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

So, I've been watching this thread for a few months now and am ready to take the plunge...... but I'm not quite sure what the current state of hardware is at now. From my understanding (at the time I originally stumbled upon this thread- when it was around 83 pages), due to my system I would need to purchase a gtx 770/780/870/880m heatsink then purchase the gtx970m card.

My system is the GT70 0ND-219US

It is currently using a gtx 675m card. I have been unable to find any reasonably priced heatsinks to perform the necessary modifications on to fit a gtx 970m. This is where I am wondering as to what the latest is....

Do I still need to go the route of purchasing the above-stated heatsink to modify for the 970m or has an alternative/easier method been found? I know that msi has come out with their own updgrade kit for the GT72 laptops but from my understanding (which could be horribly outdated/wrong), the heatsinks/cards will not work for my laptop.

 

Some users have been able to get older heatsinks to work with the 970m but does require additional grinding and additional thermal padding. This in my opinion is less than ideal, but if you want to save money and don't mind the additional work if could work out for you as well. Personally I would not take the risk of something not fitting properly with a $450 graphics card.

I would spend the extra cash and buy this before its gone.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-MSI-MED...394?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f4a8d79d2 -- This is an official MSI GT60/70 970m and 980m heatsink. This is 100% plug and play. I found a 780m heatsink for $75, but at that point spend the $25 and get an official heatsink.

No the GT72 heatsink will not work. The laptop layout/chassis is completely different.

 

I've played BF4 and Watch Dogs on the card and every thing runs great. As I had mentioned in my earlier post that the temperature stays between 84C to 87C even though I think pasting job is OK. So, I decided to overclock GPU core clock and Memory clock using MSI Afterburner. I overclocked GPU by 100 Hz and Memory by 200 Hz but again the in-game (BF4) temperatures reaches 87C and stayed there. I have played for almost 15 mins and nothing changes. So, what is going on? Why is the temperature stays there?

 

Is absolutely normal. The 980m likes to go on 86°C and if you do not turn on the turbo fans you'll get this temps. Don't worry

 

First of all, I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done and continue to do! I have ordered the heatsink you linked and will order the video card soon as well. The only items I may need now are the thermal pads and possibly thermal paste (have some few-years-old Arctic Silver but I'm not sure how well it would hold up). Thanks again!

 

Well that's the problem, now the fan profile is changed as well. I don't have to press turbo fan (even though it's working fine). Whenever I start any GPU intensive job (game or benchmark) the temperature goes to 87C and Fan would become loud (goes to 5000 RPM like in Turbo Fan). And still the temps stays there. I guess there is something wrong with the placement of 1.0 mm thermal pads because when I was pushing down the heatsink on to the GPU to tight the screws, I had to push it hard for the heatsink screws to make contact with GPU so that I can make them tight.

By the way, I read about your problem in the forum as well. And also @Talon was suggesting someone to make sure that heatsink make proper contact with the GPU core which in my case is forced by the screws only. So, I'll replace to pads with all 0.5mm. Plus, what do you think about Arctic Silver 5 paste as both Amazon and NewEgg has almost 5/5 user ratings about this paste and this is what I had used.

 

It's very important to get the pads right, you can greatly aid or hinder your cooling.

 

Arctic Silver 5 was very good a few years ago. Now, there are better thermal pastes like IC Diamond, Arctic Cooling MX-2,MX-4.
Your GPU temperature is normal and is also fine for the fan to go louder when that particular temperature is reached.
Did you uninstall Dragon Gaming Center and install the other version that is for Nvidia GTX 980M for MSI GT72? It has some exclusive SHIFT technology for system’s performance and balance. The whole new feature SHIFT brings you total control over the system’s balance between performance and temperature. Switch between profiles Sport, Comfort, and Green to find the perfect balance between system performance and temperature. SHIFT is activated by the FN + F7 hotkey combo, or via the Dragon Gaming Center. That feature is for MSI GT72 model, but since you upgraded your GPU it can also work.

