T42 - How widespread is the flexing system board/GPU problem

[dejola]

I have bought three used T42's for friends during the last four months or so. So far all are fine. I bought these machines notwithstanding all the reports I've noted about the flexing
problem that can cause solder disconnects, particularly
involving the ATI GPU. And I have had the benefit of the wisdom of quite a few members of this board, which I find to be an invaluable resource.

I suspect that we only hear about the problems people have with
their computers, and that many T42 do not experience the flexing problem. Am I correct? Is it possible that the vast majority of T42's
perform well for years and years, way beyond the end of their warranties without the problem?

Does anyone know of any reliable source that would indicate the
percentage of T42's that DO suffer from the flex/systemboard/GPU
problems? Is it in fact inevitable sooner or later, or are the T42's that do experience the problems the ones that are improperly handled by users who are unaware of the flexing problem?

I'd appreciate your comments

[richk]

There are different opinions. I see a lot of machines, and it has been my experience that the problem is most common on T41 machines. I have no idea why, but I know that the type of solder that was used changed several times over the period that T4x machines were made. Most T42 machines and all T43s have the GPU tacked down with little blobs of some sort of epoxy-like stuff that seems to help. T43 machines seem less prone to the problem than T42s. 15" machines seem less prone to the problem than 14" machines. My guess is that the interposer card connectors can take up some of the flex stress. I have used T42 machines for various things. I am careful about how I carry them, and I have never had a failure.

[dejola]

Thank you, RichK (Thinkpadder). That's a bit encouraging.

[underclocker]

My experience echos richk's response.

I've had dozens of T4x machines pass through my hands. I've also had several long term T4x machines. While I've never had a T4x go bad on me, I've purchased many that had the GPU issue.

I'd say T40 and T41's are the most likely to fail, but plenty of T42's have the issue, as well, just scan eBay. I've also had one T43 (ATI GPU) with the problem. It doesn't seem to matter which ATI GPU you have (7500, 9000, 9600, GL, GL T2, X300), it happens to them all.

The T4x 14" machine seems to combine the three most significant variables that cause the problem, 1) flex, 2) heat, 3) vibration/shock. The extremely thin design of the case is the culprit on all counts.

I have no idea what percentage of machines produced have already failed. If IBM kept those statistics, they certainly aren't sharing them!

Many people have noticed that when the same motherboard is inserted into a larger and more rigid 15" T4x or any R5x machine, the failures decrease.

All that being said, it seems that if you control for flex and shock, heat alone won't cause the problem (or that's my theory, at least). The repeated heat up and cool down cycles probably make the GPU connections more brittle so chassis flex and shock (putting down the machine too hard, slamming the lid) can do the rest. I think if you treat a T4x with reasonable care, it will last a very long time.

-Don't ever carry it with one hand while open
-Place it down gently
-Don't slam the lid closed

[dejola]

Many thanks for your views, Underclocker.

[bill bolton]

T43s have a strengthened chassis and generally do not show GPU failure modes.

How a T40/1/2 has been handled has a big impact on whether the GPU failure problem shows up.

Carrying a T4x in one hand by one corner of the case with the screen open seems to be the biggest contributing factor. T4x models that are not handled in this way seem to relatively rarely display GPU problems.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[dejola]

Thanks, Bill. That is very encouraging.

[usernotabuser]

From a new owner of two T42: Good to hear.

[Beaver]

My T40p is used quite much (can be seen on the outer surface - some scratches, worn out corners of the chasis and so on). Anyway, it's running very well, GPU performance is perfect (playing World of Warcraft sometimes on it). My idea is not to flex the laptop if it's hot, it can cause the GPU detach more probably than cold. And more - my T40p felt down from back seat in car to floor while braking and it's still working Virtually indestructible

[Tim M]

I've had my T42 since 4/2005 and haven't had this problem. I replaced the motherboard a few months back (to upgrade) and the GPU was still in good condition.

I usually carry the machine with two hands while open; if using one hand, I cradle it with my hand underneath the battery. I do hold it one-handed while closed to transfer it in and out of my computer bag.