Thinkpads Forum

T61p gets very hot. After some heatsink cleaning, re-fitting, new thermal paste etc. I consider downgrading to T61.

1) Should I expect lower temperatures after changing the motherboard?
2) what are the options for 15.4" T61p? Will any 15.4" T61 mobo fit?

thank you,
geos

There won't be much temp difference between a T61p and T61 with nVidia graphics. The Intel graphics will run cooler, but they aren't very common in the 15.4", and the ones that were made with intel graphics are almost always basic models with the merom CPU. I used to sell custom made FrankNpads in the marketplace that were made from a highend T61p with a rare Penryn board with intel graphics. They were very popular and the intel board responds very nicely when given a powerful processor like a T9300.

However, if you have a good working T61p board, I'd keep the board. They are great systems and if yours is running so hot that you feel it necessary to invest in a new system board, then something is definitely wrong with it.

By the way, exactly how hot does the CPU and GPU get, and what are the average idle temps?

the 140m will run cooler somewhat, but rather than downgrading I'd suggest undervolting your CPU and running TPFanControl on max setting if you have to.

consider that the 15" T61p comes with the most powerful GPU that was put on a T61 ever, so I'd use it as much as possible. If you take good care of it, it will last. Like try those two methods that I suggested and see if you can keep it below 80 deg C.

you could upgrade to Penryn CPU if you have a Merom in there. Penryns run cooler by design (go into sleep states fast)