Thinkpads Forum

Hi marketplace!
As the title says - Im looking for a ThinkPad with dedicated graphics [256MB+]
If it's a T61p I will need a late production unit.
Any screen size will do!
I currently own a T61 with a NVS140m which is aging so I need to step up a little.
I don't care too much about the CPU (as long as it is no K5) and 2GB+ Ram would be nice.
I would like the laptop to be in good condition with NO CRACKS / BUMPS / DENTS / PHYSICAL DAMAGES except maybe some light scratches.

I have an 08/09 T61p. Will send PM...

Still looking

T60p (8745-UN7)
Based on 8741-C5U: T7200(2GHz), 2GB RAM, 15.4in 1680x1050 LCD widescreen, 256MB ATI FireGL V5250, CDRW/DVDRW, 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader
In excellent condition.
As described above: $190.- shipped.

Out of curiosity - what is the intended usage that requires a discrete GPU?

Probably should post a rough budget too...

dr_st wrote:Out of curiosity - what is the intended usage that requires a discrete GPU?

Probably should post a rough budget too...

PM sent to RBS
Im intending on using it for 1080p streaming and 3D animation work.

hoax32 wrote:If it's a T61p I will need a late production unit...I currently own a T61 with a NVS140m which is aging so I need to step up a little.

Why just "a little"? Forget about upgrading to the T61p. Although incremental upgrades used to make sense, I don't think they are worthwhile any more considering how cheap laptops have become. Instead, jump forward to at least the T400/T500/W500 generation, which would be a more significant upgrade and wouldn't cost you much more money, and you wouldn't have to upgrade again in less than a year.

In which case you should specify that you want a GPU that helps offload 1080p streaming... In some cases you might be surprised to know that a modern integrated GPU will do a better job than an ancient dedicated one (may also depend on the streamed content type).

^^^ That is sound advice dr_st. I keep my X200 (with Intel X4500MHD integrated graphics)on my bedside table at night so when I want I can stream films or watch high quality MKV format files (via USB stick). This is even on battery power so as far as the generation of Intel graphics that an X200/T400/R400/T500/R500 possess it at least able to handle 720 on battery. I am not sure about 1080 on battery. I suspect my X200 would need to be plugged in or set to high performance to play 1080 if on battery.

The OP does specify the need for 3D rendering though so a GPU is necessary. I agree with Pianowizard in his recommendation of the T/R/W400/500 series of ThinkPads. The option exists for discrete and even switchable graphics for those series of ThinkPads and if OP is patient- OP might be able to score one at a reasonable cost.

If a powerful gpu is the primary goal, then a T61p would be a better option then a T/W 500. The ATI graphics was a step backwards in performance from the nVidia. They do have some advantages, such as faster cpu options, but the OP said he wasn't concerned with cpu, so I'd ignore the 400/500 series, a 410/510 would have better graphics if you can accept the 16:9 aspect ratio. Personally I think the T61p is one of the great thinkpads, it's just a shame that so few of them were made with the reliable gpu before they were discontinued.

Actually your T61 nvs140m would probably be a better option then a T400, the nVidia chip is better supported for gaming then the ati. If you're having specific gpu performance issues you can look into overclocking the chip. Many report they run quite stable when overclocked.

I currently have a T410 with switchable graphics, onsite warranty, accidental protection coverage that I'm going to be offering after the holidays. It has a really nice LED screen and powerful nVidia graphics. I also have another of the 17" HP workstations I have listed in the forum. They are far more powerful graphics then a t61p, T or W 500, and they have HPs version of the Flexview screen in a huge 17" size. Those are the more powerful discrete laptops I have to offer. I also have an R61 with nvs140m that has several months of warranty and looks like it was rarely ever used. It's in beautiful condition with a flawless 1680x1050 screen. It would be a nice step up from your 14.1 widescreen, but the gpu is the same.

hoax32 wrote: Im intending on using it for 1080p streaming and 3D animation work.

ps. If you're going to stream 1080p it would be pointless if you don't have a screen with 1920x1080 resolution, or something close at least.

Thank you for all the reliable replys and information!!!!
My NVS 140m is already over %100 overclocked.
[CORE @710MHZ MEM@1GHz SHADER@1.6GHz] <---- most OCedCard I ever had (had manny)
A T61p with a 570 would be nice!
I was also looking into a X130e with a HD6320 (rather powerfull integrated)
And I don;t know if a V5250 would be considered an upgrade from a NVS 140m although it does have 2x the memory and double the bandwidth.

Not sure if youre interested in an option that is out of the "box" but it is possible to run a desktop or external graphics card with the optimus nvidia drivers now. My x220 has serious gpu power now because of the external 560ti that i have connected. If you are in fact interested i would research eGPU on the "notebook review forums". Its quite seamless and "plug and play"

What about the T510 I am selling?

Not sure about the OP's budget, but for $475 delivered, I can offer a mint T410s with a dedicated video chipset (actually switchable w/both dedicated and integrated video chipsets), SSD, etc., still under warranty for another year, full spec's below. The T410s is certainly along the evolutionary line of the T61. Thinner and one pound lighter, too.

Review --> http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops ... timus.aspx

ThinkPad T410s - 2904-G2U
Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz), 4GB RAM, 128GB Solid State Drive, 14.1in 1440x900 LCD, Optimus switchable
graphics with both Intel HD & 512MB nVIDIA Quadro NVS3100m, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn,
WWAN upgradeable, Bluetooth, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion,
Win7 Pro 64, 90w AC adapter, original 3 year depot warranty expires on Dec. 19, 2013

NOTE: Just sold to another forum member. However, I strongly recommend T410s/T420s/T510/T520 machines.

underclocker wrote:Not sure about the OP's budget, but for $475 delivered, I can offer a mint T410s with a dedicated video chipset (actually switchable w/both dedicated and integrated video chipsets), SSD, etc., still under warranty for another year, full spec's below. The T410s is certainly along the evolutionary line of the T61. Thinner and one pound lighter, too.

Review --> http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops ... timus.aspx

ThinkPad T410s - 2904-G2U
Intel Core i5-520M (2.4GHz), 4GB RAM, 128GB Solid State Drive, 14.1in 1440x900 LCD, Optimus switchable
graphics with both Intel HD & 512MB nVIDIA Quadro NVS3100m, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn,
WWAN upgradeable, Bluetooth, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion,
Win7 Pro 64, 90w AC adapter, original 3 year depot warranty expires on Dec. 19, 2013

That is a really good deal because of that warranty. The price to replace a failed screen on that one particular model is crazy! I wish mine had that warranty.