MSI Katana GF66 Repair

The MSI Katana GF66 11UG is a laptop generally designed for gaming and other power-intensive purposes.

Positioned in the mid-to-high range of the Katana lineup, the GF66 11UG is a balance between power and portability for a decently high price, coming in at around $1600-$2000.

Its major components include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, options for up to an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor, and a 15.6”, 144Hz refresh rate screen. The laptop also includes options to add extra storage if necessary, along with the option to upgrade to Windows 11 from the default Windows 10.

The laptop was released in May of 2021 to mixed reviews. It is said to be a laptop with a lot of missed potential, having decent performance, but could use a better battery to support it. Most of the common issues are related to the battery itself and its battery life. However, there have been no major issues that have resulted in any recalls.

This model of the laptop was the next generation of the GF65 Thin. The main differences are:

• Maximum processor option going from 10th to 11th Gen Intel Core i7.
• Memory clock speed goes from 2666MHz on the GF65 to 3200MHz on the GF66.

For more information on the specifications of the GF65 Thin, go to the MSI GF65 Thin product page.

The MSI Katana GF66 11UG is a high-end model within the MSI Katana GF66 product line. It is a black laptop with a red backlit keyboard and an MSI logo on the back of the screen.

There are slight differences between each of the models, with the most major one being the graphics cards. The 11UG model in particular includes an NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3070. Smaller differences include varying SSD slots and variation in AC adapter wattage. There are no alternate colors, all models are in black.

The units themselves all have the same dimensions and weights of 359 mm x 259 mm x 24.9 mm and 2.25 kg, respectively.

Every model has the same ports, these being one Type-C USB 3.2, two Type-A USB 3.2, one Type-A USB 2.0, one HDMI 2.1, and one RJ45 ethernet port.

The model number can be found on the bottom of the laptop; it will be formatted as Katana GF66 11UG-XXXX.

• Processor: Up to 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 Processor
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home (Free Upgrade to Windows 11)
• Display:
  • Screen Size: 15.6”
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Screen Resolution: 1920x1080
• Memory:
  • Type: DDR4-3200
  • Amount: Max 64 GB
  • Slots: 2
• Storage: 2x M.2 SSD Slot (NVMe PCIe Gen3)
• Graphics:
  • GPU Model: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
  • VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
  • Boost Clock: Up to 1315MHz 85W
• Webcam: HD Type (30fps@720p)
• Wifi and Bluetooth:
  • Local: Gb LAN
  • Card: 802.11 ax Wifi 6 + Bluetooth v5.2
• Audio:
  • 2x 2W Speaker
  • Jack: 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
  • Software: Nahimic 3
• I/O Ports:
  • 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen1
  • 2x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1
  • 1x Type-A USB2.0
  • 1x HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz)
  • 1x RJ45
• Power
  • Battery: 3-Cell 53.5Whr / 4-Cell 90Whr Battery (Whr)
  • AC Adapter: 180W Adapter
• Dimensions: 359mm x 259mm x 24.9mm
• Weight: 2.25kg
• Color: Black

MSI Katana GF66 Product Page

The official site containing the product page for the MSI Katana GF66. Outlines specifications, product photos, and a support page. Also has forums for more specific problems.

MSI Katana GF66 Official Manual provided by Manuals.ca

Official MSI Katana GF66 manual. Explains how to install important software, along with specific details about maintaining and properly using hardware.

MSI Katana GF66 Disassembly Guide provided by laptopmedia.com

An external website that is specifically dedicated to laptops. Contains information about how to disassemble the laptop to upgrade or fix it, along with pros and cons about the laptop’s hardware.

MSI Katana GF66 Disassembly Video Demonstration

Video guide outlining how to disassemble the laptop, along with a description of each part.

MSI Katana GF66 Review provided by notebookcheck.net

A review by Notebookcheck.com, outlining the pros and cons and providing an overall review of the device.