk?t=724 I havent opened everything yet as Im waiting for the parts to come in. Do you think I'll need to paste this?

Hi, I have a gs65 2060 rtx from best buy that came with the only 1 stick of 16gb ram. I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KP8CGJ You likely have the same model I got a few months ago

and it made my games go up by like 20 fps, huge upgrade. No you don't void warranty by performing hardware swaps. But if you break anything while doing so that's a different story. Be sure to register your laptop if you can (there's a 30day deadline) with MSI for their free 1 yr accident plan coverage.

Since I've done the upgrade myself, it's not difficult, it's a just a bit tedious cause you have to open/close tiny latches holding onto tiny ribbons cables. Here's a video explaining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rehA0elife4 They explain it very well. Only difference you'll see with the Best buy model we have is that there's a plastic shield around CPU. Here is a few pics I took to repaste it if you're wondering what it looks like under that heatsink: https://imgur.com/a/ilTcLKk

You don't need any special tools besides a screwdriver. (Don't be the guy who buys the 20$ computer repair 10-tool kit just for adding ram and a ssd[tho nice to have]) It's going to take you like 20 minutes first time because if you've never done it you're going to be very careful. If you're wondering about the SSD brand, mine was a blue Kingston 512gb

>Does this device properly work with a thunder bolt 3 dock?
>
>I didn't use a dock but I did use a hub. The USB C Hub worked pretty well. For some odd reason my HDMI port stopped working but using this fixed it.
>
>https://www.amazon.com/Letscom-Ethernet-Adapter-Delivery-Multiport/dp/B075R28DVM/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1525835667&sr=1-3&keywords=usb-c+adapter%2C+letscom
>
>Does it support power charging via thunderbolt 3 dock?
>
>Nope, gotta use the standard plug it comes with.
>
>When the device and a monitor is connected to a thunderbolt 3 dock, will it use the 1070 GTX or the onboard Intel chip due to Optimus Technology?
>
>1070gtx
>
>How are the temps like for this when gaming at Ultra for AAA games?
>
>I don't have my games on Ultra because I needed to push 165+ fps.
>
>Overwatch on low settings: 174fps / 82CWhen I was playing around it, it does go lower than 100fps on Ultra.
>
>How's the build quality for this? Rigid? Where are the plastic bits, and do they feel cheap?
>
>Overall, it's not bad. I was using a Lenovo Carbon X1 6th Gen and it isn't as nice as that, but it's pretty solid. There is a little flex on the aluminum frame. I wouldn't go jogging or toss it around but if you're careful with it, I don't see why you couldn't travel with it.
>
>Does this support windows hello log in?
>
>No Facial Recognition.
>
>What are the major issues with this device?
>
>HDMI, it was working then it stopped and my thunderport hub using DVI didn't work (Hub: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756CRNWH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I'll do some more testing and may end up getting doc for this.
>
>How's the backlight bleed?
>
>Very minimal. There is a little bit of IPS glow.
>
>How's the keyboard chattering and double key presses?
>
>I'm not sure about the double key presses. Typing on is not bad, but I haven't been testing it out as much since I've using my mechanical keyboard.
>
>The middle monitor I'm using is the ViewSonic xg2703-gs (165hz) and yes, I get 165 hz using a Displayport to Mini Displayport cable.
>
>Note: HDMI does not do more than 60hz.

I have the exact same laptop and purchased this one from amazon:
www.amazon.com/SwissGear-Blue-Ibex-Computer-Backpack/dp/B000VOC90Y

Works great and I can even fit my laptop in a neoprene sleeve that i bought from amazon as well in the book bag. Link to that as well here:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU7BE20/ref=psdc_335609011_t1_B002GT1XL8

edit: If you have any questions feel free to ask, I use mine for work and travel.

This is what I ordered. I haven't received it yet so can't comment, but I searched hundreds on Amazon looking for the best fit and features important to me:




Plemo Water-Resistant Laptop Sleeve Case Bag Cover for 14 Inch Laptops / 13.3" MacBook / Surface Book / Chromebook with PVC Leather and Anti-Flaming, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AU8LKK0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bfD9AbS5R7YTS




For GS65 of course, not GS63.

Of course, NVMe PCIe have much higher bandwidth than SATA, and the reputable SSDs will have 4-5 times performance than SATA SSDs.

However, on the day-to-day regular use, one can't really tell that much difference. It can be a second faster on boot, but most of us don't boot that much or even care. It can shave 5 seconds off loading a game that takes 30 seconds, but that's not exactly earth shattering.

