Thinkpads Forum

Tomorrow a refurbished T61p (2.5GHz 15.4" 1680x1050 WSXGA+ Nvidia *NEW* 250GB 7200RPM HDD 2GB RAM XP Pro) arrives as a replacement for my trusty R52 15" which I still use everyday for work.

I've only recently become familiar with this forum, looking for information on this model before I bid on it since I only needed something with a bit more power but less costly than a T520. Yesterday I noticed a few posts about faulty Nvidia chips, which I read more about today. Forgive my ignorance, but is there any way to find out if this unit would be a candidate for this problem without tearing it apart and finding the stamp on this chip?

Secondly there was an option to include Win 7 Pro but I declined not knowing the condition of this Thinkpad and if I'd keep it. The reseller's reviews have all been good on these models so assuming this unit is a keeper, can someone direct me to a forum thread that would be a good resource for this upgrade to avoid potential issues with BIOS and drivers. I assume since they were offering the upgrade for only a few dollars more than I can buy the OS, the unit may already be ready for Win 7 except the RAM, but I wanted to be prepared.

Thanks in advance for your help, now I'm off to the R series group to find out what to do with the R52's high CPU temperature that the Battery Care program I found through this forum is showing me.

Before I installed Win7-x64 on my T61, I upgraded the HD to 500GB and the RAM to a full 8GB. The 250GB HD you have should be just fine, so you only need to upgrade the RAM for Win7.

I did a clean install of Win7-x64 on my T61. That way I know I am starting clean w/o any prior OS remnants to muck things up.
Then I applied the Lenovo consolidated package that installs all the drivers I need w/o me having to fuss with individual drivers and other sw.

About the Nvidia chip.
The only way that I recall reading about is to check the mfg date on the label on the bottom of the computer, 08/08 or later is what you want. Prior to that and there is a risk of the chip failing. I think the date is yy/mm format.

Thanks for your reply ac12. I do plan to upgrade the RAM to a matched set of 2 x 4GB before installing Win 7.

By 'Lenovo consolidated package' I assume you are referring to the recovery cd/dvd? If so which OS did you use, the Win XP cd or one of the Win Vista dvd products?

Thanks for the heads up on finding the date in the label. I had read the preferred models are manufactured on 08/08 or later, but some 07/08 may not be effected (that's when it may be prudent to look at the Chip). Got my fingers crossed.

Date is YY/MM (Year/Month) so you need to look for 08/08, 08/09, 08/10 etc.
The 07/08 you mention is 2007/August.

Thanks, it helps to know what you're reading.

Found it

Windows 7 Clean Installation - ThinkPad
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail. ... MIGR-74108
This is the instructions, then part way down is a link to "ThinkVantage System Update 4.0." Which is the program that installs the drivers and sw for you.

I have a 08/08 if your interested, the exact specs you mentioned.

As for the nvidia chip, you can't tell conclusively by the date on the chip, the old and new designs were all mixed together for some period of time, but according to Lenovo, in mid July (08/07) they trashed all stocks of boards and replaced them with ones made with the new chip, so only 08/08 and newer are good.

Since the T61/T61p was discontinued in september 2008, there are very few 08/09 units made. I do have one 08/09 T61 for sale too if your interested.

PM if interested.

Thank you for all your input, the Unit arrived last night and is in very good shape and runs great.

However the date code is 08/04, so it may be subject to the GPU problem I've now come to understand.

I replied to the seller about this problem and asked for an exchange with a later model, or an RMA to return this one which is a real shame since its so nice.

I'd bet the seller knows all about this and I'd be surprised if they are willing to exchange for a Gen 2, but good luck.

RealBlackStuff wrote:Date is YY/MM (Year/Month) so you need to look for 08/08, 08/09, 08/10 etc.
The 07/08 you mention is 2007/August.

Had a Nvidia 140M made in 08/08 replaced due to GPU failure. Very lightly used. Never for gaming.
Don't go by dates as my system should not fave failed if the new Nvidia board was in it.