Thinkpads Forum

Hello all and I'm sorry if this question is one asked over and over again, but:

I have recently acquired a T60 (1952-A45) and would like to create a frankenpad. I have also found a 42W7866 Intel GM965 mobo. Can I use this as the base for my project? If not, what do you recommend? This T60 currently has the T2400 and I'm looking at putting a penryn processor in it.

What do you think? What would be the best mobo for this model?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum!

The T60 that you have (1952-A45) has the following stock configuration:

ThinkPad T60 (1952-A45)

Based on 1952-43U: T2400(1.83GHz), 1GB RAM, 60GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel 950, CDRW/DVD, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

... which means that it is a 4:3 model. As you may (or may not?) know, both T60/p's and T61/p's came as 4:3 and as widescreen 16:10 models; see e.g. the ThinkPad Notebooks; 2005 to present (withdrawn models) for a list of various models.

You say that you want to make a "FrankenPad" but there is no standard definition of what a "FrankenPad" is, and therefore I suggest that you specify in more detail exactly what you want to do/achieve (and why?). Anyway, I assume that you might want to put a motherboard from a (4:3) T61/p in your (4:3) T60 frame. If this is indeed the case, I kindly suggest you search this forum for more information about this topic, since it has already been discussed extensively and therefore is described in much detail - so a little searching will most likely reveal all you want to know. See e.g. the thread YAFP (Yet Another FrankenPad) project (T60p/T61) and all the references (threads) mentioned therein, incl. T60/T61 hybrid parts selection question) (and the links pointed to therein!) and the thread Parts for the ultimate 15” T60 UXGA FlexView w/T61(p) mobo?) as they contain much useful information, which you then need not ask about...

The 42W7866 motherboard that you have found is for a widescreen T61 - see e.g the thread T61 with dead GPU want to replace mobo or see System service parts - ThinkPad R61, R61i, and T61 (14.1-inch widescreen) and will not fit in your 4:3 (non-widescreen!) T60.

Always remember: Google is your friend!

If you wish to keep your T60, but would want it to be faster, then I am convinced that you would get by far most "bang-for-the-buck" by simply upgrading it to a SSD.

Johan

Johan wrote:Welcome to the forum!



If you wish to keep your T60, but would want it to be faster, then I am convinced that you would get by far most "bang-for-the-buck" by simply upgrading it to a SSD.

Johan

I think it's time for a sticky notes created by the "Frenkenpad" experts. '
Notes can cover comparability between part numbers
1) Motherboards
2) CPU
3) RAM
4) FAN/Heat-sink
5) LCD
6) Frame/casing
7) Modded BIOS

It can go right under "LCDs on T60/T60p - types, availability and other discussions"

Wadda ya think?

Johan,

Thank you for the links to those threads. They provided valuable insight to this project I'm undertaking. I too know the ssd upgrade would provide tremendous improvement to the systems functioning. I am looking into a Crucial M4 128GB ssd.

nycmaster,

I wholeheartedly agree with you. If a note like this were posted, I think it would save many people from a headache. There is a lot of information out there and having it all packaged in one note would be outstanding, but also quite a task!

Now the two boards I'm considering are the 42W7648 or the 42W7873. I know the first board has Intel graphics but supports a Merom chip, yet can utilize a Penryn chip if flashed with the Middleton BIOS to suppress the thermal sensor error. The second is obviously supportive of the Penryn chip yet has the Nvidia NVS140 graphics, and from what I understand any of the Nvidia boards die like flies. So, should I get the -7648 board for the Intel graphics and just flash it or roll the dice with the Nvidia board? I am leaning toward the Intel board...

Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You're leaning toward the right way with Intel board.

On the other hand,
I have another fellow looking for same thing as I am in eBay..
Let the bid sniping continue...

think_madness wrote:I too know the SSD upgrade would provide tremendous improvement to the systems functioning. I am looking into a Crucial M4 128GB SSD.

.... if you want to get (yet another!) taste of the benefits and especially the (significant!) speed increase of replacing a mechanical HDD with a SSD, try see e.g. a very recent report here on the forum: My Switch To SSD - HDTach Results Inside.

Why postpone happiness?

Johan

My goodness! Talk about improvement! Yes, an upgrade to SSD will definately be a priority on the to-do list.