T4x GPU Problem - Alternate Fix - R51 Mobo w/Intel GPU!

[underclocker]

The CPU (Centrino 1.5) is running at 600MHz. It is all plugged in so it can't be the speedstep technology?

First of all, nice work! Yes, a 1.5GHz Banias cpu should work properly. However, just because it's plugged in doesn't mean SpeedStep isn't operating, you have to check which power management profile you are using. If using IBM's software, there should be one for performance, if you select that one (or create a custom profile that doesn't adjust CPU speed) then you'll see 1500MHz with a utility like mobile meter.

Maybe I should try resetting my bios to default values? (Version 1.25).

Yes, I would update the BIOS, too, the current version is 1.29.

Additionally, "plenty" of thermal paste is not the right amount, you only need a tiny bit, like 1/2 a grain of rice! You can search this board for much more info on the proper thermal paste application technique.

[roke2468]

That's all it was :) I downloaded IBM's battery maximiser and it fixed the problem. The other issue I had was that on the T40 board I had older memory that didn't work on the new board. That caused a bios error message on startup (one beep, pause, 3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause, 1 beep). Pulled it out and no problems. Running sweet now. Thanks Underclocker and others for this thread. I really like the feel of the T40 and it has all the power I need for day to day stuff. Delighted that it'll be staying around for a while.

[madkat]

The T41 with R51 mobo is indeed a great machine - mine is working flawlessly since the swap 4 month or so ago...

the only "issue" - is that sometimes with the wi-fi on - the cooler runs until the temperature of the processor gets to 35 degrees... even lower sometimes...
with the wi-fi off the fan switches off around 39-40...

i dont mind - except for the current draw - when running on batteries...

[underclocker]

Indeed. I am still using mine daily. It's a great machine. All machines will run hotter with wifi adapters on, but I've noticed through a little testing that some run much hotter than others. I have settled on the Intel 2200bg adapter, since it seems to be about the best balance of weight/performance/heat/power consumption. With the 2200BG, the fan rarely turns on. (I'm not really sure if it matters, but using this adapter does make it a "Centrino" machine, that is supposed to help with power consumption.)

The five OEM IBM adapter choices that are G or above; Intel 2915abg, Intel 2200bg, IBM/Atheros abg, IBM/Atheros abg II, IBM/Atheros bg.

[madkat]

I have the Intel 2200bg too - didn't try any other adaptor - as far as connection reliability is great, current draw seems ok, i get almost 3 hours of battery run time with the 6cell and an ultrabay batt - both with 40-45% wear

the only thing is sometimes the fan behaves strange - this coming from a TP temperature freak like me - that has the NHC always displaying the freq and temperaute in the taskbar - for a normal user it's very ok - it never gets over 55 degrees nomatter what i'm doing

curiously though - the other TP in my signature - the R51 i've bought almost for nothing and refurbished for my father's use - runs a little hotter than my Frankenpad - but again - hot in my book, not for the normal user...

[MysticWolf]

Just wanted to say quickly that thanks to this article here which I found doing a Google search this morning I managed to put my R51's motherboard into my T42. My R51 had always been an absolutealy amazing machine but it suffered some case damage a few months back and the case has been crumbling apart since. I also had a T42 whose GPU just went completely one day (not the reflow issue) so I put the two together and am typing this message on that now. It is cool and worked very well. It might seem a daunting task to some who have no experience changing laptop motherboards but thanks to how beautifully Thinkpads are designed the process can be quite quick, took me about an hour.

So thanks, this was very helpful for me and greatly appreciated!

Jeff/MW

[underclocker]

MysticWolf, welcome to the forum and the yet another small miracle of Google.

As you might expect from ThinkPad ethusiasts that document every detail, we are glad to have helped! You didn't mention whether your R51 has an Intel or ATI GPU, but that doesn't really matter, since deduction (and further searching) would reveal that either motherboard would work.

Great job on breathing life back into a ThinkPad.

[freerange]

Hi- long time lurker, but I had to join just to say thanks! This fix brought my T41 back to life!!!

My Frankenpad TR4151 totally screams. I used a FRU 27K9925 R51 board and the install/swap was flawless.
http://ebay.sunnkinglister.com/KAgtestu ... mobo-3.jpg
Mine came with another WiFi card, modem, 1500/1M, and HSF.

My only minor issue was having to swap in my HSF off the T41 because the one off the R51 interfered with the palm rest plastic at the fan output area, causing it to bulge outward. I'm running Vista, so all the new hardware was updated automatically. I later swapped my 1600/1M in after I found my AS thermal paste.

