Thinkpads Forum

Looking at a T42 2379 r8u tomorrow. I guess i have concerns about purchasing one?
Is there any way of telling via the type # weather its subject to the common GPU/Southbridge problems?

My R51 seems to be about the same build, about the only difference seems to be the 1.8 processor compared to my 1.6 in the r51. All the other hardware and software seems to be the same, I noticed on my r51 R&R disc set that its for the t42 as well.

There must be some structural differences, as i have never heard of the r51's having GPU/Southbridge problems. But i dont really ever hear much, just what i learn strolling though some of these post's.

It seems the processor difference is significant unless i miss read?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The parts are interchangeable, with the exception of the 1394/firewire port on some R5x models. This opening would be missing in a T4x model, but a Dremel will fix that.
A lot of R5x models came with integrated Intel gpu, and had only 1 PCMCIA slot.
Also, the R5x case is more solid than the Tx4 case, hence less flexing on R5x models, and thus less GPU/Southbridge problems.
The CPU can be upgraded any time, not that relevant really.

Product: ThinkPad T42 2379-R8U [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: P M 745, 512MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HDD, 15 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 7500, 24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ether, UltraNav, Sec Chip, FPR, 6 cell Li-Ion Batt, WinXP Pro

A model that is prone to GPU and/or Southbridge problems, but not all machines will have/get it.
Check out if the HD boots immediately and all the time, and if the USB ports work at 2.0 speed; if not, Southbridge problem.
Take a CD with PC Doctor with you, and do a check with that.
If seller does object, walk away, or if the results are not so good, but the machine is otherwise in great shape and cheap: prepare to buy a replacement board from http://www.theboardroom.info

Check the machine manufacturing date. Models made in Spring 05 and later are said to be less prone to GPU problems (although may be just as prone to southbridge problems).

With that said - less prone does not mean that it is impossible.

Thanks for the info. I decided to stay away from the hole deal, think i will keep looking until such time i can afford maybe an R500. If im going to buy something different it might as well be more upgradable, after all even though my R51 is from 03 its in good working condition and was barley ever used until i got it.
My hope is to buy something better and pass this one on to my wife, she's using my R32 and the WIFI stopped working a month or so ago, and she plays games on facebook and the fan runs constantly while on those games its also shut down a couple of times while playing games.