T500 Intel heatsink upgrade.

[TPFanatic]

I have a 2242 T500 that originally came with 25W P8400, it has a 35W T9400 right now, under the integrated graphics heatsink with 1 big CPU heatpipe. Intel graphics only.

The CPU heatpipe does not get very hot (i touch it) and only lukewarm air comes out of the vents even with the CPU running at 100%. TPFC reports the CPU at 90C after 5 minutes stressing which doesn't seem healthy to me.

The fan and vents are cleaned. I'm sure I the CPU is pasted correctly. I suspect the single heatpipe heatsink is pretty sucky and I'm wondering if I can install a dual heatpipe HSF from integrated T60/T61 that I can buy and install without hiccups instead? Dual heatpipes should be better.

Alternatively can I put a T500 Switchable HSF in an Intel T500?

[axur-delmeria]

If the heatpipe isn't getting hot, but the CPU contact plate is, then you should replace the heatsink, as the heatpipe has incurred damage.

A heatpipe is a sealed tube with a small amount of working fluid (usually water) inside. Internal pressure is lower than 1 atm so that the water's boiling temperature is lower.

A crack or fracture (or any hole for that matter) will cause the water to evaporate and escape from the heatpipe, destroying its heat-carrying ability.

[TPFanatic]

Will this T60 HSF fit in place of this T500 HSF in an Intel-only T500?


I've held my Switchable T500 HSF up against the guts of one of my Intel T500s and the dGPU-extension competes with the Intel's modem connector, so it's a no-go putting the dual CPU pipes Switchable HSF in an Intel T500. But this T60 HSF is for Intel-only models and has dual CPU pipes so should be better, right? If it fits, right? Which is my question: does it fit? I know the left vent is shorter on the T500 due to the inclusion of Displayport so I worry a T60 HSF will not fit for that reason. Although, I could mod it in.



Looking in the MTM table there is a 2242-RP8 which is an Intel T500 with the hottest T9900 so apparently the Intel heatsink should be able to cool things effectively, despite having just 1 CPU pipe. But my Intel HSF apparently sucks cooling just a T9400 so I'd like to replace it with something better (and cheaper) so a cheap T60 HSF with 2 CPU pipes might be what I'm looking for.

[thinkpadcollection]

T500 discrete and integrated heatsinks can be used both on integrated intel GPU. I know, I had T500. The HD 3650 GPU does packs serious heat along with 35W CPU so take the T500 discrete heatsink instead. T61 is not made for T500 due to different heights between northbridge of both T61 and T500 Also T61 is wrong design due to clamp down locations where T500 clamps touches the heatsink for GPU + north bridge or northbridge only, also T500 clamp parts are same for both T500 integrated/discrete. Also T61 heatsink uses different fan. The T500 fans are better as well.

Take the T500 discrete heatsink and run with it on yours intel instead due to better design due to extra heat that GPU makes but will be more cooler on yours.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

[TPFanatic]

Thanks that's exactly what I need to hear. Unfortunately it won't work for me because this modem connector is in the way of the DGPU block and I don't feel like grinding this heatsink.

https://s23.postimg.org/fpezrfdmj/hybridfail1.jpg
https://s23.postimg.org/c72zv1cqj/hybridfail2.jpg
https://s23.postimg.org/cxvq0tf3v/hybridfail3.jpg

I'm not too worried about differing northbridge heights, the different is miniscule, and I'd use a thermal pad. Installing a T500 fan in the T61 HS is trivial.

[thinkpadcollection]

Start grawing on metal using narrow grinder wheel.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection