FRU numbers question (Z61m)

[karagunis]

Original FRU from my mb is 42R9964 and I need to replace it with new one.
Can I use mb with FRU 42W7751 ? They look identical and they from the same
series..

[underclocker]

Not sure about part numbers, since there are many, but the only issue that I've seen with swapping mobos is that if you have a webcam, you do need a mobo that supports the webcam. If you do not have a webcam, you can use any mobo, including any Intel GPU, ATI X1300 GPU, ATI X1400 GPU or ATI V5200 GPU mobo.

I believe that the webcam enabled Z61m's all used the ATI X1400 GPU mobos, and particular mobo models, too. So you'd have to be careful to select the correct one, if you have a webcam.

Also, if upgrading from an Intel GPU mobo to an ATI GPU mobo, you'll need one of the fans that covers the GPU. The fan that came with the Intel GPU mobos do not have the extra copper to cover the GPU.

[karagunis]

I decided to install new mobo with FRU 42W7751 and I got 4 beeps and black screen?
Can I do something about that or just change mobo?

[ajkula66]

Did you get just 4, or 4x4 beeps? Makes a huge difference...

Did you get the mobo from feebay, or a known source?

What's the model number of your Z61m?

[karagunis]

Did you get just 4, or 4x4 beeps? Makes a huge difference...

Did you get the mobo from feebay, or a known source?

What's the model number of your Z61m?

Just 4 beeps (problem with security chip according to manual),

I got mobo from the company on ebay, but they sold me one with
incorrect FRU..

Model number: 9450-HAG.

Btw. Do you know is it possible to bypass this error to enter BIOS?

[ajkula66]

That's a pretty awesome Z61m...

Product: ThinkPad Z61m 9450-HAG [change]

Operating system: All [change]

Original description: T7200(2GHz), 1GB RAM, 120GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1680x1050 LCD, 128MB ATI Radeon X1400, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ether, UltraNav, Sec Chip, IEEE 1394, Camera, FPR, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

Tell you what I know, since I was in the process of swapping the board on a similar unit not that long ago...

a) I don't believe that you can override the security chip error.

b) The boards that would be compatible with your machine include but are not limited to: 41W1292, 42W2168 and 44C3878. The last one is the newest one, and that one ended up in my (very similar) Z61m...

Good luck.

[karagunis]

That's a pretty awesome Z61m...

That's a true...

b) The boards that would be compatible with your machine include but are not limited to: 41W1292, 42W2168 and 44C3878. The last one is the newest one, and that one ended up in my (very similar) Z61m...

Good luck.

Are you sure that those three will work on my machine?!
In my opinion the safest way will be to install mobo with the same FRU as original.

[ajkula66]

karagunis wrote:

In my opinion the safest way will be to install mobo with the same FRU as original.

I couldn't agree more, presuming you can locate the board with that FRU.

There were two manufacturers for every board type when it comes to Z series...long story...

The only "structural" difference between your machine and mine is that you don't have WWAN, but for the purposes of this conversation that's a non-issue. Any of the boards I've listed should work in there with no problems whatsoever.

Good luck.

[dr_st]

Sometimes FRU numbers get changed/updated. You can call a Lenovo service provider, and get a price/availability quote on your original FRU. They should be able to tell you if there is a new FRU number for that part.

[karagunis]

Thank you all for the help!

[underclocker]

You've got a fairly rare Z61m - the models with webcams came nicely equipped. Nice to see you keeping it alive. I have a similar one in use at home as a media server/family Skype machine. With 3GB RAM & T7200, performance is still great.