Guide

MSI Claw 8 AI+ 2230 2TB Upgraded SSD Install and Heatsink Mod Guide

Hey, fans and subscribers, this is your host, Joe, from the GamingForInsight channel with a written guide (below) and a video to upgrading your storage capacity, including read/write speeds on the 2230 SSD and applying a heatsink mod as well in the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

The initial inspiration behind the project was to have more than 1TB of internal local storage. The SSD of choice to upgrade to is the 2TB Timetek M.2, and it is a 2230 form factor alike to the default/stock one installed that comes with the MSI Claw 8 AI+; however, we have more storage with the upgrade and the opportunity for better temperatures with the applied heatsink. A heatsink is not already on the default/stock SSD in the MSI Claw 8 AI+.

I am happy to write that I consulted CPPC TEK during the planning for the SSD upgrade and heatsink. CPPC TEK, thank you so much, bro, for helping me make this guide possible so that we can help fans and subscribers enjoy the most out of their MSI Claw 8 AI+.

I will refer to the MSI Claw 8 AI+ as the Claw 8 in this guide.

What You Need

What You Gain Installing This Mod and SSD

A Note on Testing…

My objective in my testing was to understand if temperatures and read/write speeds improved by upgrading the SSD and applying a heatsink. To test, I used two programs: CrystalDiskMark to determine read/write speeds for file transfer(s) and HWiNFO to determine the minimum and maximum temperatures of the SSDs. I recorded test results from the original stock SSD installed in the Claw 8 and the upgraded SSD with a heatsink applied.

I used CrystalDiskMark for Windows, which has a version available for free to download on the Free Software Download CNET Download page (reference: https://download.cnet.com/crystaldiskmark/3000-2094_4-75330576.html). The tests I ran were 1) the transfer of five 1GB files and 2) the transfer of nine 2GB files. There are other test parameters one can apply. If you are interested in learning more about these other test parameters or CrystalDiskMark, then consult the link in the Additional Resources section of this guide.

I used HWiNFO with a free version available on its website to download (reference: https://www.hwinfo.com/). After opening the program, you will need to pull up the Sensor information and scroll down to the SSD metrics.

IMPROVED TEMPERATURES AND READ/WRITE SPEEDS

Tests were done for each set of parameters three times; therefore, regarding the read/write speeds, the hundredth and thousandth decimal places changed across the tests. The video recorded shows one of those tests for each set of parameters. Read/Write speeds close to match the initial stock drive when testing. Read/Write speeds were improved with the upgraded SSD but were not close to matching the maximum read/write speed of the upgraded drive, and this circumstance is not caused by temperature throttling. Read speeds improved up to approximately 2GB/s, and write speeds improved approximately 1GB/s. The max temperature showed a 9-10 degree improvement (i.e., decrease) using the upgraded SSD and heatsink. NOTE: the CrystalDiskMark test did not definitively define the max temp you will ever see on the upgraded SSD. For example, when installing multiple games across platforms (i.e., Steam, Epic Games) simultaneously, I noticed that my max temp reached ten degrees higher (i.e., lower 60-degree Celsius range) than what was recorded (i.e., lower 50-degree Celsius range) for the CrystalDiskMark test. More details are below that I recorded.

CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:

- Default/Stock SSD (KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA)

- Settings: 5x, 1GiB, drive C, GB/s

- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.498, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 1.907, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.412, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.056

- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.935, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 1.929, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.386, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.114

Corresponding HW Info Stats for KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA (14NC9450E2T5):

- Degrees (Celsius): Min 43, Max 63

Conclusion: Read Speed is up to 3500 MB/s, and Write Speed is up to 2900 MB/s for the KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA. The benchmark shows no evidence of temp throttling affecting read and write speeds. Temp does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius; prolonged exposure can damage the drive. Throttling would occur at 80 degrees Celsius. SEQ1M Q8T1 benchmark scores are close to read and write speed for this drive.

CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:

- Upgraded SSD (TimeTec QP241106F2T0236) w/ applied heatsink

- Settings: 5x, 1GiB, drive C, GB/s

- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 5.162, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.253, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.433, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.048

- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.856, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.518, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.436, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.133

Corresponding HW Info Stats for Timetec PCIe SSD (QP241106F2T0236):

- Degrees (Celsius): Min 36, Max 51

Conclusion: The 2TB Timetec SSD has up to 7,000/5,600MB/s (Read/Write, respectively). There is no presence of temp throttling for read and write speeds that do not reach the maximum.

CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:

- Default/Stock SSD (KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA)

- Settings: 9x, 2GiB, drive C, GB/s

- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.110, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 1.695, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.417, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.048

- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.917, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 1.939, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.294, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.118 

Corresponding HW Info Stats for KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA (14NC9450E2T5):

- Degrees (Celsius): 37 Min , 62 Max 

Conclusion: Read Speed is up to 3500 MB/s, and Write Speed is up to 2900 MB/s for the KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA. Despite larger files, the benchmark shows no evidence of temp throttling affecting read and write speeds. Temp does not exceed 70 degrees Celsius; prolonged exposure can damage the drive. Throttling would occur at 80 degrees Celsius. SEQ1M Q8T1 benchmark scores are close to read and write speed for this drive.

CrystalDiskMark Benchmark:

- Upgraded SSD (TimeTec QP241106F2T0236) w/ applied heatsink

- Settings: 9x, 2GiB, drive C, GB/s

- Read: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 5.146, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.141, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.446, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.053

- Write: (SEQ1M Q8T1) 3.835, (SEQ1M Q8T1) 2.541, (RND4K Q32T1) 0.437, (RND4K Q1T1) 0.135

Corresponding HW Info Stats for KBG50ZNS1T02 KIOXIA (14NC9450E2T5):

- Degrees (Celcius): 38 Min , 53 Max 

Conclusion: The 2TB Timetec SSD has up to 7,000/5,600MB/s (Read/Write, respectively). There is no presence of temp throttling for read and write speeds that do not reach the maximum.

Part 1 - Connect to Power and Build a Recovery Drive

Unfortunately, MSI does not have a cloud recovery feature for restoring and installing Windows OS following an SSD installation like one would find on the ASUS ROG products, so we will need to create a recovery drive. I recommend having the device plugged into power to ensure that, depending on the time this process takes, your battery will not deplete, which would require you to restart the process. Power on your Claw 8. Next, take your external storage option (i.e., external SSD) and, plug it into your Claw 8 and ensure that it is recognized by the OS.  Next, locate the Start Menu and access Run (use equivalent right-click to see the sub-menu and select Run from the Start Menu icon, or you can type “Run” into the search bar within the Start Menu). Once Run is open, type “recoverydrive.exe” without quotes. Select “Ok” on the Run window. A window prompt will emerge to run “Recovery Media Drive”; select “Ok.” You will see an option in the window to “Create a recovery drive.” Before selecting “Next,” I recommend checking the box for “Back up system files on the recovery drive.” In doing so, this will make sure that MSI Center M is installed with the image that we will install through the use of the recovery drive along with other files saved on your Claw 8.

Checking the box for this option will result in a longer process to create a recovery drive (this may take over a couple of hours, depending on what you have installed already). You may want to consider not checking this box and installing MSI Center M manually through the MSI Drivers & Downloads page (consult the Additional Resources section in this guide for that link).

A “Please Wait” process will commence, and then you will receive another prompt to create the recovery drive. Upon selecting “Create,” the process of building the recovery drive will commence. You will notice that the file directory will emerge and show the drive as well as the files put on the drive for the recovery process. I minimized that window to view the recovery drive building process. Again, the process of building the recovery drive may take longer than my example video shown in this guide. Do not interrupt the process unless you want to cancel it to try another drive or option. You will eventually see the process complete with the statement in the window “The recovery drive is ready”; you can select “Finish,” and that will close the window. You have just built your recovery drive to use later in this guide.

Do note that at this point, it is recommended that you take additional precautions and back up any other files you deem important for external storage (i.e., stick drive). Even though you may have selected to backup all system files to the recovery drive, it is best practice to ensure there is an additional backup in case the recovery drive does not deliver in doing this (as you would need to access them again from the stock drive). Expect to reinstall your games as well, despite being installed originally.

Consult Additional Resources in this guide to review the Microsoft Knowledge Base article on building a Recovery Drive for additional details as well.

Part 2 - Rotate Device, Disconnect from Power, and Remove Backplate

Part 2A - Rotate Device and Disconnect from Power

Power down your Claw 8 and disconnect the recovery drive from it. Disconnect the power cord from the Claw 8 as well. Rotate the device so that you face the backplate.  

Part 2B - Remove Backplate

You will need to remove the six screws that fasten the backplate onto the Claw 8; use a screwdriver for this step (reference What You Need). You will need to use a guitar pick (or equivalent tool; reference What You Need for options) to separate the backplate from the Claw 8. Note that some of my screws did not come out with the backplate, so even though I took the time to ensure they were unfastened as could be, I kept them in and kept track of them to remove from the backplate later (once separating it). I recommend starting with the guitar pick (or equivalent tool) at the bottom left (reference corresponding video) and not the top (I omitted that footage), as you have more opportunity to wedge the guitar pick between the backplate and frame of the Claw 8. Work slowly, though, as it took some wedging for a first-time pry-open moment. I recommend working from left to right and slowly near the right trigger and bumper on the Claw 8 (stop there). Release it from the bottom upward slowly, and the backplate eventually separated fully for me.  Do ensure that you keep your screws to fasten the backplate again in a space you can easily locate them again.

