Reports of GT70 series notebook top-lid hinge seizing....

Hi Guys,

First of all, this thread is NOT created to cause alarm, or overly raise concerns.... but a few forum members report seizing of the GT70 top-lid hinges, resulting in significant damage and RMA's of their notebooks. Though this issue seems to be relatively rare, the purpose of this thread is to track the situation, and a place to consolidate other similar cases. At present I only know of only three cases of this, but I think this issue is one all GT70/780/783 owners should be mindful of. Since these models are fairly new to market, hopefully this issue does not become more prevalent in the passage of time.

Reporting forum members:

dune10191 - 18 September 2012



killersquid - 29 October 2012

bjtaz44 - 11 November 2012

View attachment 87271 View attachment 87272



If you experience this or know of other cases, please post info, links, and photos.

 

I would like to add something, it happened to me very early of ownership my laptop has only been in use for just over a month now and all I did,....after a couple hours of gaming I shut the game down and with my hand grabbed above the camera/mic area and went to close the lid like everyone does. But 1/4 down or so there was a crunch sound and plastic bits hit the table and when I looked to see what had happened it was the cover, it pulled away from the hinge and broke away. So all I am saying is if its going to happen, it will without warning it seems. I wasn't applying excessive force or anything out of the ordinary and there were NO signs previous that something like this would happen. The lid opened and closed fine previous ..no resistance..nothing out of the ordinary. The RGA was issued quickly, its just the time now to get it back, that is going to be disappointing, but thats cause I just sold my old laptop I had for a back-up ..I was also disappointed I have to pay for the shipping!, shipping and insurance and etc it cost me $ 60...but thats like most things...still to new to pay more I feel anyway.... I just hope this doesn't happen again.... Thanks again for letting me share my experience as a first time buyer of MSI Products.

 

Hi, im very sad; same happend here but worse
the laptop only have 1 month T_T

Expensive laptop case !"#$%&/(


ADDED: 15/11/2012


Guys, the customers services works fine,i call today, and inmediaetly they send to me the RMA to send it back.
I think they will send me a new one, because the laptop have only one month.

more photos:




Sending it back



Sorry for my english... im from Colombia.
Note: A friend had to travel to USA to send it back. lol

Never in my life, whit cheaper laptops, this was happening

CARE WHIT HINGES, U CAN CRACK YOUR LAPTOP AND THE PHOTO is a proof that this happened, not false.

 

same thing happened to me yesterday
any ideas how to fix it?
mine is six month old. will msi repair it? and if yes, how good is there customer service....google says that they are horrible at customer service D:

 

Holy crap. I haven`t even started using mine yet. This seems pretty serious! I payed $2300 for mine and for this price I demand it to be top notch build quality. MSI is already a lot more expensive than the other brands which do not have this problem.

 

No posts about it in the MSI forum
http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?board=46.0

Or through Google seach

 

ramen1991
same thing happened to me yesterday
any ideas how to fix it?
mine is six month old. will msi repair it? and if yes, how good is there customer service....google says that they are horrible at customer service D:




I'm very sure they will fix or replace it. I don't know how good the customer service is but definitely have it RMA'ed. You'll be back and running for sure.

I feel the same. But honestly I love this laptop and will fight to have it working perfectly if I have to get a MSI worker to come here and hold it together!! RAWR!
Now I'm just more careful when handling the lid. I try to open/close it by holding the bottom sides instead of the top.

 

Man I don`t want to go through a RMA process. Done that before and its no fun.

So let me get this straight, this just suddenly happen? No warning signs before, like plastic breaking sound or any weird sound that you didn`t care to check? or too tightly fastened lid? And did you use force when opening the lid, or just normal??

 

Ok guys, please remember the purpose of this thread, is to track how prevalent this problem is, to build a case, and to make MSI aware of the situation.

Could you better describe your event, what happened, and can you please provide additional photos isolating the damage? Your present photo appears as though you have disassembled the notebook..... like you are swapping the screen, or something.

Can you please provide photos, like those above. This will help to valadate the issue.

I am sure there is no cause for panic or drama here. Now we have all of 5 cases reported, and please consider the number of these notebooks produced and sold. Yes, RMA's are no fun, but unfortunately they are a fact of life amongst ALL brands. I have had to do this several times, and each time it was a positive outcome.

BREATHE, take deep breaths, and all we need do now is monitor this situation. Just because we have 5 RARE cases of this reported, does not mean this will be your experience. Best of luck, Cloudfire.

