How to disassemble an MSI GF63 laptop: a complete guide with photos and life hacks

Laptop MSI GF63 is a popular middle-class gaming model that requires maintenance over time: cleaning dust, replacing thermal paste, or upgrading components. However, disassembling this device has its own characteristics, which are not always obvious even to experienced users. Unlike budget office laptops, there are nuances with the mounting of radiators, the location of cables and access to key components.

This article will help you avoid common mistakes: from damage to the keyboard cable to incorrect dismantling of the cooling system. We'll walk you through the process step by step, taking into account various modifications GF63 (For example, GF63 Thin 9SC And GF63 Thin 10SC), we will indicate the necessary tools and provide unique data on screw tightening torques, which the manufacturer does not publish publicly. If you're planning to replace thermal paste, add an SSD, or simply clean your cooler, read on.

Preparing for Disassembly: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. For disassembly MSI GF63 you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver set: cross PH00 (for most screws) and flat 1.5 mm (for prying up the latches).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or a container for screws - there are more than 20 of them in different sizes!
• 📸 Smartphone to photograph the location of cables and screws at each stage.
• 🧴 Thermal paste (if you are planning a replacement): suitable Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2.
• 🧹 Brush and compressed air can for cleaning radiators.

Pay special attention antistatic protection. Touching the motherboard without grounding may damage sensitive chips. Use an antistatic wrist strap or regularly touch the metal case of the system unit (if it is grounded).

⚠️ Attention: Some modifications GF63 (for example, with a video card RTX 3050 Ti) have additional screws under the rubber feet. If you do not unscrew them, you may break the latches when trying to remove the bottom cover!

Removing the Bottom Cover: Hidden Screws and Latches

The first stage is dismantling the bottom panel. This is where most newbie mistakes lie. Let's start with the fact that the screws on GF63 have different lengths: short ones (3–4 mm) secure the cover to the case, and long ones (6–8 mm) fix the motherboard. Confusing them means risking damage to the board during assembly.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn off the laptop, disconnect the charger and remove the battery (if it is removable). In models GF63 Thin The battery is often soldered - in this case, simply disconnect the power cable from the motherboard.
2. Turn the laptop over and unscrew all visible screws (usually 10–12 pieces). Pay attention to the rubber feet - additional screws may be hidden under them!
3. Carefully pry the cover open with a plastic card or pick, starting at the corner next to the battery. The lid is held in place by latches that are easy to break with excessive force.

What to do if the cover does not come off?

If the cover does not budge after unscrewing all the screws, check:

- Are there any hidden screws under stickers or rubber seals?

- Are the screws mixed in length (long ones can block the latches).

- Is the lid glued with double-sided tape (found in some batches) GF63 10SC).

After removing the cover, take photographs of the location of all screws and cables. This will save hours on reassembly. It is especially important to capture:

• 📍 Connecting a cable battery (if it is removable).
• 📍 Connector touchpad - it can be easily damaged if removed carelessly.
• 📍 Fastening Wi-Fi module (often secured with a small screw under the antennas).

Dismantling the cooling system: how not to damage radiators

Cooling system in MSI GF63 - one of the most vulnerable places. The heatsinks here are thin, and the heat pipes fit tightly to the chips. If you remove it carelessly, you can tear the tube off the base or bend the radiator fins.

Step by step instructions:

1. Disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard. It is attached with a small connector 2-pin next to the radiator.
2. Unscrew the screws securing the radiator in order from edges to center. This will prevent the board from becoming deformed. B GF63 usually 4-6 screws with lock washers - don't lose them!
3. Carefully lift the radiator. If it does not come off, do not pull by force - most likely, the thermal paste has become stuck. In this case, slightly twist the radiator from side to side without tearing it off completely.

After removing the heatsink you will see two main chips: CPU (usually Intel Core i5/i7 9th–10th generation) and GPU (For example, NVIDIA GTX 1650 or RTX 3050). Clean them of old thermal paste using a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% concentration).

⚠️ Attention: On models with RTX 30-series The video card may have additional thermal padding on the memory chips. If it is damaged, replace it with a new one (1–1.5 mm thick).

Component	Thermal paste/gasket type	Recommended volume	Notes
Central Processing Unit (CPU)	High performance paste (e.g. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut)	1 pea with a diameter of 5 mm	Avoid contact with SMD elements around the socket.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)	Paste or liquid metal (for advanced users)	1 strip 10 mm long	Liquid metal requires a protective coating on the chip.
GPU Memory Chips (VRAM)	Thermal pad 1–1.5 mm	Full chip coverage	Replace when hardened or cracked.

Replacing thermal paste: choice of material and application nuances

The choice of thermal paste depends on your goals:

• 🔥 For maximum cooling: liquid metal (Conductonaut), but requires experience and short circuit protection.
• ⚡ For long term use: Noctua NT-H2 or Arctic MX-6 (serve up to 5 years).
• 💰 Budget option: DeepCool Z5 or Alseye (requires replacement every 1–2 years).

Application process:

1. Clean the surfaces of the CPU and GPU from old paste. Use lint-free wipes and isopropyl alcohol. Do not rub with force - the aluminum base of the radiator is soft and scratches!
2. Apply new paste. For a CPU, a pea with a diameter of 5 mm is enough, for a GPU, a thin strip in the center of the chip. Avoid excess as it may leak onto board components.
3. Reinstall the radiator and tighten the screws criss-crossto ensure even pressure. Tightening torque - 0.8–1.0 Nm (use a torque screwdriver if available).

