T60/p to T61 Frankenpad kit (Free NOS nVidia upgrade)

[TuuS]

Welcome to Frankenpadding: 101

Edit: Due to shipping cost increases new prices for shipping go into effect monday January 18th, but I can still take orders to ship at current rates if the label is printed today, Saturday Jan 16th before midnight EST. I will do my best to have the new rates posted as soon as possible.

Update: For Sale still in effect while we have the boards in stock I'm offering a free upgrade to new NOS nVidia motherboard with this kit!

This is a brand new NOS board, 44c3924 in original ibm box with the updated GPU design. Most GPU chips dated in 2010 with boards manufactured in 2011-2012.

Since I'm asked this often it seemed logical to put together a collection of the parts needed.

This kit will be all parts needed to convert your T60 or T60p to a T61 frankenpad, supporting upto 8gb of ram, 2.8ghz cpu, full SATA2 harddrive speed, all in a T60 series chassis with the IPS Flexview screen that was never offered in a T61.

This kit will be based on a T61 systemboard (42w7648) with Intel Graphics or (42w7649) with Discrete Graphics*, pulled from a complete fully working corporate laptop, fully tested and will come with Middleton's bios installed so it'll be ready to go with full SATA2 support, capable of running Merom or Penryn cpu chips, dual IDA mode, no miniPCIe whitelist and upgraded Slic2.1.

Also included will be your choice of a pcmcia/smartcard, or pcmcia/express card assembly housing, CPU Intel core2 duo T7300 (upgrades offered), T61 fan assembly, cpu support bracket. An LCD screen is NOT included in this kit!

Technical support will also be offered via email. You'll be expected to be competent in performing the job, but I'll help with any advice and guidance needed to complete the job, help with knowing what frame modifications are needed to get the T61 board into your T60 chassis

This is everything you need to transform your T60/T60p into a powerful frankenpad for under $200 plus shipping.

Basic price for this kit will be $199 plus $15 shipping (domestic), international will vary.


If you've always wanted to do this but didn't know if you could find the guidance you needed, then this a good opportunity for you. I've build many of these and have helped countless other members build theirs and you're getting more then just parts you're getting someone to virtually help you each step of the way**.


There are many upgrades available for this package such as more powerful cpu chips, other system board options, and I even have a couple genuine lenovo refurbished boards that were installed by on-site warranty repair. Availability of boards changes daily, so please PM me if you have something specific you're looking for. I also have some brand new flexview screens, should you want to upgrade your screen too.


Professor TuuS



*discrete graphics on a frankenpad includes risk of potential gpu failure. Many of us hardcore thinkpad fans find the benefits far outweigh the risks, but if you want the more reliable and efficient Intel graphics, or you're not willing to accept the potential of gpu related failures at some point in the future, then the Intel graphics would be a better choice.



**Support will be offered to the best of my ability and is complimentary. I'm not selling this service and it has no warranty implied or otherwise that I will be successful in teaching you the skills required. This is only intended as a legal disclaimer, so don't give it more or less concern then it deserves, so suffice it to say if you cannot take apart and reassemble a computer, then I probably won't be able to teach you these skills in email messages. If you can, but you want some backup should you run into an issue, or just want some guidance along the way, then this is for you.

[TuuS]

Several sold and several still available.


ps. I now also have some 15" ips flexview SXGA+ screens available starting at just $25 and some brand new LG (NOS) screens at just $60 plus shipping!!! *combined shipping is welcomed and encouraged*

[kevlo911]

check pm's

i have a 14.1 in T60 and want some info

[allen]

how bout usb3 ports?

[TuuS]

@kevlo911, I replied to your PM, I had missed it before because my inbox was full.

@allen, if you mean you want to add usb 3.0 ports to a T60, it's not possible, the most advanced board you can put in a T60 is a T61 which has usb 2.0, but you can use a plugin express card that has usb 3.0, they are available from most any pc hardware retailer such as newegg or amazon.

[santacluj]

I am looking to buy tested 14' 4:3 T61/p with FX570M to upgrade my T60p.
What can You offer for me?

[TuuS]

I am looking to buy tested 14' 4:3 T61/p with FX570M to upgrade my T60p.
What can You offer for me?

I have a couple 4:3 boards with NVS140m graphics, but none with FX570m. They are very well tested, but all discrete boards do have potential risk of gpu problems, so please consider the risk when considering your options.



I also now have some brand new (LG) NOS IPS Flexview SXGA+ screens for $60 plus shipping.

