Pimp my T41p

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djpharoah · #1 Post by **djpharoah** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:12 am

First off I love my T41p - its gone so many places and its just a big part of my life since it can game, record my studio music...basically do anything.

Thing is when I first bought it I only had the money for a P-M 1.5GHz 400FSB cpu and 1GB (2x512) of ram. So far all this has lasted me pretty well considering I got the laptop in 2006.

Now I want to upgrade my laptop to the highest possible cpu and ram. I also want to replace my LCD (SXGA+) which has developed like 50-60 horizontal lines of stuck pixels (pretty much negating anything down there) its still usable but horrible to work with in AutoCAD.

What is the max cpu I can put in?
What is the max ram I can put in?
Where can I get a replacement LCD for my thinkpad?

Also for all three how much can I expect to pay. I hope prices have fallen considerably since I last checked last year.

Thanks

ulrich.von.lich · #2 Post by **ulrich.von.lich** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:50 am

djpharoah wrote: What is the max cpu I can put in?
What is the max ram I can put in?
Where can I get a replacement LCD for my thinkpad?

The fastest CPU the T41 can take is the PM 765 2.1Ghz. However it'd cost you something around.. $200 I would say. Since it's the very high end Pentium M, I don't think the price will come down quickly. You might also want to consider the 2.0Ghz (755) or 1.8Ghz (745) one. The latter would cost something around $60.

You can put two 1GB PC2700 RAM to max it out. The price is about $80 - $100 for 2 sticks.

For the screen, if you order it from IBM, the price would be ridiculous. Ebay seems to be a better place, or our forum's marketplace, if you don't need it right away. Most of sellers here are very reliable. The price for a used but in good shape SXGA+ screen would be about $200 I guess?

#3 Post by **Johan** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:25 am

The issue of upgrading T4x/p's has already been discussed extensively on this forum, and I think you may find a good starting point in the thread: What is the fastest processor for a T41? (see the post of Tue Oct 30, 2007 6:48 pm) and the links therein. Also, check: New T40 owner, new upgrade race!!. You might also want to Search this forum for "T40 upgrade" or "T41 upgrade" etc. (and remember to use "Search for all terms").

With respect to a new (or good, used) LCD; check the ultimate thread: 14.1 inch UXGA(1600x1200) on thinkpad! ...

About the FRU number for a new T41p LCD; go to Service parts list index - ThinkPad, select T41p, then select "System service parts" which will take you to System service parts - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p. There, under 14.1inch LCD service parts - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p you will find "LCD panel, SXGA+, for T40/p, T41/p, T42/p series" ID TECH = 11P8346 or Samsung = 11P8348. Now, check eBay or the Marketplace on this forum for these numbers.

If you are not sure of being able to replace your LCD on your own, I highly recommend you to contact forum.thinkpads.com user jamiphar who can help you at a very fair cost; see his thread: LCD CCFL Backlight Repair/Replacement - I'll fix it for you! - and note all the extremely positive criticism he is receiving!

Update to the above: An update to the above suggestions about how/where to get a new 14.1” SXGA+ LCD for your T41p: Consider getting one of the many ”dead” T40p/T41p/T42p’s these days offered on eBay (these ThinkPads typically suffering from the "loose GPU" problem as discussed in the sticky t42 shuts down when i move it). These ”dead” ThinkPads are typically advertised as "sold as parts" or ”for repair”, and you may get a dead motherboard and a fine LCD at a very good price in this way! Check e.g. these eBay auctions:

IBM THINKPAD 2373 T41P 1.7GHZ 512MB 40GB Laptop Issues – and ask the seller if the LCD is OK? (NB: This being a T41p, it must be SXGA+).
IBM Thinkpad T40, Pentium M 1.6/14.1"SXGA/Ati9000/80/51
Maybe IBM t40 for parts or repair XGA or SXGA+? LCD condition? Ask seller!
Maybe IBM T40 Laptop For Parts XGA or SXGA+? LCD condition? Ask seller!
IBM Thinkpad T41 1.6GHz 40Gb HDD 1 Gb XP Pro 14.1 SXGA+ LCD condition? Ask seller!
IBM Thinkpad T40p 1.6 MHz Pentium M 1GB 40GB HD LCD condition? Ask seller!
IBM T41 COMPLET SCREEN ASSEMBLY SXGA 14" for T40/41/42
IBM T41p COMPLET SCREEN ASSEMBLY SXGA 14" T40/41/42 Note the low ”Buy It Now” price: Only $ 105!!

