Adding FPR to T42P

[Buzz]

I need to replace a dead motherboard (presently 27R1842) on my T42P. I have a type 2373-GRU. (I acquired this unit with no knowledge of it's history). Since I need to replace the motherboard, I would like to "add" a FPR, which my present unit does not have. Would it be possible to replace the old motherboard with one that supports a FPR (which one would I need?), or was my old motherboard capable of supporting this option? Having entered my system's# at Lenovo website, it says my present unit has "sec chip"--- is that same or different than FPR capability? Thanks.
Buzz

[RealBlackStuff]

There are only a few mobos that support FPR in a T42/T42p: 27K9910/27K9984 (32MB ATI), 27K9911 (64MB ATI) and 27K9912 (128MB ATI).
I have a perfectly working 27K9984 for sale for $60.- shipped within USA.
It's not the same T42p version that you had, but it will definitely work and is a drop-in replacement.

[Buzz]

How is the 27K9984 different from the 27R1842, other than the acceptance of FPR? Thanks.
Buzz

[RealBlackStuff]

Except for those mentioned above, all other T40/T41/T42 mobos did not support FPR, because that was still too new (and expensive) at that time.
From T43/R52 onwards, all Thinkpads support FPR, though not all came equipped with one.
Look at this list: http://theboardroom.info/ibm_list.htm which I compiled over a period of ca. 2 years: over 100 (one hundred!) different mobos for the T4x and R5x series, the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen!
Personally I always disable the FPR, would not be seen dead with it.
The hardware (and software especially) is too flaky for my liking. YMMV.

[Johan]

How is the 27K9984 different from the 27R1842, other than the acceptance of FPR?

Your T42P (model/type=2373-GRU) has the followiong (stock, from IBM at the time of delivery) configuration:

ThinkPad T42p (2373-GRU)
P M 745, 512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 128MB ATI FireGL T2, CD-RW/DVD-R Multi-Burner(Slim), Intel 802.11b/g wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ether, UltraNav, Sec Chip, 9 cell Li-Ion Batt, WinXP Pro

... so only the 27K9912 (128MB ATI) will give you the same performance.

I believe that either 27K9912, 27K9987, 39T0477, 39T0480, 39T5637 39T0466 may be used (if you "only" need the FPR), but try search this forum for more information about this (see e.g. the thread LF: Working or non-working T42p/T43p motherboard).

Johan

[RealBlackStuff]

With all due respect, Johan, don't confuse the issue here, we are talking about a T42 or T42p!
Those 39Txxxx mobos are for a T43, which uses different CPU and RAM and requires different drivers in Windows!
27K9987 is new to me, addition # onehundred-umpteen to my ever increasing list.