A31P CPU upgrade

[relax]

Can anyone help me out with questions about a cpu upgrade? I've read some topics on this forum, but I'm still a bit lost with all the different models that are around and which ones are supported by my A31P.

I own a A31P (2653-L3G) and currently have a P4-M 1.8Ghz installed. I've seen the following cpu's listed for a A31, but don't know if they will work in my A31P:

2.4 GHz: SL6K5 and SL6VC
2.5 GHz: SL6P2 and SL6WY
2.6 GHz: SL6WZ

Maybe someone can explain the difference between the K5/VC and P2/WY?

I also read a link on how to install the cpu. It says something about clearing the cmos, but not if that is required. Is removing the cmos battery required when installing the new cpu? And if it is installed will it get warm instantly (does the fan need to be installed to see if it works)?

Many thanks for any help you can give me

[a31pguy]

Great! You read Mark Bells article. You're halfway there.

Really the only difference is forge processes and microcode. You shouldn't see any difference for normal XP usage. The BIOS and Embedded controller will take care of updating the microcode for the CPU.

The CMOS clearing is not required. The BIOS screen will hang for about 2 seconds while it updates the CPU code. Then it will boot normally.

The prices of the 2.6 CPU have come down - alot. You should go that route if you can afford it.

You might want to assemble the unit. It's not hard. The P4M will get warm quick - a fan is a good thing.

Hope this helps.

[JHEM]

The P4M will get warm quick - a fan is a good thing.

Let me emphasize here that I believe A31pguy was attempting to make something of a joke by understating the importance of the fan.

The CPU will definitely self destruct if powered up without the fan/heatsink attached!

Regards,

James

[relax]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it and it certainly made things clear. Atm I'm trying to find a place where I can buy myself a 2.4Ghz or higher cpu, but it looks as if there aren't many places around that ship them to europe. Bummer... or does any of you guys (or girls for that matter) know a good place where they will ship internationally?

Thanks again

[JHEM]

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=23246

Good luck.

Regards,

James

[zone]

Thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it and it certainly made things clear. Atm I'm trying to find a place where I can buy myself a 2.4Ghz or higher cpu, but it looks as if there aren't many places around that ship them to europe. Bummer... or does any of you guys (or girls for that matter) know a good place where they will ship internationally?

Thanks again

In your case best bet is to look on ebay.de or ebay.co.uk, buying CPU overseas may be rather expensive.

BTW Im running 2,5GHz SL6P2 in my A31p.

[friedrich-eugen]

Hello,

may I join the chorus:

(1) You may use even the 2,6 Ghz Pentium 4 M CPU
(2) IBM's maintenance manuals are a precise and efficient guide
(3) You should consider exchanging the fan-unit as well
(4) You should use a littel bit of arctic silver on the cpu
(5) You should have a set of fresh screws.

I bought the cpu (in fact two of them) on ebay, but I took my time for it, as I did not intend to pay a premium;
I bought the fan-units and the screws from IBM (looked up the fru from the partslist, using the precise modells I have).
It took me some time, as I had to exchange other parts, too. But on having reassembled my machine, i started it and it runs since ...
This is the second time, I upgraded an IBM Thinkpad and its main components, and it is the second time I found I could rely on IBM's manuals and premium quality.

No real problem whatsoever, good luck

friedrich-eugen