MSI GT72MSI Laptop
MSI GT72 Disassembly
In this guide, I’ll explain how to disassemble the MSI GT72 to remove and replace the optical drive, hard drive, SSD, RAM, keyboard, palm rest, wireless card, motherboard, heat sink, and cooling fan.
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Remove all screws from the bottom case.
Separate the bottom case from the rest of the laptop and turn it upside down on the table.
Under the bottom case, you can access the hard drive, two SSDs, battery, speaker, wireless card, heat sink, and cooling fan. Disconnect the battery before working with internal components.
Remove two screws securing the SSD and take it away from the slots.
The MSI GT72 featured two Toshiba 128GB M.2 SSD.
The SSD mounting bracket
Remove the hard drive module.
Disconnect the SATA cable from the motherboard.
MSI GT72 comes with an HGST 1TB 7200RPM hard drive.
MSI GT72 speaker module
MSI GT72 featured a Killer™ Wireless-AC 1525 wireless card.
The MSI GT72 comes with an 11.1v, 7500mah Li-ion battery and its part number is BTY-L77.
MSI GT72 motherboard and heat sink module
Disconnect the keyboard cable and touchpad cable from the motherboard.
The MSI GT72 installed an HL-DT-ST GU90N DVD drive.
MSI GT72 CPU and GPU cooling fan
MSI GT72 heat sink
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 880M with 8GB GDDR5 video memory
Intel® Core™ i7-4710HQ processor (6M Cache, up to 3.50 GHz)
There are two RAM slots on the back side of the motherboard.
The MSI GT72 comes with two Kingston 8GB DDR3L-1600MHz RAM and supports up to 32GB RAM.
For more guides, check out the MSI GT72 device page.
Hi,
Could you please help me? I want to upgrade from 8GB to 32GB RAM, but I have no clue how to access the RAM slots beneath the keyboard.
is there any other way to remove the keyboard without disassembling the whole device?
Kind regards
Because the RAM slots on a different side of the motherboard, you need to disassemble the whole laptop; if you want to remove the keyboard, you also need to disassemble the whole laptop.
Hi,
Are the exhaust fins/plates in copper or aluminum?
Also, would it be possible to replace the fans with better ones in the future?
Kind Regards,
Steve
Is there a way to add a second HDD to this computer by attaching it to the motherboard where the SSD card holding bracket plugs in.
What RAM should I upgrade with?
I know it has to be 1600 Mhz, DDR3L, but do I have to use the exact same Kingston RAM that was on the computer when I bought it?
Or could I buy something else to put in the last two free slots without changing the original ones?
Hi there,
I am about to upgrade my storage with an additional 256GB (500GB heaven forbid) SSD drive. As MSI uses the Super RAID 3 technology, I was wondering whether a randomly picked SSD would fit or not. How does it work?
What brand do you recommend?
Cheers,
Milan
I’m in the same boat, about to slap some SSD goodness into this mofo.
as far as I can tell, and based on personal experience with computers, if the peg fits in the hole it’s the right part. SATA drives have the left side notch and PCIe drives are on the right side.
As for MSI’s Super RAID 3 tech that’s just marketing BS for software RAID 0.
Is the CPU soldered into the motherboard or can it be replaced?
Yes, the CPU is soldered on the motherboard and can not be replaced.
Hey there, do you maybe have any advice on how to replace the LCD Screen? Mine is broken, so I want to order a replacement part and replace it myself so I don’t need to wait four weeks.
Any tips on how to open it?
Hi, I need to replace my GT72’s cracked display screen. How many components do I need to remove to get to the screen and would there be any more steps involved?
You should remove the bottom case first, disconnect the battery connector, then remove the LCD bezel, and remove all the screws securing the screen; the screen can be removed.
Yeah, this solved it for me, for the record :
The bezel is just a clicking system., be careful to not to break it.
There are 2 screws connecting the screen (Left and right).
if those are loose, you’ll have to slide the screen a bit down to get it released.
After that, disconnect the cable, and the screen is loose.
