Thinkpads Forum

Hi all, recently i just restored a 2008-66M T60 and i'm planning it to use for some flash games, basic programming and maybe watching youtube.
I was thinking if the Broadcom Crystal HD is a worthwhile purchase for the T60? especially nowadays? most posts I find are during 2011-2015ish or am I better off
just buying T7200 without the broadcom chip?

Many thanks in advance!

This YouTube video might answer your question. The specifications of the computers are included in the video description for reference.

Broadcom BCM970015 vs No GPU Assistance On Two Identical Thinkpad Z61p Laptops

https://youtu.be/Fr8SfUB2UaA

My friend has a Broadcom Crystal HD on his X61. From what I remember, it doesn't work on Windows 10.

In case you plan to use the crystalhd card in a recent Linux, here are up to date sources for the required kernel module:

github.com/dbason/crystalhd

I was just able to successfully compile and install the module with the current 5.10.0-7-amd64 kernel in Debian/unstable.

Also, remember that on T/R/X60 and Z61 series, you have to use the Broadcom Crystal HD in the WLAN slot (and use a USB WLAN in the WWAN slot or an external WLAN). That is because the WWAN slot lacks PCIe lanes.

rumbero wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:55 pm

In case you plan to use the crystalhd card in a recent Linux, here are up to date sources for the required kernel module:

github.com/dbason/crystalhd

I was just able to successfully compile and install the module with the current 5.10.0-7-amd64 kernel in Debian/unstable.

Nice find! I remember this module got removed from the mainline kernel due to a lack of people wanting to maintain it.
I wonder if Broadcom would consider making a new version of this chip, but with H.265 / HEVC support.