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

Hey guys, i have GT780R with 180W power supply. As i have read, i can upgrade my laptop GPU to GTX 970M. The one from GT72 Upgrade Kit is good? And the heatpipe is useless, right?? I'll have to modify vBIOS even if it's MSI version and not Clevo? Also i have i5-2430M that will bottleneck it, so i should upgrade to quad core i7?

 

It should work fine with your laptop yes, I recommend getting the Clevo card however. It's 6GB, cheaper, and has been proven to be more compatible (vBIOS) with a modded INF driver. If you find that it won't work well with the Clevo driver, you can always cross flash the card with MSI vBIOS as this has also been proven to work perfectly.

The i5 might cause a bottleneck in some games yes. If you can find a cheap i7 Quad you would certainly notice gains in multithreaded games.

 

Thanks for your reply, ill look for i7's now

 

Hey all, I was wondering if anyone has tried upgrading their GT70 0nD (the one with the 675m) to a 970m. Thus far I know the 675m's heatsink won't fit with the 970m, so I would have to buy a 970m heatsink.

Is it possible to upgrade to the 970m?

Thanks a ton for your time.

 

I did it with the GT60 version. You have to mod the heatsink and it's not a perfect fit in the chip area, but it works fine.

 

I've successfully made a fresh install to windows 10 and installed succesfully the nvidia drivers (355.84) and all its components including the keyboard lights and function keys (win 8 drivers works here) except for the Bluetooth which Microsoft updated it.

Under Device Manager, 970m reads it succesfully.. here's my GPU hardware ID PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_ 13D8&SUBSYS_ 110C1462&REV_A1


One thing i've noticed.. Upon modding the drivers "nv_disp" with this settings

[Manufacturer]

%NVIDIA_A% = NVIDIA_SetA_Devices,NTamd64.6.0,NTamd64.6.1,NTamd64.6.2,NTamd64.6.3


[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.0]

%NVIDIA_DEV.13D7.0551.1028% = Section034, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D7&SUBSYS_05511028
%NVIDIA_DEV.13D8.110C.1462% = Section034, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D8&SUBSYS_110C1462

[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1]

%NVIDIA_DEV.13D7.0551.1028% = Section152, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D7&SUBSYS_05511028
%NVIDIA_DEV.13D8.110C.1462% = Section152, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D8&SUBSYS_110C1462



[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.2]

%NVIDIA_DEV.13D7.0551.1028% = Section153, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D7&SUBSYS_05511028
%NVIDIA_DEV.13D8.110C.1462% = Section153, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D8&SUBSYS_110C1462



[NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.3]

%NVIDIA_DEV.13D7.0551.1028% = Section154, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D7&SUBSYS_05511028
%NVIDIA_DEV.13D8.110C.1462% = Section154, PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13D8&SUBSYS_110C1462


[Strings]

DiskID1 = "NVIDIA Windows (64 bit) Driver Library Installation Disk 1"
NVIDIA = "NVIDIA"
NVIDIA_A = "NVIDIA"

NVIDIA_DEV.13D7.0551.1028 = "NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M"
NVIDIA_DEV.13D8.110C.1462 = "NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M"

in 3D Games the GPU it executes is the Intel HD4000. Can someone enlighten me on why the GPU in game executes the Intel 4000 and not NVIDIA 970m gpu?

 

I think you are not the only one with this troubles... I'll wait more to update to W10. It seems that is causing some problems. And, at the moment, I see no reason to upgrade from W8.1

 

I know now why it's not working. Its the driver issues with dx 9. Old games won't work causing it to crash when you execute the game. But newer games like Grid2, Shadows of Mordor, Batman Arkham night works flawlessly..

 

What if you manually install DirectX 9? Would this enable those older titles to work?

 

Did that and it's a no go. Microsoft must fix this

 

I'll just add my 2 cents worth:
Yes I can report it works, I have the GT70 OND (with the 675m) and I successfully upgraded it to the 970m. I did donate to Svet for a modded Bios, I would highly recommend it, he provided very clear instructions for flashing correctly (which is helpful if you haven't done it before, as was the case with myself). I didn't have to mess around with flashing vbios or using any INF custom nv drivers (although I don't know for sure if that was a direct benefit of the modded system bios or not), I just installed standard drivers after physically installing the hardware. It's been almost 2 months and no problems, although I'll admit haven't had a chance to really push it to it's limits yet. Mainly just playing CS:GO and SC2:HotS both on Ultra 1080p settings, but still nothing too intensive.

There is an annoying x bracket that came with my card (and I assume with most), this will need to be removed, but you'll want to take your time with it. I think it took me +20 minutes of slowly working it off with my fingernails and I think I may have used a plastic spudger.

