r61 cto - broken motherboard

[akoto]

Hi there,

First time posting on this forum...

I'm wondering what other motherboards would fit into my laptop. The 32mb nvidia graphics card on this particular model had a whole bunch of broken motherboards, and I'm not sure what to buy off ebay to fix it.

It's been a while since it happened (like 3 years) but it's still a good laptop and the last thinkpad to be sold with an IBM logo on it so it has sentimental value aswell.

If there's any advice from someone with a similar problem I'm all ears.

Thanks

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

What's the full 7-character model number located on the same sticker that holds the serial number and the production date on the bottom of your R61?

[akoto]

7742CTO

[RealBlackStuff]

Yours is a 14.1" widescreen R61, originally with nVidia graphics.
Replacement boards with nVidia GPU (not recommended): 42W7844 and 44C3934.
Replacement boards with Intel GPU (recommended): 42W7843 and 42W7869

[akoto]

Thanks so much!

One more question:
Do you think the problem has been fixed on the nvidia GPU or will I face the same chance of it burning out on me?

[RealBlackStuff]

Only nVidia motherboards that came in machines that were produced in August 2008 or later (08/08 = 2008/08 after the Serial No. on the label) can be relied on.
08/06 and 08/07 might be, but cannot be proven.
I'd go for an Intel GPU board.

[TuuS]

I have an nVidia board from July 16th 2008 which is about when the new boards were first used, prior to that date the boards had a mix of new/old gpu chips. Naturally an 08/08 board would be best, but they are much more expensive. This board also supports the newer Penryn class cpu chips. This is about as certain as you can get without paying the premium for an 08/08 board. If you're interested in the board you can send me a PM.

Also confirm that your R61 has firewire port, if not, the board may not work unless you swap the chassis too which is an option we can discuss.