T21 upgrade/mod

[NautTboy]

Hi, I just got me a T21. I check IBM's manual and it said the cpu range from 750, 800, and 850 with max of only 512mb of ram.

Searching this site also discover people upgrading their T20 to T21/T22 1ghz cpu.

So what can I do with my T21?

At moment I have 2 error I need to take care of (175 and 188). I hope replacing the backup battery solve the problem.

Shux, it's is maxed to 512. Is it possible to Flash Bios to T23 and get it up to 1gb of RAM?

[rkawakami]

Last question, first: No. Trying to install a T23 BIOS into the T21 will not make it so. There's a whole bunch of hardware differences which makes a T23 quite different than the earlier T2 systems (mainly the chipset). The memory required to get to 1GB (2 x 512MB) means that you would need to install high density PC133 modules, something the T21 will choke on.

I'm not a CPU upgrade expert so I'll leave that answer to somebody else...

[NautTboy]

The memory required to get to 1GB (2 x 512MB) means that you would need to install high density PC133 modules, something the T21 will choke on.

You're saying it will take it? Even tho the manual say max is pc100@512(2x256)?

[jronald]

It will not handle the memory

Ron

[nikki605]

Look at the T21 config in my sig. That's as far as you can take one. 512MB memory and a 1GHz cpu (SL53S).

Mine runs WinXP SP3 OK, but I have to watch what programs I install since background processes can really slow it down.

[NautTboy]

Was that you upgrade from T20 to T21 with T22 fan?

[nikki605]

Was that you upgrade from T20 to T21 with T22 fan?

No, I bought it new (2001) as a T21 (2647-47U) with an 800MHz cpu & 128MB memory with Win98 installed. When I upgraded the cpu I did also upgrade to the T22 heatsink/fan assembly.

[NautTboy]

Did you see huge difference from 800 to 1ghz? Just wanna know if it's worth it. 1ghz on ebay is about $15.

[nikki605]

Did you see huge difference from 800 to 1ghz? Just wanna know if it's worth it. 1ghz on ebay is about $15.

Yes. The cpu bump-up was worth it. But again, I still find that its overall speed is very dependent on what programs I have installed and what processes are running in the background. I have turned off any non-essential background processes - those programs that want to "phone home" checking for updates, for example, or programs that are constantly checking for an external device (camera, scanner, printer, etc.) to be plugged into a USB port. They simply eat up too much system resources. I have to remember to start them manually when I want to use them.

Many years ago I had replaced the original 4200rpm HDD with a larger capacity 5400rpm HDD. This also gave me a noticeable boost in overall system performance. A few years after that, as PATA drives were nearing the end of their lifespan, I upgraded to an even larger 7200rpm HDD. This upgrade did NOT give me any real noticeable performance increase however, so I had to be content with just the increase in HDD space.

[NautTboy]

Thank you. Very much help. In that case I will order the 1ghz after I get my battery.

[nikki605]

Compared to the 800MHz cpu it shipped with, a 1GHz cpu was a 25% speed increase. That's a significant boost.

[NautTboy]

Shux, before I can do any mod or upgrade I have to fix this problem first.

2 error messages:

0188
Invalid RFID serialization
information area or bad
CRC2—The EEPROM
checksum is not correct.
System board.

0271
Date and time error—Neither
the date nor the time is set in
the computer.
Run IBM BIOS Setup Utility to
reset the time and date.

Replacing backup battery didn't work. Can't get in to BIOS with F1.

[NautTboy]

Anyone know how to fix this error?

Can't even get to the Bios to see info.

[RealBlackStuff]

My only suggestion would be to try and update or reflash the BIOS, using a floppy or CD drive (if it lets you...)

[NautTboy]

Does anyone still have the update bios? rapidshare link from 2006 is dead.

[Majestic]

Here is the link for the diskette format of BIOS version 1.16 for the T21 ....

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4PJN8Y

[NautTboy]

Ok, what could be the issue here when you can't even get into the BIOS.
There's 2 options during start up. F1 or something to BIOS setup and F12 i think to select boot device. None of them works. Just came up with those 2 msg i mentioned earlier. Is the BIOS chip replacable?

[rkawakami]

Generally with an 0188 error (or other CRC error), that means that the BIOS has been corrupted enough beyond any function which will allow the laptop to complete the boot process. Replacing chips is certainly possible but not really recommended unless you are comfortable with handling tiny surface mount devices that have pin spacings of 0.5mm.

Researching the issue (by browsing the forum's archives) seems to say that you can get around the 0188 error by pressing the ESC key at power on. If that is the case, then you may be able to re-flash the BIOS.

[NautTboy]

hmmmm, thanks. I'll give that a try.

[NautTboy]

Ok, is there anymore trick up the sleeves?
pressing ESC only bypass the IBM screen.
keeping pressing/hold ESC does nothing.
press/hold F1 nothing.
Well, not nothing, same error i get.

Got another one in my possession.
Doesn't have any error but won't boot to anything.
Stuck on which ever you press, F1 or F12

Is there a reset button anywhere?

[RealBlackStuff]

No reset buttons anywhere.
If the rest of the T21(s) is OK, and if you don't mind buying some PC133 RAM, I'd be happy to sell you a barebones or further stripped-down T23, into which you could transplant HD, CD/DVD, LCD, keyboard, ac-adapter, battery from the T21.
PM me if interested and to discuss how 'bare' you might want it.