Other than that I just needed to slightly modify the 675m heatsink to make sure it sat properly on the card. ( Just use thermal pads to ensure smooth surface connection with key card components, especially helpful if you accidentally grind too deep with the dremel). I used paste on the die though. but stuck thin strips of thermal pads on the edges of the copper to make it square to fit the shape of the die. Don't know if that was nessessary, but thats just what I did. I get temps maxing out at 65-68 C (no turbo fan) on CS:GO and idling at 30 C. I think it got up to 76 C with Crisis Warhead. I'm happy with those temps, massive drop from the 675m. Hopefully that means it will last longer than the 675m did.

Also note: I didn't experience any problems or abnormalities seating the card properly in the "chip area" on the GT70 as was documented for the GT60 by superguy25

 

Hi Guys,


I had the same issue with my W10 after some days using it.
At the beginning I thought that my card was damaged, but only Dx9 games couldn’t run, they only worked in Window mode, with glitches.
When I try to use full screen the application crash.
However using Dx11 no problem were found, actually the 3DMark points where almost the same.

Using the Kombustor I found out that the GPU was fine and the hardware was running ok.
I could use Dx11 or OGL except Dx9!

I’ve installed fresh the W10 twice, wasn’t the Windows, wasn’t the DirectX files.
So I came back to W8.1, tested everything, no problem was found…

But I really missed W10…
So I decided to install again the W10 (3rd Time in the same week), but in this time I searched a driver version that worked perfectly, this was the first driver released to W10, nVidia 353.62 ( http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/geforce-353-62-windows-10-driver-download.html )

You still need to force installation of modified drivers, it's the same procedure of W8.1.

I have a USB hardware (PS3 Navigation controller) which I use to play FPS, I have an alternative driver that only can be installed and work if Windows is in TEST MODE ON, so my system is always in TEST MODE.

I have no problems now, everything is working flawless.
W10 Build 10240 with 353.62 nVidia Drivers with Mod INF file from http://laptopvideo2go.com/)

I haven't tried to update the drivers again, because the last time was really painful.
I'm happy with this version...

 

Also be careful removing the bracket so you don't pop off capacitors like I did.

 

Hello, everyone. I am a bit confused - does the BIOS linked on 1st page (BIOS for Ivy Bridge GT60/GT70) is applicable for GT70 (MS-1762)? It has a name of BIOS for MS-16F3 (16f3 51x.zip)

 

They're not compatible. You'll brick your computer if you apply it.

You need one specifically for the GT70.

 

Yes bios files are not compatible between cpu generation (different chipset) machines.

 

1762 can be flashed to 1762, whilst 16F3 to 16F3.
You should not flash 1762 with 16F3 ROM, etc.
If you need a new BIOS for your system, I can always request one for you.

 

Thanks for replies

It would be nice. My model is GT70 0NC and current BIOS is E1762IMS.105. Thanks!

 

10U is the latest version of BIOS.
http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT70_0NC.html#down-bios&Win7 64

EC Firmware:
http://www.msi.com/support/nb/GT70_0NC.html#down-firmware&Win7 64

You can confirm the info in the BIOS under System Information.

 

Thanks for links. But do these BIOS and firmware are enough to make system works with GTX 970M? As I understand, it is necessary to update BIOS to unoficial .51X version

 

51X is for the GT60.

 

These BIOS/EC are official, but only MSI engineers know what they have done to these BIOS, and users who had already pioneered to gave these BIOS a shot with 970M.
Since you have 10X so you can't really flash to 51X because of incompatible versions.
You may need to check with Svet to see if he can help you to override the flash so you can get a full flash instead.

 

Svet hangs out in the official MSI forum, for those that aren't aware. Bios mods aren't free - they'll run you 10 euros (about $12 with the current exchange rate). He's pretty quick and responsive once he's paid though. Well worth the money.

 

Yup, just beer money, occasionally he does it for free if he likes ya.

 

Hey guys,

I have an MSI Gt683r with an intel core i7-2630QM CPU and a gtx 560m, 1.5gb gddr5

Do you guys know if I can upgrade the gpu to a 970m?
Will I need to modify or buy a new heat sink?

Thanks

 

Thanks guys, I'll try to serach further for solution

 

I have a 980m in my gt702pe
Is there any way to undervolt the card for cooler operation?

 

The card does not support under volting, it can't go below what is set in the vbios so the vbios would need to be modded.

 

Is there a modded vbios out that would let me undervolt or would I have to have someone do it for me?

 

Asking again, would appreciate if anyone knows this

I have an MSI Gt683r with an intel core i7-2630QM CPU and a gtx 560m, 1.5gb gddr5

Do you guys know if I can upgrade the gpu to a 970m?
Will I need to modify or buy a new heat sink?

