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ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

R30/R40, A30/A31, G40/G50 and Z60/Z61 Series. NOT for AMD-Ryzen.
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Peak2Peak
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ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#1 Post by Peak2Peak » Tue Jun 02, 2015 5:53 pm

This R60 15.0" FrankenPad uses the semi-rare ThinkPad R61i (15.0" 4:3 - Model type: 8943-DSG) Intel 965GM System board with GMA x3100 graphics - FRU: 44C3810 - Middleton BIOS and 15.0" SXGA+ FlexView IPS LCD Panel

Picture link ---> R60 & R61i System boards - R61i 15.0" 4:3 System board mounted within the R60 structure frame is a perfect fit and therefore interchangeable
Picture link ---> R60 FrankenPad

This was one of easiest FrankenPads to put together as it basically involves just a System board & LCD Panel swap

R60 FrankenPad new spec's
* Intel 965GM System board with GMA x3100 graphics
* T7300 2.0GHz Core2Duo CPU - (Merom)
* 2GB RAM
* LG-Phillips 15.0" SXGA+ FlexView IPS LCD
* Middleton BIOS

Reused existing R60 Heatsink Fan & Heatsink bracket, Base cover & structure frame and LCD assembly
CPU idle core temps are between 34°C to 36°C


Additional info:

Penryn CPU support is possible, but requires a Middeleton BIOS upgrade that is for the R61 15.4" widescreen models - Further reading: Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach and R61 - 8943-DMG Penryn upgrade

R61/R61i 15.0" System board FRU's: 42W7822 or 44C3810

This FrakenPad runs flawlessly and is quiet too!

R60 & R61/R61i 15.0" 4:3 display share the same Hardware Maintenance Manual

I hope that all find this post useful & informative
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

coolcat37
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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#2 Post by coolcat37 » Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:27 pm

What keyboard does it have ?

Peak2Peak
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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#3 Post by Peak2Peak » Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:34 pm

Keyboard is Model MW-90-UK - FRU: 42T3167 (P/N: 42T3133)
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#4 Post by coolcat37 » Wed Jun 03, 2015 2:15 pm

Ah, an NMB.
The best. And even better on a 15" 4:3 R6X.

I prefer typing on a 15" 4:3 R6X NMB vs 15" 4:3 T6X NMB. Especially the R6X is in a 2504 docking station. That's just orgasmic. It's feel more stable and more comfy

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#5 Post by Peak2Peak » Wed Jun 03, 2015 2:55 pm

Yep! - The NMB keyboards do have a nice stable feel about them
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#6 Post by ajkula66 » Wed Jun 03, 2015 3:15 pm

coolcat37 wrote: I prefer typing on a 15" 4:3 R6X NMB vs 15" 4:3 T6X NMB.
You DO realize that it's the exact same keyboard, correct?

The difference is that R6x doesn't suffer from the light left-side flex that many of the T6x machines exhibit.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#7 Post by coolcat37 » Thu Jun 04, 2015 3:47 pm

ajkula66 wrote:
coolcat37 wrote: I prefer typing on a 15" 4:3 R6X NMB vs 15" 4:3 T6X NMB.
You DO realize that it's the exact same keyboard, correct?

The difference is that R6x doesn't suffer from the light left-side flex that many of the T6x machines exhibit.
Sure. If I wouldn't realize this I better check myself for Alzheimer's, right ?

But the difference is there. Definitely. Plus the R61 palmrest and overall touch is more comfortable but it's more bulky (especially the screen). It feel like some chunky thing whilst the T601 feels like a high-powered sports car

