The Official MSI GT60/70 970m/980m Upgrade Thread

Sorry superguy, my 675m died in october....

 

Ok, i will tomorrow, but why is that?? Does my card hold back in games now or something?

 

If I remembered it correctly, during the early days of our nb. In msi forum, engineers released a beta ec firmware T16 and T17 for win7 and win8. These beta ec firmwares solved the throttling issues encountered by people who bought the GT series..That's why check first if the solution I told you will solve your problem... I have a hunch your ec firmware T24 is throttled while mine isn't.

 

Don't laugh at my throtle!! Haha (lol). So maybe a earlier ec wil solve this?

Edit
what is this ec actually?

 

not earlier but a latest release. Where you got that T24 ec firmware? if that came from msi official site then you must use throttlestop app plus run afterburner to tweak a bit the frequency of your core and mem clock.

 

Where are those options?

 

I feel like a tech support here LOL.. So sleepy now. enjoy your toy people LOL

 

Lol thanks. I've been out of the tweaking arena so long I'm out of the loop.

 

I went ahead and ordered and installed the 970m in my gt60, ms-16F4 board, it came with an 880m which I unfortunately got 3 weeks before the 9xx launch, was within my return window but all the newer ones went down from the i7 4810 mine came with to the 4710, so I couldn't bring myself to return and reorder knowing the cpu would be a downgrade.

the performance increase is fairly marginal in what I've tried so far, but it at least is drawing 25 watts less power while giving a small boost, and more importantly some piece of mind knowing my card isn't outdated so soon after getting the laptop

I updated the bios and ec before installing the card, but have not updated the vbios, yet the standard nvidia driver worked as soon as the card was installed, I'm debating installing the MSI vbios as things seem to be working fine

 

This isn't right. That 970m should beat the snot out of the 870m.

 

Eh bud show your benchies please. Question is it true there's an EC firmware to bypass the NOS for your nb so you can use a much higher ac adapter wattage? Can link it here? Thanks

 

Ok so, I have received different answers when I posted in this thread but some time has passed so I'll ask again... I have a GT60 16F4 with an 880m, but its a barebones from XoticPC. Should I buy the 980m from RJTech for Clevos? What would I have to do to make it work thats different between the MSI and barebones models? I'd love a comprehensive answer because everyone has been pretty vague to me about it. Would I simply flash a vBios? I'm not sure what i need to do or if I should wait for MSI to finally release their upgrade kit. I'm really dying to upgrade, and would definitely post my results here, I'm just confused as to what buying the Clevo vs waiting for an MSI 980m will do. Thanks!

 

I would personally just purchase the Clevo card myself. Main reason is resale value. MSI tends to pull the least amount of cash for their cards as they don't have a SLI connector on the card. Then again... They may have them now that the new GT80 is SLI, can anyone confirm if GT72 980m have SLI connector on card?

The clevo card runs the stock Clevo, MSI, and unlocked vBIOS all perfectly, and all are recognized by my system. None of the 3 vBIOS version require a modded driver anymore, meaning I can install normal nvidia drivers without any issues. The RJTech 980m is cheaper than the MSI offering as well, so why pay more for the same product?

Most likely since you have a barebones 880m GT60, you will be plug and play. MSI is also releasing Barebones with 970/980m cards very soon (found them already listed on websites) and if its not plug and play, simply update system BIOS to the version those laptops are running and then it will be plug and play without any need for modded drivers most likely.

 

Ok I'm officially bricked.. I tried updating my BIOS through the built-in UEFI update menu as per MSI's manual (in preps for the 970m upgrade). Notebook rebooted and all I got was a black screen with only the power led active and the fan spinning normally. Tried resetting the CMOS & the EC (updated correctly to the latest 1516 before the BIOS update). Tried removing the GPU, the CPU and HDDs/SSDs but nothing. Don't know if I should go the chip replacement route or the out of international warranty route (and pay for repairs). Even Ctrl+Home (AMI BIOS Recovery) didn't work.