 

@Zar and @Meaker : Today I have done a re-paste of Arctic Silver 5 and same old pads. Actually, the problem was, I put 1.0 mm thermal pads at wrong places e.g., on top of 3 big chips that comes after memory blocks and similarly towards the edges of the GPU. It seemed that this made heatsink to made poor contact with the GPU core. So, I rearranged the pads and made sure that I used 1.0mm pads only to the places where there was more gap with the heatsink. So, this time when I put it back the heatsink the screws were easily placed inside the holes of the GPU.

Now I have ran Firestrike (7639) and SkyDiver(19787). Heavens benchmarks have significantly improved from 1022 to 1119. From early results it seems like there is big improvement in the temperature. But I'll keep an eye on the temperatures to see if that has solved the problem completely or not. But at the same time all scores were a little lower than before even though the temperature is more in control.

@Zar For the GT72 Dragon Gaming Center, I'll give it a try but this has been discussed before in the forum and the end result was that it was not working on GT laptops. But again they also reported SCM was not working and it is working perfectly fine on my GT 60 Dominator.

 

The heatsink and card have been ordered! Once I get everything together (supposedly by the end of the week if eta shipping is to be believed), all I'll need to do is make sure I've got everything setup on the software end (modded drivers still, yes?) then I'll post back my results

 

I had been reading the thermal paste reviews on Tomshardware http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/thermal-paste-performance-benchmark,review-32804-21.html. Now I wanted to see the impact of Fujiploy 0.5mm (11W/mk) pads and Gelid GC Extreme combination. Even though after adjusting the thermal pads the temperature is under control around 76C to 78C with Turbo Fan on in BF4 online max settings. But the way @Talon had his GT60 temps I'll try to see how it goes with this combination.

By the way, I've installed the Dragon Gaming Center of GT72 Dominator on my GT60 Dominator but I don't know how to confirm if those settings (Green Mode, Comfort Mode, or Sport Mode) are playing any actual role in deciding the fan speed. Anyone has any suggestion?

 

These modes are not controlling the fan. They are for better gaming experience. In Sport Mode both CPU and GPU runs at the highest frequency for maximum performance. In Comfort Mode the GPU frequency is limited to level 1. Also, maintain GPU temperature at maximum of 89°C. Green Mode disables Intel Turbo boost and limits GPU frequency to level 2. Control CPU and GPU temperatures at a maximum of 85°C. I think that the Green mode is the best for both GPU and CPU.
If you want your fan to run not at maximum speed remove the battery and your CPU and GPU temperatures will decrease. You can expect a little drop in gaming, but I think that it's worth it to try. Don't forget if you want to game to use a laptop cooler which is always helping for reducing temperature of the laptop.

 

The only way to control the fan would be to use Svet's tool to program in the values or the old software fan control that needs to be set on every boot.

 

Update: I have tested all Dragon Gaming Center GT 72 features (Green, Comfort, Sport) on my GT60. These features are meant for that laptop and it has nothing because of GTX 980m or GTX 970m. I selected each feature one-by-one and ran FireStrike but score doesn't change.

 

Congratulation man
you have the same laptop as mine.
Also, you get the same firestrike score with stock Vbios.
But your temperature is higher.
My maximum GPU temp was 78C.
After trying many Vbioses I found that Prema Vbios gave me the correct firestrike score which is 8200.
and my temp sometime reaches 90C.

 

After removing the thermal pads of 1.0mm width, I was able to adjust the heatsink properly on the GPU. This was the only problem and now my temps in-game (BF4 online) with Turbo Fan On remains around 76C. My firestrik fluctuates from 7600 to 7950 which is strange. I have ordered the Fujipoly pads and Gelid GC Extreme paste to further reduce the temps and then I'll try Prema VBios. Did you use some overclocking with Prema vbios or is it the normal behavior of this vbios? Do you use the GT60 180W adapter or did you buy anything else. What game do you play and what were your FPS?

 

Guys, can somebody help me?..

Whay about MSi GT70 0nc MS-1762 with BIOS Version - E1762IMS.50U - it is possible to change videocard on 970m/980m ?..

