.:: Is Upgrading my 600E worth it? ::.

[Mr_Roboto]

I am in the process of replacing the bezel on my 600E. Seeing how I have the bezel removed and all of the TPs innards are exposed, is it worth upgrading the CPU from a PII 400MHz to a PIII 500MHz?

600E Specs
Model 2645-5BU
CPU 400MHz PII
Memory 544Mb (2x256 PC100 + 32Mb PC66 on board)
HD 60GB 7200rpm (thank you Brent)

From my reading, it appears that this upgrade may require soldering, modifying the BIOS, and third party software to enable the cache on the PIII. I love tinkering with computers but I don't want to find that my effort was wasted because the computer ends up being less stable.

Your input would be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Richard

[tfflivemb2]

You'd be suprised how easy it is. As for soldering...no, not unless you are modifying the CPU to get past the Speed Step.

The BIOS mod is pretty easy. I haven't used the third party software for enabling the cache. That is only necessary if you have to disable the onboard ram, I believe.

[Mr_Roboto]

Well, I have purchased an non speed step 500MHz PIII. Thank you for your guidance. Now I just have to wait for everything to get here.

[BillD]

This is from another thread:

Error 127 is cause because the BIOS does not know how to initialise the Level II cache on PIIIs. Get into the setup menus and click CONFIG, once there hold ctrl-d to open up a hidden hex editor. From here we can disable the Level II cache routines altogether. Move to b yte 20 and change the value of 02 to 0A. Hit F2 to save the change then power off the ThinkPad. It is important that you power off, a reboot does not apply the change. You will now be able to boot without the error 127.

Note: Some people have experienced instability after upgrading to PIII CPUs caused by the onboard RAM. When you install a PIII CPU you automatically increase the FSB to 100MHz which can be too high for the 66MHz specification memory. You can disable it in the same manner as the Level II cache by setting byte 2B from its original value of 80 to 81.

After you plug in your P3 CPU you WILL get a 127 error.. Thats a L2 error, Disable L2 in the BIOS then D/L Powerleap utility and that will enable L2 everytime the computer boots up. The memory BIOS edit you may of may not have to do. If the computer is unstable then disable the onborad RAM, if not the only BIOS edit you have to do is the L2 edit.

Thats the only change you'll have to make after your upgrade. There is no soldering, etc. It's a easy upgrade. Be careful when removing the keyboard, take great care when disconnecting the keyboard cables from the motherboard, they break easy..

Good Luck...