Details of the screen :
Partnumber: OEM code LP173WF4(SP)(F1)
17,3 inch 1920×1080 Full HD Matte IPS (LED) for (Originally ) Lenovo Ideapad Y70 Series
LG Screen
I’m sure it matches, I fixed mine with it 🙂
Thanks for the MSI GT72 Disassembly! It seems like you also had a unit with 8GB of RAM memory. Does the manufacturer install the RAM on the opposite side of the laptop motherboard (which requires disassembling the laptop)? The other two slots are easily accessible, so I could later add RAM without a problem.
Why does it look like in the fourth picture (and others) that there are two empty slots for RAM? Are those for additional sticks of RAM, or are they for some other type of component? Also, since the battery is internal, how do you disconnect it?
MSI GT72 has four RAM slots. those two slots are for RAM upgrades.
The battery is connected to the motherboard via a cable, just disconnect the cable from the motherboard.
Thanks a lot. 🙂
I’m currently having problems with my MSI GT72’s Battery, how did you remove the battery?
I’m currently having problems with my MSI GT72’s battery, how did you remove the battery?
I think there is a picture of the wire connecting to it. There is also a firmware reset button that will actually cut power from the battery until you release it. Please wait until someone can confirm or deny this. Under your notebook, below the top left screw on the bottom panel, there is a hole for a paper clip; that is the reset button.
Is yours one of the GT72s on the recall list for the battery? I do believe the whole first generation of those (GT72S) was recalled. I don’t remember any specifics, but you may need to scour the internet for that information, as it wasn’t widely available. It might just be a BIOS flash fix, I don’t remember.
I keep my battery unplugged most of the time as this only leaves my desk once in a while.
Yes, this is the internal Battery, specifically the GT72 Dominator Pro 2QE. So you can run the MSI GT72 without the battery? If that is the case, would it be too much to ask if you can confirm this with your GT72 or do I just disconnect the battery?
I have the 6QD model, which is the same as yours, but I added 2 x 512 NVMe drives. Not on the recall list.
Turn it off unplug it, and turn it over.
OK, take the 7 screws out of the bottom cover. Now just to the right next to that round thing- the speaker- unplug it. It’s the only wire harness you’re gonna see. You can’t miss it. I would guess 18-20 wires. Maybe stick a pencil pen or something like that under it because it’s gonna be tight. BE CAREFUL because NOTHING holds your platter drive down and in place but the bottom cover. If you’re gonna run it without the bottom cover, keep that in mind when flipping it back over. A can of air over your fans won’t hurt anything. Why do you have it apart?
The last-year model (4th gen CPU) had the “battery booster” or equalizer program, which used both wall power and the battery at the same time. These units use a lot less power and don’t need or have that; they run just fine with wall power.
For an average NON-technical inclined user, this battery option sucks. I don’t know how much it would cost someone to get it replaced, but I would guess about $200.
OH, I forgot, It’s pictures 15 and 14 above.
How can you replace the keyboard only?
I have a GE72 2QF Apache Pro. I’m not sure if that YouTube video will work on this model. The GT and the GE are very similar.
No, that video won’t work. I would say look around over here and ask if anyone has an assembly guide. http://forum.notebookreview.com/forums/msi.1015/
Or look around on the MSI forums. If it’s just 1 or 2 keys, just fix them. You can buy spare keys on flea-bay, and any YouTube video will show you that key replacement. An external USB keyboard is always an option if you’re in a real bind. I know it’s probably an F-N eye sore, right?
If it is the entire keyboard that needs replacing, I really would NOT suggest it unless you’re fairly fluent with the inside of a palm rest and I have to think, if you were, you wouldn’t be here. Your probably going to do it anyway so–Its built like a stack of pancakes, you have to take the whole dam thing apart. You’re gonna need H/Sink paste and watch any & all videos that are even closely related to your L/Top to get hints. On the flat ribbon cables, the little black thingy flips up to release the ribbon, careful they break real easy. Don’t over-tighten your heat sinks when you re-assemble them; that will make them overheat-short out or do other bad things. ALL those blue pads MUST go back on exactly where they were when they came off.
Good Luck
Hi,
I have a fan problem with my GT72. One of the 2 fans is not working (it has never been activated).
I replaced it, but the new one is also not working (I tried it in place of the second fan, and it worked).
Do you have any idea what I should do? EC reset?