The only time that it is really really fast is if you use the fast sequential reads/writes, which is copying super large files like a large 1080p+ video or a virtual machine file > 10GB. Then the difference is there.

I don't even put my game on faster NVMe drive anymore, but on a replaced 1TB SATA drive since it's cheaper. I'm now even thinking about buying the 2TB SATA drive to put more games on.

​

As for the thernmal pad, I use Fujipoly (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZSJQX0E). I don't know how effective it is or if it really makes a difference as I didn't compare temps. It just happens I have some around from other projects. It may not be good idea to put it on as Samsung EVO is designed to have its own way of dissipating heat.

I know this won't work for your lap but thought I'd leave the link to the "cooler" I use, works great

Arkscan LS22 Laptop Stand for Macbook... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M5BYGJ8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

It elevates the laptop and provides better ventilation.

This one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCF0ZMI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Fits perfectly, very well-made with thick material, offers great protection!

I own an older ghost which has 2x M.2(SATA) bays and 1x 2.5inch (SATA) bay, and from what I have seen yours has somewhat the same setup. So yes the 2.5in sandisk SSD you linked is compatible but it will replace your current hard drive. The rubber feet have disappeared over time for me and I have just given up on keeping them on but I would look for heat resistant super glue, dont know about the felt. If you want to replace/add an SSD without replacing your HDD then look for an 80mm SATA3 B+M keyed M.2 SSD. This is what I purchased to upgrade my laptop. Im not sure about the ribbon, but i would be happy to awnser any more questions

Thermals : Watch one of the TrottleStop or Intel XTU tutorials on this sub. Here is one: https://youtu.be/K1srWgovdn8
I also suggest raising the back up a little bit. I bought these for when im gaming.
Practical Laptop Cooling pad Rubber Skidproof feet Heat Reduction Stand for Notebook/iPad/Laptop(pack of 4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747QSX25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_guatDbDSMKZCV

Then as far as storage goes, you can either offload games you don't play to an external (not the best option) or you can add an addition SSD. I bought a Samsung Evo 960/970 M.2 drive on Amazon and installed it myself. There are videos to help. I'll send you a link for that as well.

I use the havit cooler and two opolar vacumn.

Vacumns work great, cooler not sure how much difference it actually makes but vacumn you can go hot to the touch to totally cool when touching the aluminum case above the keyboard.

OPOLAR Laptop Fan with Temperature Display and Cooling Pads https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01E3Q7FS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M7rqDb6ZJTH3F

HAVIT 5 Fans Laptop Cooling Pad for 14-17 Inch Laptop, Cooler Pad with LED Light, Dual USB 2.0 Ports, Adjustable Mount Stand (HV-F2068) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0713PHFRW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-5rqDb4C7M1K6

Thanks for your answer. Mine is not a mickey mouse end, it's like this : https://www.amazon.fr/LogiLink-CP095-C%C3%A2ble-dalimentation-Schuko-C13/dp/B003Y5IG2W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493403216&sr=8-3&keywords=power+cord

But the plug also has a 10amp fuse inserted in it (it looks like this: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/BS-approval-13A-fuse-uk-plug_716995203.html?s=p). Any idea what this fuse is for and if I must find a replacement with a fuse or not?

My Keyboard Cover From Amazon

Edit: This is the keyboard cover I bought when I first got my laptop. It's a cheap fix to avoiding ruining my keyboard. It came folded in half but flattened out after about two days of use. It isn't an EXACT fit and it molds to where you press your fingers over time but it works great and I'm definitely buying another once I am done with this one.

Sounds like your stand is pushing air in to the general area, so it should be less of an issue, but if it's pushing air directly in to the vents, then it may be adding stress to the fans. What I'm talking about is longer term than a BF1 session, but more along the lifetime of the fans.

That said, I think that because the laptop is elevated away from the fans, they may just be helping to move hot air away from the laptop, which is good and can help with the flow.

The type of pad that I was referring to was the type that the laptop sits directly on, like this one

I'm telling you.. I searched high and low, all over the internet. And this is the best option. I have one, and it's very good quality. I bought mine straight from hp tho; not amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-15-6-Inch-Premium-Ultrabook-Sleeve/dp/B00I19TRTW

I like the AmazonBasics 17.3-Inch Laptop Sleeve it just fits in perfectly :-).

Hey man, same thing happened to my 6RE. I bought these off of Amazon and they work like beasts. All you need is a small Phillips screwdriver, and I mean small.
And remember the void if tampered stickers are BS so don’t be afraid to poke through the sticker.

