Where to buy T20 (CMOS) backup battery

[dmccarty]

I have a T20 that experienced the "sudden death" syndrom. I checked my power adapter and it's putting out a consistent 16.5V. With the adapter plugged in and all batteries/peripherals out, if I push the power button the HDD light flashes once and I can hear it spinn up, but the laptop never POSTs.

I did an online search and found this forum. (Thanks everyone for such great quality posts). From other people's descriptions it seems like either my CMOS battery or motherboard needs replacing, and between the two I'm willing to test the battery option first!

IBM sells the battery for $20, but that seems kinda steep for just a battery. They're cheaper on eBay but I don't know if I should trust used CMOS batteries. Can anyone recommend the best place to get one of these?

TIA,
Dan.

[AbsoluteRaleigh]

I have a T20 that experienced the "sudden death" syndrom. I checked my power adapter and it's putting out a consistent 16.5V. With the adapter plugged in and all batteries/peripherals out, if I push the power button the HDD light flashes once and I can hear it spinn up, but the laptop never POSTs.

I did an online search and found this forum. (Thanks everyone for such great quality posts). From other people's descriptions it seems like either my CMOS battery or motherboard needs replacing, and between the two I'm willing to test the battery option first!

IBM sells the battery for $20, but that seems kinda steep for just a battery. They're cheaper on eBay but I don't know if I should trust used CMOS batteries. Can anyone recommend the best place to get one of these?

TIA,
Dan.

The HD lgiht blinks once?

Your CMOS battery is still fine. Your system board is dead... Seen is 100+ times.

[dmccarty]

The HD lgiht blinks once?

Your CMOS battery is still fine. Your system board is dead... Seen is 100+ times.

Yeah, you're right about that one. I got a new CMOS battery but still no go. FWIW, while I had the laptop partly apart (battery/RAM/HD all out) I plugged it in and tried to boot it up. It did POST exactly once with a variety of error beeps, but it hasn't since. I wonder if it was the power adapter connection to the motherboard?

At any rate, I have a new system board which I plan on installing soon.

And FWIW, I found a CMOS battery on eBay for $14.95 shipped. Seems like a pretty good deal compared to what IBLenovo charges.