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T43p SATA Guide (There are pictures, it's 2020)

T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
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c4warrior
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#61 Post by c4warrior » Thu Apr 28, 2011 10:56 pm

After some tinkering, now that I'm not working on 4 hours of sleep going on the third day, I've found that the screw pulls the adapter inward which causes the disconnect. The easiest fixes for this (now that there isn't enough material on the adapter to change the terminal holes) are to loosen the back plate that goes on the drive so it can go in further or leave out the screw. I'm going to order a few different adapters so I can find one I like (maybe I'll find a better one, maybe not) and this time just move the holes further back so it pushes the adapter forward.

I'll have my own soldering station set up on my desk in a few days so I'm going to go nuts doing these mods because, although it was annoying at times, it's very rewarding which makes it addicting.
T43-2668-NU3
[Display] 14.1" SXGA+ LCD
[Proc] 2.26GHz Dothan (780)
[RAM] 2x1gb Kingston PC2 5300 667mhz
[HDD] WD Scorpio Black 500GB Sata@7200rpm
[Keyboard] NMB
[OS] W7x86<Ultimate>

and T43/p Work in Progress

FrankL
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#62 Post by FrankL » Thu May 19, 2011 5:00 am

Is it possible to use the native SATA interface in AHCI mode in Windows Vista or 7? the ICH6M chipset should support it...

this would allow NCQ and more importantly, it might allow you to use Link Power Management (LPM) to reduce power consumption (through enabling DIPM (device initiated power management), which significantly reduces power usage on SSDs.
Last edited by FrankL on Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

Bibin
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#63 Post by Bibin » Thu May 19, 2011 6:23 am

The hardware is capable, but the BIOS lacks the option. Somebody would need to produce a modified BIOS.

clicker
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#64 Post by clicker » Wed Jun 01, 2011 9:37 am

I was just wondering.. does Ultrabay slim with HDD works after removing Marvell controller? How about if there is a SATA disk in ultrabay?

It would be very useful to know.

Thank you. Keep up the good work.
IBM ThinkPad T43 2668-F5G

Bibin
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#65 Post by Bibin » Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:03 pm

The UltraBay IDE connection still works. It goes directly to the chipset and has no relation to the Marvell chip. Any UltraBay device you used before will function exactly same after doing the modification.

Bibin
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#66 Post by Bibin » Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:09 pm

Good news and bad news.

The good news is that with the modification all SMART commands and such work just as expected.

The bad news is that I found out when an HDD I plugged in went bad :/

Image

hunterman223
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#67 Post by hunterman223 » Fri Jun 03, 2011 8:17 am

I would try another program, I have had drives in the past that didnt play well with certain SMART programs due to differences in reported values and such. Not all drives use the same reporting scheme.
Hunter Thompson

ThinkPad T400: T9400, 8GB, LG WXGA+, Samsung 830 128GB + WD Scorpio Black 500GB, Intel 5300agn, Win7 Pro x64
Others: IBM ThinkPad R40, Sony VAIO NR Series, HP TouchPad running CM9, Jailbroken iPod Touch 4G

Cornbread53
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#68 Post by Cornbread53 » Fri Dec 30, 2011 3:16 pm

Ive joined this, my one and only forum just to thank the gents that have put so much time and effort in this little endeavor. Ive read a gazillion forums all saying ..it cant be done...nope... silly idea etc. Im sure everyone knows the scene. Actually its far too often the scene in many many forums of DIYer of every subject under the sun.
I especially want to thank "RealBlackStuff" and "MiikejMoffit". As far as Im concerned they've saved my trusty old T43p.
It works quite well right now just using a little 8GB Flash Drive, but thats of course a stopgap measure.
RealBlackStuff doing his hunt and peck method of trying out different micro connectors has saved my last nerve. I had no idea it would be such a task just to find a silly connector, or anything remotely close.

Thanks again Gents!

Bibin
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#69 Post by Bibin » Fri Dec 30, 2011 4:01 pm

Happy to help. I just got another T43, and did the modification - this time I used a real legitimate SATA connector and mounted it on the inside, and now I can simply use the HDD caddy that came with the machine and just plug in drives worry-free. The IDE activity LED works now as well, as I hooked up the SATA activity pin on the power plug to the one on the old 40pin IDE connector (connecting it to a low signal makes the LED light up; Pin 39 is the ACTIVE pin which is for LED activity and you can hook a wire up to it and touch it to ground to see it in action).

Image

RealBlackStuff
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#70 Post by RealBlackStuff » Fri Dec 30, 2011 5:13 pm

Same here.

@Bibin/Mike:
tried the HD-LED several times but never got it to work.
I connected old IDE pin 39 to pin 11 of the 15-pin SATA connector, which is the middle pin of the 3 GND pins between 5V and 12V. No dice, resp. no LED lighting up.
From your description it's not clear if it needs another wire somewhere...