Part 3 - Remove the Stock SSD

The SSD location is above the battery, to the right of the center heat pipe, and to the left of the right intake fan. You will need to unfasten the screw (use the same screwdriver and bit from Part 2B) of the stock SSD before you can remove it. Once the screw is unfastened and removed, put this screw in a place where you can locate it again (and not confuse it with the screws to fasten the backplate). Next, you need to remove the stock SSD itself (not that it is unfastened). I used an opening tool (reference What You Need) to assist me in removing the stock SSD (it is pretty snug in its location), though you may not need it. You will need to direct the SSD upwards to remove it from where it is connected.

Part 4 - Apply Heatsink to Upgraded SSD and Insert as well as Re-Fasten Upgraded SSD

Unpackage the Timetec SSD (that serves as our upgraded SSD to install in this case). I removed the tape that covers the side on which I installed the heatsink (note that we are working with a one-sided SSD, so our heatsink will just need to go on that one side). Next, put the Timetec SSD to the side and unpackage one of the heatsinks from the four-pack (reference What You Need). Remove the tape from the bottom of the heatsink. Apply the heatsink to the Timetec SSD. Note that the heatsink will apply to the side where you removed the tape. Ensure the heatsink is placed firmly to cover the side of the new SSD. Ensure that you apply the heatsink to the correct side (as you will have trouble connecting the Timetec SSD to the connection on the Claw 8 if you do). You will not apply the heatsink to the side with SSD details (i.e., “NVMe PCIe 2TB” written). Insert the Timetec SSD to which we applied the heatsink (I will refer to this moving forward as the upgraded SSD). I inserted the upgraded SSD slightly raised upward before pushing down and inward at the same time. Make sure that the upgraded SSD fits nicely and snugly, and work to push it gently inward without pushing on the heatsink to cause it to be dislodged. Next, fasten the same screw that was initially removed from the stock SSD to fasten the upgraded SSD.   

Part 5 - Re-Fasten Backplate and Rotate Device

Apply the backplate onto the Claw 8. Press downward on the backplate to snap it into place. Use the six screws you originally removed to re-fasten the backplate. If a screw is not fastening with approach, then re-assess how you have the backplate on the Claw 8 and reposition.  Rotate the Claw 8 so we can begin the next part.

Part 6 - Connect to Power, Connect Recovery Drive, Power on Claw 8 Into Recovery Mode, Commence Recovery Mode

The device is powered off still at this point in the overall process. You will need to connect the recovery drive that you built in Part 1 and connect the Claw 8 to power as well. The recovery process is long, so expect to be patient.

Rotate the Claw 8. I tilted the Claw 8 upward for this step. Press the power button (top towards left); after doing so, immediately hold down the left trigger and left bumper. You can tilt the device downward to look at the screen, but make sure you keep your fingers pressed on the left trigger and left bumper. The MSI logo will show on the screen at this point, and you will see a spinning arrow for a moment below the logo after an approximate minute. The screen will go blue, and you will see the option to choose a keyboard layout. The use of the buttons on the gamepad will not be accurate during the recovery process (I tried and omitted that footage here), so I recommend using the touch screen for this process. Choose your preferred keyboard layout. Next, for options to choose for the recovery process, choose “Recover from a drive.” Next, you can choose “Just remove my files” or “Fully clean the drive.” This is a new and unused SSD, so the option here is not so integral as far as which one you choose; I chose “Just remove my files.” Do note, though, that the option: “Fully clean the drive” will take longer since the formatting process is more extensive. You will see in the next window a list of the steps that will occur during the recovery process; if agreeable, press “Recover” on the mid to lower right-hand side to begin the recovery process. You will see two loading processes (the first is the MSI logo) before you see the prompt to select your language. I do not go through each step in the Windows 11 setup process; however, consult the Additional Resources section for a guide on what you can expect in that process if needed.  

Part 7 -Update MSI Center M

I include this part in my guide because using the recovery drive may be misleading in thinking an update is not needed to start MSI Center M. It is. When you access MSI Center M from the start menu, you are prompted to update it. Go ahead and follow through with the update. MSI Center M had no updates for me to do; however, depending on when you use this guide and how long ago it was that you created your recovery drive, just in case, I recommend still checking. Access MSI Center M from the Start Menu or press the corresponding button on the left near the screen (i.e., the MSI Center M button) and select “News and Updates” to find “Updates” and, then select “Scan” to conduct a scan for any pending updates.

Changelog: