A31 MB Replacement

[gb_ibmguy]

Hi All
I'm having some major issues with my A31 Power Connector. I've had it replaced once (by a competent tech). It worked fine for several months, but now I have to jiggle and mash the AC connector into the receptacle to get it to see AC power. Clearly, the new power receptacle was not good or the re-solder job was substandard. In any case, I'm willing to buy a new or refurbished motherboard.

My model number is 2652-D4U.

I've found a board on e-bay model # 93P3542 which, after some research, seems like it may work, except it appears to work with a security chip and is geared toward an A31P. My model does not have a security chip and it is unclear from the seller on e-bay if the MB comes with a security chip. My question's are:
Will this board work?
Will this board work without a security chip if none is supplied on the board?

Barring a MB replacement, can anyone suggest a source for a real ThinkPad power connector?
The replacement power supply connector I purchased did not have the little 'ear' that allowed it to be screwed to the base assembly and I that allowed it to 'wiggle' around and loosen the solder (I think). If anyone has a source for a real power connector (with the ear). I might try to have it replaced again.

[ajkula66]

That board will work if the security chip is included, it's absolutely useless without it.

If power connector is all you need, I have a defective (GPU problem) A30 planar that you could have for the price of shipping. The power connector and a lot of other stuff is OK, so if you want to play, it's yours.

[gb_ibmguy]

Thanks,

PM Sent

[gb_ibmguy]

To cover all bases here, I also found this refurb/used MB on E-bay 26P8232. The HWM lists it as a 2653 replacement - no security chip with 64mb gpu. It's not cheap ($150.00), but, it seems I might be able to almost turn my hot rodded A31 into a A31p. Any problems for seen if I do this swap?

[ajkula66]

Yes. There is a problem.

A31 and A31p bases are different. You need a base from an A31p, or A30p at the very least.

I don't know what makes you say that this board has no security chip. It does, just of a different type.

Unless you have a proper LCD to go with that board, the upgrade is pointless IMHO.

[sjthinkpader]

The A31 and A31p bases are only different in the Video-in and Firewire ports. Both can be modified relatively easily.

A30/A30p and A31/A31p bases are different in that the A31/A31p bases having additional metal pieces for cooling the Northbridge and VRAM in the base. Other are bolt on pieces such as cooling plates over the rear ports.

[SMA]

The right thing to do when looking for a replacement connector like this, is to unsolder one from another board, as suggested by George.
Just last week, I replaced a defect USB connector on an A31p board, with a similar USB connector unsoldered from an A30 board. Works fine.

The bad thing is that, with the Power connector, often the MB has suffered permanant damage. It is not necessarily the solder join that is breaking.
That would also explain why the first repair did not last forever.

There is also the possibility of always powering the ThinkPad through a port replicator - if that is an acceptable option.

[gb_ibmguy]

That was one of my first thoughts, Try a port replicator. No go. This MB does not see the port replicator. The port Replicator is good, tested against my other A31. I'm guessing that this MB just has some issues. As of now, I have duct tape holding the connnector in place. If I move, it shifts to battery. Very annoying!

I am still going to try to have this system repaired (Thanks George ) and use it as a backup, or sell it.

My replacement is one of George's A31p's Flexview's - can't wait!!

Just can't have too many A31's or A31 parts.....