... and so on and so on - these are just a few auctions I found in a quick search. You may of course search by yourself for more relevant used or "for parts" T4x/p's at eBay.

As you live in a quite densely populated area (Southern California), chances are that you might be able to find an SXGA+ LCD on one of the Craigslists in California there - check it out?

Follow this auction: IBM ThinkPad T42p, 2.0GHz,1024 MB, DVD-MULTI, 60 GB, 7200 RPM 14"SXGA/IBM on site warranty until 04/11/2009! … and consider upgrading to a fine 14.1” T42p!

If the eBay seller informs you about the specific T4x model for sale (e.g. 2373-58U), then check the specifications for the LCD by searching for T4x model at IBM’s page; enter the model number in the upper, right ”Search”-filed, search, and select the first hit. Detailed specs on T40/p’s and T41’s can be found in the tawbook, entitled: "Personal Systems Reference, IBM ThinkPad Notebooks A, T, X, and G Series, 2000 to 2005 - withdrawn (May 2005 - Version 291), at (includes up to T41, but no T41p's, no T42/p's and no T43/p's). The ltwbook entitled: "Personal Systems Reference Lenovo ThinkPad Notebooks 2005 to present - withdrawn (December 2007 - Version 332)" includes more T4x's; both T41/p's, T42/p's, and T43/p's.

(end of update!)

Best regards,

Johan

#4 Post by **richk** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:21 pm

Before you buy a new screen, make sure that the screen is the problem. Lines on the screen is usually mean panel, but could be video memory. Test with an external monitor. It would not be smart to replace a good LCD when you have a bad motherboard.

djpharoah · #5 Post by **djpharoah** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:25 pm

richk wrote:Before you buy a new screen, make sure that the screen is the problem. Lines on the screen is usually mean panel, but could be video memory. Test with an external monitor. It would not be smart to replace a good LCD when you have a bad motherboard.

Wouldn't a screenshot prove its not video memory? If the screenshot is fine - then wouldnt that remove it from the list?

ThinkPad · #6 Post by **ThinkPad** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:05 pm

The fastest cpu you can put in your machine is a 2.1. The only issue I had when I put a 2.1 in mine is that it tends to get warmer than my previous 1.8, which isn't necessarily bad on those cold days

djpharoah · #7 Post by **djpharoah** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:30 pm

Since I am running a 1.5GHz - I am sure a speed improvement would be noticed right?

Also what other cpus are available? 1.8?1.9?2.0? Also I think I am just going to ride out the T41p with the LCD. If that guy still has it for $105 then I will buy it.

ThinkPad · #8 Post by **ThinkPad** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:03 pm

You would notice slight change in a 1.8 and 2.0 (there is no 1.9) But if you really want speed you should get a faster hard drive (7200 rpm)

djpharoah · #9 Post by **djpharoah** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:12 pm

ThinkPad wrote:You would notice slight change in a 1.8 and 2.0 (there is no 1.9) But if you really want speed you should get a faster hard drive (7200 rpm)

Already got that

ThinkPad · #10 Post by **ThinkPad** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:44 pm

Im selling my 1.8 ghz 745 if interested

gunston · #11 Post by **gunston** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:10 am

1.8ghz is more than enough actually,

not necessarily to upgrade to the max

marYn · #12 Post by **marYn** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:16 pm

I think 1.7+ would be fine, just make sure it's Pentium M code name Dothan.

I've just upgraded my Pentium M Banias 1.5GHz CPU with Pentium M 735 (Dothan 1.7GHz) and the speed increase is noticable - now I can watch HD 720p movies without a problem. It also makes less heat due advanced technology.

On eBay PM 735 is sold around $50, faster CPUs are noticable more expensive and it's a question whether it's worth the money.

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