MSI Workstation WS65 8SK Repair Guide – Step-by-Step Service Instructions

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OVERVIEW:

In this teardown, we disassemble the MSI WS65 workstation, a high-performance laptop featuring 32GB of RAM, an 8th Gen Intel Core i9, 512GB SSD storage, and an Nvidia Quadro P3200 GPU. This guide walks you through the complete disassembly, including motherboard removal, screen disconnection, and fan and RAM access. The process is shown step-by-step to ensure clarity and help users safely access internal components. If you’re upgrading RAM, replacing a fan, or doing a full teardown, this guide will walk you through every part of the process.

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1.5 TO 2 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of ribbon cables, connectors, and internal laptop components.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, a plastic spudger for prying connectors, and tweezers or fingernails for carefully lifting ribbon cables and adhesive tapes. No prying tools are required for the bottom plate removal in this specific model.

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Remove the Bottom Panel

• Flip the laptop over to access the screws securing the bottom panel.
• The panel can be lifted off easily without prying; just pop it off by hand.
• Set the bottom cover aside to reveal the internal components.

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Remove the Inner Plastic Cover

• Identify the large transparent plastic sheet inside the laptop.
• Normally, this would be adhered in place, but it’s already loose in this case.
• Carefully lift it up and move it off to the side.

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Disconnect and Remove the Battery

• Locate the battery connector on the motherboard.
• Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard.
• In most cases, unscrew the battery to remove it, but here it’s already loose.

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Disconnect the Ribbon Cables from the Motherboard

• Begin disconnecting the various ribbon cables connecting the keyboard, trackpad, and other components to the motherboard.
• Gently lift or slide the connectors to detach each ribbon cable.
• Locate and disconnect the display cable and the speaker connector as well.

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Remove Screws Holding the Motherboard

• Identify the screws securing the motherboard and remove them.
• Check for any remaining ribbon cables that might still be attached and detach them.
• Note the small adhesive piece on the motherboard—gently peel it up and move it aside.

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Remove the Motherboard

• Lift the motherboard upward gently.
• You may need to guide it through the slot near the graphics card, or detach any obstructing connectors.
• Set the motherboard aside to access the components underneath.

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View the Underside of the Motherboard

• Flip the motherboard over to get a more typical layout view.
• Observe the three fan setup and the extensive heatsink system.
• Note the location of the two RAM slots and two SSD slots.

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Prepare to Remove the Display Assembly

• Move attention to the top case, which still has the screen connected.
• Identify and free the display cable from its routing; it should already be loose.
• Locate the Wi-Fi antenna cables, remove the adhesive cover, and unhook the cables from their clips.

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Disconnect the Antenna Cables

• Gently pull the antennas through the routing channel.
• Take care around the adhesive pads and the hooks that guide the cables.

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Detach the Display Assembly

• Close the screen slightly and prepare to separate it from the base.
• Remove the plastic bar that secures the display—it should click off easily.
• Slowly lift the screen assembly, guiding the antenna cable through the hole to avoid tearing it.

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Remove the Speakers

• Locate the two speakers adhered to the top case.
• Gently pop them out by lifting upward—they’re only lightly glued in place.
• Peel up additional adhesive strips holding down the speaker wires.

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Inspect the Keyboard and Touchpad

• The keyboard is secured by plastic rivets and is not removed in this teardown.
• Note the position of the fingerprint sensor integrated with the touchpad.
• The mouse pad is also fastened with plastic and remains in place.

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Remove the Power Button Frame

• Locate the power button frame on the top section of the case.
• Peel up the small adhesive strip securing the power button.
• Lift the power button assembly straight up and out.

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Disconnect the Remaining Ribbon Cables

• Disconnect the last visible ribbon cables from the top case.
• One cable is adhered and doesn’t take much space, so it is left in place.

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Remove the RAM Modules

• Flip the motherboard back to the working side.
• Pull the side clips outward on each RAM slot to release the sticks.
• Remove both RAM modules carefully.

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Remove the SSD

• Locate the M.2 NVMe SSD on the motherboard.
• Unscrew the SSD and pull it out of its slot.
• Remove any adhesive or thermal tape covering it.

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Remove the Triple-Fan Heatsink Assembly

• Begin unscrewing the large heat sink and fan system.
• Unscrew all points securing the heatsink to the board.
• Lift the entire fan and heatpipe assembly out of the system.

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CONCLUSION:

This detailed teardown of the MSI WS65 reveals the thoughtful design and powerful components inside this workstation laptop. From the triple-fan heatsink to the dual SSD and RAM slots, the device is built for serious performance. Each step of the teardown gives you access to clean or replace internal parts safely. Whether you’re upgrading or diagnosing a fault, this guide walks you through the process thoroughly. With patience and care, even complex repairs like this can be completed confidently.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Proper tools help avoid unnecessary force and make the process smoother.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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