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Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

T60/T61 Series
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storm-chaser
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Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#1 Post by storm-chaser » Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:06 pm

The T61 was my first laptop and has always had a special place in my heart. A few months ago I decided to do a retro build up and get back into the ThinkPad game. So I purchased a 14.1" T61 on eBay and re-vamped it with my T9300 (which I had saved from my first ThinkPad). It was a good refresher course for me, but I wanted more. After getting my new ThinkPad set up just the way I wanted, including flashing the stock bios to the Middleton bios 2.29, installing TPFanControl and ThrottleStop 8.5. I used ThrottleStop to undervolt the CPU to 1.15v while running at 2.7 GHz (in dual IDA mode). I was happy with the result, but I wanted more, especially in the video GPU department, so I started researching the T61p, the 15.4" variant with the FX-570m GPU and I chose that as the next upgrade path. So I found a mint condition T61p on eBay and pulled the trigger. Purchased for $85 shipped, and it was well worth every penny. I also purchased an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9000 CPU for $44. My plan is to take every component to the extreme, including the processor, hence I chose the X9000 since it has an unlocked multiplier. I also installed a 60GB SSD drive to take full advantage of the SATA II speeds unlocked by the Middleton BIOS, installed the core 2 extreme X9000 and began the process of getting the CPU dialed in. Using ThrottleStop, I was able to hit 4.0Ghz stable at a core voltage of 1.4v, obviously, it's not going to be running @ 4.0Ghz 24/7, so I settled on 3.2Ghz @ 1.1875v and heat does not seem to be an issue. I found the old 4GB memory kit with timings of 4-4-4-12. Also installed my ultrabay DVD burner and my Intel turbo memory to top it off. I'm just using the turbo memory as an additional storage device. Set up with windows 10 pro and I'm very happy with the results so far. The laptop is responsive and I hope to have it around for many years to come. So the retro build is more or less complete, but I do have a few remaining questions. First, I am having an issue with ThrottleStop. It doesn't seem to work with the FID set on the .5 (HALF) increment for example, if I set the FID to 16.5, I am only able to see 3.2Ghz, not the 3240mhz that would normally result in 3.24Ghz (200 x 16.5). So only I can only use the FID on the full multiplier setting, ie = 14.0,15.0,16.0,17.0, etc. This seems to be a bug within ThrottleStop and I was curious if anyone else has run into this problem. Another question regarding custom BIOS. Is Middleton BIOS the way to go? Or are there some other custom BIOS that would be better for my specific hardware? It would be nice to overclock from the BIOS for example. Also, is there a hardware modification to allow running full DDR2-800 speeds? Here are a few pictures I took during the build, enjoy!

https://image.ibb.co/fjQocS/1.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/dwXZHS/3.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/k5YKj7/4.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/bO1TcS/2.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/bDcOBn/21.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/mctPHS/13.png
https://image.ibb.co/nhYDBn/15.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/fRw0rn/11.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/c7rYBn/12.png
https://image.ibb.co/dywN47/16.jpg

To see the full album, click here:
https://ibb.co/album/fwRELa

Edited to include picture warning in subject line

Regardless:
Admin warning: pictures WAY too big, tags removed. Read the Forum Rules, especially Section 5: https://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=14339
Last edited by storm-chaser on Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build!

#2 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:31 pm

1: Nice build.

2: Get those pictures off img tags before the mods get you!!
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build!

#3 Post by axur-delmeria » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:12 pm

Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:31 pm
1: Nice build.

2: Get those pictures off img tags before the mods get you!!
Resize them. IMO the pictures are needlessly large.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons :lol:
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#4 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:15 pm

He probably uploaded them from his phone and didn't realize it was a 12MP photo. I've done it in the past too.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#5 Post by storm-chaser » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:35 pm

They are each no more than 2MB in size and I was under the impression when you embed files the bandwidth goes back to the hosting source? I can't readily re-size them at the moment but I am now aware of the issue and will work to resolve in the morning. Does the forum have limited bandwidth? I'm a new member and I don't want to come off as abrasive, I'm just inquisitive as I've never seen forum photo restrictions as stringent as this. Or if I have, it was 15 years ago when dial up was prevalent.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#6 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:39 pm

The rules for the board are no me than 50K on normal boars per pic and a max size of 800x00 for PDA and dial up users. The rule is from 2004 but it is still the rules. The mods will take down your photos if you dont act now.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#7 Post by madicetea » Fri Apr 20, 2018 10:43 pm

Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:39 pm
The rules for the board are no me than 50K on normal boars per pic and a max size of 800x00 for PDA and dial up users. The rule is from 2004 but it is still the rules. The mods will take down your photos if you dont act now.
Just saw this and how true it is.

You should save all the images to an imgur album and give the link for those interested!

[Otherwise you will continually eat into my 3GB DATA+SMS Plan, for example.]

(You can save the pictures for some other sites!)
MadIceTea, Thinkpad Enthusiast

Daily: X250 FHD
Museum: PC110 20MB, X61 T9300 SXGA+ LED
Donated: x2001 AFFS i5-530 (to my alma matter)
Past: 701Cs German, 535/X, 760E/XL, i-series 12/14xx, piano s30, R60e, X60, X61, T60, T61, X200 P8700, X121e

That chicken sure looks funny.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#8 Post by storm-chaser » Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:16 pm

Icewobs wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 10:43 pm
Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 9:39 pm
The rules for the board are no me than 50K on normal boars per pic and a max size of 800x00 for PDA and dial up users. The rule is from 2004 but it is still the rules. The mods will take down your photos if you dont act now.
Just saw this and how true it is.

You should save all the images to an imgur album and give the link for those interested!

[Otherwise you will continually eat into my 3GB DATA+SMS Plan, for example.]

(You can save the pictures for some other sites!)
This is so bizarre - a rule that hasn't been updated in 14 years? To save bandwidth for dial up users and cell phones? I'm sorry I'm not trying to be smart! This is just crazy, especially in the year 2018. In all seriousness: Do you not have wifi? I pay only $40 / month and I have unlimited 4G LTE data. You should seriously consider upgrading to a far superior data plan. I don't know, this is like the most bizarre thing I have ever encountered on any forum, ever. I just wanted to talk about my fun t61p project and enjoy common ground with other members with pics of my build + ask a few questions. It's almost surreal that my thread has now become this when all I want to do is share my love for these classic machines.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#9 Post by ajkula66 » Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:48 pm

storm-chaser wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:16 pm

To save bandwidth for dial up users and cell phones? I'm sorry I'm not trying to be smart! This is just crazy, especially in the year 2018. In all seriousness: Do you not have wifi? I pay only $40 / month and I have unlimited 4G LTE data. You should seriously consider upgrading to a far superior data plan. I don't know, this is like the most bizarre thing I have ever encountered on any forum, ever.
Not everyone has access to Gigabit pipes available to residents of NYC from both Verizon and Spectrum. You'd be floored if you had *any* idea of the amount of people - including many forum members - who run on sub-3Mbps-circuits because that's all that's available in their neck of the woods. Wi-fi does you little good in that set of circumstances. As a rule of the thumb these areas also have poor cell coverage as well.
I just wanted to talk about my fun t61p project and enjoy common ground with other members with pics of my build + ask a few questions. It's almost surreal that my thread has now become this when all I want to do is share my love for these classic machines.
This should've been posted in "Pictures..." section, IMO. You could ask a Mod or an Admin to move it there.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#10 Post by madicetea » Sat Apr 21, 2018 1:05 am

storm-chaser wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:16 pm
This is so bizarre - a rule that hasn't been updated in 14 years? To save bandwidth for dial up users and cell phones? ...
It is a nuisance still for some of us, so please be more considerate and aware that other cultures may be different. Again, I would like to request an imgur album only the link to the album you already provide on your own hosting service, and a total deletion of all images from your post - as I see they are already all in the link you provide!