Because I dont find my notebook in the list. It will works with processor Ivy Bridge ?

 

In this thread, if you read the first 20 pages then you'll find that @omega939 had Ivy Bridge laptop and I guess similar motherboard. He upgraded with GTX 970m and you'll also find the pictures of heatsink. Based on what I've read throughout this thread is that you can definitely upgrade your laptop with GTX 970m and GTX 980m.

 

Thanks)

 

Yes, either mod your existing heatsink or get one from the latest series and make sure you are on the latest bios and you should be good.

 

What BIOS do I need to upgrade from GTX670M to a 880M?

 

No i didn't overclock it. but i tried to overclock it just for testing.
yes i use the normal adapter 180W.
I have tested GTA V today and my fps above 50 on ultra.

 

Update: Today I've got Gelid GC Extreme paste and Fujipoly SARCON X-E Extreme System Builder 0.5mm (11w/mk). I've reapplied everything again and results were SIMPLY AWESOME. Initially, yy default temperatures using Heaven's benchmark even after Turbo Fan ON were around 85C and score was 1122. Similarly the FireStrike scores were around 8650, SkyDiver around 17000 and temperature were around 86C. Now, after applying this new paste and pads, the temperatures with Turbo Fan On doesn't even go beyond 71C even after overclocking my GPU by 100MHz and Memory clock by 300MHz. Now, just after more control over the temperatures following are the results:
Without overclocking:
Heaven's score = 1178
FireStrike = http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/6747543
SkyDiver = http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/6746625
CloudGate= http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/6746668

After OverClocking:
Heaven Score = 1289
FireStrike = http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/6747607

Guys, I would seriously recommend this combination who ever is spending so much money on upgrading his/her laptop. It's worth it

 

This means that by default premo VBios overlocks the cards. I'll also test GTA V soon and after such awesome temps, I'll give Premo a try.

 

yes that's correct
Prema Vbios overclock it in some way. i think by increase the voltage alittle bit. but im not sure
Also, while playing GTA V my highest temp was 91C! not 90C.

 

So that's mean the paste itself can increase the performance? without overclocking...
Maybe that's my problem when i was getting 7200 in fire strike.

 

I must definitely advise you to use this combination not just the paste. I played BF4 online for 2 hours (64 players maps). I use maximum graphics settings except, anti-aliasing 2xMSAA, Effects Quality Low (for less distraction) and Terrain Decoration Low (for more visibility). Plus, I restrict my FPS to 70 as this screen is just 60 Hz. During the entire gaming session, the temperature doesn't go beyond 64C and GPU utilization stays around 70% to 75%.

Another update, I've used this paste and pads combination to my old Pavilion DV4t laptop and temperature results were awesome. So, highly recommend this combination and then let me know.

 

Just go the MSI website page of your laptop and then follow the instructions to upgrade to the latest BIOS. Then you'll be able to upgrade to either GTX 880M or GTX 980M. On a side note, make sure if there exist some intermediate BIOS that should be upgraded to before going to the latest BIOS, then you must follow that. Just read the entire BIOS page to get this information.

 

I highly advise against buying an 880M. They are seriously garbage and throttling due to their extreme power consumption and thermals. Its not a good card for any GT60/70 laptop. The 780M ran warm, but at least it didn't throttle.

Unless you get a killer deal on the card, I would buy a 970M which will destroy the 880M in both terms of performance and thermals at stock and absolutely wreck it once unlocked and overclocked.

 

Hi Marshall (anyone who did that to GT70 0NE with 680m)! 2 questions:

1. I think someone before said that 680M heatsink which comes with GT70 0NE can't be used for 970/80M even if moded, as it is missing some sort of bridge (or just different shape?)?
And you would need to buy a new(old) heatsink (smthing from 780M or later)? Is it true?

Or did you just took native 680m heatsink and (like in Marshall supplement guide case) it worked for 970m?

2. Talon - is that update at the end of first post about x51 BIOS more recent than the update in red font about latest BIOS? And where do you get these? On MSI page ( http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT70_0NC.html#down-bios&Win8 64) it offers only a version of 2013 as latest (x50).

