Custom built MSI GS65

I'm looking to custom build an MSI GS65 from HIDEvolution (not a techy person) and could use some feedback. I do plan on using it for work, gaming, photo-editing. Are the following choices good/viable? Also would you recommend changing anything to reduce cost?

Thermal Interface Materials: Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut on CPU + GPU, and Fujipoly Extreme Thermal Pads on heat sensitive surfaces (+$95.00)

Memory: MSI Approved Standard 16GB Dual Channel DDR4/2400MHz (2 x 8GB)
(is the 16GB Dual Channel DDR4/2666MHz (2 x 8GB) worth it here? + $120)

M.2 PCIe RAID Options: no RAID
M.2 PCIe / SATA Slot 1: MSI Approved 512GB M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD
M.2 PCIe Slot 2: Samsung 970 EVO 500GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe 3D-VNAND SSD (+$200.00)
(not familiar with the RAID stuff)

Current cost: $2,464.00

Thank you in advance!

 

more ram is important. If you do photo editing and working on bigger projects i'd recommend at least 24GB ram.

NVME SSD depends on your needs for space, I don't think we can give you an advice here.

 

Both NVME slots are a pain to get to as they're under the mobo. I've done it enough times (liquid metal'd the laptop too) that I've gotten quick at it but it's still a massive pain more so than any other high end laptop I've bought. So if you're not super comfortable with that. consider maxing out ram and storage. At least enough to keep you happy for a while

 

The new models don't require the mobo to be flipped, if I recall correctly.

 

The GS65 still has the flipped motherboard. They did fix that on the GS75 though

 

From what I heard, GS75 stiill has flipped motherboard but SSD is accessible after opening the back.

 

SSDs being easily accesible has been mentioned by several sources ( Gordon from PCWorld and @GizmoSlip's video, for example). They don't mention the direction of the motherboard, though.
But Jarrod does comment on the issue twice: when talking about the GS65 and specifically on the GS75.
I haven't seen anyone confirm that it is indeed flipped although the way we can see the heatpipes on @GizmoSlip's preview through the C-side vents near the hinges makes me think that is the direction the CPU and GPU are facing (as seen on the images below).
Either way, we'll find out soon enough since they're releasing tomorrow!

 

From Chinese forum Chiphell, one guy went to CES and confirmed that GS75 still has flipped motherboard.

 

Also I don't know if they fix the gap on the bottom of the case. My GS73VR 6RF has a huge gap and the gap gets compressed which makes the case around Ethernet port bumped out. MSI RMA refused to fix it. Charging $180 for parts and labor. I tried to argue but only got labor fee waived. I should post a thread about this soon here and on msi official forum to see if they will respond.

Another common issue about GS series is the hinge. It's just too weak so after 1-2 years its guaranteed to break. Mine after 1 year becomes detachable since the only thing holding the screen is antenna and power cable. They accepted RMA but It's still gonna break again in the future. Looks like they finally fix it on GS75 but I won't buy a MSI laptop again. Gigabyte's design is better in my opinion and the motherboard is easily accessible though the cooling may not be as good as MSI.