Maybe you should even consider deleting this current post and starting over again with only the link this time if these comments bother you!

Good day sir.
ajkula66 wrote:
Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:48 pm
Not everyone has access to Gigabit pipes available to residents of NYC from both Verizon and Spectrum. You'd be floored if you had *any* idea of the amount of people - including many forum members - who run on sub-3Mbps-circuits because that's all that's available in their neck of the woods. Wi-fi does you little good in that set of circumstances. As a rule of the thumb these areas also have poor cell coverage as well.
Thank you for point this out. You don't necessarily have to even be in rural area if you leave the United States for this to be a problem! I'm sure if I'm having trouble with it here in the big metropolis of Asia, most of South East Asia is beyond words at how much data this guy gets to eat up each year without a second thought!
Last edited by madicetea on Tue Jun 11, 2019 6:44 am, edited 3 times in total.
MadIceTea, Thinkpad Enthusiast

Daily: X250 FHD
Museum: PC110 20MB, X61 T9300 SXGA+ LED
Donated: x2001 AFFS i5-530 (to my alma matter)
Past: 701Cs German, 535/X, 760E/XL, i-series 12/14xx, piano s30, R60e, X60, X61, T60, T61, X200 P8700, X121e

That chicken sure looks funny.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#11 Post by RealBlackStuff » Sat Apr 21, 2018 7:08 am

@storm-chaser:

Those rules originated in 2004, when the Forum was first set up.
They have since been modified many times, but if an Admin makes any changes, that is not shown by a footnote.
And ajkula66 has hit the nail on the head with his remarks about limited phone-access.

Because we know that the majority of during-the-day Forum members visit us using their phones, rather than a laptop/desktop,
we introduced this strict picture-limit in 2015 and it is here to stay!

Pictures of the size you posted would have been blocked anywhere on the forum.
We don't want to scroll sideways unnecessarily as well.
So please read the rules and abide by them!

==========================================
As for criticizing your post itself (not as an Admin, but as a reader):
there is nothing "retro" about the T61p, it's the way it has always been.
But the readability of your post leaves a lot to be wished for!
Starting a new sentence on a new line has never hurt anybody...

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#12 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:14 am

Most of the time my phone runs on edge, which is about 127kbps per second. Your page would have normally taken about a few minutes to load on my phone.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#13 Post by storm-chaser » Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:04 am

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. I am amazed that management of a "technical - computer related" forum would essentially prefer said forum to be in the stone age. The multimedia experience is what we are after here, not plain old text.

So bizarre, because people are furiously browsing the forum from their phones? And these people are seriously expecting to browse the internet without using their data connection? This rule is definitely a turn off and I would suggest coming up to date with a multimedia experience. As a new member it really speaks to lack of freedom and lack of expression that in my opinion keeps people away and promotes a very restrictive atmosphere.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#14 Post by storm-chaser » Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:14 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:
Sat Apr 21, 2018 7:08 am

==========================================
As for criticizing your post itself (not as an Admin, but as a reader):
there is nothing "retro" about the T61p, it's the way it has always been.
But the readability of your post leaves a lot to be wished for!
Starting a new sentence on a new line has never hurt anybody...
Here is the definition of retro: imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past.

Is the t61p a design from the recent past? YES
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#15 Post by RealBlackStuff » Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:56 am

storm-chaser wrote:
Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:14 am
Here is the definition of retro: imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past.

Is the t61p a design from the recent past? YES
Your T61p is not an imitative, it is the very design T61p itself. Nothing to do with retro.

