Thinkpads Forum

Here's the general story in a nutshell:

Pretty much, I wanted to upgrade my laptop from a T60 (model 2613-EAU) to a T60p (Model 2007-83U, containing 256 mb ATI Mobility FireGLv5200 (FRU: 41W1370)), so I bought a complete computer base with Mobo, Processor, modem and WLAN cards and such included off of Ebay. After receiving my parts, I then proceed to remove and replace the LCD screen for my T60 to the new T60p base.

I get that part done, and then I tried turning on the computer. The first thing I noticed the screen was VERY dark; but I was still able to see some text and sort of make out the blue background for the BIOS screen if I get my face really close to the screen and squint. Nothing I did see to work, like using the Fn buttons to boost up the brightness. At that point, I decided to switch the screens back, and after performing the switch, my T60 worked perfectly fine again.

I have a few ideas to what's going on, but I wanted to run this situation past you guys here on the Forum. My biggest question is if the T60p base that I bought was originally made for the XGA 1028x768 14.1" screen, would putting a SXGA+ 1400x1050 (which is what my T60 uses) cause the dark screen problem? Reason I asked is because I'm not sure if having a higher resolution screen than what the mobo was originally made for would draw insufficient power for it to function correctly or not.

I'll love to hear some opinions on what you guys think

- Bovine Mage

No "p" base was made for a XGA LCD, and even if it were, it wouldn't make a difference. People have been running all types of LCD with cards a lot weaker than V5200.

My assumption is that your "new" planar is defective, and would have no qualms returning it.

ajkula66 wrote:No "p" base was made for a XGA LCD, and even if it were, it wouldn't make a difference. People have been running all types of LCD with cards a lot weaker than V5200.

My assumption is that your "new" planar is defective, and would have no qualms returning it.

I hear ya, and I concur... however, it was an "as is" sale, so I can't really do anything except tell him that I don't like him as much.

Another thing I was thinking was wrong is that something's up with the inverter card for the mobo, and maybe I can switch it out. After all, it still booted up and everything else, it was just the screen darkness that I was concerned about.

- Bovine Mage

PS I got my LCD screen info from this sticky: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=40808 , so I don't know if this info is correct or not.

The T6x and R6x motherboards are easy to damage if the wrong kind of panel is attached. Sometimes, it is a fuse, which can be replaced by someone with the right equipment. I've seen this several times and have fixed some, but some cannot be repaired, at least by me.

BTW, any of the T6x motherboards can drive SXGA+ displays