Is it dying? Video issues on ATI T60 :s

[antond]

Hi guys,

I got an awesome deal on a used T60, but it turns out it might not be all good...
My "new old" ThinkPad is a 15" model with the ATI X1400 graphics adapter (FlexView! Woohoo!)
My issue is the following:
I have installed a fresh dualboot system (Ubuntu 10.04 and XP) and everything works just fine.
Until I load up a graphics driver. Then it's bye-bye (XP bluescreens, ubuntu acts weird and has display artifacts).

I'm afraid this means the graphics adapter is defective, correct?
The strange thing is that in VESA framebuffer mode, everything works fine, even for long periods and intensive tasks...

What do you guys think? Is there any way I can fix this on the cheap? This is meant to be my "mobile virtual lab" for my studies and I don't exactly have money to burn atm.
I always thought that it you stayed away from a certain range of nVidia adapters, these problems wouldn't occur?

Thanks for your input!
--anton

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the forum.
Download this ISO, burn it onto a CD (use e.g. Imgburn) and run the PC-Doctor graphics tests:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloa ... MIGR-56222

[antond]

Thanks for the speedy and helpful reply!

I ran the diagnostics and it failed almost all of the video adapter tests.
Only the "ATI RadeonMobility PCIE Test" passed, all the other, video memory, 2d test, 3d test, etc, failed.

I guess I'll need a new systemboard now?
What are my options regarding system boards? Or is it possible to repair this one?
Best places to buy? (eBay?)

I've also noticed that quite a few people use T61 boards in their T60.
This would seem to be ideal since it supports more RAM (and virtualization eats RAM...).
As far as I understand, any 15,4" widescreen T61(p) board will fit, correct?

[Harryc]

What's the (7) digit machine type/model # from the sticker on the bottom of your T60?

[antond]

It's a 2007-CTO, product ID 2007WU4

[RealBlackStuff]

Your motherboard suffers from (quite rare) corrupt videoRAM.
There is no remedy for this, other than replacing the motherboard.
As to your T60/T61 Frankenpad idea, read this:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=90020

[antond]

So I guess I'll start looking for another 'planar' then.
Such a pity that I have to replace the whole motherboard while this system runs fine without graphics drivers...

Thanks for all the help and info!

--anton