And nobody forces you to post here, but if you do, we expect people to abide by the rules.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#16 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sat Apr 21, 2018 11:47 am

Thinkpads have always looked like black boxes. It isn't retro at all, just that's how they look. Retro is a throwback to times that have changed, but Thinkpads haven't changed. You wouldn't call a clock with hands retro, neither is a Thinkpad.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#17 Post by storm-chaser » Sat Apr 21, 2018 12:09 pm

Okay, okay. I get it. You can't see the connection and you are getting hung up on the wording. I'll use some synonyms here to get the point across.

Nostalgic, evocative, old world, passe, old school and so on. And retro fits the bill just fine. I'm not the only one using this expression as it relates to computer hardware and/or computer builds. Please check Wikipedia to get a better sense on how and why this phrase is used:
Retrocomputing is the use of older computer hardware and software in modern times. Retrocomputing is usually classed as a hobby and recreation rather than a practical application of technology; enthusiasts often collect rare and valuable hardware and software for sentimental reasons. However, some do make use of it.[1] Retrocomputing often starts when a computer user realizes that formerly expensive fantasy systems like IBM mainframes, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) superminis, or Silicon Graphics (SGI), even NeXT Computer System workstations have become affordable on the used computer market, usually in a relatively short time after the computers' era of use.
I'd appreciate if you don't have anything positive to say, please keep the negativity to a minimum. Thank You.
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#18 Post by madicetea » Sat Apr 21, 2018 12:34 pm

Hmmm T61p comes with Quadro FX570M graphics (higher models) and will run 64-bit Windows 10 without a hitch. Of course, it runs all the latest linux as well. It can run the old stuff too - my model came with Windows XP on it originally.

These were business computers - and the p-series especially comes with some very capable hardware. I see a good future for the T61p currently on the market, especially considering their chipsets support up to 8GB of memory. This is huge for the time period it came out in, but regular to a bit small now.
Last edited by madicetea on Tue Jun 11, 2019 6:46 am, edited 2 times in total.
MadIceTea, Thinkpad Enthusiast

Daily: X250 FHD
Museum: PC110 20MB, X61 T9300 SXGA+ LED
Donated: x2001 AFFS i5-530 (to my alma matter)
Past: 701Cs German, 535/X, 760E/XL, i-series 12/14xx, piano s30, R60e, X60, X61, T60, T61, X200 P8700, X121e

That chicken sure looks funny.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#19 Post by storm-chaser » Sat Apr 21, 2018 1:04 pm

I'm glad you asked. I use the term retro to invoke nostalgia. The ThinkPad T61 is considered obsolete or old technology by today's standards, therefore, based on the definition, I consider this a retro build - In technology development terms 10 years is like a century! And your points are duly noted. I'm sorry if you don't agree and certainly everyone is entitled to their own opinion. All things being equal, there are no set requirements for this practice, it's a very subjective and personal hobby. If you re-read my initial post, you will see that my very first laptop was a T61, so for me personally and within this project, the term "retro" is very relevant and applicable. My span of technological influence started with this laptop, so for me, it's like going back to the very beginning.

And I do have other equipment that falls into this category as well. I have a Pentium III system that runs Windows XP. I have a Pentium 133 that runs Windows 98 SE and a K6-2 550 that runs Windows 2000. I also have an Athlon XP 3000+ system that I am collecting parts for, which will be my next retro build. So far I have the RAM, HDD (with SATA to IDE conversion), power supply and CPU. Just waiting on an Asus A7N8X motherboard and copper CPU cooler.
AMD Phenom II 965 @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
AMD Phenom II 960T @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#20 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sat Apr 21, 2018 5:21 pm

Um, it isnt considered retro by todays standards though. It is a late Core 2 Duo. I'd say a good 5% of the market uses Core 2 Duos. 1/4 of the users on this forum daily a Core 2 Duo, including me. It isnt old if it cant be deemed too old for modern software. Anything post-2000 isnt retro/post SSE2
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#21 Post by TPFanatic » Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:27 pm

