Thinkpads Forum

Hello again!

My ebay 35 dollar T61 arrived a few weeks ago and the parts are on their way to fix it up the way I want. The first matter of business will be installing the Intel SSD 120G.

Can anyone advise me if there is anything I need to do when this is installed before I put Windows 7 on it? Specifically, should I do anything with the BIOS? I see it mentioned here on the forum quite a bit and was wondering if I need to do that.

As an aside, I just wanted to mention that the machine I got for 35 bucks is absolutely mint! I can't believe what good condition this thing is in! I took of the front plate and keyboard to peek in and clear out any dust there may be, and I noticed this machine was built in the May 2008 period if that helps answer my above question.

Thanks everyone!!!!

You never know. Sometimes you get lucky and pick up something amazing. It looks like you did. If you'll post your "Type number" it'll help quite a bit in letting everyone know exactly what model you have. It's on a sticker on the bottom, with 4 numbers followed by 3 alpha/numeric characters. Something like 2007-5TU for instance.

As far as the BIOS is concerned, other than to go ahead and make sure you have the latest version, if you are installing a SSD, you'll want to make sure that the "SATA" settings are on AHCI vs. IDE or compatible. Doing it before you load up the machine is WAY easier than trying to reset it later. Other than that, it should be pretty much a no-brainer. I've done T61s quite a bit and they've been very easy machines to work with, and still very useable today as long as you have 4Gb (or more) of RAM in it. If you have that, and a SSD, the machine should be pretty snappy on day-to-day tasks.

Good luck on your build.

Load Middleton's BIOS for SATA II speed, especially useful with a SSD. Lots of discussion on Middleton's BIOS on this forum. Otherwise you've got yourself a very capable machine.

The numbers on the bottom are 7661-E17

Thank you for your advise so far. It's my first build up so I'm pretty nervous that I'll do something wrong.

I'll do the Googling and figure out how to load the newer Bios you mention. Any practical tips would be welcome.

Yes, the only wear on this thing is a slightly rubbed corner on the cover....that's it! Not a scratch on it! I have a feeling it sat on someone's desk 99% of the time. The space bar has a small shiny wear spot too. There was a little dust on the fan, but other than that....perfect!

Oh! And yes, 4 Gigs of Ram on the way too. Along with an HDD caddy.

If you go to http://support.lenovo.com find the field for the "type number" and plug in yours, you find the follow:

Based on 7661-12U: T7300(2GHz), 2GB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1280x800, Intel X3100, CDRW/DVD, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 6c Li-Ion, WinVista Business 32

Along with this, you'll be able to find all the literature/manuals for the machine as well as the available downloads. Pretty much everything you'll need to restore your machine after the "clean-load". Actually, if you'll find the Software Updater utility and download that, run it, plug in your type info, that will find all the correct drivers for you after you've done Windows. It's really a lot easier than it seems. It appears that you have a very decent day-to-day working machine for an excellent price.

You might want to find an "N" wireless card though so you can get better Wi-Fi speeds than what was stock. I'd also snatch up a battery or two (genuine OEM of course), as they are cheap now, but the price WILL go up as they become more scarce. Keep an eye on the Marketplace. They show up there regularly as members move on to newer machines. Be certain that they are for the 14" model since it's different than the batteries for the 15" T61.

How big of a difference will the N card make?

I just peeked inside and it looks like mine is a two antenna and not a three.

Look for the 1/2-size Intel 6200N wifi card (needs only 2 antennas). It also needs a 1/2-size bracket.
This card will require Middleton's BIOS though.

I see the 6200N card and I see the adapter bracket for sale as well.

Is this just a plug and play kind of install or will new drivers be required?

dogbarber wrote:I see the 6200N card and I see the adapter bracket for sale as well.

Is this just a plug and play kind of install or will new drivers be required?

Great card, I have about 8 of these myself installed in my various laptops. With Middleton's BIOS, it's pretty much plug and play and is a very easy upgrade. Win 7 will detect and load the drivers automatically. Windows Update will update the driver if required. Besides having better range, I've noticed my 6200N machines run a bit cooler and is a bit better on battery life.

How much was the shipping charge in addition to the $35?

db130 wrote:How much was the shipping charge in addition to the $35?

15 or 16 bucks I think.