[bwaldow]

Welcome to Frankenpadding: 101

I'm tacking my positive feedback for Tuus here. I did not order one of these kits, but rather a custom version for much the same purpose - which I think is actually available through this offer as he mentions the kit may be customised.

I got a Penryn board and processor, along with a PCMCIA/Expresscard adapter and T61 HSF. He included the T61 brackets to hold down the HSF to the GPU, but I didn't see any way to really use those and modified my T60 HSF bracket.

Everything is behaving nicely, and he has been helpful answering my questions, so I recommend his services.

Cheers,
Bret

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello TuuS,

I might consider turning my T60P (see signature below) into a Frankenbeast...

... as I am interested in more power and more speed. But I 'm also interested in specialised graphics (memory and GPU) and in keeping an uxga display. One of Your clients obviously has managed to obtain an LED-UXGA-15"-Display for his machine.

Any suggestions as to parts and prices?

Thanks in advance

[TuuS]

Hi,

I have the parts needed to do the conversion, it's a pretty straightforward job but does require minor modification of the frame. I have boards with Intel and nVidia nvs140m graphics. A small percentage of the nVidia boards have been known to fail, but I've sourced boards from corporate laptops and have done extensive testing to make sure the gpu is healthy, yet there is still some risk involved, but this is unavoidable when building a frankenpad with discrete graphics. I use discrete boards in my frankenpads, but some prefer the Intel boards which work quite well, they are a big step up from a T60 board and both the Intel and nVidia graphics are well supported in Windows and Linux operating systems.

As for the LED conversion, they are done by member Real Black Stuff. I'll get you intouch with him if you're interested in one and can perhaps arrange for combined shipping.

Send me a PM with the exact specs you want and I'll see what I can do.

[ScottyBoy]

Hi TuuS, do you also happen to sell the modified frame as well for the 15" T60/T60p units for the creation of the FrankenPads? Cheers

[TuuS]

Hi TuuS, do you also happen to sell the modified frame as well for the 15" T60/T60p units for the creation of the FrankenPads? Cheers

This is possible, but I'd have to locate a frame for you. If you want one send me a PM and we can discuss it.

[DaKKS]

Hmm, can this be done on an R61? The motherboard can be swapped out, that i know. But does everything else fit too? Kind of a mad idea to pull off after i fixed it up a bit.

[Raceboy]

Hmm, can this be done on an R61?

No.

[DaKKS]

No.

Why not? T61 and R61 boards are supposed to be interchangeable. Then it should only be a cooling problem, since the R61 series has weaker and cooler graphics. But a fan from a T61 should fix that.

[TuuS]

Since the discussion about the R61 was a bit off-topic for this post, I handled the matter in private messages, but for all who are curious on this specific 14.1" widescreen R61, there is no advantage to installing a T61 board.


For those interested in a T60 conversion, I have some more system boards in, including a genuine lenovo refurbished discrete board, a discrete board with Penryn support all burn-in tested for 7 full days including several hours of GPU stress tests.

I also have some 14" widescreen boards, intel graphics, some with native penryn support and one of the rarest boards, a Penryn nVidia board that was brand new (not refurbished) when installed by Lenovo on-site warranty. The nVidia chips is dated 2009 and is original so the board was never put through the stressful reballing process. This is the "holy grail" of T61 boards as these haven't been available since 2009. I also have a brand new Intel Penryn board that was never installed, new in box... very rare find.

There are many more to go through so I expect to find some more rare gems in the comming weeks.

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello TuuS,

Well may be I' ll be interested in frankenpading my T60P (see below), given that I will not have to solder or "rebuild"/"alter" IBM/Lenovo Plastics/metall spares. Would You be able to offer all the necessary parts for an exchange, board, cpu, cooler/fan (exception: RAM, HDD)? What's the price, You would be asking?

Thanks in advance

[RealBlackStuff]

now using an upgraded T60P (15"UXGA T7600 256MB/4GB 5000GB/7200)

You have a mighty big hard disk in that T60p!

[TuuS]

You have a mighty big hard disk in that T60p!

@ RealBlackStuff, or perhaps a sticky "0" key on the keyboard lol


@ freidrich-eugen, I replied to your questions in a private message

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello RealBlackStuff,

You 're the first to notice my mistake ... Indeed, 5000 GB are just a little bit to much... for 2,5"

Thanks a lot!!

[TuuS]

I have some new additions to add to the options.

I have a limited number of "Interposer" cards. This is a small card that extends the board's width and is needed on the 15" T60 series.

