SATA mod on my X41 complete and tested!

[Raceboy]

I sourced a 1.8" SATA HDD (Toshiba MK1229GSGF, 80 GB, 5400 rpm, 8 MB cache) for cheap (30 usd) and was pleasantly surprised.
After performing PATA-SATA bride chip removal, some case modification and Win7 install (made sense with bigger and faster HDD) it was VERY silent: basically inaudible in silent room and CrystalMark running, only slight seek sounds when putting ear next to laptop and no spindle noise AT ALL.

Here's a screenshot of completed CrystalMark benchmark, please see link:
http://www.porsche-foorum.ee/album/albu ... %20mod.jpg

Windows Experience Index shows 5.1 for this HDD, it is a very good result, 7200 rpm drives get 5.9 and that is maximum without going with fastest SSD's.

I'm happy

And oh, I located the 915GM VGA driver for Windows 7 in Windows Update. Went to http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx , let it install the plug-in and typed "Intel 915GM" in the search field. After that I chose Windows 7 OS and added it to basket and downloaded it. Worked OK!

[tehdude]

you forgot to post the pics that matter

Would be interesting to see if anyone is able to perform the said modifications, without having to worry about the machine falling apart, any cables coming loose and what-not. A mod which lasts, a mod which you can sell the machine with. A dark knight.

[Raceboy]

I will take the laptop apart soon, can take some photos then.

I didn't use SATA plug (microSATA) on most 1.8" drives, but soldered wires directly to HDD because of the space considerations and clean look.

Only thing that is needed is hot air gun with adjustable temperature and display (set it to 360 degrees C), thin wires (four 10 cm pieces for SATA and two for +3.3V and GND).

I didn't use shielded wires because wires are short and shielded by laptop itself and it didn't cause any issues also. I used hot glue to secure wires near soldering pads to prevent them from wiggling loose.

This is a very reliable mod and HDD sits nice and tight but obviously it requires a bit more effort to swap different HDD/SSD than with stock drive.

This mod turned my X41 almost into modern machine, I really like the form factor and now the only mod left to do is IPS transplant, either from X41 Tablet (XGA) or SXGA+ from X60/61 Tablet.

[ZAGNUT]

Would be interesting to see if anyone is able to perform the said modifications, without having to worry about the machine falling apart, any cables coming loose and what-not. A mod which lasts, a mod which you can sell the machine with. A dark knight.

the way i did mine you can unplug the disk just like the original. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=90285