T20 upgraded to 900MHz!

[JVG]

Well, I got my T20 some months ago and, before it arrived, I already had a 900MHz and T22-type fan assembly waiting for it

But, you know, sometimes other things take all the time... until today!. I have decided to give it a go... and has been a real breeze !. Following the Hardware Guide steps I have removed all needed items and then have replaced CPU and fan. After an small cut out of the plastic keyboard CRU insulator, everything have gone back to its place.

Powering the T20 has been all an experience... it has booted perfectly except for lost CMOS parameters (which is OK as I had removed the backup battery). After restoring correct CMOS parameters, it has booted (faster than before ) Windows XP and, of course, first thing I have done is come here to write about my success

Yes, I know this should have been done thousand times but it is my very first Thinkpad surgery. I hope this helps somebody else to attempt a CPU upgrade

Regards from a happy camper!

JOSE

[losmeme]

Jose,

Congrats on the upgrade. Glad to hear it went so well. Am getting ready to perform the exact same upgrade in a few weeks.

Why did you have to cut the plastic CRU insulator? Is it because the T23 fan doesn't have the little knockout at the bottom of it?

Is it absloutely necessary to change the HS/FAN?? I mean, from 700MHz to 900MHz can't be THAT much of a difference in heat, can it??

Thanks

[JVG]

Hello!

Well, CRU insulator is not really, IMHO, a big trouble to be cut. It is just a soft plastic cover and it will perform roughly the same with a couple mm less... And, yes, T22 fan has not the cutout so you need to remove that piece.

I replaced the fan because heat transfer is better on a T22-type unit. It is spring mounted so it does not need the spongy piece the T20 unit uses. And the heat dissipation unit (a kind of bright flat tube on the upper side, which should have something special inside) is considerably larger. Also, being a new unit, it is quieter. And, of course, was completely clean !. BTW, once there, carefully clean the vent holes and the CPU surrounding zone.

My unit runs cooler with the 900MHz CPU than with the 650MHz unit (and I have put the IBM CPU speed utility so I know it is working at 900MHz!). My guess on this is that newer CPU has better technology, heat-wise

Best regards,

JOSE

[HappyHourSC]

Where is everyone getting these up grades? I have a T20 and I need to replace the system board and processor.

I was told a T22 board will work. What upgrade size can I go to?

Actually, I need a fan too.