MSI Katana 15 B13V - disassembly and upgrade options

[@neal1478]

Your videos are truly excellent. No flaffing around, just clear instructions. Very impressed.

[@michaelflores6249]

just bought this laptop and i'm very pleased to see the upgrade options

[@sulm2667]

Do you recommend buying? I only use Photoshop and Premiere

[@CommentThink]

does not have THUNDERBOLT​, i am about to return this pos. my 2017 msi and 2017 razer had fucking one. this shit does NOT@@sulm2667

[@paulinusrosario.v3722]

​@@sulm2667Yes definitely

[@ouraskc6137]

Thank you so much for showing us where exactly the ssd location is. Checked so many videos but none of them pointed out the location

[@ostrange13]

I cut a little wedge into the spacer foam to help secure the second storage in a little so that’s it’s contacting more than just the AIO MOBO

[@BuffaloC305]

Thanks for that SSD2 discovery and very nice, thorough illustration. Of course, I immediately thought the battery might hold it down but, no, I see some other option must be used... hey, like one of those fancy on-top SSD heatsinks with a rubber bumper or pad against the case-bottom.

[@sholdtjewelers6138]

If you contact MSI they will send you an upgrade kit for free to hold it in place

[@SilichipX]

To hold down SSD2, use double-sided sticky pads. 😉

[@菸酒醫生]

Message from MSI technical support: There is a manufacturing problem at second ssd slot, you can ask them for a pack of ssd kits (bracket screw, ssd bracket, ssd screw, thermal paste).

[@cleyt973]

But how will you use it. Please explain 😅😅

[@菸酒醫生]

@@cleyt973 What do you mean? How will I use those kits? Um.. install it.

[@eliubfj]

Exactly what I needed to read. Thanks!

[@AlexLopez-ToKQK]

​@@eliubfjte lo enviaron ???

[@kulan9352]

So would I have to add a ssd thats 4th gen or 5th gen?

[@snickgamer4206]

From my understanding is that the spacer on second nvme slot is basically there so when you intall the m.2 acts as a resting place for the m.2 and it basically after you close the laptop you are good to go

[@MakaiTechReviews]

It wont fit, cause the "spacer" is higher, so if you install like this it will bend the whole NVME board.

[@MakaiTechReviews]

@@mmm.403 quite jenky solution, but can work.

[@sholdtjewelers6138]

If you contact MSI they will send you an upgrade kit for free to hold it in place

[@mry2338]

​@@sholdtjewelers6138Did they send you for free ????

[@KellyConlonOfficial]

This is correct as I upgraded my memory (64G) AND a 2nd SSD drive.(4TB) Took out the og foam and the "bracket" came with a piece to put in that goes under new SSD. You have to get in touch with MSI for the bracket. Hope this helps.......take your time and enjoy the upgrade!!@@sholdtjewelers6138

[@BackToRootz]

Thanks after your video I managed to open it without breaking anything.

[@liminalspace107]

That was an extremely useful video. Many thanks

[@othboi1]

tthanks for making this video, appreciated

[@piqupom3100]

7:40 well i’m an actual newbie to such things. can i add 1T hdd here instead of the second ssd? or is it possible for another ssd only?

[@MakaiTechReviews]

You mean extend/swap the old one? Of course you can, but in that case you need to fully reinstall the operating system / drivers etc. About HDD, no you cannot. OLD 2.5 inch HDD (or in that case SSD) uses SATA3 connectors, these are m.2 connectors.

[@piqupom3100]

@@MakaiTechReviews ah i see, thank you so much!

[@maxmusterman6030]

Thanks for the work!

[@GoodOlNate01]

Good afternoon! I put the ram in wrong. It’s working properly now!

[@MakaiTechReviews]

Glad it all sorted out. ;)

[@CarstenBauer]

Thanks for this video. I just ordered the msi katana 15 b13vek, which I think has either 2 or 3 m.2 SSD slots total. Be interesting to see if there are any mounting screws for 2 and 3. 1 x 512gb is decent, but a second for games would be better. Just saw the comment about the missing brackets. Will use that as an option if mine are missing.

[@gautham2606]

Is battery upgradable? Upto what watt-hr?