 

Hi guys! I've got my laptop back with a 980m inside! I've not time this week to set up everything and make tests and blablabla... Buuut my steelseries keyboard don't backlit. I've a GT70 2PE 1851XES. What coud be wrong? Should I try to flash something? I've read here some similar issues with other users keyboards. What have you done? Thank you so much!

The next week I'll upload some benchmarks, the only Fire Strike I've done with everything stock and not actualised gived me 7940 points, not bad at all I think

 

Aww man that sucks!! Wish I could offer some advice. I know I did update my BIOS first before upgrating the EC. I doubt that matters though.

Did you flash the right BIOS? There is a raid and non raid sku.. Again not sure how much that matters. Maybe someone else can chime in? How about trying to remove the ram and then boot. Then put it back in and boot. Or maybe try and boot with one stick.

I would maybe try and get a new bios chip programmed and soldered at your local OC repair shop before I spent all the money sending it international.

 

I know it's a stupid answer, but did you try to boot from a LiveCD and try to install some OS? Maybe you can not have acces to the BIOS, but maybe you can start your PC in a OS...

 

Thanks for the clear reply! You think it will work fine without a vBIOS flash? That's awesome! I'll post my progress soon! Also which version do I want, the P150SM-A? Or does it matter?

 

Thanks guys, both of you for the suggestions and support. I did try a LiveCD but to no avail. I know Linux does access hardware registers differently from Windows. The DVDRW doesn't initialise though.
Actually I haven't tried removing the RAM sticks. I tried with the 780m and the 4700MQ but got the same result. Might give it a try. I did "flash" the E16F4IMS.517 nothing got flashed in the end, it's just that the UEFI part got stuck on its system update mode..
My local MSI service center (Italy) asks me 65€ for an out of warranty repair. I pay for shipping both ways. If the MB is damaged (which is highly unlikely in my case) they can replace it too for around ~200€ + 65€ for the service. I also have a friend with an electronics lab. Gonna give him a call too.

 

When you choose between those options you are selecting the heatsink that comes with the card. This won't matter. But I also chose the P150SM-A

 

Well, 65€ is not a huge ammount of money, but if I were you, I'll keep my device without battery and hard drives all the night and tomorrow I'll try to acces BIOS again. If not, then make calls and blablabla.

 

Okay thanks, that was what I thought but I'm not a Clevo person... Thanks!

 

The P150 version also comes with a backplate which you do not want.

 

Hmm... Rule of thumb.. Read first on how to update your bios in msi website or in msi forums. Ask Svet in the forums cos he gives detailed advice on how to update the bios. I don't update bios in windows. it's always in "afudos" under dos mode when you restart or start your nb. Else if you update the bios with a different format. this will result to a brick laptop which hurts a lot on the owners side.

You're only hope is to replace the bios chip if you know how to, or ship the item to msi international.

 

So which version should I order? Also I literally saw that right before I ordered so phew.

 

Doesn't really matter. The mounting plate will need to be removed no matter which one you buy as Clevo's need the mounting bracket. The MSI's have different mounting points integrated right into the notebook and thus don't need the x-bracket. It's a bit scary to remove (strong adhesive), but not too difficult with the right know-how.

 

What version did you have? And what version did you flash to?

 

Hello guys,does anybody have the latest MSI bios for my MSI GT60 20D HASWELL cpu with 780m!!!!!so my new 970m can work with my laptop??because the msi site on the download page is down..........if yes how can you flash the bios on the motherboard?thanks guys!!!!

 

I did not flash from Windows. Have always flashed from pure DOS. This time I decided to follow MSI's guide and update from within the UEFI BIOS update menu.
This is the guide I followed:

http://www.msi.com/files/pdf/Flash_BIOS_by_UEFI_BIOS_Setup_Utility_en.pdf

Hi Kev
I went from factory ver. 503 to the latest ver. 517 non RAID.