I have a Toshiba M400 that I use daily because I need a tablet for my graphics/vinyl work, but it's awesome to have my Thinkpad back for my field machine. I hated being without it!

I never thought I'd get her running again for less than $50, let alone upgraded performance! Thanks for posting such a great fix underclocker!!!

[freerange]

Just finished another "transplant" tonight. I now also have a TR4251 to compliment my TR4151. I forgot to grab the FRU off the board, but it had the same Intel GPU as the first.

[VFR_firefly]

I picked up a "dead" wide-screen R51 at a gov't surplus place for $20 without any opportunity to do much more than ID it from the outside. I didn't have any idea what was wrong with it at the time but figured/hoped the MB would be OK and the issues were something else.

I was surprised to find that the the issue with the R51 was a bad GPU. Took me all of a about 15 seconds to diagnose it. Blackscreen on first attempt. On a whim, and half out of habit, I did the the classic "push" on the bezel as I pushed the power-up button and was rewarded with a beautiful IBM splash screen . I ran diagnostics and everything checks out fine (even the GPU -natch). Flex the unit at all or pick it up causes the typical GPU failure mode/blackscreen.

The R51 I have has an ATI Radeon 9000 GPU in it. I thought I saw someplace in this thread that the R5x series had the Intel GPU's and thjis was why this particular fix was the hot set-up. What is the point in swapping out MB's if the GPU is still an ATI and will eventually fail? Might as well just get the reball done for $45.

I wasn't aware that other Thinkpad models also had this GPU issue. As time goes on we are seeing the failure of the Lenovo management become more evident and the TP line go downhill over stupid stuff like this. I guess these QC problems are not as isolated as I thought over at Lenovo.

All is not lost. The R51 is in good shape and came with a 1GB Crucial memory card upgrade already installed as well as a 512M, so I guess I got my $20 worth! I might just get the R51 MB reballed as it is a wide-body with the nice 15" SXGA+ 1400x1050 TFT LCD screen.

Don't bother swapping MB's if it doesn't solve the core problem!

[Harryc]

A 15" SXGA+ 1400x1050 LCD is not a wide screen. It's a 4:3 aspect ratio LCD.

[VFR_firefly]

A 15" SXGA+ 1400x1050 LCD is not a wide screen. It's a 4:3 aspect ratio LCD.

"Larger screened" then. I misspoke when I typed "Wide Screen." Did Thinkpad even make an R5x or T4x with anything but the 4:3?

Anyhoo, it sure is "wider" than all my 14.1 XGA1024x768 T4x's...

Next time I'll just say "big screen"

[hydrazine]

VFR_firefly, you mentioned that you found the R5x series also having the GPU issue. Does that apply to the ATI GPU's only? Or would you know if it's a design problem just like T4x series to the Intel GPU's as well?

[VFR_firefly]

My experience is limited to working on older TP's in the T-series and the older 770,770x, and 770z-series machines. I'm mostly self-taught through trial-and-error and what I have read and learned here.

I had assumed, through reading this thread, that all the R5x series used the Intel GPU but I was wrong (I might have missed some posts in this thread as I haven't been paying attention for the last few months). The R51 that I have certainly has the ATI GPU. Even the Lenovo/IBM site agrees with me.

1829-B6U

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... ry=1829B6U

The next time I go to this place I'm going to definitely bring along a charged battery (as none of the laptops in the "pile of doom" have batteries or HD's in them. It would be nice to see what I'm getting. They look at you funny if you start pulling stuff apart to look inside. For $20-25/junk laptop in the pile you really can't complain too much. I picked up a nice 15.1" T42 at the same time for $25 (it also had the GPU problem) It looks like I found the place where a lot of the local government-owned Thinkpads go to die and most of the ones I've found there have had GPU issues.

I'd like to have a complete listing of all the Model numbers of the R5x series so I could find the ones that did not have ATI GPU's so I could pick them out. Or maybe the ATI ones are a nearly sure bet that I know exactly what is wrong with them (GPU!)

I did find a T40 with a cracked screen and a good GPU and I'm using that laptop right now to type this. It's been working fine for over 6 months now without an issue after I swapped the screen off of a bad GPU unit. That was the only T4x or R5x I've ever found out of over a half-dozen units found out of the "pile of doom" junk laptops graveyard that had anything but the classic GPU issue. My associate picked up two more R5x units out of that same pile the next day (I guess I didn't dig deep enough) and I have a feeling that they will also have the same problem. When I next talk to him I'll ask.