[@gautham2606]

Can we add a better watt hour battery replacing the current one

[@dumbcow1]

battery is straight trash XD

[@TechManMax]

Is it possible to use high temp tape to secure the 2nd M2 SSD since the screw is missing? I know MSI do a kit but that only seems to be available in America. I’m in the UK. I have the slot same as in your video but missing the screwhole.

[@JohnDoe-mb6cb]

No, one of the screws is longer. Which one?

[@Slava-m7h]

The part with 2nd ssd is crazy

[@ionutz89ful]

Also, another question, why there is nobody taking out the keyboard? I tried so much to get to the keyboard as I have spilled some juice on it, unfortunately after taking everything it seemed like under the Motherboard, the keyboard is kind of sealed and has some permanent fittings, would you be able to show a keyboard replacement? or in my case how could I clean it easier? as all I did was to buy a Isopropyl alcohool and just spray the entire keyboard, dry it, spray it again, dry it, a few times then I put everything back togheder, but I wish that I could reach the buttons easier, by removing the keyboard, at the same time I've notice some tape around everything after you remove the motherboard, and I don't like to take staff out that I could not place back, maybe you can show me the right way if you could, please reply to this, so I can view it. thank you in advance

[@ionutz89ful]

can you please tell me, how big the second SSD can be? and can you give me a link? I want to make sure that I can fit the right ssd in and not a wrong one, or just provide me with some information in how or what ssd to look for? I was thinking of a 2TB or maybe bigger one, would that be possible to add there?

[@MakaiTechReviews]

In new machines, there is no such thing as "storage size limit" you can go up to 8TB (or even more if there will be any available on the market). Check the links in the video description and look for NVME SSDs. (M.2 2280).

[@rodrigofernandes8171]

Excellent video. How can I reset bios ? I tried to push for a few times that button near battery but didn’t work.

[@Feel_Fried]

can you make a video with heat sink removing?

[@EhCloserLook]

Can anyone link or post a video to benchmark test before and after upgrades??? I would love to know how much my system stands to benefit from upgrading its components.

[@RaNaCrOaCk]

If I want to add the second nvme ssd to this laptop, how should i found that piece to fix the module? Do you kwno where I can buy it?

[@MrSpikeywikey]

Order from MSI support(It's free!)

[@scandaleux]

Should I add 1x32gb to my 1x8gb ram with it, or would that not work well?

[@navidshock96]

Is there any way to swap for higher battery capacity?

[@macrogaming8003]

Usually any gaming laptop built like this in order to put necessary part so the laptop can run well for maximum performance...so there won't be anything u can do about the battery...gaming laptop build to run with charger because it can supply enough watt/current for the GPU to function on optimal used and max use.

[@AnthonyCua]

May you do a CPU/GPU repasting video as well please?

[@axelc8801]

Does the MSI-Katana-A15-AI-B8VG-425NEU have a similar disassembly?

[@dumbcow1]

Appears to be exact same chassis.

Hello, I am using Excalibur. While I had a 480GB M2 SSD in my computer, I bought a 1TB Samsung SSD and I have been using it for 7 years. Can we install this SSD in MSI or do I need an M2 SSD? Is there space for a normal SSD in the PC?

[@Mallze]

I have a few Q, a short toilet answer to each would make my day😁 🫶🏻 It’s how it follows: 1’st Q , is better 2x 16gb dual channel to 32gb or 1x 8 ( orig) and a second 32gb one with both in single channel mode for 40gb ddram ? - my 2’nd Q is if the laptop can perform with 100% performance with the battery removed? ( to preserve ) - my 3’rd Q is if we can use the secondary free PCI for a desk gpu , what were the workarounds and limitations about that ? This is the best vid I could find on the web about this msi model. I can feel the dedication and u have my fully appreciation for your work. Good job man 👍🏻

[@MakaiTechReviews]

1. - 2x 16g (with 8+32 config you will have only dual channel till 8 GB threshold, after that it goes to single) 2. - Not sure, did not tested, but it should as usually the adapter you get is a bit more powerful than the laptop can actually take. To maintain max performance + charge at a certain level 3. - PCIe lane can be the limitation, as long as you can power the eGPU with additional power supply as the slot wont be able to provide sufficient power from the slot itself. LinusTechTips did such thing, but it is simply way sub-optimal modding.

[@Mallze]

@@MakaiTechReviews thank you 🫶🏻🙏🏼

[@andobreslin8735]

Can you replace the battery with the Pulse which is more powerful?! Requiring the removal of the plastic support rods on the spacial end of course.

