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installing x61 tablet motherboard into x60 tablet chasis

Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2013 8:50 pm
by Cigarguy
Apologize if this topic have been covered but a few searches on this forum and Google have not come up with any definitive answer.

Last week I got a X60 tablet. I like it and especially love the SXGA+ screen. However I wouldn't mind a little more processing power, 4 GB RAM, more powerful GPU and SATA II. I want to keep the screen of the X60T and might be able to get a X61T motherboard for cheap.

Being that the X60 and X61 are so similar, I'm investigating the degree of aggravation of taking the guts (MB) from a X61 tablet and installing it in a X60 tablet. My understanding is that this is very much doable and many have done it. My understanding is that the X61 MB will physically fit a X60 chasis. My concern is the connection of the screen to the MB.

I understand that this is no "easy" task but that is not a concern. I was planning on taking the X60 apart, cleaning everything and applying new TIM. Since I'll have everything apart anyway, I'd thought it'd be a good time to do the conversion.

As usual thanks for the help

Re: installing x61 tablet motherboard into x60 tablet chasis

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:33 am
by RealBlackStuff
The other day I put an X61s mobo into an X60s chassis (both non-tablet).
It was a straight swap.
X60T and X61T use different LCD-cables and palmrests, but the same lids and bases.
One would assume that the LCD connector on the mobos are identical, but the pinout might be different or is also identical. :??:

Re: installing x61 tablet motherboard into x60 tablet chasis

Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 10:35 am
by czpath2
According to this (see last post): http://www.thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopi ... 30&t=90137
it isn't an issue( pen switch assembly and speaker are minor glitches).

The easier route is to actually take the entire x60t LCD assembly (lcd, bezel, back cover, etc.) and just transplant it onto a x61t. (the above implies this should be straightfoward). Most recent thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=107171

Both notes the downside--the x60t may run hotter & thus be noiser--though if your x60t already has a x64 core2duo (L7400) it may not be an issue. (Correction: the x61t may run hotter)

Re: installing x61 tablet motherboard into x60 tablet chasis

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 12:08 pm
by Cigarguy
Just an update. I picked up locally, a X61T for $100 with L7700, X6 base and a pristine X60T screen assembly for $50. Took the X61T apart to clean the inside, apply new TIM and reseat everything. Upon reassembly I installed the X60T SXGA+ screen assembly in place of the X61T screen assembly. Install was exactly the same as reinstalling the X61T screen assembly. Screen works perfectly after install.

So essentially when complete I had a X61T body with a X60T sxga+ screen. Upgraded to 4 GB of RAM, Middleton BIOS, Ultimate N 6300 and a SSD and this thing flies. I like the IBM colour palmrest/bevel on the X60T better than that on the X61T, so I swapped that too. Everything was an exact match. As a bonus the X61T came with a genuine battery that was in pristine condition and still holds a full charge. The local buyer sold me another one with 10% wear for $25. I was able to sell the X60T body with transplanted X61T screen for $100.

Re: installing x61 tablet motherboard into x60 tablet chasis

Posted: Sun May 26, 2013 12:44 am
by santacluj
Good job, Cigarguy!
What is the idle temperature of Your system while on AC adapter and running maximum perfomance plan? Timers off plan?
N6300 is hotter or cooler than 4965?
Thanks in advance.