Thanks

 

The machine is too outdated to support 970M, but the best GPU you can use on the system is 7970M.
The other issue you will need to worry about is heatsink compatibility.

 

I have an msi gt70 2pc but in bios it shows the marketing name as gt70 2qd. Is this normal or did I flash the wrong bios?

 

Yes that is normal, it picks up the GPU and comes up with a model number.

If it was the wrong bios the more likely outcome is no boot

 

I am having an issue that I hope can be resolved without me having to replace the MOB. My sound begins cutting out during gameplay. The decline in volume starts as slight static to a crackling sound and then no sound. I monitor my temps with Afterburner and I do know that when my temps rise my issue begins. Turning on the turbo fan sets the sound straight again and if I start with the fan on the issue doesn't occur. I have checked into it a bit and no one has any clear diagnoses to this problem but I learned that the sound component is beneath the GPU and may be damaged from too much heat exposure. I downloaded the realtek driver from the manufactures website and installed, which did hinder the amount of time that passed before I noticed a disturbance. Can someone give me some good news or a swift kick in the nuts? I fear that I already know the end result.

 

Hi guys,

Finally managed to update my MSI GT70 2OC with an MSI 970m 3GB.
However I am on Windows 10 and I am getting this weird crashes with the driver:-


Anyone here having similar issues? Could it be hardware? Or sure it is a driver issue with Windows 10?
I searched online seems like I am not the only one though so I am really confused. Wasnt really gaming on my older 770m on Windows 10 so I am not sure if there was the same issue there.

Regards,
Harvinder

 

I think that you have driver issue. What is your driver version? Did you try clean install of Nvidia driver?

 

Heatsink should be replaced for sure. And driver mods are required for each new one.
There are GT780 -ies which work with 970m so don't see a reason why wouldn't on GT683.

 

Thanks, tried all the drivers in the 355.XX drivers. Always cleaning first with DDU and then reinstalling new drivers.

I made a few changes now, have the laptop set in High Performance Mode and I have turned off Fast Shutdown from the power options in Windows 10 too. GeForce Experience is also not installed. With clean install of 355.82, Seems to be a lot more stable now.

Seems to be a Windows 10 issue, quite a lot of people complaining about this. Will see how this goes before I try to update drivers to check.

 

did u do a clean Windows 10 installation?

 

Yeap had a clean windows 10 install as well. I think it's just Windows 10 and buggy drivers.

So far after the changes I have it seems to be stable but will monitor a bit longer before I say the problem is gone as the crash is usually random.

FYI had the same crash with Intel drivers too, had to wipe and clean drivers from windows update and it never gave any problems

 

Have anyone ever had an issue with everything running exclusively on the integrated gpu instead of the geforce card?
I am having this issue right now, despite being able to see and read sensor data off my geforce 980m, everything that requires a proper gpu runs super slow and gpu temps never raise above 41c (usually ~35c without turbo fan) not sure when it started, tried clean installing several different driver versions, everything seems fine but terrible fps @ anything that isn't minesweeper (or ehh... Hearthstone)
And yes, drivers are set to default on geforce, and manually selected application's exe to run on geforce gpu via the nv control panel.. kind of feeling lost :x

 

Did you try to disable the internal GPU and restart? Do you still boot into windows?

If you fail to boot it windows then you will need to boot into safe mode and it should re-enable the disabled internal GPU, but it should also indicate a faulty 980m.

If it boots then you should try to run games, no way of running it on the integrated GPU since it is disabled in windows.

 

That won't work with my laptop, my laptop requires the internal gpu in order to interact with the display (be it the laptop's screen or an external one) disabling the internal gpu will leave me with a black screen (and as a bonus, possibly due to a bug, fans stuck on turbo mode) until ill remove the laptop's battery & the motherboard's battery in order to reset the bios's settings back to one with internal gpu enabled.

my geforce 980m is automatically detected by windows, driver installation requires no inf modifications (its clevo based gpu with msi vbios) this setup previously worked, no changes have been made since it did work last time.. and then after a while it just doesn't, in the way in which I explained, everything is detected, even msi applications (MSI Kombustor 3\afterburner detect the gpu) but everything runs on the integrated gpu for no reason

 

That is seriously a weird issue. Can try any of the below maybe:-
1. Power Management --> High Performance Mode
2. Power Management --> What my Power Button Does ---> Quick Shutdown (Uncheck)
3. Clean Install Drivers (Remove old drivers with DDU and install latest drivers from NViDIA)
4. Check Windows Update recent installs, there might have been some driver update for GPU, if so try to uninstall it or do a restore.
5. Reinstall Windows? Not sure what version you are running, I had issues with Windows 10 as well but was solved by turning on High Performance Mode in Power Settings and disabling quick Shutdown.