[@MakaiTechReviews]

Nah, it wont work, even if the connectors are identical. The Katana batteries are working at 11.4V, where the Pulse has a slightly higher volt rating 15V (different cell structure)

[@hectoradrianolague4049]

where can I buy a main board for this computer

[@Rin-lc9de]

Looking to get one of these, the only problem which I see is the Cooling system, whether it's screwed in or soldered onto the board, CPU and GPU, as I've had to replace the fan on the one I'm currently using.. Is it possible that it'll be replaceable? I haven't been able to find any replacement parts as of yet, but that may change.

[@mroverlordikkk7672]

Hey mate how you solved the problem at the end?

[@Rin-lc9de]

@@mroverlordikkk7672 I don't recall too clearly, but I think the fans aren't a part of the copper heat distribution system, they're kind of slightly a part of it and can be removed, even then I think MSI will stock the parts you need anyhow incase you need to replace things, customer service was really good.

[@williamdawson5820]

how big of a heat sink is possible at the secondary ssd location?

[@pralinkhaira5475]

I want to know about msi katana 15 B12UDXK-1017IN ssd and ram upgrade

[@jeannaimarre6654]

Thanks for this video.somebody knows the par number of the 2nd SSD Kaddy please? Sorry for my apromitae english ;-)

[@xm4339]

THERE IS SOMETHING MOVING INSIDE MY KATANA 17. IS IT THE BALANCE WEIGHT?

[@h1ra748]

if you have a decent internet connection at home, better change that dramless ssd as it bottlenecks the downloading speed by quite a lot.

[@ChrisMarshall2024.]

im looking to add a second ssd to my laptop the same model as that one the B13VGK ..For that second slot would it be ok to just buy a stick put it in then drill and tap a hole in the case for a screw to hold it in place if so what size hole to drill and which tap to use.. or is there some other stuff i would need to do as well...or is there another method i could use to fix it in place

[@JAYMONEY14245]

This is janky but could I just shave the foam block until it sits nice out a small hole for the screw drop some super glue I. The hole and screw the ssd down to the block I know you would ruin the ssd when trying to take it back out but if im taking it out I’m changing it anyways

[@kjeni2880]

Just ask msi support for the kit... its free... 2 days and you have it mailed. For real your solution is for people who want lose money...

[@JAYMONEY14245]

@@kjeni2880 it’s not a solution dumbass I was asking for the time being would that be okay or would that be not such a good idea.

[@alifkurniaadisaputra1884]

i'm was bought this laptop in last december, mine SSD is Samsung 1 TB series: samsung mzvl41t0hblb-00btw, in nearly 1 year is used this best to design with PS, Corel and play games Hogwarts Legacy, etc, may i change SSD with proper SSD or not? like samsung ssd 990 pro

[@kamimoros]

Do you have to add new thermal paste when you take out the SSD?

[@EhCloserLook]

I want to install a 2nd SSD into my laptop. Anyone here have any ideas of how I would secure the NVMe drive without the M.2 screw???

[@leopoldoparada76]

Dear friend, how much Ram slot are available in this laptop: 2 or 3? I should replace the 2 original 8GB Ram cards with 2 x 32GB?

[@zaspartans2046]

do this laptop have any storage limit ? as I was told max this laptop can do is 4tb total ( 2 tb on each slot ) and I am really curious about it.

[@davevipe]

Hi jus wana ask if what mhz is ur ddr5 ram? Thank u

[@Flatbum]

Why is mine so hard to open all screws are out and everything

[@hokies1858]

So you can’t change the termal paste from the cpu?

[@pratikmaurya6017]

Will upgrading RAM void my warranty?

[@kjeni2880]

No, unless you break something by yourself during the procedure.

[@Tartaria0126]

Hello sir, i want to upgrade my Msi Katana 15’s Ram but i will keep one of the rams and change the other one slot with another ram does that damage computer if different models are combined ?

[@ShinzoFTW]

Do you have any recommendations on how to secure a second SSD since there isn't a screw hole?

[@BrianC-pz7bo]

You Order the kit from MSI. The kit is free I just got mine.

[@SnowTerebi]

Can you just pull&plug new ram without unplug any ribbons and stuff?

[@Mushinronsha-Dainamaito]

Of course. You must remove it like he did. I just installed 2 16gb sticks and it's easy. Just be careful when you push it down and slide the side clamps out of the way.

