R61(i) 4x3: Correct and safe(ish) proceedure to flash the BIOS for Penryn compatibility

[s-m-e]

Hi all,

I am restoring an R61(i), a 15'' 4x3 type 8943. It is already running a Middleton BIOS version 1.24-1.00. I am considering to install a Penryn CPU, requiring yet another Middleton BIOS update to version 2.24-1.08. The latter is only available for the 15.4'' widescreen versions of the R61, hence the procedure is a more complicated & risky as far as I understand it.

The forum contains plenty of examples of people having done this successfully. I spent quite some time going through a number of posts. However, I want to be sure I got the procedure right before I attempt it.

(1) The process explicitly requires a 32bit version of Windows (7), correct? No service pack(s), no updates and no specific language required?

(2) Some posts mention the creation of a recovery USB flash drive beforehand, in case the BIOS update fails and corrupts the BIOS. I found detailed explanations on how to do this for e.g. the R400 but not for the R61(i). Is it possible? If yes, where could I find detailed information?

(3) Most people report that the FireWire bus is gone after the update. That's ok for me. Some people also report that enabling the track pad AND the track point together does not work anymore, it's only one at the time. That's also fine for me. Are there any other known side effects that I should be aware of?

(4) Multiple forum posts mention that the temperature sensors and the temperature control differs significantly between Penryn and Merom CPUs. Some appear to run special software (under Windows) to control the fan after the mentioned BIOS and CPU upgrade. I intend to run Linux. Anything to know or prepare (in advance of a BIOS update) in this respect?

(5) There are a couple of discussions about updating the EC from 1.00 to 1.08. For some, it appears to work, for others it does not. Is it relevant or can I safely ignore this topic? If it is relevant, what are the exact steps to do it (or where could I find a more detailed description)?

Best regards,
Sebastian

[unixed]

Welcome to the forum!

(1) 32bit Windows is required because of the flashing program (winphlash), this is no different from flashing the official BIOS. There are more advanced ways running (free)DOS using a 16-bit flashing program but not for the uninitiated.

(2) This is the usual BIOS recovery method that one would use flashing the official BIOS, not necessary to do beforehand. Just follow the usual precautions -- secure AC connection (use a UPS if you have one), fully charged battery, don't run any other programs, don't interrrupt the flash.

(3) You lose firewire, trackpoint still works, don't know about touchpad since I always disable it but it should work.

(4) The sensor is not a problem. You end up in the same position as many with T601 frankenpads.

(5) Just make sure that the EC firmware is at version 1.00 before flashing the 15.4" 2.24 BIOS.

[fatkatsupra1]

Good luck on your bios flash!


How hard is it to find the 4:3 R61 thinkpads? Is there an ebay europe or something similar you would recommend?