 

Read additional information on first page.

 

MSI repairs this issue on warranty. Thats why I am using gt60 . Models free from this issue: 16f1,16f2,16f3 . Models with issue : 1761,1762.

 

MSI has had my Laptop for a week now....I phoned today, still don't have the parts to repair it apparantly, yep don't care what this thread is about...never buying MSI again!, its a holiday in the states now also, my repair is in CANADA, so they told me they won't see parts for it till next week at the earliest, then they have to repair it yet.....Awesome for a laptop 45 days old...used for only 20 days of that.

 

here's what happened with mine. I think im gonna RMA it but the thing is im a university student and i need my laptop for school.
Does anyone who've RMA'd their laptop for this problem know how long it takes for them to repair it?

 

Thanks for the photo!

It still looks like there are only 5 known cases of this thus far. RMA times can vary for numerous reasons, but one thing for sure, the sooner you do it, the sooner you will have satisfaction. I would also advise you back-up any important files prior to RMA. Please keep us posted on the process, and let us know how the outcome.

Good luck!

 

In msi Poland fixing this issue takes 4-5 days and they have all parts always. Shame for other countries.

 

I also got this issue, it happened after 3 weeks I bought it.

Sorry for my english, I am not a native speaker.

 

Hunnith that is some bad quality control and built quality by MSI. Reminds me of the M11x R1.

Let's hope MSI does not make you pay for shipping it to them for repair under warranty.

 

The purpose of this thread is to track this issue.

This hinge issue should certainly be looked into by MSI, but I think it's a bit premature to start bashing the build quality of the notebook. Again, considering the volume of production and global sales, this issue seems relatively rare. I know of only 6 known cases of this. I should also note that the GT780 and GT783 series have the same lid and hinge construction, and I know of no such cases within these series. As such, these cases are somewhat isolated, and I suggest we not start with the drama, making 'mountains-out-of-mole hills'.

Can we please limit the post to constructive comments? If you do not own the notebook, and are here to make disparaging or unhelpful comment, you are trolling!

Thanks to those making helpful contributions!

 

Do you work for MSI? you seem to get very offended when someone posts on here, delete the thread then? to some of us $ 2300 is a lot of money and not everyone is going to post on your thread if it has happened. We are allowed to be upset and hope MSI is reading this which I doubt...and if you do work for MSI can you tell them to please fix my laptop I am losing $$$ daily because of this 8 days still no parts.

 

I really don`t hope my hinge breaks

Im really careful when opening and closing it because of this thread. Clearly MSI indeed have some quality issues but I`m hoping this perhaps is just a faulty batch or something

 

Actually they said that I have to pay for one-way shipping and recommend me to add an insurance. So this took me around $90 for shipping and handling and insurance from UPS ground. And they said that an A cover is changed for this issue. So sad with MSI.

 

The best I can figure is you are reading my post, but not fully understanding them. No, I do not work for MSI, but I do have a bit of experience with this notebook, and the GT780/783 series. All I am trying to do is bring a little sanity to the situation, and the drama is not helpful. The purpose of this thread was expressed from the very first post, and if you want to rant & rave, you can certainly create your own thread for that specific purpose...... though I am uncertain how long the forum moderators will put up with this. I do not just watch what is posted here, but also other forums and review sites. Furthermore, the more that is compiled on this, the more likely it will show in the search engines. It is understandable that YOU are upset, because YOU personally have experience with this issue..... but again, in all the models produced and sold...... I count six (6), I repeat SIX, instances of this situation. Is it so necessary that EVERYONE, including all other owners, feel your pain? Is six instances of this reason to bash a manufacturer, and an entire line of notebooks? Is the drama really necessary, and will it help? Do we need to make mountains out of mole hills? You may need this because it gives you some form of satisfaction or relief, but the thousands of other owners don't necessary need this. Yes, I know, misery loves company, but many of us are not in your place.

Losing $$$ daily, really? This reminds me of the numerous students, buying gaming notebooks for 'schoolwork'..... and then when it fails for one reason or another, they blame the manufacturer for the loss of that supposed 'schoolwork'.

If you can find other cases of this issue, you are certainly welcome to present them. Afterall, that is the purpose of this thread, but I for one, do not believe 'The Sky is Falling'.

Hysteria at it finest: The Story of Chicken Little.

 

If it makes you feel important then you keep it up! your doing good..at counting. I am done with this forum, I have to go out and make mountains out of mole hills now, so good luck everyone I am on day 16 of the RGA process shipping etc still no repair, but stop feeling my pain people!!, my fault for buying MSI.

