Don't throw away your T4x, The new mobo is coming![Lots PIC]

[RMSMajestic]

To all 4:3 screen and T4x lovers
It's obvious that you are not the only one who's disappointed by the "crushed" & "compressed" 16:9 screens and Lenovo's stupid innovations that ruined Thinkpad. The administrator of 51nb, HOPE, has made a new motherboard for T4x machines, named T50, which will enter production soon. I'll translate what HOPE has written for the T50 mobo briefly, and notify him the desire for the motherboard in other countries

=========================================================
Here are the original description written by HOPE
该主板完全按照T43(包括T40、T41、T42、T43)进行设计，只需要更换主板、CPU和内存即可将一台T43升级。目前基本验证的主要特点有：
1、使用Intel 酷睿i5系列处理器(i7处理器验证中)；
2、支持DDR3-1066/1333内存
3、直接支持SATA2接口的硬盘及SSD
4、使用SATA接口光驱硬盘(即T400、T500等机型上的光驱)
5、使用MiniPCI-E无线网卡
6、延用T43的外壳，包括键盘、屏幕(上半身)、风扇等
7、BIOS控制支持Fn+PgUp控制键盘灯及Fn+Home/End控制屏幕亮度、Fn+F3控制屏幕开关等
8、支持1024x768/1400x1050/1600x1200等分辨率屏幕(验证中)
9、暂时只支持集成显卡，独立显卡的设计正在验证中

先期将率先支持Intel 酷睿第一代i系列处理器，基于T4系列构架，第二阶段将推出支持Intel 酷睿第二代i系列处理器，基于T60系列构架。

This motherboard is completely designed according to the T4x series, one just need a motherboard, a CPU and RAM to upgrade a T43, the features are
1. added support for 1st gen Intel Core i5 (i7 to be confirmed later) [i7 620m confirmed in other post on 51NB]
2.Supports DDR3-1066/1333 RAM
3.Supports SATA2 HDD and SSD
4.Supports SATA Optical Drive (like the ones on T400/T500)
5.Supports MiniPCI-E wireless adapter
6.Using original T43 covers/casing, including keyboard,screen(top assembly) and heatsink
7.BIOS support of controlling keyboard light with Fn+PgUp, Fn+Home/End for brightness up/down, Fn+F3 for turning the screen on/off
8.Supports 1024*768/1400*1050/1600*1200 Res screens (to be confirmed)[later confirmed but some modification on the screen cable/SPD chip is needed]
9.Temporarily supports integrated graphics only, however the design for discrete graphics cards is under experiment

During the first project, the mobo will support 1st gen Core i and base on the T4x structure. Mobo for 2nd gen Core i will be made basing on the T6x structure and this project will start in the near future

T50 motherboard
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... uwvv9b.jpg


A comparison between T50 (left) and T43 (right)
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... cig060.jpg

The left side of T50
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... k4m245.jpg

SD Card Slot (originally PCMCIA on T4x)
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... nz39fu.jpg

风扇的改造：要用锉刀把这三个突起锉掉大部，这样风扇才能与CPU完全接触以散热，锉了我整整十分钟。注意用劲不要太猛，以免把那个螺丝孔弄掉了。
modification to the heatsink: need to polish off those three bumped parts in order to have the proper contact between heatsink and CPU
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... ucztog.jpg

屏线的改造：要将如图的3、4短接，这样才能給SPD芯片信号供电，否则无法读取屏幕的EDID信息，这样简单改造之后就才能直接使用T43的屏线来支持高分屏，当然1024x768的普屏就不用改造，直接支持；如果是1400x1050/1600x1200等高分屏，就要进行这样的改造。如果屏幕本身有SPD芯片和信息的，就只改造一下屏线就可以直接使用了。
modification to screen cabel: shortcircuit pin 3 and pin 4 to provide power for SPD chip, otherwise EDID cannot be read. After this modification T43's screen cable can support resolutions higher than XGA
No modification is needed if the screen is originally XGA
For UXGA/SXGA+ screens, If there's no SPD chips then more modification is needed (see below)
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... wganx5.jpg

如果屏幕本身没有SPD芯片，则需要如图位置焊上SPD芯片(24C02)，旁边再加两个10K的电阻，再将EDID信息写进SPD芯片。一般T43原装的屏幕是没有SPD芯片的，需要进行这项改造，如果是T60、T61的屏幕，就都带有SPD芯片和EDID信息了。
If the screen does not have a SPD chip, then the SPD chip (24C02) must be soldered onto the position as in the picture, and two 10K ohm resistor must be soldered on nearby. Normally, T43's screens don't have a SPD chip, but the T60/T61 ones do
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/20121 ... g1ww01.jpg

No ultrabase connector will be provided
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/month ... gXpDSR.jpg

Performance Test against other machines
http://forum.51nb.com/attachments/month ... sjUPK1.png

Notice: this is a brand new motherboard. I doubt any thinkpad software is supported on it. However those thinkpad hotkeys will be supported on a BIOS level

