Thinkpads Forum

Hi folks,

I have an opportunity to buy a T61p (the precise reference is 6458-A37) and since I don't care much about graphic performance I was wondering whether it's possible to turn off the discrete GPU in order to save battery life.

It raises a first question: is there an IGP on T61p's motherboard? I know that some of the T61 are shipped with an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 (which is an Intel 965GM IGP) and I suppose that the motherboard is common to all T61 models (including T61p) and that the IGP might be present on the T61p as well.

This brings me to my second question. If there is an IGP on T61p motherboards, is it possible to turn it off through the BIOS (because I'm a Linux user)? Is the BIOS protected with a password (I know it's common on professional laptops)?

Thanks for helping me!

Welcome to the forum sclarckone!

Some T61 boards have one or the other GPU, none have both. All T61p have nVIDIA. So no switchable graphics on the T61p.

The BIOS can be password protected on almost any ThinkPad. As to whether the one you want to purchase has a password set or not will have to be taken up with the seller.

I will confirm what Neil told you, the T61p has only one graphics system. If you're concerned more with battery life then with performance, then you shouldn't be looking at a mobile workstation class computer. The T61 would be a less expensive alternative and comes with either the Intel integrated graphics, or a lesser version of the nVidia discrete graphics. Either would probably suit your needs better and put less of a hurting on your bank account. One problem with the Intel graphics is that most Intel based systems were very low-end, having only the base level processor and screen options. Many people get these and upgrade them, I've even made quite a few for forum members myself. Personally I like the nVidia graphics, I like a powerful computer and rarely run on battery power, but the Intel system does perform nicely with a powerful cpu and ram combination. I suggest the ideal settup for your needs would be the Intel board with a Penryn cpu, 4gb ram and a reliable SSD (if your budget allows) backed up with a traditional hdd in the ultrabay.

Good luck in your quest.

OK, thanks for your answers and pieces of advice.

Anyway I didn't have much hope in the switchable discrete GPU thing. It has become common to be able to do it 'online' since Nvidia released Optimus (but AFAIK, it doesn't work well under Linux) but the T61p was released long before, I was just hoping it could be done offline with older computers (but anyway if none of the motherboards have both an IGP and a GPU...).

I know T61p isn't the best pick regarding my needs. It's just I have a good price for the T61p and can't find for now a T61 in good condition and with a decent price. But I'm not in a hurry so I can wait till I found a better opportunity.

Just one last question, I read on the Internet that the nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M shipped with some T61 is not very reliable (overheating if I remember correctly). Do you confirm?

Any nVidia chip in any T61/R61 from before 08/08 is an endangered species!

I happen to have a T61 from a safe date: 08/09 (2008/September) with that chip.
ThinkPad T61 (6460-07U)
Based on 6460-DWU: T8100(2.1GHz), 2GB RAM, 160GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1680x1050 LCD, 128MB nVIDIA Quadro NVS 140M, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11agn wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro
For the right price I am willing to ship this out to France.
PM me with your best offer.
Shipping alone will be ca. $60-70.