ThinkPad T43 freezing during use

[sebileis2017]

Hey guys, this is my first post here on the website, but anyway I was wondering if anyone had some input on this. I have a ThinkPad T43 (the one with the Intel GMA graphics), and it has an issue with the computer locking up (the hard drive LED shuts off) when it is in certain positions. If I apply pressure over the area of the hard drive, the computer functions normally, but whenever I remove my hand from the palmrest it freezes again. Since the affected area is where the hard drive is, I am wondering if the issue is simply a bad connection between the hard drive and the IDE interface, a bad solder connection on the motherboard, or a bad hard drive? Anyone when has had this issue or may know what the problem is, feel free to let me know! Thank you!

[RealBlackStuff]

Your problem is the Southbridge (big Intel chip under the wifi-card), which has become unstuck.
It is soldered with ca. 650 solder balls onto the motherboard.
Even one unstuck ball is enough to cause problems like yours.
Only solutions: reball the Southbridge (good luck finding someone who does that) or replace the motherboard with a T43/R52 motherboard with Intel graphics.
Plenty info on this T4x forum.

[sebileis2017]

Your problem is the Southbridge (big Intel chip under the wifi-card), which has become unstuck.
It is soldered with ca. 650 solder balls onto the motherboard.
Even one unstuck ball is enough to cause problems like yours.
Only solutions: reball the Southbridge (good luck finding someone who does that) or replace the motherboard with a T43/R52 motherboard with Intel graphics.
Plenty info on this T4x forum.

I have soldering experience, is it possible for me to just resolder the connections? If I have to replace the board I might as well try resoldering or reflowing the connections. Otherwise I think I'll just try to find a T43P or some other T43 with ATI graphics, since that would probably be a tad more powerful.

[RealBlackStuff]

I suggest you read up on BGA first...
On this forum there was only one person ever, who did reballing successfully.
If ATI replacement, you'll also need another fan.

[kfzhu1229]

I think temporary solution can be stuffing some thermal pads/sponges in between the WiFi card and the southbridge to hold the chip down
And if you are thinking of a motherboard replacement, RealBlackStuff has quite some T43 motherboards lying around while I do also have 2 spare T43p boards in new old stock condition

[sebileis2017]

I think temporary solution can be stuffing some thermal pads/sponges in between the WiFi card and the southbridge to hold the chip down
And if you are thinking of a motherboard replacement, RealBlackStuff has quite some T43 motherboards lying around while I do also have 2 spare T43p boards in new old stock condition

How much would you want for one of those boards? Do they come with the processor/cooling, and if so what kind of processor is it? Also what graphics are onboard?

[kfzhu1229]

I can include a T43 fan, Pentium M 750 (1.86Ghz) if you want. It is T43p, so it has FireGL V3200. (best option available for T43 matrix while produces the most amount of heat)
USD$64 + shipping for the package

[sebileis2017]

I can include a T43 fan, Pentium M 750 (1.86Ghz) if you want. It is T43p, so it has FireGL V3200. (best option available for T43 matrix while produces the most amount of heat)
USD$64 + shipping for the package

I will think about it, if this T43 was in better physical condition I would probably jump at the offer, but I'll let you know if I am interested.

[kfzhu1229]

Also I can give you another offer: for an extra $45 I can max the specs out in a 14.1" case (you get a whole computer instead of just the board):
14.1" SXGA+ LCD
2GB RAM
Pentium M 780 instead of 750 (almost 25% performance boost)
Intel 2915ABG
Bluetooth antenna included but no cards
80GB 5400rpm HDD
Windows NT4 SP6a, 2000 SP4, XP, Vista, 7, 10 you pick one
Sorry no good options for ultrabay: a dvdrom that sometimes doesn't close properly or a DVDROM/CDRW drive that doesn't recognize DVD properly
As for physical condition, lid + LCD are in decent (almost new) condition, casing is in working condition, palmrest has some micro-cracks, missing screw covers for bottom and sides of lid