Thinkpads Forum

Hey All,
I just bought a T61p with the one long beep, two short beeps. I realize this is quite likely a planar issue, but for $10, I took a chance.
Its a 6459-CTO with a 08/04 date. It currently has a 44C3931 planar and has 4GB of memory installed. 15.4" TFT widescreen and 160GB HDD. I am currently at work so that's the extent of my trouble shooting, that and its got a dead battery and a suspect (bootleg according to the seller) charger.
As the std Lenovo response goes for this symptom it's either a system board, LCD, or DIMM problem.
I am going to try pulling memory 1st(done - removed 1 stick at a time, no change), how to I eliminate the LCD? Is it as simple as plugging into an external monitor?

From what I have read, I already have the recommended "new" planar, but if I have to replace what is the going cost?

Last question is when I try to identify the original setup at Lenovo's site with the S/N and Machine Type I get Error : Could not retrieve parts information for 6459 L3-xxxxx
If I try warranty status it comes back with Multiple results found. Kindly enter Machine Type & Serial to refine results.
Is it possible this is a warranty repair or refurb unit?

Thanks in advance, you guys have been a great help in my TP journey from T2x to T4x and now T6x.

By the way this thing is HUGE

That's odd that you weren't able to look up parts. Sounds like you were doing it right.

One course of action could be to look at ebay for another 15.4" Widescreen T61 with either severe cosmetic issues, cracked screen or both. If the seller has a good feedback score and he states the device boots to BIOS, there's a good chance it'll be good, and if you have a little patience, you could get one for next to nothing. Setup a notification for new results and have patience for a month or so. You wouldn't care if the replacement device has a harddrive or how much RAM is in it either, items which are often not included in that type of auction.

I have PM'd TuuS and am starting to look on eBay for a replacement planar
Finally did some forum research (apologizes for not starting with that!)

For 15.4" Widescreen
Planar - - - -GPU - - - - -CPU - - Model
42W7651 - Intel - - - - Merom - -T61
42W7875 - Intel - - - - Penryn - -T61
42W7652 - NVS140M - Merom - - T61
42W7876 - NVS140M - Penryn - - T61
42W7653 - FX 570M - -Merom - - T61p
42W7877 - FX 570M - -Penryn - - T61p

So from a cost, reliability and it seems ease of finding one - go Intel
Performance - find a late model FX 570M

From what I have read flashing Middleton's BIOS means no difference between a Merom vs Penryn Bd

Would a Intel planar from a 14.1" WS T61 work in this?
Either a 41W1487 or a 42W7866?

micl9 wrote:Would a Intel planar from a 14.1" WS T61 work in this?
Either a 41W1487 or a 42W7866?

No. You need a planar from a 15.4" machine.

Unplug the LCD cable from the board. If it still beeps when turned on, you can likely kiss the planar goodbye.

Good luck.