Thank you!

 

That looks amazing.
I will give it a try one day.

 

First, how to backup the vBios?
Second, currently I am using the stock Clevo vBios for my GTX 980m and I can install drivers directly from nVidia website. If I use Prema vBios, do I need to use moded driver?
Third, can anybody share the prema vBios for GTX 980m 8GB?

 

Guys - anyone?

 

@omega939 was the first one to upgrade from GTX 680m to GTX 970m and if you can read the first 20 pages of this thread then you should be able get answers for your first question.

Second, first of all you have mentioned that you own GT 70 0NE but the MSI page that you've shared is for GT70 0NC. First and foremost, make sure you find the right MSI page for your exact model before you proceed, plus read the entire page to follow instructions to heart. Next, the purpose of upgrading to the latest BIOS is nothing more than the fact that you don't have to use the moded nVidia drivers. If you can have latest BIOS then you can directly download the drivers for GTX 970m from nVidia website and install. But, if your laptop doesn't have latest BIOS available on MSI website, still you can do the upgrade but then you'll have to install drivers with moded inf. Where did you get these drivers, again read the first 20 pages you'll get answers from @omega939 posts.

 

A GTX 980M can be placed in a GT70 2OD-089US Dragon Edition 2?
http://www.msi.com/product/nb/GT70_Dragon_Edition_2.html#hero-overview

 

Where did you get the thermal pads? I'm attempting to use FrozenCPU but it seems as though they are still not allowing purchases (apparently they are re-working their staff as of February).... that or my browser(s) are just not displaying the 'checkout' button.

 

It has GTX 780m and the pictures of this heatsink before and after mod can be seen on the first page. Plus, GTX780m and GTX 870m has same heatsink. I upgraded from GTX 870m to GTX 980m. @Talon upgraded from GTX 780m to GTX 970m. So, yes definitely you can upgrade this. I've made the video of the entire process but couldn't find time to edit it. But, hopefully before this weekend I'll upload the video as well.

 

http://www.performance-pcs.com/fuji...-padding-quarter-sheet-150-x-100-x-0-5mm.html

I bought these pads and Gelid GC Extreme paste from this online store.

 

Guys, I have a question as well. If I change my Clevo vBIOS to Prema vBIOS, do I need to use nVidia drivers with moded inf?

 

Prema's vBIOS is based off of the Clevo vBIOS, so you should not need to modify the drivers if the drivers already install for you without a modded inf file.

 

Thanks for the information, im going to do that i will post the results, thanks

 

So.... I've got just about everything set up and should have the final pieces in by next Tuesday (the thermal paste/pads - thanks to FidaGillani for assistance/recommendation).
The card's thermal pads that were on the default heatsink the 970 shipped with were pretty rough so I'm opting on put on some newer/fresh ones.

While I wait for the last component though, is there anything I can do in preperation on the laptop before I install the card or is it simply download the latest bios offered on the my laptop's product page ( http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT70-0ND.html#down-bios&Win7 64) and install the card using the drivers from nvidia's site?

Unsure if there are different bios or other drivers that I need to be installing or flashing (saw some people mentioning NB...as in north bridge?) but wasn't quite sure if that was something I needed to concern myself over in regards to my laptop setup.

 

My understanding of NB is NoteBook . Also upgrade your laptop EC firmware to the latest one as well. It is not directly related to GPU working but some other features (Steel series keyboard etc.,) will not have any effect. By the way, it seems like the latest BIOS of your laptop mentioned on the website, seems old. So, in case if you couldn't install the drivers directly from the nVidia website, don't panic and install the moded drivers.

 

Thermal pads make me sick. They always flipping out when I try to place the heatsink. I actually damaged little bit one or two pads during the process. It is good to hear that you actually placed them in order.

 

Hey - thank you for the reply! Read the whole thing (quite a facinating read). Heatsink story seems more or less clear.