Being older design language I would consider T61p to be fairly retro. It still runs the full width indicator lights, had no LEDs on the keyboard, and unmutated keyboard layout. There was a lot of Lenovoism inserted into the design like the all black Ultranav buttons and cheap looking gray vol/power buttons (that can be replaced with the X200's black ones) but ultimately, it is closer to the design language of the last IBM Thinkpads than the CS09 models. T61 and the T500/T400 are the last of the normally thin T-series, and at a decade old now, to describe it as retro is appropriate, especially if it has IBM badges. I see my T500 as retro, having done this to it: https://i.imgur.com/1tXGGRR.jpg

* X200 buttons mod.
* Gray keycaps mod.
* Sharpie RGB mod.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#22 Post by ajkula66 » Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:38 pm

TPFanatic wrote:
Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:27 pm
Being older design language I would consider T61p to be fairly retro.
Which is above and beyond ironic given the backlash that Lenovo had gotten at the time for moving away from the 4:3 ratio...

To me personally, any combination of terms "ThinkPad" and "retro" implies a 4:3 system.

This post brought to you courtesy of my 16:10 T61p... :D
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#23 Post by TPFanatic » Sat Apr 21, 2018 10:55 pm

They managed to keep 4:3 in as long as possible, even equipping some T60p with IDTech panels meant for T40 series, and keeping a 14.1" T61 model. Maybe they still had some 14.1" 4:3 stock? TNs are cheaper, after all. X201s was also an anomaly with shortages of its one of a kind Toshiba 1440x900 displays by the end of its run, and you'd see X201s with the normal X201 lid and LCD attached. Unlike Apple they didn't have the clout to keep the favorable aspect ratio in production. Could IBM have influenced 4:3 to remain in production, or would the Thinkpad line have ended had they not sold it to Lenovo?

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#24 Post by storm-chaser » Sat Apr 21, 2018 11:58 pm

Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Sat Apr 21, 2018 5:21 pm
Um, it isnt considered retro by todays standards though. It is a late Core 2 Duo. I'd say a good 5% of the market uses Core 2 Duos. 1/4 of the users on this forum daily a Core 2 Duo, including me. It isnt old if it cant be deemed too old for modern software. Anything post-2000 isnt retro/post SSE2
I respectfully disagree. If you think that somehow the technology in the T61 is timeless, I suppose there is no way to out reason your conclusions. Apparently, you also think the Core 2 duo from 10 years ago is current technology. Retro computing is very real, and this build is one of them, I hate to break it to you. Definitely not alone here in this regard and I applaud TPFanatic for backing me up on this one. Appreciate it buddy!

Here is a little snippet taken from Wikipedia (It is my hope this puts things in perspective for you)
Retrocomputing is the use of older computer hardware and software in modern times. Retrocomputing is usually classed as a hobby and recreation rather than a practical application of technology; enthusiasts often collect rare and valuable hardware and software for sentimental reasons. However, some do make use of it.[1] Retrocomputing often starts when a computer user realizes that formerly expensive fantasy systems like IBM mainframes, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) superminis, or Silicon Graphics (SGI), even NeXT Computer System workstations have become affordable on the used computer market, usually in a relatively short time after the computers' era of use.
AND:
Some retrocomputing enthusiasts also consider the 'Homebrewing' (designing and building of retro- and retro-styled computers or kits), to be an important aspect of the hobby, giving new enthusiasts an opportunity to experience more fully what the early years of hobby computing were like.[1] There are several different approaches to this end. Some are exact replicas of older systems, and some are newer designs based on the principles of retrocomputing, while others combine the two, with old and new features in the same package. Examples include:
AMD Phenom II 965 @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
AMD Phenom II 960T @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
Lenovo T61p 15.4" - Core 2 extreme X9000 CPU @ 3.4Ghz, SSD
Toshiba Satellite A505D - 2.5Ghz, 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#25 Post by Thinkpad4by3 » Sun Apr 22, 2018 9:01 am

Ok, I see where your are coming from. I am a retro computer collector and for me, anything that isnt 25 years old isnt retro.
Thinkpad4by3's Law of the Universe.

