Some T21 questions?

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LegendaryKA8 · #1 Post by **LegendaryKA8** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 4:01 am

Hey there. Long-time lurker, but I've been poking around a little bit. Firstly, I've owned my T21 since 2004. Even though it's getting a bit long in the tooth, I am extremely impressed with how durable this notebook really is. It's been with me through thick and thin... road trips, trade school, two ex-girlfriends, several drops, one of my cats jumping onto it from a decent height(broke the LCD), and just general wear and tear... I'm not really that easy on my electronics, and my poor T21 looks like a truck hit it.

I retired it two years ago and picked up a T40(now dead). I decided to drag it out of storage a few days ago... lo and behold, the T21 booted up and is working like a champ. That's legendary build quality. I have a dead T20 on the way to use as parts to get this one back up to snuff, but I had a few problems I needed to work out.

Firstly, Speedstep is acting strangely. I have the 800Mhz processor on this one, but even though it's plugged in(battery is completely dead) the T21 is still throttled back. Changing the performance settings within the Speedstep dialog box doesn't work, and the 'performance mode' setting is grayed out. I've tried this with both a cheap ebay power adapter I picked up ages ago as well as a genuine IBM adapter(which may have been for the T40) to the same result.

Also, what is the best processor and most RAM I can put on this machine? Are the limits the 850Mhz processor and 512MB RAM,or will it go higher? Plus, does anyone know where I can get a service manual for one to let me know how to take this apart? Thanks in advance!

#2 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 8:28 am

The fastest CPU would be a 1.00GHz, which is used in the T22 series. You'd also need the corresponding CPU-cooler.
Because of different motherboards, not every T20/T21/T22 can take these fast(er) CPUs.
Maximum RAM for the T20/1/2 is 2x 256MB PC100 SODIMMs.
(The next size up is a T23, which takes 2x 512MB PC133 SODIMMs, which are not compatible!).
What's your exact Type/Model, i.e. 2647-xxx?
The power supplies from the T40 fit the T2x models perfectly (72W, 16V. 4.5A).
You can download the HMM here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4UYM3F

If you need a new(er) battery, also look into the T30 batteries, they have a higher capacity and fit in the T2x series.

LegendaryKA8 · #3 Post by **LegendaryKA8** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 11:34 am

Thanks a lot; this is exactly what I was looking for!

My T21 is a 2647-8BU, if that helps.

#4 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 8:02 am

If you put in a 1.00GHz CPU, look for IBM P/N 08K3392 and/or Intel SL53S or SL5TF.
Don't forget to buy some decent thermal paste, like Arctic Silver 5.
The 1.00 CPUs from a T23 will NOT fit!
Before you put in the new CPU you need to update your BIOS first, then the Embedded Controller, to the latest available version.
I don't have the CPU but I do have a floppy drive (for BIOS update) and a T22 fan + clamp for sale.
PM me if interested.

elportugues · #5 Post by **elportugues** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:03 am

You can download the manual from Lenovo thinkpad's site.
Go to Google and ask T21 Service Manual and you will get there.
It is very easy to dismantle!
If you need any more help, please ask. I have many T21's bases,
fans, etc...

#6 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 9:20 am

T21 fans are no good on a 1.00GHz CPU, you MUST use the T22 fan.

Some T21 questions?

Some T21 questions?

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Re: Some T21 questions?

Re: Some T21 questions?

Re: Some T21 questions?

Re: Some T21 questions?

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