My modified HP connector also lets me use the HD in its caddy, without any force or fumble.
And what do you consider a real legitimate SATA connector?
Picture(s), manufacturer and P/N if possible.
Thanks in advance.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

Bibin
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#71 Post by Bibin » Fri Dec 30, 2011 5:56 pm

A real legitimate SATA connector is that it's just that - prior I had two floating connectors, HDD power and Data, both required me to take off the palmrest - and before I soldered directly to the drive!

It's nothing innovative here, just an improvement over what I did, basically what you already did.

Cornbread53
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#72 Post by Cornbread53 » Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:13 pm

Hello gents,
Im about ready to do the t43p mod (along with the BIOS courtesy of this forum). Im at a crossroad of trying to decide SSD or HDD or compbination thereof. The explosion in cost of HDD since the fareast disasters has forced me to consider SSD's. Near as I can determine from the discussions, the SSD's didnt provide enough of a kick in performance for the cost...at first.
Ive considered an 80gb intel SSD for the internal boot drive....with perhaps a slower 54000 rpm larger external HDD for storage. Then again I think the money might be better spent to buy just a larger 7200 rpm internal HDD to serve as the whole kit and kaboodle. Battery life is a non issue for me, but the idea of less heat with SSD does seem like a good idea.
Is there a majority here that favors one over the other?? (SSD's and HDD's)

Thanks Gents

ajkula66
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#73 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:36 pm

In my opinion, SSD is a waste on T43/p because of the transfer speeds.

Very happy with a 320GB/7200 Seagate SATA in my wife's modded T43p, and will likely go the same route with my own once it's finished.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

clicker
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#74 Post by clicker » Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:44 pm

ajkula66 wrote:In my opinion, SSD is a waste on T43/p because of the transfer speeds.
no. it's not a waste! machine is born again with SSD. I can only guess that you haven't tried SSD. if i'm wrong, then it's just your personal opinion. I vote for SSD even with 70-80MB/sec BUT there is access time as low as it never can be done with any mechanical drive.
IBM ThinkPad T43 2668-F5G

ajkula66
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#75 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:58 pm

@clicker:

Yes, I've tried more than one SSD. I still feel that it's a waste on a T43p.

And I've stated that it was my opinion to begin with...so let's just agree to disagree on this one.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

clicker
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#76 Post by clicker » Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:50 pm

ajkula66 wrote:...so let's just agree to disagree on this one.
agreed. :)
cheers
IBM ThinkPad T43 2668-F5G

Cornbread53
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#77 Post by Cornbread53 » Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:13 am

I appreciate the firm faith and the replies about choosing SSD or HDD. Ive just about decided to make modifications on my T43p for SSD. Reason is, my Thinkpad once again proved its value after my desktop PC died, All I did was load Ubuntu on an 8gb flash drive and its up and running. I figured I should continue on that theme. Im still reading about glitches and tweaks to be sure. (Being a computer consumer nowadays is a day worth of Hellfire)
Looking at the desoldering and soldering ahead of me, I started to wonder how I could limit any damage a first-timer could do to the PCB. My thinking took me to the bottom of the PCB. Is there is anything wrong with the idea of running the hardwire UNDER the printed circuit board?? I figured afterwards I would apply something called clear "Shoe-Goo" to cover the wire and connection. Shoe-Goo is in the shoe dept at Wal-Mart. If you wear work boots alot, its great to build the sole back up. Ive been wearing my same boots for almost 20 years.

I just had another thought..I dont know if Shoe Goo is conductiive... this forum makes you think...something fierce.

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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#78 Post by RealBlackStuff » Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:16 am

In theory it's quite simple:
-remove the SATA-PATA chip (heat gun)
-remove the old IDE connector (pliers and fine-wire cutter)
-solder 6 wires to new SATA connector (soldering iron)

There's no desoldering required.
What is 'hardwire'?
Why work on the bottom of the PCB? The connector is on the top.
Why the yucky Shoe-Goo?
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
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RoxyRose
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#79 Post by RoxyRose » Tue Feb 07, 2012 6:57 pm

I have decided I am going to do this myself. I am trying to figure out how to set up the HP connector HP P/N AT368 in this process. I am thinking RBS post is pretty much the sum up of this process? Question is, is it a safer bet to just use a sata ultrabay? I have a heat gun, but unfortunately, I was not successful with a T40 graphics card fix, so I am hesitant to ruin a perfectly good system.

clicker
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#80 Post by clicker » Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:49 pm

RoxyRose wrote:Question is, is it a safer bet to just use a sata ultrabay?
ultrabay is a very good solution. you won't regret it.
IBM ThinkPad T43 2668-F5G

ajkula66
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#81 Post by ajkula66 » Tue Feb 07, 2012 7:57 pm

RoxyRose wrote: Question is, is it a safer bet to just use a sata ultrabay?
It most definitely is a safer approach, although the transfer speeds will not be the same.

