YAFP (Yet Another FrankenPad) project (T60p/T61)

[lebdron]

Hello everyone!

I want to build my own FrankenPad. I've read some topics here, so building it is pretty straightforward. But I have some questions about parts.

Updated list in post 8

If anyone has any parts from this list for sale - feel free to write me a PM!

Comments/suggestions are highly appreciated! Thanks!

[Backslashnl1]

Have fun with this mod! I had... twice

Parts I am not sure about:
WLAN card - I want wireless N support. Which one is best to get?

Doesn't really matter, the Middleton bios will erase the whitelist so any card will do. Personally I chose the Intel Centrino Ultimate–N 6300, which supports 450 mbit. You will need a bracket to fit it in the T61 mainbboard (available on eBay for a few bucks):

16kb image

System SSD - 64 Gb SSD Intel/Samsung. Which one is more compatible with rubber rails and caddy?

Doesn't matter, any SSD with 9mm height will fit. Also consider the Crucial M4 series, which have good performance, reliability at a low price.

PC Card/ExpressCard slot - FRU?

42W3436

Keyboard - ALPS or NMB/Chicony?

I have no idea what you mean with this

T61 motherboard 42W7872 - is it really better to get this one instead of 42W7648? Because I'll have to flash Middleton BIOS anyway to get SATA2 working.

I don't think it makes much difference.

[Johan]

Keyboard - ALPS or NMB/Chicony?

I have no idea what you mean with this

See the thread T60 Keyboard Comparison (with embedded pics)

@ the OP: If you haven't already, I suggest you (also) see the thread T60/T61 hybrid parts selection question) and the links pointed to therein (incl. the thread Parts for the ultimate 15” T60 UXGA FlexView w/T61(p) mobo?) as they contain much useful information, which you then need not ask about...

Johan

[Thinkpad Lover]

@ lebdron : I have responded to your inquiry via email.

Daniel.

[TuuS]

Thermal device and fan (integrate) 42W2821

I prefer the T61p fan, it cools very well on integrated and discrete boards.

NewModeUS ultrabay slim SATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter

If you'd like a genuine lenovo, I have some in new condition.

Intel C2E X9000 processor

I actually have one of these, but unless money is no concern, I wouldn't recommend it. A T9300 will give similar performance at 1/4th the cost or less.

T61 motherboard 42W7872 - is it really better to get this one instead of 42W7648? Because I'll have to flash Middleton BIOS anyway to get SATA2 working.

Good luck finding a 42w7872. It took me a year to find one myself, but when I did I got two at the same time.... haven't seen another since, but I keep looking, however if you are willing to spend enough money, I'm sure you'll find one, and since it looks like you're going to spend a few hundred dollars on a cpu, might as well put it in the right board. I do have a 42w7873 board if you want something with more powerful graphics, but the nVidia graphics do have some risk of failure, but the way I see it is when I build a computer like this, I don't want to settle for netbook class graphics. The Intel boards are nice, they run cool and are good for surfing the web, and general use, but on something like this with one of the best screens ever made, I'd want some graphic power behind it. I'm using an nVidia board in mine and keeping a spare handy just in case, but it really depends on what you're plans are. If you want to run it on battery a lot and you're not going to use it for gaming, graphic or video work, then the intel would be a good choice.

WLAN card - I want wireless N support. Which one is best to get?

I have no problem at all with 4965agn card. It's more then fast enough to stream 1080p video and run torrents at the same time.

PC Card/ExpressCard slot - FRU?

There are three basic models, pcmcia/express card, pcmcia/smart card, pcmcia/4in1 card reader.

I went with the first, but recently picked up one with the 4in1 reader. Since I've never used my express card slot, I'm going to install that next time I tear the system down.



As far as providing parts, besides the genuine ultrabay sata adapters and rare penryn/nVidia boards, I have a couple T61p heatsink/fan assemblies. I'd also be glad to help if you have any questions, but it sounds like you're already on the road to building a pretty amazing frankNpad.

[ajkula66]

Hello everyone!

I want to build my own FrankenPad. I've read some topics here, so building it is pretty straightforward. But I have some questions about parts.

Parts I am sure about:

BOE Hydis 15” UXGA screen HV150UX1-102


Comments/suggestions are highly appreciated! Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!

