How to open MSI Vector GP78 HX (13V) – disassembly and upgrade options

Undo the 13 Phillips-head screws securing the bottom panel of the laptop.
Flip the laptop to remove the back plastic shroud behind the lid, starting from one of the sides close to the bottom panel, working your way around the backside.
Lift the hinge cover away from the laptop.
With the laptop lid open, use a plastic pry tool to carefully separate the bottom plate from the chassis.
Flip the machine upside down and raise the bottom plate by holding firmly the two exhaust vents on the back.

Caution: Be careful not to damage the internal components or the clips that hold the bottom panel in place during the process.

Removing the Battery

Disconnect the battery connector to prevent short circuits.
Undo the four Phillips-head screws fixing the battery to the base.
Remove the battery from its compartment.

More info: The laptop comes with a 90Wh battery, capable of 5 hours and 33 minutes of web browsing or 4 hours and 32 minutes of video playback.

Upgrading the RAM

Locate the protective metal cover above the RAM section. Gently remove it, being cautious of the glue holding it to the plastic parts of the slots.
Install up to 64GB of DDR5-5600MHz memory in the two SODIMM slots for dual-channel mode.

More info: The laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600MHz RAM in dual-channel, ensuring high-speed performance for demanding applications.

Upgrading the SSD

Identify the two M.2 slots – one compatible with Gen 4 and the other with Gen 5 NVMe SSDs.
For both slots, carefully remove the existing SSD by undoing its securing screw.
Install the new SSD(s) and secure them with the screws. Make sure the cooling pads are properly placed to manage heat.

More info: The system offers dual M.2 slots for storage expansion, accommodating both Gen 4 and Gen 5 NVMes, enhanced by thick cooling pads for optimal thermal management.

Cooling System Maintenance

The cooling system includes two fans, five heat pipes, and four big heat sinks, with additional heat spreaders for the GPU.
To maintain or replace thermal paste, carefully disassemble the cooling components, starting with the fans and then the heat pipes.
Clean the components with compressed air and apply new thermal paste where necessary.
Reassemble the cooling system, ensuring all parts are securely reattached.

Caution: Handle the thermal paste application carefully to ensure optimal thermal contact and prevent overheating.

More info: The elaborate cooling system is designed to efficiently manage the heat output of both the CPU and GPU, ensuring stable performance even under heavy loads.