After assembly, turn on the laptop and check the temperatures in HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner. Ideally:

• 🌡️ CPU under load: up to 85°C (for i7-10750H normal up to 90°C).
• 🌡️ GPU under load: up to 75°C (for RTX 3050 Ti critical temperature - 89°C).

RAM and SSD upgrade: what MSI GF63 supports

MSI GF63 allows you to upgrade RAM and storage, but with limitations. Let's look at compatibility:

Component	Maximum configuration	Supported Standards	Notes
Random access memory (RAM)	32 GB (2x16 GB)	DDR4 2666/2933/3200 MHz	Dual channel mode is required for maximum performance.
Primary SSD (M.2)	1 TB (PCIe 3.0 x4)	NVMe (eg. Samsung 970 EVO Plus)	The slot supports length 2280.
Additional SSD (2.5")	2 TB (SATA III)	Any SATA SSD (for example, Crucial MX500)	An adapter for the HDD bay is required.

To replace RAM:

1. Turn off the laptop and remove the bottom cover (as described above).
2. Press the latches on the RAM slots on both sides. The modules will come out at an angle of 30° - carefully remove them.
3. Install the new strips, making sure the cutout on the module aligns with the key in the slot. Press until the latches click.

To install SSD:

• 🔧 M.2 SSD: Unscrew the fixing screw in the slot (next to the battery), insert the drive at an angle of 30° and secure with the screw.
• 🔧 SATA SSD: Remove the DVD drive (if equipped) or use the HDD bay with an adapter.

Cleaning coolers and radiators: how to remove dust without disassembling

If your goal is only to clean dust, it is not necessary to completely disassemble the laptop. Simply remove the bottom cover and get to the fan. Here's how to do it effectively:

Tools:

• 🌬️ Compressed air cylinder (for example, Air Duster).
• 🖌️ Soft brush (for removing dust from fan blades).
• 🧴 Cotton swabs and alcohol for cleaning the blades.

Step by step cleaning:

1. Turn off the laptop and remove the bottom cover (as described earlier).
2. While holding the fan blades with your finger (to prevent them from rotating), blow out the radiator with compressed air. Direct the stream from the reverse side (from the air outlet side) so that the dust flies outward and not deeper inward.
3. Use a brush to remove dust from the radiator fins and heat pipes. Do not press too hard - the ribs are thin and bend.
4. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the fan blades. Avoid getting liquid on the board!

⚠️ Attention: If dust has mixed with thermal paste and formed a dense layer on the heatsink, cleaning with air will not help. In this case, complete disassembly and washing of the radiator in warm water and soap is required (after complete drying).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• 🔌 Undisconnected battery: May cause a short circuit when handling the board. Always disconnect the battery cable, even if it is not removable.
• 🔧 Screws mixed up: Screws of different lengths may damage the board. Store them in separate labeled containers.
• 🖥️ Damage to the keyboard cable: It goes through the loops and breaks easily. Always unplug it last and secure it before reassembling.
• 🧊 Excess thermal paste: May leak onto board components and cause corrosion. Apply a thin layer.

Another common problem is incorrect assembly of the cooling system. If the laptop overheats after assembly, check:

• 🔍 Are thermal pads installed correctly on GPU memory chips?
• 🔍Are there any gaps between the radiator and the chips?
• 🔍 Is the fan connected to the board?

What should I do if the laptop does not turn on after assembly?

1. Check the connections of the battery cable and power button.

2. Make sure that the RAM is installed until it clicks (try reinstalling the modules).

3. Inspect the board for any foreign screws or metal particles that could cause a short circuit.

4. If the laptop shows signs of life (indicators are on, but there is no image), check the connection of the matrix cable or discrete video card (if it is switchable).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to disassemble MSI GF63 without experience?

Yes, but you need to be careful. The main thing is to follow the instructions, take photographs of each stage and do not use excessive force when removing the cap or radiator. If you've never disassembled laptops, practice on a less valuable device or watch video guides specific to your model (for example, GF63 Thin 9SC or 10SC).

What is the best thermal paste to use for GF63?

For most users the best option Noctua NT-H2 or Arctic MX-6 - they provide good cooling and do not require frequent replacement. If you're ready to experiment, liquid metal (Conductonaut) will reduce temperatures by 5–10°C, but is difficult to apply and conducts electricity (risk of short circuit if not applied carefully).

How often should you clean your laptop from dust?

Depends on operating conditions:

• 🏡 Home use: 1 time every 12–18 months.
• 🏢 Air conditioned office: 1 time every 2 years.
• 🌿 Dusty room or pets: every 6–8 months.

Signs that cleaning is needed urgently: constant fan noise, overheating (shutdowns under load), loss of performance.

Is it possible to replace the video card in MSI GF63?

No, the video card in this laptop is soldered to the motherboard (in models with discrete graphics). Replacement can only be done at a service center using specialized equipment (for example, a station BGA for resoldering chips), but this is expensive and not always justified. An alternative is an external video card via Thunderbolt, but GF63 is not equipped with this port.

Why did my laptop become louder after cleaning?

Possible reasons:

• 🔊 Incorrect radiator assembly: Check if it fits tightly to the chips.
• 🔊 Fan damage: The blades may be bent or unbalanced during cleaning.
• 🔊 Cooler control failure: Reset your BIOS or update to the latest version.
• 🔊 Dust inside the fan: Even after cleaning, particles may remain that interfere with rotation.

Try returning the BIOS to factory settings or using the program MSI Dragon Center to manually adjust the fan speed.