Although many people (mostly the ones who haven't tried it themselves) tend to downplay the risk involved in this mod, it is *very* easy to kill a board even if one knows what they're doing and have performed the surgery in question before.

My experiences only.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

Raceboy
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#82 Post by Raceboy » Thu Feb 09, 2012 6:57 am

One can ruin the board by just refreshing the thermal paste also :)

But I agree, it is easy to ruin the board if one isn't careful and/or doesn't have enough experience. It requires a fine-tipped soldering iron, good eye (or magnifying glass) and decent soldering skills.

It is wiser to print out the instructions with photos, source the parts and take the board to local electronics specialist who can do this quickly. Mostly can be negotiated for labour cost also.

I have performed this mod on 10+ X41's (half of them are Tablets) and few T43's, no issues so far.
X61s:L7500,4GB,128GB SSD,IPS
X32s:PM 758 LV CPU mod,2GB,64GB microSATA SSD,COM mod,IPS
701c,240,380,X60s,560X,570E,600/E,T20,T21,T30,TR451,T42p
Past:560/E/Z,600E,R30,T21,T23,T30,T40,TR451,T40p,T41,T41p,T42,T42p,T43,X20,X22,X23,X24,X31,X40,X41,X60/T,X61/s,X201,T60,T60p,T61,T400,T601p

AdaSch
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#83 Post by AdaSch » Mon Feb 13, 2012 11:18 am

Great Job :!:

cheers
W520 CS, FP, WWAN, I7-2920XM, Q2kM 1TB SSD i540s
current W520, W700, X301, X120e, X230*2, MSI GT72 I7-6700Hq GTX980m, MSI GT683 I7-2860QM GTX970M,
before T23, T40, T43p*3, T61p*3, W500

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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#84 Post by hmh » Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:26 am

FrankL wrote:Is it possible to use the native SATA interface in AHCI mode in Windows Vista or 7? the ICH6M chipset should support it...

this would allow NCQ and more importantly, it might allow you to use Link Power Management (LPM) to reduce power consumption (through enabling DIPM (device initiated power management), which significantly reduces power usage on SSDs.
Look at the Intel spec update sheet and the erratas for the ICH6M before you enable SATA LPM. Beware of errata.

Also, AFAIK, the ICH6M uses more power to run in AHCI mode. It is a very old chip. So, unless you've hooked a SSD to it by modding the planar to take a SATA SSD directly, chances are NCQ won't be worth it.

You can test the AHCI power draw using Linux, but you will have to track and old kernel patch by Matthew Garrett (I think) to force-switch the ICH to AHCI mode, and it COULD cause issues on suspend and shutdown (testing required).

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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#85 Post by lexicon » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:49 am

Still confused with HDD Led after this mod..
Can anyone confirm it can be done?
T60p[2.0/4G/MomentusXT/ABG/UXGA/W7]
Past:701c T23 T4 T6 X3 X4 X6s

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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#86 Post by RealBlackStuff » Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:37 pm

It can be done by just soldering in a wire on the bottom of the mobo.
The bottom left is pin 39 from the old IDE connector.
The top right is pin AC19 from the Southbridge chip.
I just tested this today (03-12-2012). That's all, the HD-LED is now working! Yeah!!!

ImageClick on thumbnail for larger (229KB) image
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#87 Post by RoxyRose » Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:00 pm

This is slightly off topic, but I guess still relevant. If I decide to put my sata drive in an adapter, what should I put in my hard drive bay? I keep reading that 160gb and up 5400 rpm drives are faster than 7200rpm drives. I hear about compact flash as ssd, 1.8 pata ssd (with hit or miss success), or possibly just booting from the ultrabay and leaving it empty. I am still considering doing the mod, but I am more concerned with damaging my hard drive and its contents than the board to be honest with you.

clicker
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#88 Post by clicker » Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:25 pm

Do not leave HDD bay empty. You will get an error. Or if you put new HDD that is not supported by IBM, you will still get error. It can be fixed by changing BIOS (can be found on forum) so it's up to you finally. I left my stock drive inside HDD bay and boot from SATA ultrabay SSD.
IBM ThinkPad T43 2668-F5G

RoxyRose
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#89 Post by RoxyRose » Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:30 pm

clicker wrote:Do not leave HDD bay empty. You will get an error. Or if you put new HDD that is not supported by IBM, you will still get error. It can be fixed by changing BIOS (can be found on forum) so it's up to you finally. I left my stock drive inside HDD bay and boot from SATA ultrabay SSD.
I bought my system without a hard drive. I have the whitelist bios downloaded already (but not installed, the system hasn't arrived yet).

RoxyRose
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Re: T43p SATA Guide (Beware pictures, 56k-ers)

#90 Post by RoxyRose » Fri Mar 16, 2012 6:37 pm

I ended up buying a hard drive and putting my sata in an enclosure. I was freaked out because the whitelist bios gave me a flash failed message, but it seems that it went through. No error messages are showing anymore. I think eventually, I will do the mod. I miss having a burner in the bay.

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