I also recommend replacing both fans and not just one so they have symmetrical life and power.

QUETTERLEE Replacement New... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077QWZRCW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Bought a new fan, installed it myself, and it fixed the problem!! Easy job, too. Just a small screwdriver and some tweezers.

​

The fan that fixed it!

Max operating temp for the i7-6700hq is 100°.

However, if you'd prefer the temperature to be lower for peace of mind, vacuum coolers like this and this are generally the most effective way to lower laptop cpu/gpu temps aside from undervolting.

No problem! Happy to help out fellow owners, especially since I was so frustrated by this myself.

As far as I know the branding doesn't really matter, so long as the size and speed are the same. I got the kind that the Crucial website said was compatible (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KP8CGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and just stuck it into the second RAM slot on the motherboard and haven't run into any compatibility issues yet. You could get a kit of two matching 8gb sticks from the same brand to install instead if you're worried about any compatibility problems.

Only annoying thing about the installation is that the motherboard inside the laptop is flipped upside down, so you'll need a screwdriver, a teardown guide (there are a bunch on youtube) and some patience to get in and get to the RAM slots. It's actually very easy to do, but it's just a bit tedious. I can tell you it's definitely worth it though, plus you'll have to do the same thing in the future if you want to upgrade your SSD or add more storage.

This is the one I got. Nice and quiet, and gets good airflow if you raise the 2 back feet. The laptop sometimes slides down so I might mod it with some little stick-on plastic stoppers.

Go to come with admin rights. Type "wmic memorychip get speed" and it will tell you your ram speed. I have the 8SE which was 2666. I believe yours is the same. I just upgraded my msi and added this stick of ram. Worked perfectly https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KP8CGJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6PqhDb7Q5V366

I wouldn't worry about the screen not closing flush, personally. Looking at mine, I see a similar gap on the left side but it's so minor that I never noticed it until now.

That's the same laptop my wife got, this is the RAM we bought to put into it. It definitely only had 1x16GB stick in there.

No reason it won't last a few more years . The most likely culprit is dust. If you are comfortable opening it up, give it a real good cleaning and definitely consider a repaste. I suspect your temperatures will drop at least 10c. I use this cooling pad and it makes a big difference. It's nearly silent.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNMB3KS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this style seems to be popular right now. There's a bunch of different models that you can find on Amazon.

I use a standard laptop cooler stand with a pair of these. I have the GS60 with one on each exhaust fan (my model only has two). They can get a bit noisy at full blast, but I almost never see temps over 70c with a +125mHz OC on the GPU.

60-70c is normal for laptops under load, and even 80c shouldn't be damaging. Better safe than sorry though.

Here's a picture of my fans.

I personally use one of these since i'm pretty much always on the road.

I bought a cooling pad like this and now I never have temperature problems with my GE72VR

I couldn't see the official labeling/branding on the product. Just to be safe, get this. http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-850-EVO-250-MZ-N5E250BW/dp/B00TGIVZTW

>fact laptops don't usually have much clearance off the desk, so there is mnimial airflow. Raising it just an inch even, wor

i like this one

https://www.amazon.com/HAVIT-Laptop-Cooling-Cooler-Adjustable/dp/B0713PHFRW/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=laptop+cooling+pad&qid=1565496911&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVUVQSFhIQTZLQzFJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDA1MzgwMU45NEU1M0pSTzlEMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzA2OTgyWE5JOFQ4QU8wNzE4JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

SATA isn't really that large - it's just a connection interface. The slot supports both PCIe and SATA - you can get M.2 drives that have an SATA interface

Example: https://www.amazon.ca/Samsung-850-EVO-Internal-MZ-N5E250BW/dp/B00TGIVZTW

M.2 is a form factor - and the board has allotted the physical spaaaaaace for an M.2 drive that uses a PCIe or SATA connection

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M5BYGJ8

This is what I have been using based off of another user's recommendation. The portability is a huge plus, slips right into the pocket in my backpack.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KP8CGJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

After installing this the difference in Apex Legends is night and day for me.

Is this the correct dimensions? Looks right, but the height is a touch long here

https://www.amazon.com/tomtoc-Protective-Compatible-2012-2015-Ultrabook/dp/B01HCF0ZMI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1542922342&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tomtoc%2B15.4&dpPl=1&dpID=51IdzpGEquL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Here it is. There are more expensive options but this one is very quiet and does the trick.