 

So my hinges haven't seized, but had a hinge cover pop off mysteriously. Broke a few small tabs off on both the main chassis and the hinge cover.

Sorry no pics, It's hanging on now...but I'm not going to risk pulling it off and cracking the tabs that are left without replacements.

Not worth RMA. I am unhappy about it but still happy with the machine overall.

Only hoping those pieces that broke off didn't fall into the case.

Does any one else have a keyboard that "crackles"? It's possibly airflow through the keyboard fluttering the membrane out something.

 

I understand your frustration. I had to replace a faulty 680. Grateful i didn't have to RMA. I know a certain amount of electronics fail - that's why companies need to have solid RMA responses.

Weren't for Ken I probably would have given up on mine.

 

Yep that is ridiculous $90 bucks jeez! And that is for a warranty repair and you already paid for the laptop.

 

Don't be too worried. My replacement is working fine. I'm a bit careful but only in a general sense because I'm always very careful with my expensive and awesome equipment.

 

I'm typing this on a GT60, and I'm trying to understand the intent of the quotation marks around the word 'schoolwork' in your post. Is there some rule I need to be aware of that prohibits me from doing useful, valuable work on this machine? If I create some 'proposal materials' or an 'analytical framework' or a paper for my 'schoolwork' on this machine, will they be considered disposable?

 

LOL! I really love this guy.....

First of all, I do not see any quotation marks, so this is a moot point. Secondly, no there are no prohibitions or rules..... but there is common sense. I believe there is truth that ignorance is bliss, and seemingly abounds. Did you REALLY not understand what I was saying? Are you here to give a writing lesson, or did you just take offense? The point was, it is somewhat a ridiculous argument (and one I see often) to blame the manufacturer for the loss of schoolwork, any work considered valuable, or that you are loosing $$$ daily. This is really about expressing ones frustrations, and emphasizing an immediate demand for remedy..... like the manufacturer is supposed to wave a magic wand. If you must double your vital records, information, or work, on a gaming notebook, by all means, protect them by doing back-ups. There is an irony here wherein one could ask where the users priorities really lie. Data loss is a fact of life, and this could be said of any data systems..... but why blame the manufacturer for failing to do what is OUR responsibility, as users of the product? So to answer your question, YES, I guess your work could be considered disposable, IF you have failed to impliment a data recovery plan. Personally, I catagorize my gaming notebook as leisure, and not for business. This is not to say I do not use it for important files, but each time and based on priority, I take a small moment to copy to the data, flash, or cloud drive.

I think at one point or another, everyone has lost data..... and most learn from this, and eventually take corrective action. The school-of-hard-knocks gives tough lessons, but lessons well learned.

On a final note, I do not feel the topic of this thread, necessarily precludes or prevents data recovery..... prior to sending the notebook in for repair.

 

You don't strike me as the sort who's willing to take a step back and rethink your opinions, but I'm going to wade into this (quite probably pointless) thread one last time ...

Seriously? You don't see the part where you typed:

Take your time and don't be afraid to review your own words with a critical eye.

The second one. I take offense to the notion that because somebody buys a gaming notebook, their work automatically becomes 'supposed' work (quotation marks are my own this time, before you get all excited about the punctuation issue). That's a pretty dismissive attitude don't you think? Hinges busted on your laptop? Manufacturer is taking forever to process your RMA? Well, it's clearly just 'supposed' work since you bought a gaming laptop, so the manufacturer obviously has no responsibility to process your claim anytime soon ... it's not like you're losing productivity or anything.

Totally. Separate. Issue.
Even when somebody makes backups, they still lose productive time when they don't have access to their laptop (due to a bad RMA process).

 

My laptop was finally shipped back out to me yesterday I lost track how long its been now, so in 4 days I should have it back!!! ....I was losing $$$ because I had to rent a laptop during this period, I didn't have the money to buy two laptops at the time, one for a back-up lol. I broke the A/C plug on my ASUS, whole process took 4 days and they paid two way shipping for me, just thought I would compare the difference in service. So ya, still never buying MSI again...and thats only because I feel this is a defect and they don't care.

 

Not only you lost money on renting a laptop, but you lost money in paying it to ship back to MSI for warranty repair compared to Alienware or Asus where they pay both ways shipping. Real Talk

 

I'm curious as to whether this issue could happen in the barebone model (1762).
This is the only thing keeping me from getting the Force 1762 since I want to use this laptop for at least 2 years.