The 14" R61 widescreen + NMB wasn't as comfortable as the 15" R61 4:3 + NMB.
Last edited by coolcat37 on Thu Jun 04, 2015 3:53 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#8 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Jun 04, 2015 3:49 pm

coolcat37 wrote:
The 14" R61 widescreen + NMB wasn't as comfortable as the 15" R61 4:3 + NMB.
You actually own a 4:3 version of R61? If so, congrats on that rare bird.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#9 Post by coolcat37 » Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:06 pm

ajkula66 wrote:
coolcat37 wrote:
The 14" R61 widescreen + NMB wasn't as comfortable as the 15" R61 4:3 + NMB.
You actually own a 4:3 version of R61? If so, congrats on that rare bird.
Yes I do. Thank you. It was in like new-state (it's in the best condition of my 6 Thinkpads). The standard SXGA+ non-IPS screen that came with it was dreadful. Now it's equipped with a BoeHydis UXGA, 8 gig RAM, Intel 730 SSD and T7500. Gets quite hot. When I am back in Belgium, I'll upgrade that CPU w/ a T9300

Still RBS's T601 with LED UXGA [same setup otherwise + T9300] is infinitely more pleasant to work with... That screens just massages your eyes. It's so relaxing and sweet. Quite frankly it's amazing how the vast majority of the population have accepted to live with a screen less good than the BoeHydis LED UXGA 4:3. [On top of that work with widescreens?... What's up with that?]. That thing became an essential part of my digital life, a cornerstone. I couldn't imagine not having the luxury of seeing so smoothly, crisply and correctly. 't Is a delight, ... a delicacy

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#10 Post by ajkula66 » Thu Jun 04, 2015 7:19 pm

coolcat37 wrote:
Still RBS's T601 with LED UXGA [same setup otherwise + T9300] is infinitely more pleasant to work with...
No argument from me on that one. These are amazing machines. Mine has been sitting mostly unused since I've finalized my T50 build, though...
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#11 Post by RealBlackStuff » Fri Jun 05, 2015 8:18 am

The next "Frankie" that I am currently building:
- real R61i 15" 4:3 with Intel graphics
- Middleton BIOS
- LED-lit UXGA BoeHydis
- T9300
- 8GB RAM

It's made from: R61i (8943-A18)
Based on 8943-ANC: T5250(1.5GHz), 1GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 15in 1400x1050 LCD, Intel X3100, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, 6c Li-Ion, WinVista Home Basic 32

AFAIK this is only the second known R61i of this format currently in the USA. :banana:
Checking the warranty, this machine was originally sold in South Korea!
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#12 Post by Peak2Peak » Fri Jun 05, 2015 8:58 am

RBS - Looking forward to seeing your build

FYI - Anyone who has an R61/R61i 15.0" 4:3 and is looking for spares/parts - most of the R60 15.0" parts are interchangeable [base cover, structure frame, palmrest, keyboard bezel, LCD assembly etc]
Picture link ---> R60 & R61i 15.0" 4:3 lower bottom half assembly comparison
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#13 Post by RealBlackStuff » Fri Jun 05, 2015 4:15 pm

I noticed that the TYPE sticker on both your machines is placed along the bottom edge.
That was also the case on my R61i.
So I moved that sticker to its proper rectangle (~ middle right).
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#14 Post by Peak2Peak » Sat Jun 06, 2015 9:58 am

Wonder why the factory did not place the MTM sticker in this (correct?) position to, as you did
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#15 Post by coolcat37 » Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:35 pm

So how do ya folks like the plastic used in the R6X ?

Ajukla66, I had previously read your findings on your T50, 't seems an interesting machine. It should age well, given the fact that it takes DDR3. Did you ever try to put the LED UXGA screen of your "ultimate t43p" in it ? If so, why didn't you continue using it that way ?

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#16 Post by brchan » Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:54 pm

R61 models are made of the same material as the T61, just a little thicker. CFRP base over magnesium frame, and PC+ABS cover over magnesium roll cage lid. R61 has better cooling, and may even be a bit tougher than a regular T61, but I don't have an R61 to compare.