Regarding the price & stability of such motherboards
http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1352235
一、什么是T50主板：适配T40-T43，可直接安装到这些机型上的定制主板，采用i3/i5/i7处理器，DDR3内存，SATA接口，延续这些机型的使用。

二、目前存在的主要问题：
1、风扇全速运转(或生产时设定70%速度定速运转)，噪声可能较大；
2、屏幕及屏线：T40-T43的屏幕一般无SPD信息，因此高分屏幕(普分屏不用)需要给屏幕写入SPD信息，或直接更换T60/T61的4:3屏幕；14寸的屏线要更换，15寸的屏线不用直接更换；
3、其它的一些瑕疵或小问题，要有相应的心理准备。

三、其它情况：
1、主板的成本控制在800元以内。
2、生产周期大约4-6星期。
3、可代改造，适当收取费用，可能要1-2周时间。
4、提供3-6个月使用保证。

大概这样一个情况，两台试产机器在我手上几个月运行还是很稳定的，不会随便蓝屏，除了一些小问题。现在看看大家的情况了，请大家投票反馈意见。
相关链接：
T50目前的情况及一些想法：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1287229
T50主板及风扇、屏线改造图：http://forum.51nb.com/thread-1287287-1-1.html
T50 三号机测试报告：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1300009
第一台 14寸的 T50 已经诞生了：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1293492

1. What is T50 motherboard?
Custom made motherboard for T40, T41, T42 and T43 (also include the "performance" models), supports first generation Core i3/i5/i7, DDR3 RAM, SATA port. For the purpose of extending the lifespan of those machines

2. Current problems
a. there is no automatic fan control (problem tackled in the early June)
b. screen and LCD cable: for the 14.1" models of T4x, the screen cable needs to be changed to the one on 15" models
c. there are also various imperfections/small problems

3. Price and others
a. the cost of motherboards will be controlled under 800 yuan (equivalent to 133 USD or 86 GBP or 102 euros)
Notice: this is the price for motherboard alone, excluding CPU & RAM
depends on where you live, there might be up to extra 70 GBP cost on taxes, postage and insurance
b. production time is approximately 4-6 weeks
c. Installation & set ups can be done with some charges and approximately 1-2 weeks
d. provides 3-6 months warranty (I'm not certain on the accuracy of this translation, the origianl script says "provides 3-6 months usage gurantee"???)

The two pre-production motherboards have been running stably, but with some imperfections.
Reference & related links:
T50目前的情况及一些想法：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1287229
T50主板及风扇、屏线改造图：http://forum.51nb.com/thread-1287287-1-1.html
T50 三号机测试报告：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1300009
第一台 14寸的 T50 已经诞生了：http://forum.51nb.com/viewthread.php?tid=1293492

Sorry that I've rushed out those translations. I've messaged HOPE personally regarding some problems and your desire for this mobo. Unfortunately I'll be extremely busy with my work until mid-september so I might not be able to come frequently to help you with communication & translation. If any of you know Chinese, please step up and help, thanks.

[ajkula66]

Salivating already...please keep us posted and thank you guys for great work this far...

[Adda]

I can hardly breathe, this is just fantastic, I thought my T43p was getting less and less useful, but it seems it's just getting started

This mobo + UXGA LED = awesome!

It would be nice with a better cooler though.

[underclocker]

Creating a new, modern motherboard for a 10 year old beloved ThinkPad model - winner of modder of year award, I suppose! Nice! I just happen to have a T43 floating around, too.

I'll take one!

(Swapping the power jack to the 20V style would be a nice bonus, too.)

[Tasurinchi]

That's beyond über cool! Let hope HOPE can build enough of them!

WHERE DO I HAVE TO SIGN TO GET ONE???

[600X]

Shut up and take my money.

[Tasurinchi]

Shut up and take my money.

LOL

[Arturus]

This'd be amazing. Presumably the motherboard comes in both 14.1" and 15" sizes?

Also, little is mentioned about the graphics on the motherboard, are we to assume that it'll use Ivy / Sandy CPU's and so will not need such things?

[600X]

This'd be amazing. Presumably the motherboard comes in both 14.1" and 15" sizes?

Also, little is mentioned about the graphics on the motherboard, are we to assume that it'll use Ivy / Sandy CPU's and so will not need such things?

The board has one size but fits in 14 and 15" bodys.

All Core i CPU's have integrated graphics in the CPU itself.

[portsample]

Wow- this could be way, way fun. Please keep us posted.

[Thrakath]

2nd Gen i-Core in T6x? T66P yes! 2nd gen is Sandy Bridge based? I would not need discrete graphics...is there any effort to make this great effort internationally available?

[QWERTY Andreas]

I really look forward to see the boards for T6X machines

But this is indeed great news!

I hope they will keep getting updated, with newer processors over the years!

[Bibin]

This is the greatest thing. I have always thought the T4X series was the nicest in terms of physical design, and now to bring it to the modern age is just excellent. I eagerly await to be able to put one in my T42p with the UXGA flexview LCD.