Seems like there is quality control/design issue to me if such a vast majority of T4x's I find all died the same exact way with GPU solder issues. But I have to admit that I'm not exactly an expert. I've only had my hands on about 10 units. I'd need a much larger sampling to say for sure.

[underclocker]

YES, R51's came with either ATI or Intel video (that was sort of the beauty of this solution - you could just swap boards).

See info below to quicly identify the GPU in any machine;

All R50's had ATI GPU's.

All T40/T41/T42's had ATI GPU's.

R51 ATI GPU --> Machine types 1829, 1830, 1831, 1836
R51 Intel GPU --> Machine types 2883, 2887, 2888, 2889, 2894, 2495

T43 ATI GPU --> Machine types 2668, 2669, 2678, 2679, 2686, 2687
T43 Intel GPU --> Machine types 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874,1875, 1876

R52 ATI GPU --> Machine types 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1870
R52 Intel GPU --> Machine types 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1958

R50e & R51e's are different than all the others (but should fit), consult a hardware maintennace manual for details.

[hydrazine]

VFR_firefly, great deals u got there! Wish our auctions here in Vancouver are anywhere close to that!

I have a T40 SXGA+ 1400x1050 with the problem. If I'm to make the swap, should I go for the R51/52 Intel GPU's, along with an XGA swap?

Besides ebay, are local auctions my best bet?

[VFR_firefly]

No XP reinstall necessary. The IDE controlers are the same, so it boots without an issue. A couple of drivers are automatically recognized and installed. The only thing missing is the video driver, it defaults to a Windows driver, so you have to install the Intel driver from Lenovo.com.

Or just run the Lenovo System Update utility, it upgrades all needed drivers. (If you are swapping out a T40 board for an R51 board, for instance, the Active Protection System software/driver would also install, since the R51 has APS and the T40 does not.)

I think Windows might see that the motherboard serial number is different and throw a poopie-fit. The same thing with swapping a CPU I bet.

Maybe use the IBM flash utility for the Motherboard you have and while you are at it change the serial number and Unique Computer ID number back to what you originally had. This will cause the Lenovo Software (not TVSU which is DEAD DEAD DEAD until May -oh, it's already May...) to think it is a T4x still which shouldn't be too much of a problem as long as you don't let it install the ATI video drivers over your intel ones...

[madkat]

i have the opportunity to buy an used T43 with ATI and usual graphics issues
it is in very good condition except the mobo - and at a very good price
I am planning to use the screen (same as mine but newer and possibly with grater life expectancy), the HDD (80gb), the extended battery (9 cell), and the dvd-rw drive, the keyboard for my father's R51 ... etc.

and - and here i become "on-topic" - it has the long-fan - is it worth it or does it do any harm to put it in my TR451 (T41 with R51 intel gpu mobo) ?
the only reason is that its newer than my original fan

[VFR_firefly]

- and here i become "on-topic" - it has the long-fan - is it worth it or does it do any harm to put it in my TR451 (T41 with R51 intel gpu mobo) ?
the only reason is that its newer than my original fan

This is a good question -one that I've never seen the answer to. My gut reaction is that it should be OK. The intel GPU probably won't even touch it, and even if it did, it isn't going to hurt it. It'll keep it at a constant temperature, if nothing else.

I'd love to see the answer to this question, and to using the long fan on ATI GPU's that didn't originally come with them.

I'm still waiting for my 2 Mobo's to come back from Superior Reball. (my first 2 tries at doing reflows myself were unsatifactory). But if I find some R5x's with Intel GPU's I'm going to try the T4x/R5x mobo swap someday. Since the Superior Reball fix is so cheap I'm not sure that downgrading to the Intel GPU is worth it, but I want to try it once just for grins and giggles so I can compare it to the Reball option.

[madkat]

the gpu is located elsewhere on the intel gpu mobo... so it doesnt do any good to it...
i'm only thinking - longer heatpipes - coud mean better cooling
OR - more heat delivered to the "GPU" area (where it isnt really a gpu in my situation)

[madkat]

got the T43
it's in mint condition - except the GPU - it doesnt work, not even pressed on it... it sticks to the ibm screen, not even in bios...
moved the screen (brighter and better viewing angles than the T41) the palmret, keyboard (its newer, but not as nice as my original T41, maybe i wont keep it), HDD (80gb hitachi - succesfully cloned my 40gb fujitsu), extended battery (only 7% wear), and the dvd drive.
the long fan is a little noisier - so for now i'll stick with my shortfan, keeping the other one as spare
other components and the others from my original configuration will be sold

[kirpeknots]

Hi,

My 14" T42 had the GPU problem. I had already upgraded my t42 screen for a T41P one(1400X1050).