R60 models have magnesium internal rollcages, but ABS plastic lid and base cover I believe.
Current Thinkpads: W530 (functional classic keyboard mod), X301, T61, T60, T43, A31p, T23, 600X, 770
Other: mk5 Toughbook cf-19, mk1 Toughbook cf-53

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#17 Post by ajkula66 » Mon Jun 08, 2015 8:55 pm

coolcat37 wrote:So how do ya folks like the plastic used in the R6X ?
Better than T6x as far as I'm concerned...
Ajukla66, I had previously read your findings on your T50, 't seems an interesting machine. It should age well, given the fact that it takes DDR3. Did you ever try to put the LED UXGA screen of your "ultimate t43p" in it ? If so, why didn't you continue using it that way ?
The LED screen is way too bright for my eyes to be used at maximum brightness, and it would flicker on a lower setting in a T50, so I stayed with a NOS Hydis CCFL UXGA panel which is not as aggressive at maximum setting.
...Knowledge is a deadly friend when no one sets the rules...(King Crimson)

Cheers,

George (your grouchy retired FlexView farmer)

One FlexView to rule them all: A31p

Abused daily: T520, X200s


PMs requesting personal tech support will be ignored.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#18 Post by ZaZ » Wed Jun 10, 2015 3:53 am

I thought about doing a R61 FrankenPad, but after buying the parts and slapping it together, it was just too expensive for a second notebook, at least for me anyways. Very nicely done though.
ThinkPad L14 - 2.1GHz Ryzen 4650U | 16GB | 256GB | 14" FHD | Win11P
ProBook 470 G5 - 1.6GHz Core i5 | 16GB | 2.2TB | 17" FHD | Mint

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#19 Post by Peak2Peak » Wed Jun 10, 2015 10:24 am

ZaZ wrote:I thought about doing a R61 FrankenPad, but after buying the parts and slapping it together, it was just too expensive for a second notebook, at least for me anyways. Very nicely done though.
Agree, especially one with an NOS Hydis LED UXGA panel
However an R60 FrankenPad could be cost effective if a reasonably priced R61 15.0 4:3 planar could be sourced together with a cheap good condition R60 - with the option if so required of a used SXGA+/UXGA Flexview panel which still has a few good miles left in it - This is exactly how this R60F in this post was put together
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#20 Post by TuuS » Fri Jan 08, 2016 5:54 am

Peak2Peak wrote: However an R60 FrankenPad could be cost effective if a reasonably priced R61 15.0 4:3 planar could be sourced
Have you ever tried fitting a T61 nVidia board into an R60/61 15"?

I don't have an R6x to experiment with, but they look similar to your photo and with the recent price drop on the new NOS boards it would make a very cost effective Frankenpad since the 15" R60 units have sold dirt cheap at auction.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#21 Post by TuuS » Fri Jan 08, 2016 6:10 am

brchan wrote:R61 models are made of the same material as the T61, just a little thicker. CFRP base over magnesium frame, and PC+ABS cover over magnesium roll cage lid. R61 has better cooling, and may even be a bit tougher than a regular T61, but I don't have an R61 to compare.
Actually only the 14" widescreen has the same lid cover as the T61... in fact the entire lid is interchangeable as are the motherboards, but the 15.4" and 15" are different beasts and don't have the soft matt finish that looks nice when new, but not so much after years of use.

As for the cooling, the R61 has a much smaller heatsink and a plastic fan case. For Intel graphics and a penryn cpu they suffice nicely, but don't compare to the T61p heatsink. I've used the factory R series fan with nVidia nvs140m graphics and it works nice, but I wouldn't recommend it with the fx570m gpu. I've also used these heatsinks on my "Race500" frankenpad which I deemed the worlds fastest Rseries running at 3.07ghz using an iMac penryn cpu and as far as I'm aware no one has devised a way to get them to run faster and they use a virtually identical heatsink and I had no problem keeping that powerful cpu cool without the need to alter the factory voltages, just some carefully applied Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#22 Post by Peak2Peak » Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:11 pm

TuuS wrote:
Peak2Peak wrote: However an R60 FrankenPad could be cost effective if a reasonably priced R61 15.0 4:3 planar could be sourced
Have you ever tried fitting a T61 nVidia board into an R60/61 15"?

