Thinkpads Forum

Yesterday the screen of my W701 suddenly turned black. That happened about 10 minutes after I was rendering a video with Premiere (first time on this machine). It feels like everything else was still running - only the screen turned blank. I tried an external screen, but there was also no signal. So I guess the video card just died. It´s an Quadro FX 2800M. Now I´m unsure how to replace this card. After all I´ve read I think the right one for my 2500-2EG should be the FRU 63Y2057. Is there any other card which is known to work in this machine? I´ve no problem with buying the 63Y2057 but found only one offer with a delivery time up to six weeks.

Some different W701 configurations came with a Quadro FX 3800M, which was mentioned in the hardware maintenance manual I believe. You could also use that, provided that money is not a problem.

There isn't any other graphics card that would work in the MXM 3.0 slot of a W701, due to some strange whitelist that is contained in the W701's BIOS.

Thanks Screamer.

clevo FX2800m/FX3800m will definitely work on W701 with a vBIOS flash. But that's probably the only exception

Thanks RMSMajestic. Since I´m not able to flash the vBIOS I think my only option is to stick on the Lenovo branded card.

I think the hotter graphics card wants a better heatsink as well.

Thanks TPFanatic - yes, looks like there are two different thermal devices. Meanwhile I ordered the 63Y2057 (FX 2800M), so I can use the old one.