The efficiency of two screens equally sized with equal numbers if pixels are equal. The time spent by a 4:3 user complaining about 16:9 is proportional to the inefficiency working with a 16:9 display, therefore the amount of useful work extracted is equal.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#26 Post by TPFanatic » Sun Apr 22, 2018 1:34 pm

In my upgrade path I completely skipped the T61 generation, going from a T42p daily driver to T500 but as my name suggests I will be working on a 14.1" 4:3 T61 project soon. They're very neat laptops and I appreciate you sharing yours.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#27 Post by storm-chaser » Sun Apr 22, 2018 2:34 pm

Thinkpad4by3 wrote:
Sun Apr 22, 2018 9:01 am
Ok, I see where your are coming from. I am a retro computer collector and for me, anything that isnt 25 years old isnt retro.
And apparently, you think the core 2 duo is current CPU tech, so I will take your opinion with a grain of salt.
AMD Phenom II 965 @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
AMD Phenom II 960T @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
Lenovo T61p 15.4" - Core 2 extreme X9000 CPU @ 3.4Ghz, SSD
Toshiba Satellite A505D - 2.5Ghz, 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#28 Post by storm-chaser » Sun Apr 22, 2018 2:44 pm

TPFanatic wrote:
Sun Apr 22, 2018 1:34 pm
In my upgrade path I completely skipped the T61 generation, going from a T42p daily driver to T500 but as my name suggests I will be working on a 14.1" 4:3 T61 project soon. They're very neat laptops and I appreciate you sharing yours.
Thanks! I had a great time building both of these laptops (first, the 14.1" 4:3 T61 and then later the 15.4" T61p). I installed Windows 10 x64 on the T61p and decided to stay with Windows 7 x64 on the 14.1". Both are solid, decently fast machines and I even built a little stand for my 14.1" unit so I can multi-task across both machines from my desk. Next upgrade is definitely going to be a solid state drive for the slower 14.1" laptop. Definitely the most fun I've had building up a laptop in quite some time.
AMD Phenom II 965 @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
AMD Phenom II 960T @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
Lenovo T61p 15.4" - Core 2 extreme X9000 CPU @ 3.4Ghz, SSD
Toshiba Satellite A505D - 2.5Ghz, 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#29 Post by ac12 » Tue Apr 24, 2018 12:34 am

How is the computer standing up over time?
Putting RAM modules and CPUs on a beadspread is just asking for trouble.
There is a reason the manufacturers specify static safe handing procedures.
These things are static sensitive, and damage is sometimes subtle.

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Re: Retro Thinkpad T61p Build! Warning PICS!

#30 Post by storm-chaser » Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:58 am

ac12 wrote:
Tue Apr 24, 2018 12:34 am
How is the computer standing up over time?
Putting RAM modules and CPUs on a beadspread is just asking for trouble.
There is a reason the manufacturers specify static safe handing procedures.
These things are static sensitive, and damage is sometimes subtle.
The build is about one week old and performing above expectations. So far I have been able to dial down the voltage to 1.1625v @ 3.2Ghz stable. I do not have the best static free workstation around, but all the components from this particular laptop were not laid out on the bed. Those were old parts from another retro build and extra inventory. In 15 year of working on computers I have never lost a CPU or RAM or had any other component fail on me due to static shock. Call me lucky, I guess. I used the bed to lay out the keyboard and front clip and other plastic pieces, the actual hardware from this build never made contact with the bed for that specific reason.
AMD Phenom II 965 @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
AMD Phenom II 960T @ 4.1Ghz, 8GB DDR3 1600, SSD
Lenovo T61p 15.4" - Core 2 extreme X9000 CPU @ 3.4Ghz, SSD
Toshiba Satellite A505D - 2.5Ghz, 4GB RAM, 80GB SSD

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