[@SnowTerebi]

@@Mushinronsha-Dainamaito TY for the tips! I end up buying the GP68 HX, a 4080 GPU for $1600. Still need to upgrade the ram tho cuz it only has 16gig.

[@jack8356]

Whats the display peak brightness. I keep searching but no one is even revealing it.

[@SmotPoker27]

212nits i believe

[@rhothomir-8010]

Can i add teamgroup ram that had the same ddr and mhz

[@jrr7031]

Dedicated desktop sized GPU? I know the words your using but have no idea how that would actually work.....also, what would that do?

[@jrr7031]

Nvm. 😂 I found out what to do and how to interface it. For future reference, you'll need a display port headless adapter plugged into the desktop sized GPU, if you want to *NOT* use an external monitor.

[@rodrigogonzalez9786]

AMIGO CUANTO GB PUEDO METER EXTRA NVME ?GRACIAS

[@juliusC047]

It can support 5200mhz ram?

[@unknownuser5193]

Yes. 5200 MT/s is the maximum supported speed. 5600 will still work, but it will automatically be underclocked to 5200.

[@Andrew-en1br]

How big is the spacer foam ? For the 2nd ssd thinking if a ‎8 x 2.4 x 0.9 Centimetres L W H ssd with a heat sink will fit

[@xXBurntBaconXx]

Where do I buy the hold down/screw for the 2nd SSD?

[@SilichipX]

Contact MSI support.

[@philiptolosa7822]

My 2nd SSD can't be read by my Windows. I just installed a second one in the extra SSD slot. Bios can read, but my operating system cannot. Need your help please.

[@MakaiTechReviews]

I think you will also need to format the SSD. Open "Disk Management", and check if it sees the drive. First "initialize it", then format. It should be visible after that in your file manager.

[@josenoriegam.8297]

Hi! Does anyone know if the MSI Bravo 15 or 17 C7VFKP model, has solved that problem with the second ssd bracket screw? do i have to talk to technical support or the seller to send the ssd kits ? cause i want to buy one, thank you for your attention.

[@kjeni2880]

Its just a way they desinged and its not the problem, sometimes its in the box but MSI does not provide within the device. Just create a ticket to tech support on msi page if you have your product registered on your account they will send you kit free of charge. Just send em your shiping data within request and that you want to upgrade your storage. In my country it was hard to find these locally, but its very cheap to buy less than a dollar if you find ideal one on CN marketplaces. Back in the past they were in the box, I have no idea why MSI does not do that.

[@josenoriegam.8297]

Thank you so much

[@spacex9819]

Could you do one for the cyborg 15 series?

[@MakaiTechReviews]

Sure, will do, but I am currently on holiday. :D

[@adrianvictornavorski5531]

Can you tell me if the mousepad has left and right click buttons?

[@SmotPoker27]

it does

[@StephanieFawcett-b5c]

they are not actually button buttons but the whole pad does click on the left and right lower area of the pad

[@everythinganytime5294]

I have this exact laptop and im having fps drops in games i hoping a ram upgrade would solve the issues. Does anyone know if that would have desired effect and what mhz ram am i allowed to install?

[@fillyjonkxiioflowersaxony]

I did upgrade to corsair 32 ram

[@paulvaldez4667]

Hi, I installed my new ssd with the bracket msi provided but I can't get it to be recognized in the bios or Windows. I've built pc but I bought a new laptop this exact model. Any clue why it's not being seen in the Bios? I can't assign it a drive letter cause it's not be recognized.

[@limrs2505]

1 slot for ssd?

[@evan-rd1ln]

Is this the 4050 or the 4060 laptop?

[@СтаниславНоКомент]

How we can to add thunderbolt , or external video card ?

[@DinaBruan]

Does this laptop have tracking device or something like location?

[@eexiledd587]

what if i want 64 gb of ram, where can i find that for this laptop

[@Ajdinnnnnn]

Crucial sells a kit im pretty sure

[@kingdash42]

would 2 16gb ram sticks work on this laptop?

[@MakaiTechReviews]

Yes. (even 2x32GB will work too by the way)

[@Marco-tn2nw]

What is the max mhz on the ram you can Upgrade to?

