Preparing for disassembly: what you need to know before you start

Laptop MSI GF63 is a popular gaming model with a balance of performance and compactness. However, over time, even such a device requires maintenance: cleaning from dust, replacing thermal paste or upgrading components. Disassembling a laptop is a task that requires accuracy and knowledge of the nuances of a particular model.

Before you begin, please note: manufacturer's warranty is canceled if the case is opened independently. If your GF63 Thin (or another modification of the series) is still under warranty, it is better to contact a service center. For others, this instruction will help you avoid common mistakes, such as damage to cables or failure of fasteners.

Main reasons for disassembly:

  • 🧹 Cleaning the cooling system from dust (relevant for overheating and noisy fans)
  • 🔧 Replacement thermal paste on the processor and video card (recommended every 2-3 years)
  • 💾 Installation of additional SSD M.2 or replacement HDD to a larger storage device
  • 🔋 Diagnostics or replacement battery (with bloating or rapid discharge)

Models MSI GF63 have several revisions (for example, GF63 8RC, GF63 Thin 9SC, GF63 10SC), but their body design is similar. Differences may be in the location of the screws or the type of cooler mounting - we will mention this in the relevant sections.

📊 Why are you disassembling your laptop?
  • Cleaning from dust
  • Replacing thermal paste
  • SSD/RAM upgrade
  • Repair/replacement of parts
  • Other

Necessary tools: what you need for work

Without the correct tools, disassembly may result in damage to the chassis or internal components. Here is the minimum set you will need:

  • 🔩 Screwdriver set:
    • Cross PH0 or PH00 (for most screws)
    • Flat head screwdriver 1.5–2 mm (for prying up the latches)
    • Torx T5 (sometimes found in new revisions)
  • 🧲 Magnetic mat or container for screws (so as not to lose small parts)
  • 📏 Plastic picks (for safe opening of case latches)
  • 🔥 Thermal paste (if you plan to replace it, for example, Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2)
  • 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (to clean the radiator and processor from old paste)
  • 💨 Can of compressed air (to blow dust out of the cooler)

Also useful antistatic wrist strap — it will protect components from static electricity. If not, touch metal parts of the case regularly to remove static electricity.

💡

Before disassembling, take a photo of the location of the screws and cables on the phone. This will help you put the laptop back together correctly, especially if this is your first time doing this.

Tool Purpose Alternative
Plastic pick Safe opening of housing latches Guitar pick or credit card
Magnetic screwdriver Holds screws in place Regular screwdriver + magnet on the handle
Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) Cleaning Thermal Paste and Contacts Alcohol wipes for electronics
Antistatic wrist strap Protecting components from static Regular touching of the metal body

Please note: MSI GF63 2022 and newer models may use tamper-evident screws (such as cap Torx Security T5). They require a special screwdriver.

Step 1: Turn off the power and remove the back cover

The first and most critical stage is to properly disconnect the laptop from power. Even when turned off, the motherboard may still have residual charges that can damage components.

Turn off the laptop through the Windows menu

Disconnect the power supply

Remove the battery (if possible)

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds (to discharge capacitors)

Prepare your work area (clean, level surface) -->

Now let's start removing the back cover:

  1. Turn the laptop over and place it on a soft surface (such as a towel) to avoid scratching the chassis.
  2. Unscrew all visible screws on the back panel. B MSI GF63 There are usually 10–12 of them (of different lengths!). The screws under the legs also need to be unscrewed.
  3. Gently pry the cover open with a plastic pick, starting at the corner near the screen hinge. The latches may be tight - do not use excessive force.
  4. Use a pick around the entire perimeter until the lid comes off completely. In some revisions (for example, GF63 Thin 10SC) the latches are located closer to the center - be careful.

If the lid does not budge, check:

  • ❌ Are there any unscrewed screws left (especially under the rubber feet).
  • ❌ Have you mixed up the direction of opening (start from the corner, not from the middle).
  • ❌ Are there hidden latches under the stickers (found in some modifications).

⚠️ Attention: In models MSI GF63 with RGB lighting (For example, GF63 Thin 11UC) the backlight cable can be glued to the cover. Carefully disconnect it by pulling the connector, not the wires!

Step 2: Access Key Components: RAM, SSD and Battery

After removing the cover, you will see the insides of the laptop. B MSI GF63 The components are usually arranged like this:

  • 🖥️ Random access memory (RAM) — two slots under a metal cover (in some models one slot is soldered on the motherboard).
  • 💾 SSD M.2 — the slot is usually on the right, closed with a small screw (there may be a second slot under the main one).
  • 🔋 Battery - a large rectangular block in the center, connected by a cable to the motherboard.
  • 🌡️ Cooler and radiator - on the left, screwed to the processor and video card.