I wouldn't be so sure about the Hydis panel in question. Originally, T60p was shipped with -100, and EDID on -101 can be flashed to ensure compatibility. Never have I seen anyone use a -102.

Not saying it won't work, but I'd be very cautious.

[thorcik]

There was a post on this board confirming the -102 panel works fine.
To the OP - I built my frankenPad on merom x3100 board - got a great deal on working 8895 t61. Just had to work a bit on t60 frame to fit mb. Mostly near the modem slot.

[lebdron]

Thanks everyone for replying!

A T9300 will give similar performance at 1/4th the cost or less.

Indeed, I've totally forgot about cost-effectiveness. So, I'm going to remake my list of parts.

T60p 15” mint/near-mint condition
15" SXGA+ screen (or UXGA is definitely better? Because my monitor screen is 19" with 1280x1024 resolution, and it is quite enough for me. Maybe ajkula66 has HV150UX1-100? =)
T61 motherboard 42W7648
PC Card/ExpressCard slot 42W3436
Fan - 42W2821 or maybe TuuS has something compatible and better? =)
Intel C2D T9300
ThinkPad Battery 41++ (9 cell)
8 Gb of RAM with CL 5 (to get rid of swap partition) (still, which manufacturer is better?)
Nimitz HDD caddy (costs only $18 and works good according to macbook forums)
Intel/Crucial 60/64 Gb SSD
WD WD5000BPKT 500 Gb Hard Drive
Intel 4965AGN Wireless card (where do I find 3rd cable?)

I think this will be the final parts list, but before buying everything I want to hear your comments!

[TuuS]

I agree, the T9300 is the most "bang for the buck" (as we yanks like to say). If you're more concerned with temperature and battery life, then a T8300 or T8100 would be better, but the T9300 is definitely one sweet chip. I've used them in most of my frankNpad projects as well as custom builds. I do suspect you'd be losing some of the benefits running it on a merom board, but I can tell you that they do work well on that combination, done it many times and the middleton bios suppresses the thermal warnings, so you won't get the annoying errors.

As for the 3rd antenna, I could remove one from a t61 lid and you could either rig a way to install it in your lid, or for an easier solution they can be installed under the palmrest where there is plenty of room. Many have reported this works well. You can also use an intel 5100 that uses only 2 antenna.

On your list the parts I could probably get are t61p heatsink, pc card assembly, perhaps a t9300, maybe even an intel motherboard. I also could provide the battery, but shipping outside the usa would be difficult. I'd still recommend the genuine ultrabay adapter, $40 for one in new condition is a great deal, many have paid over $100 for them. The generics do work ok, have used them myself, but I only purchased them because genuine part wasn't available. A 4965 card is also not a problem, I think I have a couple.

The 4gb ram chips are getting quite expensive. In january I sold them for $40, today they cost me almost twice as much. one other thing to consider is since you're going to have an ssd drive, your swap file will be very fast so it won't have the same adverse effect as with a traditional drive. Having 8gb is nice, but if you don't use more then 4gb, then having 8 won't make your system any faster, and currently I have no 4gb chips.

[ajkula66]

Thanks everyone for replying!


T60p 15” mint/near-mint condition

Any 15" T60 frame will do just fine, doesn't have to be a "p" since you're obviously looking for a new screen as well as the planar.

15" SXGA+ screen (or UXGA is definitely better? Because my monitor screen is 19" with 1280x1024 resolution, and it is quite enough for me. Maybe ajkula66 has HV150UX1-100? =)

Heh...the only Hydis I currently own will be going into the next FrankenPad build. Personally, I'm more of an ID Tech buff myself.

The problem with most SXGA+ panels is that they were built by LG Philips and tend to age less than gracefully, which is a shame since they are very nice when new.

Intel 4965AGN Wireless card (where do I find 3rd cable?)

The answer to this question depends on a couple of things: you might be able to acquire a machine that was originally shipped with a "N" card - they have a small bump on the RH side of the lid. Units shipped with WWAN - presuming you have no use for it - would also provide extra antennae and they are recognizable by a big bump on the RH side of the lid.

You could also install a half-slot adapter and use a newer card with 2 antennae as well.