Thank you for your help
The fan keys on the left of the keyboard, push it.
Check to make sure your Nvidia card is actually working, if it’s that fan
Thanks for your reply.
I tried to force the fan to max speed (key on left), but only 1 fan is working (the one on the right side is not. I guess that’s one for the graphic card)
I also tried to activate/deactivate the Geforce card without any chance.
Any ideas?
Reset your BIOS. Pull the 2 batteries, unplug them, and clear the BIOS. If that doesn’t work, If you’re OK with flashing it, then try a newer BIOS. After I answered this yesterday, I recalled that it happened to me, but it was my video card, and just clearing the BIOS worked for me. I can hear both my fans spin up when I start my laptop, and then they go off.
I have sent my Gt72 Dominator Pro back to MSI twice to replace the motherboard because it wouldn’t charge(charge port), and it happened again. Now my warranty is gone, and I have only had this laptop in my possession for two months out of two years; it’s been sitting on a shelf. I don’t know a lot about computers, but if the charging port is bad, do I need to replace the motherboard like they said, or do I need to replace the port?
You may want to consider a different option than a laptop. Three power ports in a row and within 2-3 months of use, you’re doing something wrong. Nobody is that lucky.
Anyway, it’s soldered on the board and not easily changeable like a ThinkPad, if that’s what you’re asking. But seeing as you have the exchange procedure all figured out, you might as well let MSI do the work to ensure it’s done correctly. Board-level repairs never end well unless you’re experienced, and by asking this question, it would appear you’re not. You can try a local TV-Electronics repair shop.
Hi there. My SSD M2 is about to die, so I bought a 275GB SSD 2.5 inch. But when I opened it and tried to connect it, I noticed I didn’t have a cable. Could you please tell me what connectors I need? Thank you.
This is your SATA cable
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-GT72-DOMINATOR-MS-1781-Hard-Drive-SATA-Connector-W-cable-/192017597062?hash=item2cb5240286:g:kFsAAOSwnbZYG0D9
Not sure there is an adapter if your trying to put this in the raid card slot, You may need to spend the extra $5 and buy the correct drive.
Thank you for your answer; this is what I was looking for. Now, can I put two in the same port? My HDD is already connected, so I would have to put them both in the same port, as I can’t see another one free.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJITXKQmC90
Is it safe to follow this guy, or is there another way, as I said, to connect two ribbon cords in the same slot?
NO, SATA can NOT go 2 drives on one port. That is the rule not without a separate controller anyway. And secondly, don’t do that to your laptop while I appreciate your initiative, I won’t condone it. M.2 x 128Gb is like $35-40 right now (buy 2). You really have no valid reason to do a hack job like that. A 256 is about 60-70$
Now, having learned you still have a Platter drive you want to keep, I would either get an $8 USB adapter for it and put your SSD in the SATA slot or get an ultra-bay tray for one of those drives. I have an Ultrabay on my older 72, not this S series, but it should be the same. After the cost of those cables/adapters, the correct drive(s) would also be cheaper. You’re looking at about $50-ish just for adapters. And there’s NO way you’re going to be able to re-sell that thing like that when it’s time to upgrade to a newer laptop.
You have an S you have — 4 x M.2 Socket 2 for M and 2 for B Key Type 2280
Hi, is it possible to buy that SSD mounting bracket separately?
I have the GT62VR Dominator Pro, but it has only one M.2 SSD. I was wondering if I could get that SSD mounting bracket/raid unit so that I could make the same setup, but I can’t find any link anywhere to get that small form factor raid unit.
Hello.
I have a GT72S 66QE Dominator Pro and I wanted to add an extra SSD. I’m a total noob, so I wanted to know if it’s possible.
I have one SSD of 128 gigs and a regular 1T.
From what I’ve been able to see on the internet, the SSD is plugged into a card where there’s a place for a second one. Does that mean that I can just put a second SSD there and that’s it, or is it supposed to be for a RAID install with two shared SSDs?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Mike, if you add a second regular 2.5″ SSD, you will need an adapter, and you will remove the use of one of the M.2 SATA 3 ports unless your system has 4 x PCIe M.2 SSD.