[@alpha-crossing5387]

A little question can i add sny ssd and any ram or do i need a dpecific one

[@kek2489]

As far as I understand it has to be DDR5 Ram 5200(or whatever is here)

[@shadowdesmond]

Really sucks i dont even have the ssd2 slot on mine

[@Aarinmahala]

didi this LAPTOP SUPPORT RAM UPGRADE I WAN TO UPGRADE MY LAPTOP RAM

[@kazutozahran9406]

So this laptop cant bring 1 slot for hdd?

[@nicholasaugust1981]

Disappointed about it. The older Katana was able to add an additional SSD M.2 with a screw ready and a 2.5 Sata drive. I was about to buy it but don't think I want it now. Happy with my existing Katana which I installed a 4TB WD SN850X WITHOUT having to add a screw. Basically plug n play compared to this new Katana.

[@Amintor]

SSD 2 como lo atornillas?

[@MichelRivera]

crazy glue

[@AntonMtz]

X2

[@Sunblocker1989]

Hello, can anyone tell me if there is a speed limit to the ram? By default the ram which is build in is with 5200mhz but is also 5600 supported?

[@axeptNET]

Hey, you can put in 5600 if you want to, but it will only use 5200. If you understand.

[@aryansingh-zl6sd]

Is this laptop worth buying as my new Laptop in October 2024 ??

[@Pryo1127]

check if your ram is bigger than 16gb, if it is. you should be fine without upgrading. But if it's at or lower than 16gb, you need to install larger ram. mine posts and sits at 10gb usage without anything open on win11 os, and I only have 16gb as stock.

[@spiralgaming8229]

Hello This laptop have supported 5600 SSD?

[@SilichipX]

I think it supports up to 3400 Gen4 SSD for i7-12gen.

[@unknownuser5193]

Commenting for anybody new wondering. Its maximum supported speed is 5200 MT/s. 5600 WILL work but it will be underclocked to 5200.

[@leofreitas20]

Look, there is a bracket that should be used to keep the M2 memmory in place. (4' in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6GzY3xjgJmtqLc)

[@marcosluigi_]

does it support 2tb nvme ssd?

[@MakaiTechReviews]

There is no space limit. It can even support 4+ TB too.

[@2010andreyu]

My CPU is staying in 55 degrees in idle it is normal?

[@lilromi]

That's ice cold wym

[@spiralgaming8229]

Sorry ddr5 Can support ddr5 5600?

[@SilichipX]

The Intel i7-12gen, recommend the Crucial 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 5200 (or switch to 4800MHz) SO-DIMM - CT2K16G52C42S

[@SilichipX]

No, Intel 13650HX only supports DDR4 3200 up to DDR5 4800.

[@adventuresinAI1982]

Is there a limit to the size of SSD it can handle? 2 TB, 4TB, 6TB, etc?

[@xXSuperFerriXx]

Pretty sure there is none

[@wyheee]

I ordered 4TB for that secondary SSD slot 😜 I hope it'll work. & I dunno what i will do to make it hold in place since there is no screw hole🤔 *The only option I got in mind is to use adhesive tape 😂 or, ruin the body shell by screwing it into the body 🙈

[@adventuresinAI1982]

@@wyheee Well damn. I ultimately went with another machine, but yeah I considered some sort of high heat resistant molding tape, but I worry about it melting or catching fire.

[@danpeters3643]

look in the thread, another uses posted a solution from MSI tech support 😄@@wyheee

[@sholdtjewelers6138]

@@wyheee If you contact MSI they will send you an upgrade kit for free to hold it in place. I ordered my yesterday so hopefully it'll be here soon.

[@samdaman117]

I hate the msi employees that put my laptop together. I can't fully pry the plastic off because SOMETHING is really grabbing onto it near the corner. And the ssd screw is impossible to get out

[@Neo-fb5ry]

how the fuck were ypu able to take that cover off so easily, i am struggling, i have all the tools, i feel like it is going to break if i push harder

[@leehoikit1992]

hi, I have looked at the video attached below. Just wondering if the "Removable power plug" mentioned in your video is the same location as the hotwire location mentioned in the other video? Your answer and help will be constructive, thanks a lot. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3WYkmCHh718fq8

[@karlantonostevind5030]

😀

[@Monterreyxx]

Laptop poor for the price is expensive

[@Flatbum]

Why is mine so hard to open all screws are out and everything

[@Flatbum]

I gave up