To extract RAM:

  1. Press the latches on the sides of the module (they should move apart).
  2. Gently pull the bar up at an angle of ~30°. Don't force it - if it doesn't work, check the latches.

For replacement SSD:

  1. Unscrew the fixing screw on the slot M.2.
  2. Pull the drive by the edge (it should come out at an angle). The corner of the drive may cling to the connector - do not pull sharply!
  3. Install the new SSD, secure it with the screw and make sure it sits flat.

⚠️ Attention: In models MSI GF63 with two M.2 slots the second slot can be covered with a metal plate. Don't lose the fastening screw - it's smaller than the others!
How to check SSD compatibility with MSI GF63?

The laptop supports SSD form factor M.2 2280 (80 mm) with interface PCIe NVMe (Gen 3 or Gen 4 depending on model). For maximum performance, choose drives with read/write speeds of at least 3000 MB/s (for example, Samsung 980 Pro or WD Black SN850X).

Please note: in some revisions (for example, GF63 8RC) the second M.2 slot only works in SATA, not PCIe. Check the specifications of your model on the official MSI website.

Step 3: Removing the cooling system and replacing thermal paste

Cleaning the cooler and replacing thermal paste is the most time-consuming part of disassembly. B MSI GF63 The cooling system consists of:

  • 🌀 Two fans (one for the CPU, one for the GPU)
  • 🔥 Copper heat pipes connecting the radiator to the chips
  • 🧊 Thermal paste on the processor (Intel Core i5/i7) and video card (NVIDIA GTX/RTX)

Procedure:

  1. Disconnect the fan cables from the motherboard (usually they are marked as CPU_FAN And GPU_FAN).
  2. Unscrew the screws securing the radiator (they can be of different lengths - remember the location!). B GF63 Thin usually 4–6 screws.
  3. Carefully remove the radiator. If it does not give in, do not pull by force - the thermal paste could “stick.” Rock the radiator from side to side until it separates.

After removing the radiator:

  • Clean any remaining old thermal paste from your CPU and graphics card using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
  • Blow out the cooler with compressed air, holding the blades so that they do not rotate (this may damage the bearing).
  • Apply a thin layer (about the size of a pea) of new thermal paste to the CPU and GPU. For MSI GF63 the optimal volume is ~0.1 ml per chip.

💡

Don't use too much thermal paste! Excess may leak onto the motherboard and cause a short circuit. For processors Intel 10th–12th generation (as in GF63) a drop of 5–6 mm in diameter is sufficient.

When assembling, make sure that:

  • ✅ The fan cables were connected to the correct connectors (mixed ones may cause an error CPU Fan Error when turned on).
  • ✅ Radiator screws are tightened criss-crossto avoid skew.
  • ✅ Thermal paste did not reach the contacts around the chips.

Step 4: Battery replacement and other repairs

Battery in MSI GF63 - one of the most vulnerable components. Signs of malfunction:

  • 🔋 The laptop only works from the mains, even if the battery is “charged”.
  • 🔥 The case is swollen in the battery area (visible by the deformation of the cover).
  • ⚡ Battery life has been reduced to 30–60 minutes (from the original 4–5 hours).

To replace the battery:

  1. Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard (the connector is usually marked BATTERY).
  2. Unscrew the screws securing the battery (there may not be any - in some models it is held on with double-sided tape).
  3. Carefully pry the battery with a plastic pick and remove it. If it is glued, heat the body with a hairdryer (no higher than 60°C) to soften the glue.
  4. Install a new battery (suitable models: MS-17H3, MS-17H4 or analogues with the same voltage and connector).

⚠️ Attention: If the battery is swollen, do not puncture it or throw it in the trash! This may cause a fire. Dispose of it at special collection points.

Other possible repairs:

  • 🔊 Replacing speakers (in GF63 Thin they are located on the sides under the lid).
  • 📡 Replacing the Wi-Fi module (cards supported M.2 2230 with interface PCIe/CNVi, for example, Intel AX200).
  • 🖱️ Repair of the touchpad (the cable may come off or be damaged during careless disassembly).

Step 5: Assembling the laptop and checking its functionality

Assembly is no less important process than disassembly. Follow these rules:

  1. Make sure that all cables are connected tightly (especially the screen and keyboard cables).
  2. Tighten the screws in reverse order. Start with the heatsink, then the battery, SSD, RAM, and lastly the back cover.
  3. Before final assembly, turn on the laptop without lidto check:
    • ✅ Does the system start (are there any errors like No Boot Device).
    • ✅ Do the fans work (should spin up when heated).
    • ✅ Is the new SSD or RAM detected (check in BIOS or Device Manager).
  • If everything works, carefully put the cover back in place, starting with the latches near the screen hinge. Press it until you hear a characteristic click.

