MSI Alpha 15 B5EEK Laptop - Complete Disassembly & Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, Battery, LCD & Motherboard
Jul 22, 2025
1. MSI Alpha 15 B5EEK Pre-Disassembly: Gaming Laptop Value Assessment
🎮 Gaming-Specific Value Factors
- Performance Verification:
- Run AMD Adrenalin diagnostics for RX 6600M GPU
- Check CPU boost clocks with HWiNFO
- Feature Documentation:
- Test per-key RGB via MSI Center
- Verify 120Hz refresh rate with TestUFO
🔧 Essential Disassembly Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Resale Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PH00 Screwdriver | Chassis screws | Prevents stripped screws (+$20 value) |
| Nylon Spudger | Clip release | Avoids case scratches (+15%) |
| Thermal Paste | GPU/CPU repaste | Lowers temps = higher resale |
💰 2024 Component Values
- RX 6600M Motherboard:
- Mining buyers: $320-$400
- Gamers: $250-$300
- 90Wh Battery:
- Mining rig use: $85-$110
- Standard replacement: $60
📝 Pre-Sale Documentation
- Performance Proof:
- 3DMark Time Spy screenshots
- CPU-Z validation file
- Cosmetic Grading:
- Macro photos of wear points (WASD keys, palmrest)
- Use eBay condition standards
- Data Sanitization:
sudo blkdiscard -f /dev/nvme0n1(Linux)- MSI Recovery for Windows
2. MSI Alpha 15 B5EEK Bottom Panel Removal: Gamer-Centric Access Points
⚠️ Critical Safety Precautions
- Pre-Disassembly Steps:
- Disconnect 230W power adapter
- Disable battery in BIOS (Advanced > Power Management)
- Gaming Laptop Warnings:
- Avoid pressure on rear Cooler Boost 5 vents
- Note RGB lightbar connectors near front edge
🔧 Step-by-Step Removal
- Remove 11 Screws:
- 4x 6mm (marked "M2.5L6") near corners
- 7x 4mm (marked "M2.5L4") around perimeter
- Release Gaming-Focused Clips:
- Start at front-right corner (near HDMI port)
- Use guitar pick tool at 45° angle
- Lift Panel:
- Raise rear first (30° angle) to clear RGB lightbar
- Disconnect lightbar cable if replacing panel
💎 Preserving Resale Value
| Risk | Prevention | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Clip breakage | Alternate sides every 2cm | Intact clips = +18% value |
| Paint scratches | Use nylon tools only | Flawless finish = +$35 |
| Lightbar damage | Disconnect before full removal | Working RGB = +$50 |
🎛️ Gaming-Specific Components
- Cooling System Access:
- 7 heat pipes visible after removal
- Dual fans with Anti-Dust Tech
- Upgrade Zones:
- RAM slots (clear of heatsinks)
- Dual M.2 slots with thermal pads
0:26 Bottom Case 2:26 Battery 3:05 SSD Storage 3:25 WiFi Card 3:48 Memory RAM 4:10 Heatsink & Cooling Fan Assembly 6:50 DC Power Jack 7:05 Motherboard 9:33 IO USB Board 9:52 Speakers 10:28 Trackpad 10:36 Keyboard 10:48 Hinges 11:30 Palmrest Assembly 11:45 Display Assembly
3. MSI Alpha 15 RAM Upgrade: Dual-Channel Optimization for Ryzen 7 5800H
⚡ Ryzen-Specific Requirements
- Supported RAM:
- DDR4-3200 SODIMM (1.2V)
- Max 64GB (2x32GB) via 2 slots
- Recommended Kits:
- Crucial CT32G4SFD832A (CL22)
- G.Skill Ripjaws 64GB Kit
🔧 Installation Process
- Access Slots:
- Remove bottom panel (11 screws)
- Locate slots near cooling fans
- Install Modules:
- 45° angle insertion
- Press down until clicks (20lbs force)
- Verify Operation:
- Check in
sudo dmidecode -t memory(Linux) - Enable XMP in BIOS for full 3200MHz
- Check in
📊 Ryzen 7 5800H Performance Impact
| Configuration | Cinebench R23 | Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| 16GB (1x16GB) | 11,200 | Base |
| 32GB (2x16GB) | 12,850 (+15%) | +$90-$120 |
| 64GB (2x32GB) | 13,100 (+17%) | +$150-$200 |
Data from TechPowerUp benchmarks
💰 Selling Original RAM
- Market Prices (2024):
- 8GB DDR4-3200: $18-$25
- 16GB DDR4-3200: $35-$45
- Best Platforms:
- r/hardwareswap (low fees)
- eBay "Tested Working" listings
