Noob Needs Advise With Hardware/OS Upgrades T61

[JohnQ-FWB]

Here's the Belarc Profile of my T61:

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Install Language: English (United States)
System Locale: English (United States)
Installed: 6/29/2010 7:29:22 PM LENOVO 765901U ThinkPad T61
System Serial Number: L3F7700
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
2.00 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
4096 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (2 total)
Not hyper-threaded Board: LENOVO 765901U
Serial Number: VF17079L5UM
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: LENOVO 7LETB0WW (2.10 ) 01/21/2008
Drives Memory Modules c,d
100.03 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
73.20 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCC-4247N [Optical drive]
HITACHI HTS722010K9SA00 [Hard drive] (100.03 GB) -- drive 0, s/n

Hardware first, I would like to increase memory to 2 4GB PC2-5300 677mhz (per another posting here). Next I would like to replace the existing 100 GB Harddrive with something in the range of 300 - 500 gb. I know nothing in regarding types, ATA, PATA, SATA, RPM ratings, so size, type, make/model(s), and best sources would be appreciated.

Additional Belarc Controller Information:

Intel(R) ICH8M Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2850
Intel(R) ICH8M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller
Primary IDE Channel [Controller] Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset
Family [Display adapter] (2x)
Lenovo 14.0 [Monitor] (14.0"vis)
Bus Adapters Multimedia
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2830
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2831
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2832
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2834
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2835
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 2836
Intel(R) ICH8 Family USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 283A Bluetooth

And More Hardware Upgrades. I shopped Fleabay and bought an Ultrabay holder for a second Hard Drive. Again, looking for the same recommendations. The existing CD device in the Ultrabay does not seem to be able to burn DVD's and I would like to be able to also have that capability. Recommendation is also need here.

Any other hardware considerations???

Software:

1. Bios, is mine OK or do I really need to update it? If so, what BIOS & where/How do I update it?
2. Do I go to Windows 7 or 8, or just stick with XP Pro SP3?
3. Acronis for Recovery disk creation, etc. Version???
4. Any other considerations?

[Cigarguy]

So this is your system specs when shipped from Lenovo:

ThinkPad T61 (7659-01U)
T7300(2GHz), 1GB RAM, 100GB 7200rpm HD, 14.1in 1280x800, Intel X3100, CDRW/DVD, Intel 802.11agn(n-disabled), Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, touch pad, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro

Our T61 will run either Win 7 or 8 comfortably. On all my T61 I've upgraded the RAM to 2x2GB, a SSD and the CPU. Your best upgrade is SSD, RAM then CPU in that order. 2X4GB RAM is to expensive to justify the price. 4 GB RAM is plenty for most people.

Recommend taking everything apart, give it a good clean and dusting. Reapply thermal past on the CPU. Artic Silver 5 or MX4 are two very good thermal paste.

Also recommend flashing Middleton's BIOS.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo/ ... ost6501443

[JeffCullen]

Cigarguy is on the right track, but I would suggest that you should consider whether moving to something a little more modern like a T400 (which is the same form factor as your particular T61) wouldn't be a more sensible spend, particularly considering that DDR2 RAM (used in a T61) is quite expensive, while DDR3 RAM (used in a T400) is much more reasonably priced.

[Backslashnl1]

The T400 platform is barely faster than the T61 platform. DDR3 memory might be cheaper, but replacing the complete notebook might turn out more expensive. You should compare the prices of the T61 upgrades with a new T400 model which contains your wanted performance, to decide what is your best choice.

Ontopic; in terms of performance, I agree with Cigarguy.
In terms of usability, you could consider upgrading the display to a WSXGA+ (1680×1050) or WUXGA (1920×1200) one.

[JeffCullen]

The T400 platform is barely faster than the T61 platform. DDR3 memory might be cheaper, but replacing the complete notebook might turn out more expensive. You should compare the prices of the T61 upgrades with a new T400 model which contains your wanted performance, to decide what is your best choice.

Comparing the price of T61 upgrades against finding a used T400 with a more desirable specification is precisely what I was suggesting. I have a bit of experience with models from both of these generations, and I agree that once maxed out they perform essentially identically, with one major proviso -- the onboard Intel graphics on the Montevina platform sucks considerably less than on Santa Rosa.

Ontopic; in terms of performance, I agree with Cigarguy.
In terms of usability, you could consider upgrading the display to a WSXGA+ (1680×1050) or WUXGA (1920×1200) one.

His FRU indicates he is using a 14" 1280x800 widescreen model, so his only path up in this regard would be to 1440x900.

I think the two main reasons to continue to run a T61 over a T400 or T500 are either so you can Frankenpad a 15" 4:3 non-widescreen FlexView IPS screen into a T60 chassis, or for the NVidia discrete graphics, particularly in the T61p, which is arguably favorable compared to the ATI discrete graphics used in the newer-generation systems.

I find the T400/T500 machines to be the "sweet spot" between old and new -- 16:10 screens, nice keyboards, good build quality, cheap DDR3.

If the original poster were running a late Penryn machine, that'd be one thing.... but in this case, he has what is in my opinion the desirable T61 configuration -- 14" WXGA, with an early low-spec Merom processor. It just doesn't strike me as something that's worth investing much time or money into. The only thing it has going for it is that it isn't an early NVidia timebomb.

With regards to cost, he could probably buy a T400 with specs that meet his needs, move his stuff over, and sell the T61, resulting in minimal overall loss.

I am sorry if my take on this is considered thread-crapping--all I am trying to do is to help widen the original poster's perspective.