Preventing Nvidia chip from failing

[huohuo]

Hello, I (not so) recently acquired a 14' XGA T61 manufactured 07/12 with Nvidia 140m chip, seller was selling as Intel machine so at first I was rather happy since Nvidia models are uncommon. I mainly do some light gaming (occasionally a little heavier) and image design on it. There aren't any signs of GPU failure yet. Is there a way (besides not stressing GPU) to avoid the card failure or at least slow the process?

[dr_st]

The machine is approaching 17 years of age. If it hasn't failed yet, it is just as likely / unlikely to fail as any other component it any other system of similar age.

[600X]

I'd consider undervolting the GPU with one of the undervolting BIOS options. Other than that, just use it. Nothing is going to make much of a difference at this point.

[kyonthinkpad]

Hi, I find myself in the same boat as huohuo.

I have a 14in T61 coming my way with the NVS140M.

I'd consider undervolting the GPU with one of the undervolting BIOS options. Other than that, just use it. Nothing is going to make much of a difference at this point.

Apart from above, is there anything else that can be done? Perhaps, reapplying the thermal paste?

I will be opening up the machine for inspection, cleaning, and upgrading the components. (CPU, RAM, HDD->SSD).

P.S. I joined this community today, and I am so glad to have done so. The information here has been very helpful till now.

[huohuo]

Hi, I find myself in the same boat as huohuo.

I have a 14in T61 coming my way with the NVS140M.

I'd consider undervolting the GPU with one of the undervolting BIOS options. Other than that, just use it. Nothing is going to make much of a difference at this point.

Apart from above, is there anything else that can be done? Perhaps, reapplying the thermal paste?

I will be opening up the machine for inspection, cleaning, and upgrading the components. (CPU, RAM, HDD->SSD).

P.S. I joined this community today, and I am so glad to have done so. The information here has been very helpful till now.

Hello Kyon
I'm afraid that apart from the options listed above, the only thing we can do is to swap out the heatsink for the W500 one. (You should definitely reapply that thermal paste!)