Thinkpads Forum

I had assumed (always a dangerous thing to do) that modules from a 600 and 600E would be interchangeable, and have just discovered the 2 types of CPU module - the connectors being totally different, with the 600E having on-chip cache and the 600 having pcb-mounted cache. Then, having done a search of past posts here, it also appears that the base plastics are also slightly different - although this isn't immediately obvious to the eye ... and certainly not from the outside.

So - can I just check with the forum - with the exception of these CPU and base-plastic differences - are all other FRUs (screen, keyboard, modem etc) between these 2 models fully inter-changable ?

I'm also curious about the twisted black cable (which runs past the CPU). It looks like it was added-on as an afterthought.
And - a second curiosity - I'm intrigued by the curved metallic square-section tube inset into the top of the heat-sink/fan assembly - what's that about ? Looks like it has a very special purpose. But - I can happily live in ignorance if no-one knows.

many thanks
Colin

SAE140 wrote:So - can I just check with the forum - with the exception of these CPU and base-plastic differences - are all other FRUs (screen, keyboard, modem etc) between these 2 models fully inter-changable ?

That would be correct. I would also add that the inverter/sub card is different between the 600E and the 600E. I am not quite sure about the plastic differences, because I have used 600E systemboards, CPUs and inverter card in a 600 base with no problems...easy upgrade.

SAE140 wrote:I'm also curious about the twisted black cable (which runs past the CPU). It looks like it was added-on as an afterthought.
And - a second curiosity - I'm intrigued by the curved metallic square-section tube inset into the top of the heat-sink/fan assembly - what's that about ? Looks like it has a very special purpose. But - I can happily live in ignorance if no-one knows.

Going from memory, I think that this cable is also different between the models, since it connects the systemboard and the inverter card.

Also, for the record:
600 CPU = MMC1
600E CPU = MMC2

I have done surgery on many 600e and only one 600. Besides the different cpu cards, the mic cable is different on the mb side. The side that connects to the sub card is the same. So double check the cable part #'s when purchasing parts in pieces.

Appreciate the info ... my original plan was to carry (onboard a boat) 2x 600-series Thinkpads - one in operation with a working spare tucked safely away - and by carrying similar machines I could even resort to swapping FRUs around if stuck in some god-forsaken port far from home. But right now it looks like I'll be sticking to just the 600 variant and leave any "E's" at home.

When operating, the 600 is driven directly from a 12V lead-acid battery (with 2 x gel-cells via diodes as backup), and I've emptied a Li-Ion pack to allow a 12V cable connection to be made directly to the pack's terminals (via 2x series diodes and ferrite beads). So far this set-up is working well 'on the bench'.
In case anyone else has a similar scheme in mind, the TP600 (P2-300 with 96Mb ram) typically draws 1.6A during boot, 0.9A with full screen display, 0.5A with screen off, and a mighty 6-7mA (!) in suspend mode. Ideal for the power-frugal yachtie.
I'm running 'Rain' which reduces the CPU temperature very effectively, but none of the IBM power-saving options seems to reduce the current draw as measured directly with an integrating digital ammeter. But I'm not complaining - the above figures are ideal for my purpose.

If anyone else has used a 600-series in a marine environment, I'd appreciate a pm.

Good forum this - many thanks
Colin