ThinkPad T41 motherboard upgrade (?)

Message

nasteq · #1 Post by **nasteq** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:13 am

Hello,

I was just wondering if it is possible to upgrade my T41's (2373-9HG)motherboard... I have ati 9000 32mb onboard and would like to boost up my GPU a bit. I've found some replacements with 128MB firegl (that would be perfect) but I'm not sure if it's suitable for this laptop.

Has anyone tried this? Any ideas would be appreciated.

pphilipko · #2 Post by **pphilipko** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:00 pm

I wouldn't recommend trying it...many things could go wrong. If you need a "better" computer, you can always buy another one..just my 2 cents.

rssb · #3 Post by **rssb** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:20 pm

Things can always go wrong, depending on how you look at them.

All T4X series motherboards have the same form / shape factor, the 15" systems have an additional interconnect, but essentially all boards are desgined to work with 14" , 15" bottom shells. ( whether is 2373, 2378 , 2379 etc... )

The upgrade is definitely possible, the motherboard is definitely something which can be handled, it is not something like soldering a fine pitch surface mount chip ( which is still not impossible).

If you get warranty from your seller, and it has been tested to be ok, and you know what you are doing and feel confident about it, it should be fine and you might see a decent improvement with the Fire GL GPU.

You need to look into the cost also, whether the price you are paying the MB is too high ( ~$900 from IBM, brand new ) , when you can get a T41P/ T42p for under or about $2000

redsb3 · #4 Post by **redsb3** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 1:58 pm

Another factor to consider is the display you currently have may not be compatible with the new MB. IMHO, you would be better off selling your current notebook and pick up a T42 with the video card you need or look for a used T41P, there is one for sale right now on this forum.

rssb · #5 Post by **rssb** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 3:30 pm

Display wise all these motherboards, atleast T40,T41,T42 have the same bios and all of them have the capability of XGA,SXGA, UXGA when supported by thier video cards.

A Fire GL T2 GPU can definitely drive all these displays, as there are systems sold with it. The 2373-9HU which might be closest US model based on the 2373-9HG ( german) one has a SXGA + screen and should not have any problems.

The physical connectors on the MB are all same for T4x series, no matter what screen or manufacturer it is.

nasteq · #6 Post by **nasteq** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:08 am

Thanks for all replies!

There are two reasons I wouldn't like to replace my t41 with new tp equipped with firegl:
- a lot of good moments spent together

(I shouldn't betray a friend

)
- I have access to cheap parts replacements here in Poland, but I have to be sure what should I order - rssb, thanks for help

ThinkPad T41 motherboard upgrade (?)

ThinkPad T41 motherboard upgrade (?)

Who is online