[Cola]

This is great!

So happy I kept my T43p in near mint condition with the SXGA+ screen (Got everything except the motherboard.)

But this could actually be quite a cheap update as well.
If mobo is 133$, a CPU would probably be around 80$ (Even less if you could find some broken [censored] ASUS laptop with an i5-430M in it ), and DDR3 ram are also very easily accessible these days!

[Acheron]

Think we are hoping for a group buy
Quite curious that we value the solid chassis and 4:3 screens so highly.
Case in point my new clevo i7 laptop is a great machine, if only it had the solid feeling of the T42 and a 4:3 screen !

[kaede]

is this for real? iam about to dispose my t42 housing

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2

[DaKKS]

Why not i-Gen 2/Gen 3? Awesome project regardless and this means a definite purchase if they ship to europe. But still, why not current hardware?

Even got a spare i3-330m... Good enough for a test base.

[tipo33]

I would definetly be in for one. Is there any provision to allow a "dumb" battery? so we can solder new cells into the casings without the controllers. Or build one into the mobo? We are building new mobos, and that's AWESOME!! But I think we need to look at betteries as well.

Отправлено с моего SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 через Tapatalk

[banhammer420k]

This is way too good. I'm gonna need to source me a dead-motherboard T43p when this comes out

I am also wondering about the battery thing. Do they use normal 18650's or something like that? I'd like to outfit it with some new battery technology too

[systemBuilder]

So will he be crowd-sourcing production with a kickstarter project ?? I wonder what it will cost under that development model?

[portsample]

I hate to be a fuddy-duddy, but this sounds too good to be true.
How many of these boards does this entrepreneur need to make in order to be able to sell them affordably and meet costs? Can there possibly be that many T43 hackers out there willing to buy them? How do we know that in order to make the math work the entrepreneur isn't using low quality parts put together in an unprofessional shop by untrained, underpaid workers?

[banhammer420k]

I hate to be a fuddy-duddy, but this sounds too good to be true.
How many of these boards does this entrepreneur need to make in order to be able to sell them affordably and meet costs? Can there possibly be that many T43 hackers out there willing to buy them? How do we know that in order to make the math work the entrepreneur isn't using low quality parts put together in an unprofessional shop by untrained, underpaid workers?

Presumably (and obviously I don't know for sure) these are being made by people who work in or own factories which made these or similar motherboards in the past. It could happen to be the work of a few ThinkPad geeks in China who happen to have access to the right equipment.

Either way there is obviously no way to know what the story behind the operation is short of asking or visiting them, but if these end up existing at all, I am more than happy to spend $133~ in the chances everything might work well and properly and be reliable.

After all, so much of our high quality electronics come from China etc. too - I'm going to wait until I get my board to pass judgement on the workers!

[RealBlackStuff]

With a bit of luck The Board Room might be one of the first to get this thing on the road. Can't wait!
(but haven't heard from them yet...)

[ajkula66]

I hate to be a fuddy-duddy, but this sounds too good to be true.

A healthy dose of skepticism is a sane approach by all means. With that said, the members of this (51nb) forum have brought us many unbelievable mods in the past, including the SATA-mod for R52/T43/X41, so there are obviously some people there who know what they're doing.

How many of these boards does this entrepreneur need to make in order to be able to sell them affordably and meet costs?

With the cost of labour/supplies over there, I doubt that the number is too high up...

Can there possibly be that many T43 hackers out there willing to buy them?

I guess that we'll find out by the number of people who end up ordering these boards.

How do we know that in order to make the math work the entrepreneur isn't using low quality parts put together in an unprofessional shop by untrained, underpaid workers?

I wonder why we're not posing the same question to Lenovo, Apple, HP...I'd trust a small business that has everything to lose if something goes haywire over a large one that can afford the lawyers to prove their customers wrong even when they're not any day of the week, but that's me...

[Arturus]

I assume you'll (and when I say "you'll", I'm referring to the more in the know users) keep us up to date on this endeavor? Can't wait to snap one up.

[Frobe70]

I have a lot of old T4x in the basement, and was seriously thinking of getting rid of them.
Receiwed a new UXGA LED LCD for my T61 Frankenpad today, but now it looks like I can build a more powerful T50 Frankenpad...

[Adda]

If the ordering process is uncomplicated, and these boards become available at a time when I can afford one, I'll get one for sure.
I'd need discrete video and an improved cooler though.

It would be sweet if the BIOS setup had voltage settings, enabling the user to undervolt the CPU, maybe even the GPU.
And what about fan speed settings right in the BIOS, then you wouldn't have to run any tweaking software on the OS, to keep the system cool and quiet.

[lexicon]

I can't believe I read this thread in 2013.. This must be done by the hardcore IBM TP's fans..
Very promising indeed...

[PowerPC]

Sign me in.

[DRobinson]

Get me on the list for that new board...