4. MSI Alpha 15 SSD Upgrade: Dual M.2 Slot Expansion for Gaming & Mining
⚡ M.2 Slot Configuration
- Primary Slot:
- PCIe 3.0 x4 (Supports Gen4 drives at Gen3 speeds)
- Includes MSI heatsink pre-installed
- Secondary Slot:
- PCIe 3.0 x4 (No heatsink)
- Ideal for Chia plotting drives
🔧 Installation Process
- Thermal Management:
- Remove factory thermal pad with Arctic MX-6
- Apply 1mm thick thermal pad on secondary slot
- Drive Installation:
- 30° angle insertion (notch alignment)
- M2x3mm screw torque (0.6Nm)
- Performance Verification:
- Run
sudo hdparm -Tt /dev/nvme0n1(Linux) - Check CrystalDiskMark on Windows
- Run
⛏️ Mining/Crypto Use Cases
| Workload | Recommended SSD | Resale Value |
|---|---|---|
| Chia Plotting | 2TB NVMe (High TBW) | +$40 after 6 months |
| ETH Node | 1TB SLC Cache | +25% vs consumer |
💰 Selling Original SSD
- Secure Erase Methods:
nvme format -s1 /dev/nvme0n1(Linux)- MSI Secure Erase utility
- Market Prices (2024):
- 512GB OEM: $35-$50
- 1TB OEM: $60-$80
5. MSI Alpha 15 90Wh Battery Replacement: Mining & Gaming Resale Optimization
🔋 Power Specifications
- Part Number: MS-1B1K (FRU 9S7-1B1K010)
- Capacity Verification:
- Run
powercfg /batteryreportin CMD - Check MSI Center for health percentage
- Run
⚠️ High-Capacity Removal Protocol
- Pre-Discharge:
- Drain to 30-50% for storage (4.0V/cell optimal)
- Disable in BIOS (Advanced > Battery Health)
- Disconnect Safely:
- Remove 4x M2.5 screws (marked "BT1")
- Use insulated spudger on BT1 connector
- Adhesive Release:
- Apply iFixit heating pad (65°C for 3 mins)
- Use fishing line for clean separation
⛏️ Mining Rig Resale Factors
| Condition | Gaming Value | Mining Value |
|---|---|---|
| 90%+ Health | $80 | $120+ |
| Original MSI | +25% | +40% |
| UN38.3 Certified | Required | +$15 premium |
✈️ Lithium-Ion Shipping Rules
- USPS Ground:
- Max 2 batteries per package
- Proper labeling required
- International:
- IATA Section II packaging
- 30% state of charge maximum
6. MSI Alpha 15 120Hz IPS Display Replacement: Gaming-Grade Panel Swap
🖥️ Display Specifications
- Original Panel:
- LP156WFH-SPB1 (LG) or NV156FHM-NY1 (BOE)
- 1920×1080 IPS 120Hz 3ms response
- Compatible Upgrades:
- LG 144Hz IPS (drop-in replacement)
- 72% NTSC color gamut variants
🔧 Safe Removal Process
- Bezel Removal:
- Heat edges with iOpener at 60°C
- Start from bottom-right corner (near webcam)
- Disconnect eDP Cable:
- 40-pin connector (0.5mm pitch)
- Flip black latch before pulling
- Remove Panel:
- 4x M2x3mm screws (1.2Nm torque)
- Note adhesive strip locations
🎮 Gaming Display Considerations
| Feature | Original | Upgrade Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz (+20% resale) |
| Color Gamut | 45% NTSC | 72% NTSC (+$50 value) |
| Response Time | 3ms | 1ms (only with TN swap) |
💰 Selling Original Display
- Condition Verification:
- Test with TestUFO for dead pixels
- Check backlight bleed (black screen test)
- Market Prices (2024):
- No defects: $90-$120
- Minor bleed: $60-$80
7. MSI Alpha 15 Motherboard Access: RX 6600M & Ryzen 7 5800H Resale Optimization
🔍 Motherboard Identification
- Model Number: MS-1B1K (MSI MS-1B1K VER:1.0)
- Key Components:
- AMD RX 6600M 8GB GDDR6 (Navi 23)
- Ryzen 7 5800H (Zen 3, 8C/16T)
🛠️ Full Access Procedure
- Complete Teardown:
- Remove 24x M2.5 screws (varying lengths)
- Disconnect all ribbon cables (keyboard, trackpad, RGB)
- Cooling System Removal:
- 7 heat pipes with Cooler Boost 5 tech
- Note thermal pad thicknesses (1mm/1.5mm)
- Motherboard Extraction:
- Lift at 45° angle from I/O side first
- Avoid flexing near GPU VRAM modules
💰 Component Resale Value (2024)
| Part | Gamer Price | Miner Price |
|---|---|---|
| RX 6600M Board | $280-$350 | $400-$500 |
| Ryzen 7 5800H | $180 | N/A |
| Complete Board | $450 | $600+ |