Thinkpads Forum

Heya,

I've been an avid lurker on these forums for quite a while now; now that I've some spare time on my hands, I thought I'd join in!

Recently, my X60 gave up on me, which I've had and been using since its release.
So yesterday, I picked up an X201 (6 GB RAM, 120 GB Intel SSD, 560M); only minor drawbacks are some light scratches on the lid.
Temperatures seem alright (30-40*C idle; doesn't break 90*C when docked and Prime95'ing and playing a 1080p at once.); it's a great machine, to say the least.

However..
Seeing I really love this style of laptop (classic TP), I am torn between upgrading this unit and making it my one, sole precious and keep repairing it if it breaks, or just buy another X201 for redundancy in case this one breaks and not upgrade any of the units.

I'd like to put 8 GB RAM in it, a larger SSD and change the screen+lid (X201s screen?), or just the lid. I'm a bit worried parts for these machines are becoming harder and harder to come by, why a second unit would probably calm my nerves a bit.
For example, I have yet to find a screen+lid in decent or new condition.

What'd you do?

Edit: fixed a typo.

Use it for a month or so. Let yourself get acquainted to its quirks, if any show up.
If you feel that it's quite stable (no unusual symptoms or anything), then you can start upgrading it.

If you feel otherwise, having a backup wouldn't be so bad. You can even revive your X60 and keep it as you backup machine; it might be cheaper than getting a second unit.

Regarding the upgrades themselves:

IMO 6GB RAM is already a lot for most people (unless you're into multimedia creation or heavy multitasking).

LCD upgrades are usually split between:
1. AFFS mod --> wide-viewing angle screen like IPS; requires the CCFL LCD cable and inverter from the X200 aside from the panel itself.
2. 1440 x 900 LCD mod --> more pixels, but so-so viewing angles; requires changing the entire lid, webcam is also removed.

There are existing threads about SSD recommendations. Try a quick search for them.

Parts will be available for many years to come.
Option 1: upgrade with either X200s or X201s complete lid with WXGA+ (1440x900) and LED backlight.
You'd lose the webcam, but so what!

RealBlackStuff wrote:Parts will be available for many years to come.
Option 1: upgrade with either X200s or X201s complete lid with WXGA+ (1440x900) and LED backlight.
You'd lose the webcam, but so what!

axur-delmeria wrote:Use it for a month or so. Let yourself get acquainted to its quirks, if any show up.
If you feel that it's quite stable (no unusual symptoms or anything), then you can start upgrading it.

If you feel otherwise, having a backup wouldn't be so bad. You can even revive your X60 and keep it as you backup machine; it might be cheaper than getting a second unit.

Regarding the upgrades themselves:

IMO 6GB RAM is already a lot for most people (unless you're into multimedia creation or heavy multitasking).

LCD upgrades are usually split between:
1. AFFS mod --> wide-viewing angle screen like IPS; requires the CCFL LCD cable and inverter from the X200 aside from the panel itself.
2. 1440 x 900 LCD mod --> more pixels, but so-so viewing angles; requires changing the entire lid, webcam is also removed.

There are existing threads about SSD recommendations. Try a quick search for them.

Thank you kindly for your replies.

I'll run this one solely for some time then, getting to know it. Seeing as replacement parts won't be an issue, I do feel more comfortable keeping only one of these at hand.
I'm actually really impressed by it, too!

Follow-up question: reaching 90 degrees celcius whilst stress testing without the fan running wild, that's adequate, correct? Figured the thermal paste might be getting a bit old and perhaps some new paste would do it good; but it seems fine, I think.
Would it also be beneficial getting a new heatsink and fan? It doesn't seem to be defective or anything - I just want to be on the safe side.

Is there anything I should look out for specifically with these models?

Nope, just clean up the CPU and fan, and put in fresh AS5 thermal paste, that's all.

RealBlackStuff wrote:Nope, just clean up the CPU and fan, and put in fresh AS5 thermal paste, that's all.

Once again, thank you, kind Sir!

Luckily I have some AS5; tomorrow's going to be an exiting day.

Franz, upgrade it and keep it for the collection.
And when you can, purchase nice used X300 or X301 and use it every day
That is what I would do if I did not already have around 40 or 50 thinkpads, at least 15 of them for spare parts "just in case"