I don't have an R6x to experiment with, but they look similar to your photo and with the recent price drop on the new NOS boards it would make a very cost effective Frankenpad since the 15" R60 units have sold dirt cheap at auction.
This had crossed my mind a little while back - but did not have any T61 14.1" 4:3 boards at hand - Will look into this if I get hold of a T61 14.1" 4:3 and another R60 15.0"
T60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach]
R60F: (Integrated Intel GPU) - [ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad]

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#23 Post by TuuS » Fri May 05, 2017 9:18 pm

Peak2Peak wrote:
Sat Jan 09, 2016 1:11 pm
TuuS wrote:
Have you ever tried fitting a T61 nVidia board into an R60/61 15"?

I don't have an R6x to experiment with, but they look similar to your photo and with the recent price drop on the new NOS boards it would make a very cost effective Frankenpad since the 15" R60 units have sold dirt cheap at auction.
This had crossed my mind a little while back - but did not have any T61 14.1" 4:3 boards at hand - Will look into this if I get hold of a T61 14.1" 4:3 and another R60 15.0"
Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I am just now alerted to all these topics I didn't realized I was quoted in, so my apology. I haven't personally fitted a T61 board into a 15" R60/61, but others have and I believe it is an easy fit and you don't have to remove the modem (if my memory serves me). There is a topic about this posted several years ago titles something like "a different approach" to building a frankenpad... something like that.

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#24 Post by TPFanatic » Sat May 06, 2017 8:17 pm

Does the R60 have a uniquely positioned Firewire port, between the left vent and VGA port? Does this interfere with Frankenpadding?

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#25 Post by ThinkDan2004 » Sat Jun 03, 2017 6:16 pm

No it doesn't affect it in a way
Fan of both ThinkPads and FrankenPads alike!

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#26 Post by kerenbanget69 » Fri Aug 02, 2019 1:07 pm

Peak2Peak wrote:
Tue Jun 02, 2015 5:53 pm
This R60 15.0" FrankenPad uses the semi-rare ThinkPad R61i (15.0" 4:3 - Model type: 8943-DSG) Intel 965GM System board with GMA x3100 graphics - FRU: 44C3810 - Middleton BIOS and 15.0" SXGA+ FlexView IPS LCD Panel

Picture link ---> R60 & R61i System boards - R61i 15.0" 4:3 System board mounted within the R60 structure frame is a perfect fit and therefore interchangeable
Picture link ---> R60 FrankenPad

This was one of easiest FrankenPads to put together as it basically involves just a System board & LCD Panel swap

R60 FrankenPad new spec's
* Intel 965GM System board with GMA x3100 graphics
* T7300 2.0GHz Core2Duo CPU - (Merom)
* 2GB RAM
* LG-Phillips 15.0" SXGA+ FlexView IPS LCD
* Middleton BIOS

Reused existing R60 Heatsink Fan & Heatsink bracket, Base cover & structure frame and LCD assembly
CPU idle core temps are between 34°C to 36°C


Additional info:

Penryn CPU support is possible, but requires a Middeleton BIOS upgrade that is for the R61 15.4" widescreen models - Further reading: Another T60 FrankenPad!...Different approach and R61 - 8943-DMG Penryn upgrade

R61/R61i 15.0" System board FRU's: 42W7822 or 44C3810

This FrakenPad runs flawlessly and is quiet too!

R60 & R61/R61i 15.0" 4:3 display share the same Hardware Maintenance Manual

I hope that all find this post useful & informative
Hello , I have aa idle LCD Panel ex T60 15" SXGA + . Is it fit to R61i LCD ?


Regards
W500 1900x1200 T9900, A31 , T60p1 Frankenpad , T60p (1600x1200) T7200, X61 T9300 , T43p 1600x1200 Flexview

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Re: ThinkPad R60 15.0" FrankenPad - (Pic links)

#27 Post by RealBlackStuff » Fri Aug 02, 2019 1:30 pm

Yes, if your R61i is a 15" 4:3 machine.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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