How to open MSI Cyborg 14 A13V – disassembly and upgrade options

Undo the eight Phillips-head screws securing the bottom panel of the laptop.
Turn over the device and use a thin plastic tool to carefully pry open the back panel step by step, releasing all internal clips.
Flip the laptop back over and pop the front panel, as well as the left and right sides, up to the level of the audio jack, taking extra care as the jack slightly protrudes from the motherboard.
Lift the bottom panel from the left side and carefully slide it to the right to remove it.

More info: The inside of the bottom cover provides insight into the internal design and cooling components.

Battery Removal

Caution: Take care when handling the battery to avoid potential damage.

Detach the battery connector by gently pulling it to the right.
Undo the three Phillips-head screws that secure the 53.5Wh battery to the chassis.
Carefully lift and remove the battery from the laptop.

More info: The 53.5Wh battery provides approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of video playback.

You can find compatible batteries here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Memory Upgrade

Note: The RAM slots are protected by a metal cap that must be removed with care.

Use a lever tool to gently lift the metal cap covering the RAM slots.
Be aware that the metal plate is adhered to the slots with a sticky pad; avoid using excessive force to prevent potential damage.

More info: This laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM in dual-channel mode per MSI specifications. However, since the CPU can support up to 96GB, higher capacities may be achievable with additional upgrades.

You can find compatible RAM here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Storage Upgrade

Hint: Handle SSDs with care to prevent data loss.

Locate the single M.2 slot compatible with 2280 Gen 4 NVMe SSDs.
If applicable, remove any screws or shields securing the SSD slot before installation.
Insert the new M.2 SSD and secure it with the appropriate screw.

More info: The M.2 slot is equipped with a long, thick thermal pad beneath the SSD for additional cooling.

You can find compatible SSDs here: Buy from Amazon.com (#CommissionsEarned)

Wi-Fi Card

More Info: The Wi-Fi 6E card is on the left of the battery.

Cooling System Overview

More info: The cooling system of the MSI Cyborg 14 A13V is designed to manage gaming and demanding tasks effectively.

Inspect the large fan to ensure it is free of dust and debris for optimal airflow.
Examine the three heat pipes for signs of wear or obstruction.
Check the two heat sinks and three heat spreaders to confirm they are properly secured and unobstructed.

MSI Cyborg 14 (A13Ux / A13Vx) in-depth review

In the last few years, we've seen and tested many compact gaming laptops like the ASUS TUF Gaming A14 (FA401), HP OMEN Transcend 14, Nitro 14 (AN14-41), or the Predator Helios Neo 14 (PHN14-51). Most of which aren't cheap at all. The MSI Cyborg 14 A13V is on opposite sides of the barricade since it offers decent hardware and a capable screen at a lower cost. Of course, its price depends on your region and current sales / deals but yeah, you don't have to trade one of your kidneys to buy this notebook.It's powered by 45W Raptor Lake-H CPUs (based on the Alder Lake architecture). These aren'[...]

Read the full review

Pros

Good overall performance for the class
2x SODIMMs + replaceable Wi-Fi card
PWM-free (BOE0A3A)
Wide viewing angles + 16:10 aspect ratio (BOE0A3A)
98% sRGB coverage + accurate color with our "Design and Gaming" profile (BOE0A3A)
462 nits of max brightness + 8.5 ms pixel response times
Good backlit keyboard
Surprising accurate touchpad
Solid build
The Core i7-13620H can sustain 2.56 GHz / 2.20 GHz P and E core frequencies during long CPU loads
Adequate CPU and GPU temperatures during max stress (73°C / 63°C)
The MSI Center offers plenty of customizations
3x USB ports + LAN + HDMI 2.1
Light machine - 1.60 kg
Acceptable noise levels during gaming
The RTX 4060 can maintain a stable 45W TGP even in "Balanced" mode
Good sound quality
Decently fast and well-cooled SSD (SAMSUNG PM9B1)
Metal lid

Cons

Just one M.2 slot
Short battery life (~ 3 hours and a half of videos)
There is a thermal headroom for higher CPU and GPU power limits
The removal of the bottom panel is too complicated (just like many other MSI devices)

#CommissionsEarned