Thinkpads Forum

I am testing a T400 motherboard which I have (I think) successfully repaired. Can I power it up with only the keyboard attached? Will the external vga connector be live? Do I need the ram installed to post?
Also, can the cpu and graphics chips be run without heatsinks for a very short time, maybe 15 sec? Or could I kludge something with aluminum foil (and duct tape LOL) temporarily?
Thanks!
Mark S.
Mt. View, Ca

I read some other posts and got most of my answers:
Minimum required is MB, keyboard, speaker. Should get 1-3-3-1 beep code. VGA out should work.
According to Arctic silver, CPU can be damaged in as little as 10 sec without some type of heatsink.
Good to know, I'm glad I didn't rush in and damage it- I'll either put the stock cooling hardware back on, or put some temporary chunks of socket 7 heatsinky stuff on to test.
Mark S.
Mt. View, Ca

Without RAM the VGA won't work.
I'd say:
- mobo
- DC-in socket
- CPU
- fan
- KB
- 1 stick RAM
- optional speakers
- external monitor