My T40 finally died...

[jav01_2000]

After 9 years of faithful service, my T40 finally quits about 1 month ago - garbage screen (see image). Since then, I am able to buy a new T430 and recovery information from my T40. Now the dust has settled down, I am thinking about reviving the T40 as a backup machine.


Here is more information about the T40 and things I have done:

• 1. My T40 is 2379D5U - P M 1.6GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB 4200rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+(1400x1050) TFT LCD, 32MB ATI Radeon 9000, 16x10x24x/8x CDRW/DVD(slim), Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ether, UltraNav, Sec Chip, Wi-Fi wireless 802.11a/b, 6 cell Batt, WinXP Pro
  2. I have verified using external monitor that it is not the LCD failure.
  3. I have ruled out the RAM failure.
  4. It can successfully boot, and even login to window - even though I cannot see anything on the screen.
  5. I am aware of the T4x GPU issues; I have tried to open the keyboard and press down the GPU - same result.

So it is likely a GPU problem, but before I commit to replace the system board, I have following questions:

• 1. I thought the critical hardware problem (such as HDD, RAM, video) will cause the system unbootable or crash. This is not happening to me. Could this be something other than the mobo?
  2. Is it true T40/41/42 mobo are interchangable? If so, why IBM/Lenovo gives different FRU# for different model? For example, my T40 uses 91P7719.
  3. Is it true R51/52 mobo with intel integrated GPU can be used in my T40? Is there any modification to be made to make it work for T40?
  4. Is it true R51/52 mobo with intel integrated GPU doesn't support SXGA+?
  5. Since T40 is obsolete, where (person or supplier) do I find the replacement mobo? I hope not spending more than $100.

Thanks.

[Adda]

1. I don't think so, it sure looks like a dead GPU, you need a new mobo or reballing.

2. Yes, but not all mobos support all types of displays.

3. Yes

4. Intel GPU mobos does not support 14" SXGA+, you need a 15" machine for that to work, so in your 14" model you need an ATi GPU.

5. I usually find my parts on ebay.de, but this is probably the best source http://www.theboardroom.info/index.html

Edit: By the way, R52 and T43 mobos use DDR2 ram, T40/41/42 and R50/51 use DDR ram.

[jav01_2000]

Adda, thank you very much for the quick reply. I sent PM to RealBlackStuff (The Board Room).

[RealBlackStuff]

I have to correct Adda's answers:
1) video problems are separate from HD/USB/RAM/CD/other problems. You definitely have a bad GPU
2) different mobos (Intel GPU, several ATI GPUs, different specs), but size wise they are all interchangeable
3) NO, only T4x/R5x mobos with ATI graphics support 14.1" SXGA+
4) Partly. R51/Intel only supports XGA. R52/Intel supports all XGA and only 15" SXGA+
5) I'll have to look in my spare parts, I might still have an ATI board (but not ATI 9000)

[jav01_2000]

RealBlackStuff,
Thank you! I prefer SXGA+, but is it possible for me to "downgrade" to XGA with either ATI7500 or intel?

[Eric Giles]

RealBlackStuff,
Thank you! I prefer SXGA+, but is it possible for me to "downgrade" to XGA with either ATI7500 or intel?

Not RBS, but you don't have to downgrade to XGA with the ATI 7500. I have had an issue with a very early T40 motherboard with the 16MB ATI 7500 in that the Windows XP driver would not properly support the SXGA+ resolution, but it woriked fine in a Linux distro. Being that most all of the ATI 7500 motherboards have 32MB of onboard video RAM (which have on problem with SXGA+ resolutions) it really isn't an issue to worry about.

Swapping in a good working motherboard from a T40, T41 or T42 with the 32MB ATI 7500 would be your easiest and most cost effective solution.

[jav01_2000]

I feel silly asking this question now: the SXGA+(1400x1050) and XGA(1024X768) is limited by GPU or the LCD?

[db130]

take a look at ebay item 390511024597. the seller apparently has more than one(i'm one of the previous buyers) and I used it to revive a T40 that had a bad fan fuse on the motherboard. according to its FRU it's very similar to my T40 motherboard but adds gigabit ethernet. I'm running SXGA+ with it.

[RealBlackStuff]

In a T4x the resolution is also dependent on the LCD cable and the inverter.
You always need a 'matched trio' (e.g. SXGA+ screen + SXGA+ LCD-cable + SXGA+ inverter, ditto for XGA and UXGA).
That eBay motherboard is an IBM-refurbished one, previous life unknown...

[jav01_2000]

take a look at ebay item 390511024597. the seller apparently has more than one(i'm one of the previous buyers) and I used it to revive a T40 that had a bad fan fuse on the motherboard. according to its FRU it's very similar to my T40 motherboard but adds gigabit ethernet. I'm running SXGA+ with it.

Thank you db130.
My board is FRU 39T5403 - yes it was replaced under warranty one time. I will look into that listing.

[jav01_2000]

Just an update. I took db130's suggestion and bought a mobo from ebay seller mpp999 - very happy with the purchase. The best thing, it is only $30 shipped!

The mobo is FRU 39T5406. I couldn't find detailed spec of this board anywhere, except it might be for T40p. Took a chance and ordered it. And it is true it is a T40p board with ATI9000 with 64MB memory. It seems it is in an original IBM box. The box is opened (seal is broken) but the plastic wrap of the mobo is not - i am assuming the seller just opened the box to verify the item. It comes with security chip, labels, IBM instructions of security chip, and even screw covers. The box is dated 3/30/2006, and the BIOS is v3.19 (1RETDNWW).

Now my T40 is alive and effectively a T40p. Now it is time starting the SSD mod. (BTW, my dead mobo which was changed under warranty has a label saying "servicable used part", LOL)

Thank you very much for everyone's suggestion and advice.

[emeraldgirl08]

Congratulations

[pianowizard]

If I were you, I would avoid doing anything graphics-intensive such as watching high-resolution videos. I once had a T42 that I absolutely adored, because it had a unique 14.1" 1600x1200 screen. It was working perfectly fine for about two and a half years, but then I decided to use it as an entertainment center and after less than half a year, the screen became garbled just like your T40.

[Adda]

What fantastic luck!

[db130]

Congrats... I couldn't be happier with my revived T40 as I had a lot of sweat equity invested before the old motherboard died.