Page 1 of 1

T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:46 pm
by mewerj
I've got a T61 14.1 screen with the failed Nvidia 140M GPU. I'd like to swap in an Intel GPU motherboard. A motherboard PN 42W7866 should fit my computer and is an Intel GPU correct? Where is the best place to get a motherboard?

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:51 pm
by rkawakami
Welcome to thinkpads.com!

I'll let the T6x experts answer your question about the Intel motherboard. As far as where to get one, we would say that this forum is the best place but of course we're slightly biased. Post a WTB (Want to buy) in the Marketplace forum. There's plenty of trusted sellers here.

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 8:36 am
by jcvjcvjcvjcv
Look at eBay or used part stores.

I got mine at lapstore.de
http://www.lapstore.de/a.php/shop/lapst ... /x/a/3253/

(and returned, because Lenovo was so kind to finally approve my request for a repair on their dime :mrgreen: )

Wouldn't know about US sources though.

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:27 am
by Medessec
The part number you mentioned is for a 14" widescreen T61, is your particular T61 a widescreen model? Or is it a 4:3? I suspect it's a 4:3 due to the graphics in particular having failed.

Here's a link to the parts page on the 4:3 T61:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... MIGR-68208

You can use that to confirm that the motherboard you have will fit. Just scroll down to "System Board assembly", and look at the right pane for the Part Numbers.

If your T61 is indeed a widescreen 14", here's the link for that:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/product ... MIGR-67911

And yes-it's a great idea to have an Intel graphics board, especially in the 4:3 model. Your T61 will run cooler, quieter, and will last nearly forever.

I also second rkawakami on getting a motherboard from this forum's marketplace, It'll make things really easy for you. All you have to do is post that you need an Intel-GPU motherboard for your T61 4:3 or widescreen(be sure to post what yours is.) For ex. "WTB: T61 motherboard 4:3 Intel GPU Penryn board"

But if not, then I suppose you could take up jcv's reference, because all I use is ebay, which is the worst source in the world for these sort of motherboards.

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2013 12:34 pm
by mewerj
Thanks, the Lenovo schematic was a great help and should be useful in swapping the board as well.

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Tue Sep 10, 2013 9:45 pm
by farmall
ebay, which is the worst source in the world for these sort of motherboards.
Not for me. I figured out that most people who bother with the tedious task of pulling a motherboard completely want more money for them. I look for tested carcasses still in the chassis instead, or whole T-61s with bad screens. If the sticker doesn't confirm the donor in question is an Intel, I don't buy it.

Re: T61 motherboard swap

Posted: Thu Sep 12, 2013 8:23 am
by Easy Wind
farmall wrote: Not for me. I figured out that most people who bother with the tedious task of pulling a motherboard completely want more money for them. I look for tested carcasses still in the chassis instead, or whole T-61s with bad screens. If the sticker doesn't confirm the donor in question is an Intel, I don't buy it.
that is pretty much what I do as well

carry on