Motherboard/Mainboard Replacement

[burhan]

I need to replace the mainboard on my laptop - the T61p (specs in signature). Can anyone recommend a reputable place to buy the parts (also, what is the part number exactly to order).

[TuuS]

Your most reliable option would be an Intel conversion. To do this, you'd need the Intel motherboard and heatsink. You'll have a slight loss in graphic performance, but the nVidia chips on the T61/p series are unreliable.

I have a couple motherboards and maybe we can work a deal. Send me a PM if your interested.

[rumbero]

Your most reliable option would be an Intel conversion. To do this, you'd need the Intel motherboard and heatsink.

While the reverse situation does not apply, the nVIDIA fan unit and heatsink works just fine with an Intel mainboard.

[TuuS]

While the reverse situation does not apply, the nVIDIA fan unit and heatsink works just fine with an Intel mainboard.

Although it will probably do as good a job of cooling the cpu, I'd recommend using the heatsink designed to be used with the system board you use.

[rumbero]

Although it will probably do as good a job of cooling the cpu, I'd recommend using the heatsink designed to be used with the system board you use.

This is definitely a very good advice! Nonetheless, simply reusing the nVIDIA cooling unit with an Intel mainboard has no disadvantage at all and works perfectly fine. Any additional spending for a specific Intel cooling unit would be just a waste of money.

[burhan]

Is this a drop in replacement? I mean, I buy the correct motherboard and it will fit in the case? I have never worked on thinkpads before.

My original plan was to take the part to the local IBM warranty shop (with whom I have good relations) and have their techs install it for me.

[rumbero]

Is this a drop in replacement? I mean, I buy the correct motherboard and it will fit in the case?

Yes and yes. Just do it.

[burhan]

Can you give me a part number or some reference so I can order the parts? Not even sure what to search for or where

[rumbero]

Can you give me a part number or some reference so I can order the parts? Not even sure what to search for or where

For a T61P (6459-CTO) 15.4" with T7800 Merom CPU both mainboard FRU's 42W7651 and 42W7875 would be the choice. The latter FRU 42W7875 also supports Penryn CPU's in addition to the older Merom CPU generation, and therefore would be the best choice. If you don't plan to upgrade your CPU to a Penryn model, than FRU 42W7651 would still be a perfect match. (Source: http://thinkpad-wiki.org/T61 table at the bottom)

[richk]

The part numbers listed are for Intel based boards. If you want one of those, I do have one in stock. I also have another nVIDIA board if you need that. I ship worldwide. PM if interested

[burhan]

Does the Intel version support WUXGA resolution?

Standard Features
One of the following standard voltage processors:
Intel Core 2 Duo (Merom) 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4 or 2.6 GHz 800MHz, 2-4MB L2 Cache CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 GHz 800MHz FSB, 3-6MB L2 Cache CPU
One of the following discrete graphics adapters:
nVidia Quadro FX 570M (128 MB) (Only in 14.1")
nVidia Quadro FX 570M (256 MB) (Only in 15.4")
One of the following displays:
14.1" TFT display with 1400x1050 (SXGA+) resolution
14.1" TFT display with 1400x900 (WXGA+) resolution
15.4" TFT display with 1680x1050 (WSXGA+) resolution
15.4" TFT display with 1920x1200 (WUXGA) resolution
1 or 2 GB PC2-5300 memory standard upgradable to 4 GB (Also see the unofficial maximum memory specs for this model.)

[ZaZ]

I believe that has been done here before.

[Tasurinchi]

Yes, it will work. I had the same question here: click me. I have a 15.4" T61 that will get a WUXGA assembly (pulled from a T61p) installed tonight or tomorrow.

I can also 100% confirm that it works in a T60 with Intel graphics. I used my 14.1 4:3 T60 to test this screen by attaching the LCD cable in the motherboard. So it should not be a problem with a 15.4" T60 either...

[burhan]

So yesterday in preparation for the new motherboard I decided to open up the laptop and clean it out; this led to a few problems; mainly because this is my first time disassembling a thinkpad.

How do you remove the ribbon connector that goes from the keyboard to the mainboard? It is the same connector from the palm panel to the bottom panel (near the memory cards) (for the trackpad). It has either a black or a white cover on it where it attaches to the motherboard.

The second question - how do I know which panel type I have?

Finally - does this laptop support 8 GB RAM?

[Brad]

Pull gently on the ribbom connectors and they will disengage from the motherboard. They usually have a small pull tab that you can grab.

Your ThinkPad can support 4Gb x 2 = 8Gb.

Here is one program that can help you determine the LCD type.

Brad