MSI computers are great gaming machines with numerous lineups that adjust to every kind of budget. From the low-cost MSI GV15 Thin 11SC-633 we just reviewed last week to much more expensive models boasting up to 32 GB of RAM and top-of-the-line processors. However, for most users, it makes more financial sense to buy the affordable version of the laptop and adjust as needed. And that's precisely what we're here to help you do with the MSI GF65 Thin 9SD laptop lineup.
Specifically, while this lineup comes in all shapes and sizes with several different models to choose from, today we're going to teach you how to go ahead and upgrade the RAM on an MSI GF65 Thin 9SD model.
Though the amount of RAM varies amongst these models, internally they are all the same so this tutorial is suitable for anyone who has an MSI GF65 Thin 9SD laptop and wants to quickly and easily upgrade the RAM to make the most out of this gaming notebook.
From that standpoint, this step-by-step is valid for models such as the MSI GF65 Thin 9SD-004, the MSI GF65 Thin 9SD-252, MSI GF65 Thin 9SE-013, and everything other model in between.
How To Upgrade the RAM on an MSI GF65 Thin 9SD Notebook
Before you rush off to Amazon and buy just any memory unit you see on sale. You should know that not all laptops support the same type or amount of RAM as that's something that's set by the processor in question. Ergo, the first step in this MSI GF65 RAM upgrade is to buy the right memory unit.
What Type of Memory Do I Need To Use? How Much Memory Can I Install?
For this particular series of gaming notebooks, you're going to need to make use of a DDR4 PC4-25600 3200 MHz NON-ECC SO-DIMM. That's a DDR4 module that clocks in at 3200 MHz and uses the popular SODIMM form factor. This model is also retro-compatible with 2666 MHz versions but we wouldn't recommend doing that since there's virtually no price difference and you're getting a slower RAM module.
As far as the amount of RAM allowed by the GF65 Thin 9SD series, you can go up to a maximum setting of 64 GB with both memory slots being up for grabs. Depending on your needs and use of the laptop this could make sense through two compatible 32 GB modules. However, we would say that this amount of RAM is only really noticeable through gaming with seriously heavy games or working on video editing in very heavy formats (ie: 4K or 8K).
For most users, however, 32 GB should hit the spot between affordability and maximum performance, with the use of two 16 GB modules of RAM.
Finally, if you bought a version with 8 GB and feel like you could handle yourself well with 16 GB of total RAM then you can opt for inserting a single 8 GB memory module on the GF65 Thin 9SD.
How to Perform the memory upgrade step by step on the MSI GF65 Thin 9SD
Step 1: Before you even think about starting the upgrade process you should make sure that the laptop is turned off and disconnected from the power source.
Once this is done you can place the laptop on its back and remove the eleven Philips head screws located on the bottom of the laptop. Fortunately for us, they are all of the same size so you don't need to draw up a diagram to remember where each one went later on.
When you have removed all the screws you're going to need to detach the bottom case making use of a prying tool of some sort. The most popular option is a guitar pick but you could also use a credit card or library card. The important part to remember here is that it should be plastic and not metallic which is an electrical conductor.
Step 2: Now that you have removed the bottom case of the laptop you can quickly see the two RAM slots located just above the battery.
You could go ahead and disconnect the battery as an extra safety measure by removing the pins that attaches the battery to the motherboard but this isn't really necessary when upgrading the RAM.
Step 3: Remove the onboard RAM by placing your fingers on the metallic clasps located on the sides of the memory slots and pulling them outwards.
This will release the RAM at a 45-degree angle. Ideally, you're going to replace the onboard RAM since you need to have two identical modules for the laptop to work in a dual-channel mode which is far more efficient.
Step 4: Now that you have both slots available you can insert the RAM at a 45-degree angle just as you've seen when removing the onboard memory unit. To make sure you're doing this correctly you need to make sure that the pins on the slot and the pins on the module align when introducing the memory in the slot.
There's a notch that's slightly off-center which should help you locate exactly how to insert your RAM module. This is what that should look like:
Step 5: When the RAM units have been inserted onto the slots you need to press down on them gently. Once you've done this you will hear a "click" noise that will be indicating that the clasps on the slots have correctly assured the memory in its place and you can go ahead and say you've upgraded the RAM on the MSI GF65.
Step 6: Now that you're done, re-attach the battery if you removed it at the beginning, place the bottom lid back on the MSI GF65, place the eleven screws you removed in step one and boot up your laptop again. Don't worry if it takes a bit longer to boot up than usual as that's perfectly normal when doing an upgrade like this.
If you want to make sure that the new RAM has been properly installed you can head over to device specifications where you'll see under "Installed RAM" the new amount you have upgraded towards. That's it! You have successfully upgraded the memory on the MSI GF65 Thin 9SD laptop you have at home, we hope you enjoy all the new possibilities that having more RAM will definitely provide you with!
