T61 4:3 extensive upgrade, clone SSD, GPU, Win8, CPU?
Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:44 pm
Hello Thinkpaders!
I'm considering giving my beloved 4:3 SXGA+ T61 with Nvidia GPU a new life, I haven't been using for a while, but want to turn it into a somehow decent gaming platform. I once replaced its screen, and loved the experience, so here I am with lots of idead. I should add that I bought it 2nd hand, and that it dual boots XP SP3 and Ubuntu.
My plans:
-finally put a GPU in my Advanced Dock, I got curious of ViDock solutions for either my tablet or workstation, but then, hey! I already have an Advanced Dock! I am wondering wether I could easily fit a GT630 in there, and if not if someone would have recommended GPUs.
-clone my tiny HDD to a larger SSD (probably a Samsung 840 Pro), can/should I keep the dual booting? The thing is absolutely don't want to reinstall Windows (too many softwares I can't reinstall).
-upgrade XP to Win 8, x64 if possible, and upgrade the memory while at it, is 8GB the max?
-upgrade the CPU? I have the T7300, and while some more power would be nice, I am mostly interested in better thermal efficiency. Or would the external GPU be enough for that? I understand that going Penryn would require an alternate BIOS.
-maybe add a HDD either in the T61's or the Dock's Ultrabay. Would I have to buy a new DVD for the Dock? If yes are there Blu-Ray available? Or is it simpler/more cost effective to have the HDD in the Dock?
I've done a bit of research, but not being overly familiar with taking apart computers, I hope for some advice, for things to do, others not to, and perhaps a recommendation on which order I should do things.
Thank you!
I'm considering giving my beloved 4:3 SXGA+ T61 with Nvidia GPU a new life, I haven't been using for a while, but want to turn it into a somehow decent gaming platform. I once replaced its screen, and loved the experience, so here I am with lots of idead. I should add that I bought it 2nd hand, and that it dual boots XP SP3 and Ubuntu.
My plans:
-finally put a GPU in my Advanced Dock, I got curious of ViDock solutions for either my tablet or workstation, but then, hey! I already have an Advanced Dock! I am wondering wether I could easily fit a GT630 in there, and if not if someone would have recommended GPUs.
-clone my tiny HDD to a larger SSD (probably a Samsung 840 Pro), can/should I keep the dual booting? The thing is absolutely don't want to reinstall Windows (too many softwares I can't reinstall).
-upgrade XP to Win 8, x64 if possible, and upgrade the memory while at it, is 8GB the max?
-upgrade the CPU? I have the T7300, and while some more power would be nice, I am mostly interested in better thermal efficiency. Or would the external GPU be enough for that? I understand that going Penryn would require an alternate BIOS.
-maybe add a HDD either in the T61's or the Dock's Ultrabay. Would I have to buy a new DVD for the Dock? If yes are there Blu-Ray available? Or is it simpler/more cost effective to have the HDD in the Dock?
I've done a bit of research, but not being overly familiar with taking apart computers, I hope for some advice, for things to do, others not to, and perhaps a recommendation on which order I should do things.
Thank you!