Now to the BIOS. As you noticed - my laptop is MSI GT70 0NE-452US (that ONC was a wrong link).
When I go into BIOS it shows this version - E1762IMS.50T or 1762EMSI Ver 5.03
When I download the latest one from the website - it says E1762IMS.50X

QUESTION #3: Given the post below and couple of cases when people bricked their laptops while updating BIOSes in the wrong order - is it safe to go from 50T to 50X. Is "X" even a version? (I just took it from the file name - or does it stands for generic "some" 50-smthing bios?

QUESTION #4: According to MSI guide the files in that latest BIOS suggest using EFI Shell mode... Is that the one which is unsafe and got peoples nbs bricked?

QUESTION #5: What is the latest NVIDIA driver which will allow OC via Afterburner? Did they return this feature into the 347.5?

 

New thermal pads had a plastic coating on both sides, so it made it easy to finish without tearing them apart

 

First, 1762EMSI Ver 5.03 is the EC Firmware version and E1762IMS.50T is the NB Bios version.

Second, they have these weird numbering conventions. I had to go from 50R to 50V to 51A. So, don't worry. Plus, also cross check the BIOS release date from your laptop bios and from the web page to confirm how newer is the one on the web-site.

Third, What I had seen on the BIOS page of your laptop, there was no middle step as it was for my laptop. e.g., http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT60-2PC-Dominator.html#down-bios&Win8.1 64 . If you read on this page for my laptop, you'll see that it is clearly mentioned that there is a middle step.

Fourth, whatever is written on the BIOS page of your laptop follow that because I used EFI method from within the BIOS as described by the MSI page for my laptop. It worked fine. There was no problem with the EFI process but the not updating the right BIOS.

Fifth, currently I am using 350.12 latest driver for GTX 980m and I was able to overclock using MSI Afterburner. But it was limited to just total maximum 200 MHz but after I've flashed the Prema vBios for my GTX 980m, I can go beyond 200 MHz. But don't worry, it's not very useful for in-game FPS at the cost of extra temperature. By the way, after overclocking GPU core by 200 MHz and Memory by 360 MHz the the score was
http://www.3dmark.com/3dm/6798796

 

Got it! That 50V step was the one I was worried about. So I hope it is just not applicable to GT70 - ONE model (and not that they forgot to update that page as well as they forgot to fix GT60 page some time ago - when people where bricking their nbs). Also 50T seems to be dated from 2012, while 50X if from 2013 - so it is the way to go for now.


As for the 5th - 350.12 with modded inf - or just normal install works now? Did you try 350.12 only after you got Prema vBios - or that worked on Clevo vBios as well?

Oh, - that score of yours... My 970m is due to come in post in few days. And it seems like there is no way back now

 

Also... The website has only 50x version. According to the first post - those will not work (unless info is outdated). If that's true - where do I find 51x BIOS for GT70 ONE-US452?

 

I believe I've got the latest EC firmware update they had listed for Windows 7: http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT70-0ND.html#down-firmware&Win7 64

It seems (across the board with all drivers/bios) that the Windows 8 updates are closer to what is needed; w8_E1762IMS.50X.... might it be a better option for me to install the Windows 10 preview (supposedly will update into the full release product) to take advantage of the Windows 8 bios/drivers or is my laptop in a pickle either way?

I've been trying to scour the google ocean for any chances of unlocked bios or something to make this easier but now it looks like it may be a bit more difficult on the software side in comparison to the hardware side of it all. I don't remember what page in this thread it was, but at some point *I believe someone had said they had the same model laptop model as I.... hopefully they may see this and respond with how they went about with their updates?

The biggest concern is, based off the front page, there is the mention that those with Ivy-Bridge processors need the bios updates...so without a proper bios update would that render everything useless or would it still be possible to go forward with the modded driver/inf installs?

Lastly.....if it comes down to it, might a custom bios be needed? https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?board=51.0
The current bios my laptop is at is: E1762IMS.30U

*Edit:
Found the post I was referring to:

OnSide182 (or anyone that spoke with him), any resolve for this? I haven't been able to find any follow-ups with what was posted...