Z61m CPU upgrade to T7200 or T7600

[vinjeti]

Hi,

I am planning to upgrade CPU on my Z61m which is running windows 7 x 32 bit.
Current configuration:
CPU: T2300 1.66GHz
BIOS Version: 1.10
Ram: 3GB
OS: Windows 7 x 32 bit

I want to replace the CPU with either T7200 or T7600.
Can I just open the laptop and replace with the CPU ? or do I have to upgrade the the BOIS before I replace it?
Do I have to re install my Windows 7 ? Because currently OS type is 32 bit but I read that the T7200/T7600 is 64 bit, will my OS automatically change to 64 bit when I replace the CPU ?

If I have to upgrade my BIOS ? do I just download the file from IBM website and run it like an exe file ?

Your help is really appreciated.

Vijay

[emeraldgirl08]

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... de#p692917

and we have a seller who has CPUs that should work with your Z61m.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... pu#p696012

[ajkula66]

I've installed a T7200 in my wife's Z61m, replacing the original T2300.

You won't have to reinstall W7 but I suggest updating the BIOS prior to CPU swap.

As for T7200 vs. T7600 you likely won't feel the difference in performance...but your pocket will...

[vinjeti]

Hi,

Can someone please give me the steps to update the BIOS ?
I have read somewhere that it could brick the computer. So I want to do it right.

Thanks
Vijay

[RealBlackStuff]

Go here: http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/researc ... D=HT072370
Scroll down to the BIOS section, and read the relevant Readme texts.
Make a bootable CD rather than update from within Windows.

[underclocker]

Do I have to re install my Windows 7?

No. It just boots up and works faster (assuming the BIOS is up to date).

Because currently OS type is 32 bit but I read that the T7200/T7600 is 64 bit, will my OS automatically change to 64 bit when I replace the CPU ?

Ha! Wouldn't that be nice and save lots of time! If you want a 64-bit OS, you need to install it - from scratch.

I've done the upgrade several times on both Z61m and T60 machines with both CPUs. The difference in performance between the two in generally negligable. Currently a T7600 is triple the cost of a T7200 (used via eBay for $75 vs. $25). It's probably not worth the extra $50, but that's up to you. Some would say that bragging rights for a maxed out Z61m is worth $50.

[vinjeti]

I cannot find a Bios update for Windows 7 on this link http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/researc ... D=HT072370

Can I use this one 7fuj27uc.iso, which has the below description.

BIOS Update (Bootable CD) - ThinkPad Z61e, Z61m, Z61p, Z61t ... Learn more

Version: 2.27

BIOS Update Bootable CD
Read me

Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
10 Sep 2009

Kind regards
Vijay

[ZaZ]

This was in the Read Me file:

The BIOS Update CD can boot the computer disregarding the operating systems and update the BIOS (including system program and Embedded Controller program) stored in the ThinkPad computer to fix problems, add new functions, or expand functions as noted below.

[vinjeti]

Thanks guys, I have successfully updated the BIOS. I have also purchased the T7200 CPU and its on its way.

Vijay

[HarryWild]

I upgraded from a t2400 to a 7600 - brand new along with a new Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SSD. It is very, very fast! Upgrade to Windows 8 too. Boot is about 10 seconds and IE 10 browser comes up instantaneous. Very happy! I think the SSD made as much of a difference as the CPU upgrade did. I did this with a Z61t.