    • After assembly:

    • 🔄 Update BIOS (if hardware was replaced, for example, SSD). Download the latest version from MSI official website.
    • 🧹 Carry out an overheating test (for example, in AIDA64 or Prime95). The CPU temperature under load should not exceed 85–90°C.
    • 🔋 Calibrate the new battery: completely discharge and charge the laptop 2-3 times.

    1. Is the power cable connected to the motherboard?

    2. Is the RAM installed correctly (the bars should click).

    3. Are there any foreign screws or parts inside the case (may cause a short circuit).-->

    Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling MSI GF63. Here are the most common:

    Error Consequences How to avoid
    Using the wrong screwdriver Breakage of splines on screws, damage to the housing Use an accurate bit PH0 or T5 (depending on model)
    Applying force to the lid latches Cracks in plastic, broken fasteners Pry the pick carefully, starting from the corner
    Forgot to disconnect the battery before work Short circuit when touching the motherboard Always disconnect the battery cable first
    Uneven tightening of radiator screws Radiator misalignment, poor contact with processor Tighten the screws crosswise in 2–3 sets
    Using too much thermal paste Leakage onto the motherboard, overheating due to the “cushion” Apply a thin layer (0.1 ml per chip)

    A few more nuances:

    • 🔌 Don't confuse the screws! B GF63 screws of different lengths are used (for example, for an SSD - short, for a radiator - long).
    • 📱 If the touchpad does not work after assembly, check the cable - it could fly out of the connector.
    • 🔊 No sound? Make sure the speakers are connected to the motherboard (the cable may come off if you turn the laptop over).

    If something goes wrong, don't panic. Most problems can be solved:

    • The laptop does not turn on → Check the connections of the battery and power supply.
    • The screen does not work → Reconnect the matrix cable.
    • The cooler is noisy or does not spin → Make sure it is connected to the correct connector.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Is it possible to disassemble MSI GF63 without special tools?

    Technically yes, but the risk of damage to the case or components increases significantly. For example, you can use a credit card instead of a plastic pick, but it may scratch the plastic or break the latches. Using the wrong size screwdriver will cause the slots on the screws to break off. If you are disassembling a laptop for the first time, it is better to spend money on a minimum set of tools (cost ~500–1000 rubles).

    How often should I clean my MSI GF63 laptop from dust?

    The recommended frequency depends on the operating conditions:

    • 🏡 Home use (clean room, laptop on the table) - once every 1.5–2 years.
    • 🌳 Dusty room or carpeting - once every 6-12 months.
    • 🎮 Intensive loads (games, rendering) - once a year + replacement of thermal paste.

    Signs that it’s time to clean: fans humming at idle, overheating (CPU above 70°C when idle), spontaneous shutdowns.

    Is it possible to install two SSDs in MSI GF63?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • ✅ In most models (for example, GF63 Thin 9SC/10SC) there are two slots M.2.
    • ⚠️ In some revisions (for example, GF63 8RC) the second slot only works in mode SATA, not PCIe NVMe.
    • 🔧 Before purchasing a second SSD, check the specifications of your model on the MSI website or using the utility HWiNFO.

    Optimal configuration: PCIe NVMe for the system (for example, Samsung 980 Pro) + SATA SSD for storage (for example, Crucial MX500).

    What to do if after cleaning the laptop begins to heat up more?

    Possible causes and solutions:

    • 🔥 Incorrect application of thermal paste → Remove the radiator and reapply the paste (in a thin layer).
    • 🌀 Poor contact between the heatsink and the processor → Check that the screws are tightened evenly (there should be no misalignment).
    • 💨 Fans are not working correctly → Make sure they are connected to the correct connectors (CPU_FAN And GPU_FAN).
    • 🧹 Dust remains in the radiator → Blow it with compressed air again, holding the blades.

    If the problem persists, check the temperatures at HWMonitor. Norm for MSI GF63 under load: CPU - up to 85°C, GPU - up to 80°C.

    Where to buy spare parts for MSI GF63 (battery, cooler, keyboard)?summary>

    It is better to buy original spare parts from official distributors or MSI service centers. Alternative options:

    • 🛒 AliExpress - cheap analogues (for example, batteries or coolers), but the quality may vary.
    • 🔧 Local service centers - often sell used components from disassembly.
    • 🌍 eBay - original parts, but expensive delivery.
    • 🏬 Electronics stores (For example, Sitronics, DNS) - sometimes there are universal SSDs, RAM or batteries.

    When purchasing, check the exact laptop model (for example, MSI GF63 Thin 10SC-066RU) — spare parts may differ even within the same series!