x200 cpu upgrade software

[jonxxon]

Hello,

I have an x200 motherboard with P8600. I want to reflow solder in a faster processor using a hot air rework station.

• Does the T9600 or P8800 physically fit the BGA layout and heatsinks?

• On the hardware side; will I have to solder in any other parts?

• On the software side; what will I have to install?

Is there any info by anyone else who have done the replacement that I could have a look at? Are there any people in the forum that have done an upgrade?

Kind regards from Europe

[axur-delmeria]

No, I have not done this risky upgrade, but here's what I know:

1. Yes, the BGA versions of the P8800 and T9600 are physically and electrically compatible with the P8600. Between the two, the P8800 is a better choice due to the lower TDP (25w) compared to the T9600 (35w).

2. AFAIK none.

3. None. The X200 BIOS contains the needed CPU microcodes.

[jonxxon]

Is the bios fitted to accomodate 35w? Have you seen the differences between the cooling components on machines that were fitted with 25w versus 35w processor?

[axur-delmeria]

The CPU microcode tables in the BIOS are usually compiled as a set/bundle, and since the T9600 and P8800 are of the same generation as the P8600, it's highly likely that their microcodes are also in the X200 BIOS.

IMO it's not the BIOS you should be worried about, but the cooling: no X200 had a 35w TDP processor, so the heatsink is not designed to handle that much heat. You might even end up underclocking the T9600 just to keep it cool, negating the benefit of the faster processor.

Another possible issue is the VRM circuitry on the system board: I've never heard of anyone upgrading an X200 to a T9xxx CPU, as such there is no information regarding the robustness of the VRMs that provide power to the processor. Unless someone has done an analysis of the components (MOSFETs, inductors, etc.) and the circuit design itself, we don't know if has enough spare capacity for a 35w TDP processor.

[jonxxon]

Thanks for this information. Is it false that some x200 came with T9xx0 as standard? I have seen conflicting information on this https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:X200 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThinkPad_ ... _and_X200s seem to claim that it does, but I have only seen P-series machines for sale.

[axur-delmeria]

Perhaps X200's with T9xxx CPUs did exist, but were few and far between. I've yet to encounter one TBH.
If that's the case, then the answer regarding the VRMs could hinge closer towards "probably enough" rather than "too close for comfort".

The heat dissipation issue still remains-- I've read of high temperature issues with some T400's after upgrading to a T9xxx CPU, which means it be more severe on the X200 with its smaller heatsink.