Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Background and Identification

The GE72 2QF Apache Pro is a gaming laptop released by MSI in 2015. It sports a 17-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The case is made from a composite material in some parts and brushed aluminum in other areas. Externally, the laptop features a black finish with some red highlights around the edges. You can identify the GE72 2QF Apache Pro by looking for the MSI logo on the back of the display and the model number “GE72 2QF” on a sticker on the bottom of the case.

This laptop has a 4th or 5th-generation Intel processor inside along with a GeForce GTX 970M mobile graphics card. You can open the back of the device with a screwdriver and spudger to gain access to the memory and drives inside. The laptop has two memory slots inside which can hold a total of 16 GB. It comes from the store with an M.2 SSD and a hard drive, but you can upgrade/replace both of these with standard replacements if they go bad.

Unlike its predecessor, the GE72 2QF has a single USB Type-C port with the capability to support USB 3.1 transfer speeds (10 Gbit/s). It has a variety of standard ports like HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, and Ethernet.

Technical Specifications

Processor

  • 4th or 5th-generation Intel Core i7

Memory

  • Up to 16 GB
  • 2 memory slots
  • DDR3L at 1600 MHz

Storage

  • 1 TB hard drive (7200 rpm)
    • 2.5-inch form factor, SATA interface
  • 128 GB SSD
    • NVMe slot (M.2 form factor)
  • Blu-ray disc, DVD, and CD combo drive

Graphics

  • Nvidia GeForce GTX 970M
  • 3 GB GDDR5

Display

  • 17.3 inches (43.9 cm) on the diagonal
  • 1920x1080 pixels
  • 60 Hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel

Connections

  • Two USB-A 3.0 ports
  • USB-A 2.0 port
  • USB-C 3.1 port
  • Ethernet port
  • HDMI port
  • Mini DisplayPort
  • SD(XC) card reader
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • 3.5 mm microphone jack

Wireless

  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 4.0

Additional Information

MSI GE72 2QF Apache Pro official product page

MSI GE72 2QF Apache Pro support page

Review of the MSI GE72 2QF by NotebookCheck

Review of the MSI GE72 2QF by PC Mag