I have it and I'll post the link. Beware however not to flash it as I did, within the UEFI update menu. Use a traditional DOS flash drive method.

https://mega.co.nz/#!vQMyWZTR!ClIjxwMKcyaox-K2UWGhtxvj5Y86qDFeXCviFPEw3Gw

 

HiOmega (and all you other tweakers) This weekend i discovered the reason of my throttle...I used the thermalpads of the clevo heatsink but these were too thick end the GPU didn't touch the heatsink....(DOH!)
So i used all the old thermalpads and now it works super !!

New 3dmark skydiver score is: 16102..(not overclocked) and my temps stay around 70 degrees celcius..

 

The P3xx edition and remove the simple xbracket on the back when you get it.

 

All versions are the same card only the heatsink is different...you only need the card and not the thermal-stuff

 

I think it's not throttling... It's stuttering.. That happened to me before when i upgraded to 680m from 670m.. That's why i always make sure before i screw the heatsink on the nb. i always check the thermal pads if it's properly lapping between the mxm gpu and the heatsink. now rock it dude

 

I'm new to this EVGA precision x16 It seems that @ 968mV (from 950mV stock volt) with the following settings : GPU clock : 200, Mem clock : 140 Firestrike 3 passed the benchmark...

Is this good results? Upon testing the temps in GPUZ log, the max temp that it reached is 66 degrees celcius...

Can someone suggest what is the safest voltage to set? I even don't know what's the use of the "Power Slider" too

 

Thanks felix,can you give me the command to flash the bios on Dos?thanks again!!!!!

 

I quote again my message. Anybody knows what should I do?

 

KLM is working fine for me, but not SSE... Talon I've seen that you have a similar issue and you could resolve it. How can you do? Thank you very much

 

Well my GT60 2OD version did not come with SteelSeries Engine. By my surprise it started to work after I changed my laptop to a 970m. After the upgrade the laptop began to recognize itself as a GT60 2QD. SSE would open at this point the the functionality wasn't fully there yet. After updating to the latest EC version SSE began to fully function!

My suggestion is to ensure you have the latest version of your EC and possibly update to the latest SSE drivers listed on the MSI website. Make sure you install the SSE driver from the GT70 (970m) sku.

 

So you managed to even update your model number eh? Hahaha nice.

 

Since there is no need to get the backplate I was simply stating the easier version to get and fit, I was simply clarifying my previous post.

 

NVIDIA GTX 980M 8GB Upgrade Kit for MSI GT72 | eBay

Guys what is this and is it legit? Wouldn't that be the best card to buy, even though it is pricier? It looks available right now!

 

Eh masters,

I've got 2 questions ;

- Is it possible to upgrade the LED of the nb? Say to a 120mhz one? If it's possible can give me a link where to get one? I've seen AW user's that they have difficulty with the 120hz screen + 9xxm videocards running it.. Dunno if it applies to MSI laptops though... But for external LED screen is successful though..

- Is it also possible to put a Kensington lock for our notebook? I need to put one soon though

 

Eh masters,

I've got 2 questions ;

- Is it possible to upgrade the LED of the nb? Say to a 120mhz one? If it's possible can give me a link where to get one? I've seen AW user's that they have difficulty with the 120hz screen + 9xxm videocards running it.. Dunno if it applies to MSI laptops though... But for external LED screen is successful though..

- Is it also possible to put a Kensington lock for our notebook? I need to put one soon though

 

kensington lock will be on rear right corner on gt 60 and next to power cord plug on gt70. cant help ya with the led.

 

Guys i have the 17" MSI Barebone laptop,i guess is the GT70 20D so can i use the bios of GT60 20D? If not do you have Félix the bios of the GT70 20D or anybody?? Thanks guys!!!!!

 

GT70 uses 1763 BIOS whilst GT60 uses 16F4 BIOS, you should not mix them.
Also, it's recommended to match the same series to avoid bricking.

 

to all the guys that tried this and have a working 970m inside like me.....Don't you all want a 980m instead?? haha does somebody have a 3dmark skydive score of a 980M???

 

Are you running on stock clevo vbios? If yes, well you're 970m is sleeping lol

 

Well... After bricking god knows how many notebooks, MSI has updated the BIOS update page today... lol

MSI Global - Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Desktop, Motherboard, Graphics and more 64

 

Why omega?