I got a broken 15" R52 today. I just installed it's mainboard. It fit's well. You just can't fit the firewire connector. All the rest fits fine. You'll need DDR2 memory for a R52 (T43) mainboard.

The drawback's. I also got the T43 harddrive message problem. I just succesfully modified a OEM hitachi 7K60 to an IBM 7K60 to get around that problem..

The biggest drawback. NO VIDEO on a 14" 1400X1050 in combination with the Intel R52 mainboard!!! (Same mainboard as the Intel T43). The original R52 model was a 1859. So I am running it from an ancient 1024X768 screen!!!

I hope someone is able to modify the bios for a 14" 1400X1050 screen because the 15" 1400X1050 screen seems to run fine. Probably a problem with some screen-id.

[RealBlackStuff]

You probably need to swap out the XGA LCD cable for an SXGA+ cable

[kirpeknots]

Is the SXGA+ cable provided by the T41P different than the SXGA+ cable on a T43?

It used to run OK with the current cable on my T42.

[underclocker]

Other forum members have pretty much confirmed that Intel-GPU motherboards from 14" T43 or R52's and 15" R51's won't support resolutions above XGA. There is a possiblity that Intel-GPU motherboards from 15" T43 or R52's will work. However, apparently it is not guaranteed.

[madkat]

finally installed the T43 longfan in my TR451
it's been running for a week or so in this configuration
first - the longfan doesn't touch anything on the Intel GPU mobo, so physically its ok
it runs a little quieter (its newer than my old T41 shortfan) and for shorter periods of time (i believe it is more efficient - even the motor is rated at 0.3A vs the short one that is rated at 0.2A)
overall it is a difference - but if your current shortfan is ok, its not a necessity to replace it

[dozer]

UC, great guide......thanks.

[Big_D]

Underclocker and the others who have helped with this project. THANKS!!! for putting this out there. Much appreciated!

I haven't done the swap yet as my T42 has just started to show the signs of BGA failure. I will pickup a board (R51) soon and make the change. However I am curious about the Bluetooth. On the first page of the thread it says that the BMDC200 module will work with the R51 but according to what IBM says it only works on the ATI boards not the Intel and N/A is listed under the driver column for BT on an Intel board.

I can live without it but I would really like to keep my BT on my T42 (I mean TR4251) if at all possible.

Does anyone have BT working after the swap and if so what drivers are you using?

[underclocker]

You guys are certainly welcome. I am still using this great machine.

You raise a good point. The IBM/Lenovo website is incorrect/missing info, the BMDC200 Rev. B adapter from the T42 does work on Intel GPU R51 motherboards. I am using one and I can confirm it works, no boot or other errors. The LEDs work and the Fn-F5 software works, too. I used the same driver as for the other models found here --> http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-50245

Below is the IBM Bluetooth info, it should help. It is confusing, each adapter has three names and several part numbers!

Bluetooth Adapters (CDC slot style)
For older machines --> Bluetooth Daughter Card (BDC or BDC01), 12P3872, 26P8071
For T40, T41, R50 --> IBM Integrated Bluetooth II with 56K Modem (BMDC or BMDC200), 26P8396, 91P7259, 91P7315
For T42, R51 (Intel or ATI GPU) --> IBM Integrated Bluetooth III with 56K Modem (BMDC-2 or BMDC200 Rev. B), 91P7319, 27R1880, 93P3471, 91P7297
For T43, R52 --> IBM Integrated Bluetooth IV with 56K Modem (BMDC-3 or BMDC300), 39T0022, 39T0024, 39T0026

[nfotis]

Hello,

as an owner of a used T40 (model 2374-75G) that recently developed the GPU problem, I am very interested in this solution.
Still it is freezing 1-2 times per day, but I suspect it will be worse very soon.

What R51 models with Intel GPU are suitable for a motherboard transplant to my machine?
(it has a 14" monitor, at 1024x768 resolution, and a 1.5 GHz CPU)

A queer idea - could somebody put a dual core Pentium M in these R51 motherboards?
That would be quite an upgrade!

Regards from Athens,
N.Fotis