I also have a small number of T60/p 15" frames that I'm going to be offering with or without the modifications to accept a T61 board.

More updates to follow as soon as time allows

[odi3]

Hello, I have a t60p 2623d8u 14" that just died, no lights no matter what.
(pulled cmos, ram, hdd, battery. tried the power button trick, still no action)
What options are available for me? I am satisified with my current screen, but are there mobo/video card upgrades available?

Thanks!

-Ryan

[Cigarguy]

^^^ It's really not nice to threadjack. Yours is a valid question, you should start a new thread.

[TuuS]

@ ryan, I sent you a PM so we can discuss your needs without adding unnecessary length to this post.

@ cirgarguy, his question is on topic if he's considering frankenpadding his T60p.

[nitetrain]

Bumping this so I can find it. Time to spec out my FrankenPad kit.

[friedrich-eugen]

I have some new additions to add to the options.

I have a limited number of "Interposer" cards. This is a small card that extends the board's width and is needed on the 15" T60 series.

I also have a small number of T60/p 15" frames that I'm going to be offering with or without the modifications to accept a T61 board.

More updates to follow as soon as time allows

Hello TuS,
Hello Realblackstuff,

I 'm interested in
- two Frankenpad-sets, as complete as possible and
- including two of said 15" LED Displays, which I 'ld have to ask Realblackstuff to modify

TuS, still two sets available?
may even be with two modified Chassis?
which make of SSD is recommendable?

I'll be back home in two days time and I should be glad to have a PM...
Thanks in advance

[TuuS]

Hi friedrich-eugen,

I can provide two kits. The LED screens will likely be sold out soon, but I'll temporarily reserve two of them for you until you return home and can make a final decision.

I'll send you a PM and we can discuss what options you want with these kits.

Regarding the modification of your LCD cables and inverters, you can either send your lids to RBS and he will install the panels, or you can send just the cables and inverters and considering the international shipping involved it would be cheaper to send just the cables and inverters, but you can work out those details with RBS directly.


Edit: looks like I'll be out of the Hydis LED screens soon. I have the two reserved for you friedrich-eugen and a few others who have contacted me. I should have a few more screens available after all pending orders are filled so if someone is interested I'll put you on the list.

[noetus]

Are the kits still available? I have a T60p (2007 94U) ready for the upgrade. I can source the Boe Hydis screen myself, or get one from you if you still have any. Am only in the US for two weeks and would like to take advantage of the cheaper/faster shipping to get this done while I'm here (I live in Hungary).

[TuuS]

Are the kits still available? I have a T60p (2007 94U) ready for the upgrade. I can source the Boe Hydis screen myself, or get one from you if you still have any. Am only in the US for two weeks and would like to take advantage of the cheaper/faster shipping to get this done while I'm here (I live in Hungary).

I sent you a PM, it won't be a problem getting the parts out to you before you leave.

[TuuS]

Just updated the post and have a few kits ready to ship. I also have a few rarities to offer. *prices and availability updated 4-26-2015

T7500 CPU upgrade 2.2ghz $5 with kit

T7700 CPU upgrade 2.4ghz $14 with kit

Penryn CPU (NOS) T8100 in original Lenovo box, 2.1ghz. $19 with purchase of kit

Penryn CPU T8100, 2.1ghz. $9 with purchase of kit

Penryn CPU T8300 2.4ghz. $19 with purchase of kit

Penryn CPU T9300 2.5ghz. $35 with purchase of kit

Penryn CPU (NOS) T9300 in original Lenovo box, 2.5ghz. $69 with purchase of kit (only one available).

These are in sealed Lenovo packaging and are new (not refurbished) original parts that haven't been available for years.

42w7872 Penryn board, Intel graphics (add $50) (one available)

42w7873 Penryn board, nVidia nvs140m graphics (free upgrade) (one available)


T61 clearplate sticker for lid $5 with kit (this is the sticker with the sticker with the LED icons and the T61 model number. Have your T60 correctly show it's now T61 powered.

Want more than one kit, no additional shipping on multiple kits *domestic only*

Now offering economy shipping to many international destinations for only $35 *fully insured*

Economy shipping is available in the following countries

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Bermuda
Canada
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Greenland
Guatemala
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Korea, Republic of
Luxembourg
Mexico
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Samoa
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay

If your country's not listed there is a good chance I can still ship to you using priority mail, Send a PM to request an estimate.

note: optional LCD screens are not included in economy shipping price.

*list of countries updated 4-26-2015