Should I update the the BIOS and EC

[burns334]

Morning folks, I'm helping out a friend whose T43 that still has the original BIOS and EC. I was going to bring the RAM up to 2 GB RAM and put in a 2 M processor. It has the original IBM approved hard drive (ie no 2010 error) and doesn't really have any other problems, so should I also update the BIOS and EC.

TIA
burns

[wolfman]

My rule is that unless there is something - an issue, a new feature enhancement such as CPU support, etc - that I'm encountering, I don't bother to upgrade the BIOS. In other words as needed only. I'm sure other folks may feel differently... good luck!

[ajkula66]

Yes you should. And I'm usually not the one pushing the update envelope.

Later BIOS/EC revisions for T43/p contain important fan/GPU management updates, amongst other things.

[Johan]

... you might want to review the threads How to reinstall a BIOS on T43 and PLEASE HELP!!! CATCH 22 with BIOS upgrade about what to update first (if deciding to update anything!), and how to do this most safely (using a diskette!). See Drivers and software - ThinkPad T43 for a list of BIOS, EC and drivers for T43/p's.

I (warmly!) suggest that you install Notebook Hardware Control (skip the first pages if in a hurry, and follow the links in this post)... it is very easy to use, and allow you to undervolt the CPU, downclock the GPU, control the fan, and monitor both CPU, GPU, fan etc etc. Highly recommended! If doing this, I'm fully convinced that your T43-friend will love you, well... eternally and forever!

Johan

[burns334]

Johan, which versions of 1.29 would you choose, the modified for no 2010 error or IBM version