Thinkpad Z61M T2300 @ 1.66GhZ ID:9450

[vinjeti]

Hi,

I have a thinkpad with the following configuration.
Thinkpad Z61m T2300 @ 1.66GhZ
Memory: 3 GB
ID:9450
Running Windows 7 professional
System Type: 32 bit.

I would like to upgrade my laptop to a faster processor. Is it possible ?
If possible, what would be the ideal replacement processor ?

Please help.

Thanks
Vijay

[underclocker]

Hello & welcome to the forum (please add a location to your profile).

I've done this upgrade more than one time myself. The Core 2 Duo T7600 is the fastest that will work with that motherboard, but the Core 2 Duo T7200 is more than adequate and less than 1/2 the cost of the T7600 via eBay (currently, $40 vs. $90).

That being said, an SSD (assuming you do not have one installed yet) would be the best upgrade, even keeping your current CPU.

Search the forum for much more info.

Here is a link to my upgraded Z61m with full specifications, which I still use almost daily --> http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=100010

[ZaZ]

Unless you're maxing the CPU all the time, it's unlikely you'd notice a difference. I'd agree a SSD is far more likely to make your Z61 seem faster.

[vinjeti]

Hi,

I have added my location .
Thanks for the replies.

Cheers
Vijay

[vinjeti]

Hi,

Water spilled on my laptop and now its beeping 3 times when started. Any ideas ?

Thanks
Vijay

[vinjeti]

Hi Again,

I blow dried with a hair dryer and it started to work again.

I have another question.

Currently on I have 3GB ram. I have read somewhere that this laptop can take only a 3GB.
I want to check again if can I upgrade to 4GB ?

Vijay

[ajkula66]

The chipset limitation on these machines is 3GB.

The BIOS will "see" 4GB, but only 3 are actually usable.

[vinjeti]

The T7200 CPU says the Instruction Set is 64-bit

If I upgrade my laptop with the above CPU will it make it a 64 bit ?

Thanks
Vijay

[ajkula66]

Yes.

Just make sure that you have the latest - or a very recent - BIOS installed. Early BIOS versions will not boot with a Core 2 Duo CPU.

[vinjeti]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me if I can use SATA 3 or does it have to be a SATA 2 for the SSD.
And what other information do I have look for when getting an SSD.

Thanks
Vijay

[RealBlackStuff]

Your Z61M only supports SATA I speed, there's no BIOS mod that will change this.
Look for an SSD that is backwards compatible to SATA I, most SATA II drives will probably work (and are cheaper than SATA III).
I have my doubts about a SATA III drive running properly in a SATA I machine.