Thinkpads Forum

SOLD: Complete T41 with common loose GPU problem. This machine will typically stay on if you do not shake or move it too much. I placed a stack of Post-It's between the keyboard and GPU and this has helped. I just ran the entire IBM XP recovery procedure and it didn't freeze up at all.

*Image removed*

Link to nice, large picture --> *Link removed*

Cosmetic condition
All of the plastics and keyboard look very good, typical wear, like keyboard shine and cover scuffs are visible, but very nice looking overall. The keyboard is Thai. The LCD is bright, no dead pixels, but there are several light scuff marks from the keyboard - not obvious while the machine is on.

Operating condition
When it's working, it runs fine and fast. It has a loose GPU, so the mobo needs to be fixed or replaced. The battery is a very worn 6 cell in the red zone, not good, lasts up to 30 min. - just taking up space. Everything else works fine.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a good parts machine or a fixer-upper, you won't be disappointed, the machine looks very nice.

$149 including delivery in the U.S. PayPal, USPS money orders and cash accepted.

Full specifications and modifications below;

Product: ThinkPad T41 2373-7FU
Original description:
Intel Pentium M 1.6GHz processor
512MB RAM (2 x 256MB)
40GB 5400rpm HDD --> now 20GB 4200rpm HDD
14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD
32MB ATI Radeon 7500
16x10x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD --> now 8x DVD
Intel 802.11b wireless (MPCI)
Modem (CDC)
1Gb Ethernet (LOM)
UltraNav
Secure Chip
6 cell Li-Ion battery
WinXP Pro COA
Recovery partition is intact with XP Pro SP2
(AC adapter is not included)

how much motion can it handle before failing? Will typing on the keyboard cause it to crash?

I am assuming there is no solution to the GPU problem outside of replacing the whole mother/cpu combo?

Forum member jamiphar (James) offers re-balling service with warranty. He's done it on three of my ThinkPads and I've been very pleased.

I'm considering buying a similar T40 machine like yours with the same GPU problem. I think it's worth considering repair (GPU Reflow)/
T40's machines are nice

In response to what makes it fail, I have to say, I've seen about a dozen or so in varying stages of GPU failure. The continuum runs from "not sure there is a GPU problem" to "won't boot without extreme pressure on the GPU". This one boots everytime with slight pressure on the GPU. However, all failures lead to the same place - you'll need to get it fixed.

The funny thing about the GPU failures, which makes them so frustrating, is that sometimes the machine can take typing or shaking, sometimes not. So I can't recommend trying to wing it with a pack of Post-It notes!

Since this machine is in nice shape (other than the GPU), I really don't want to part it out. I am open to reasonable offers if $149 seems a little excessive. Jamiphar will repair the GPU for $100 if you remove the mobo for him, $150 if you ship him the whole computer.

And yes, I agree, T4x machines are nice, I'm typing on a fully functional T41 now.

I will buy your machine overclocker if I just lived in the US. Here in Mexico all laptop are overpriced.

Take a look at this T40:
Thinkpad T40 $150 (possible shipping included).. good deal?


I know is even more old than your T41, but I wonder if it's a good deal.

Markets in each country are different. I'd say hold off a little better deal or newer machine.

I just sold mine for a little less than the asking price.