Thanks a lot for the answer. Well the idea was to see if I could put a second M2 in one of those slots that looks empty, but I’m not sure it will work. Maybe the best is to try and see how it goes.
Thanks again for the answer.
Mike, my error. Your unit comes with one 2.5″ HDD and two NVMe M.2 SSDs by PCIe Gen3 X4 in RAID0. So you can add another M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. Just make sure you don’t buy an M.2 SATA 3 SSD; you need the NVMe PCIe SSD. Here is an example http://www.ncix.com/detail/adata-xpg-sx8000-m-2-2280-5d-136584.htm?promoid=1458
Excellent, thanks a lot for the link and info.
I will try that and let you know if it works.
Thanks again.
Hello,
I have a GT72 2QE Dominator Pro. It has 4 m.2 slots, one of which is being used by a SATA 3 SSD. Do these slots (and my mainboard) support PCIe SSDs, or is it limited to SATA?
Thanks
I have the same GT72 2QE. It only supports M.2 SATA 3 SSD; it does not support PCIe NVMe SSD. Just compare the key connector on the NVMe PCIe SSD to the SATA 3 M.2 SSD.
I just filled all my SATA 3 slots on the adapter. That is your best option for increasing data transfer speed. You can go with 2 raid 0 arrays as I did, or one larger one at 4x 128 or more limited to 1GB. I got a matching M.2 SSD from eBay and stashed the original in a box. Enjoy
Hi, my laptop has one 8GB RAM stick in one of the slots on the back side of the motherboard. Can I upgrade by just putting another one in one of the easy to access front slots? If yes, will they run on dual channels?
Yes, just buy the RAM with the same voltage and speed. I believe it is 1.35v DDR3 1600 Kingston. I am actually doing the MSI GT trade-up program and sending mine in for a new Kaby Lake i7 version with DDR4, PCIe NVMe, and 10xx series GPU. The upgrade cost is fair, plus the additional 2-year warranty.
Nice, thanks for your answer.
Hello,
I’m currently using MSI GT72-2QD. I’m just wondering if I can remove my battery and run the laptop just using the power cord. The battery is a problem and needs to be replaced (very expensive). I think I should not replace it because I’m afraid it will happen again in the future.
If you run the battery optimizer every 3 months and pull the plug out when not being used, the battery should easily last 2-3 years. I can’t remember if you can remove the battery and run it without it. I know my GT73VR 7RE is replaceable. I will have to check to see if you can run the unit without it.
I have a GT72VR, and I temporarily removed the original hard drive, but the ribbon cable connecting it to the motherboard has been lost. How do I reconnect it, or where can I buy a new ribbon cable that fits?
In order to reconnect the cable you’ll have to:
1. Lift up the cable retainer/black tab on the connector.
2. Insert the cable into the connector.
3. Close the black tab.
Kindly, I ask you about a brand new laptop.
Where they located the RAM under the keyboard or on the other side (bottom cover).
Best regards
I have a GT72 that won´t charge anymore. The tech team in my country says it’s the motherboard, but they couldn´t get it from MSI, so they couldn’t repair it.
It is not a charger problem because it gets 19.5 v at the output.
The system ran fine until the battery was completely drained.
Someone could think of any lead that led me to get the notebook repaired?
I have the same problem
Any new info on this?
Kindly I ask you
For MSI GT72VR dominator-238
Storage can be expandable with SSD storage or not
best regards
It looks like you can expand with an M.2 PCIe NVME. If you go to the MSI site, you can see the specs of your unit. So, basically, I know for sure you can add a PCIe Gen 3 M. 2 SSD. However, I’m not sure if you can expand further. If the unit offers super raid 4 support, it will have at least 2 M.2 slots available.
If you please I need help.
I have 2 problems with my laptop (GT72 2QE Dominator Pro 444)
1. The first is that my laptop battery is not charging, even after I replaced the original battery, which was working fine, and also replaced the original charger with another original one. It’s still not charging, even though it appears to be charging on Windows.
2. When I was replacing the battery, I broke the HDD connector and I can’t find a replacement anywhere. Please help me with this by advice, link, or in any other way because I really need this laptop and can’t buy another one these days.
Thanks for your time.
How did you remove the optical drive? I have a GT72VR 6rd with almost the same setup as your pictures.