Hope it works for you. I suspect its most likely a faulty Windows Update cause you did say it worked before.

 

Hey guys,
I am in dire need of your advice.

I have purchased a Force 1761 (MS-1761) laptop from xoticpc.com in 2011, but now the video card need replacement.
Now I've been told that the 970M fits perfectly however I am not too sure which one to purchase.
Does the vid card need to be Clevo or is there any sort of restrictions which 970M should I buy?

After a brief search I have found this: link

I also saw that people were opting for the GT72 MXM Upgrade Kit. Is this a better choice?

Also would I need to do anything about the cooling or the drivers?

thanks a lot for any advice you can give me

 

If you're in the US, you can get it here.

http://rjtech.com/shop/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30307

 

Thanks superguy. Though unfortunately I am from the UK.

So you say there is no need for the upgrade kit, just the card would suffice?
Does that mean that I don't need to do any changing to the existing heatsink nor to any drivers?

Also just to confirm, this one from ebay would work also?

 

No worries. I couldn't tell if that was just a UK link or if you lived over there.

That one should work. You can't use the heatsinks, etc that come with it as you'll use what's already in the laptop. So just the card is all you need.

The GT60 and GT70 can take a 970m, but the heatsink has to be modded as the component positioning on the cards is different (my original was a 675m). Omega and Talon did a lot of the ground work early on in the thread to show, in particular where you need to mod the heatsink.

Modding the heatsink isn't hard - you just need a dremel tool. The sandpaper type heads worked much better than the grind stone heads. The mod should take only a few minutes to do. You just need to be careful that you don't take too much off or stray into an area that shouldn't be ground. Main thing is that you check it against your card and make sure it fits after the mod.

You'll also need the most recent bios. I'm not sure what it was on the GT70, but on the GT60 it was the 51X. This enabled the laptop to be able to take a 970/980m. You can dig thru the earlier parts of this thread and find it, but this is an important piece of the puzzle.

If the card comes with the X bracket on, it'll have to be removed. Be VERY careful doing this. I ended up knocking a couple capacitors off and I had to find a shop that could fix it. Even then, I don't think the repair held as it doesn't work for me now. So learn from my mistake. Just go slow, and work it off slowly. Some have suggested heating the bracket with a hair dryer to loosen the glue. If you can get them to ship you a bare card, even better.

If all goes well, apply your paste, use some thermal pads over the memory, and make sure you have a good fit. Mount it, and you're good to go.

Mine came from a Clevo and worked fine. Earlier drivers required a modded INF to properly install, though that may not required now.

 

I was on Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center, everything was fine for many months.
Then the very first restart that I did after backing up my data using Norton Ghost ... I get black screen with a mouse pointer that isn't the same as my usual one (I changed the default icon and now I have the default icon back)
My computer is password protected yet there's no place to enter the password, just plain typing it with enter afterwards doesn't get me anywhere either (assumed it was just display issue, it isn't... by the looks of it).
Using the installation disk I tried to repair, it can't, tried fixing issues with startup, it didn't change anything, went safe mode, it works, removed geforce driver, computers boots.
From that point onward anything I did that resulted in having my geforce card show up in device manager and not being disabled resulted in the same thing:
black screen, default pointer, no way to log in, and the pointer keeps resting to the center and the numlock keeps blinking every 20-30 sec ..
Seeing as nothing helps, reinstalled windows 8.1 - which made everything work.... except that the geforce wouldn't ehh.. "engage" so I figured that I might as well install windows 10 pro, lost the "media center" part and ehh.. the geforce is still refusing to do anything.

Went safe mode via DDU and removed everything (nvidia drivers and intel gpu drivers).
Figured, since the intel gpu is the "pipe" that connects geforce to the screen.. maybe the intel drivers are the cause?
downloaded and installed the latest intel driver, restart then did the same for the geforce drivers... everything looks good but .. geforce 980m doesn't get used, stays idle, while the intel gpu is being used for everything :|
Even when the nv control panel's software settings is set to default @ nvidia cheap and manually set each app exe to nvidia.

Its all this optimums thing... kinda wish that there was a way to live without it (like they do on some clevo laptops)

edit:
forgot to mention that I did as you suggested with the power settings.. it didn't change anything.
Seriously considering fresh installing windows... 7, just to see if it too has this thing, feels like driver issue.

 

wow awesome. just one question that is not 100% clear to me.
Does it need a vBIOS update for the GPU and a system BIOS also or just one of them? In the opening post Talon mentions both.

oh yeah and a last thing. there is no problem with wattage, right? the new card don't draw more power than the old one.