 

The issue is "extremely rare" but could happen in any model of any brand.

Remember Murphy's Law

 

Really? You're going to make that comparison?

Alienware M17x configured similar to my GT70: $2774
Asus G75VW configured similar to my GT70 but with a GTX670 instead of a GTX680: $2299
MSI GT70-0NE with GTX680: $2299 (when I bought it just over a month ago)

Even taking everything into consideration, MSI's notebook is $200 cheaper than a similar notebook from Asus or Alienware, much more if you really consider the Alienware. So you have a cheaper notebook up front, and something breaks so you have to send it back. $90? Even if you take the time lost into account, you're still miles ahead as far as price is concerned.

Logic dictates, that if you REALLY are that concerned with stability and quality of build, you pay more for better quality (look at Apple, in general...). It's a price premium for a premium brand.

Not trying to defend striker, but he's pretty much 100% correct on everything he has said. My laptop is my main PC. But I backup everything I care about every Sunday to my server in my house. If the notebook dies, guess what? I didn't lose anything I actually cared about. If the hinges break? Well, $90 for shipping and lost time is still much better (IMHO) than spending another $200 minimum to upwards of $600 for an Alienware.

If you didn't learn this yet, now you know and next time you can pay more for the Alienware. Then you can complain about how badly those are designed and how much bloatware come on them by default. In their forums.

As far as this thread is concerned.....I'm slightly concerned with mine. Mine haven't cracked or done anything strange yet, but they do seem to be getting more 'stiff' as time goes on. I take my notebook to work with me everyday and it always gets opened/closed usually at the very least 3 or 4 times daily. That being said, it hasn't broken....yet.

This will be inherent with pretty much all the notebooks that use the same case design. I'd be fairly certain that they all use the same hinge design and probably the same parts (so they can reduce the price by buying more....simple economics/supply/demand for parts). As striker has said, just because 6 people have had hinges seize and break the notebooks, doesn't mean that every person will have the problem. Consider all the possibilities, all 6 of those notebooks could have been assembled by a 'new' person on the assembly line that only worked 1 day and then got another job for all we know. This honestly is not out of the realm of possibilities. The simple fact that you don't see more than 6 people here, and I haven't seen ANYONE post over on the MSI forums (where I'm fairly active) about it, I really don't think this is an issue to worry about. I'd sooner worry about the memory or hard drive being bad/faulty.

 

I was worried about this too. My 1762 just arrived a couple days ago. The hinges seem fine for the moment. No crackling/popping noises that I had read about in reviews. They feel sturdy when opening and closing the lid.

 

I bought my GT783R last March. I use it every day, but rarely move it from my desk. Last week I noticed that the screen was being pulled apart when I closed it. Today, I tried to close my laptop, but the hinge has seized up. When I try to ease it closed, the screen separates farther. I am leaving it open for now.

 

Where does it separate? At one of the bottom corners?

 

Do you leave it open most of the time? since you said it doesnt leave your desk. Could seazed because lack of opening closing,

 

No, I close it when I leave the room. The separation is happening on the lower edge of the screen, near the left-hand hinge.

I have seen this happen to other notebooks, but usually after years of use (3-4)

I will try to take some good pictures of the situation.

 

This is a side view of the screen in the position in which it is now stuck:


This is what happens when I try to close the screen.

 

RMA and service.

 

Definitely RMA. You can close it very carefully for packing if you tightly grip the corner and cautiously close it slowly. I had the exact same problem in the same area. Just be very careful so it doesn't get worse when closing.

 

Same problem, I tried to close my laptop today and heard a cracking sound. Really annoyed at the lack of quality. Also mad that I have to pay to ship this when it is there fault in quality control. I hope they make this up to me or I will be purchasing my next laptop from another company

 

This is an obvious manufacturing defect, I am surprised they are making you pay for shipping.

 

Just happened to my wifes GT70.. we only had these since November and it was on a desk on its Cooler Master laptop cooler. The back left corner of the laptop screen made a click when she shut it a few mins ago and now when we try to open it it clicks and starts to seperate. Contacted Xotic PC and not sure if they still handle it or MSI only

 

Is it the hinge retaining screws ripping out of the lid or the hinge itself breaking?

 

Cant really tell.. the whole screen starts to split.. when I can see in there and how its causing the frame to crack.. i can only lift it maybe 1/4" at best before it starts to rub and split.

 

Got RMA from MSI with no issues.. just have to package it up and send it out tomorrow.