Replacing 1871-CTO motherboard with 2668 one

[nanodario]

Hello everyone
Maybe I ate too much in this holidays or maybe I'm going crazy, but I'm thinking to replace motherboard of my T43 (1871-CTO) with some motherboard with ATi graphics, which supports 1400x1050 resolution (like 2668's model). Is it possible? Am I really going crazy?
If I'm not wrong I should also change LCD and its cable, should I? (Practically I have to change a whole computer )

In this moment I have mounted (on 1871-CTO):
- [FRU 13N6919*] Hard disk 40GB (Toshiba MK40266GAX)
- [FRU 93P3485*] Intel PRO Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter
- [FRU 93P4212*] ThinkPad Integrated 56K Modem (MDC-2)
- [FRU 39T2577] DVD-ROM Drive
- [replacement of FRU 92P1091] Battery pack, Li-ion (6 cell) 4.4 Ah

* I'm not sure of that, I have read it from "ThinkPad Computer Hardware Maintenance Manual" (this PDF)


Thanks to who answer to me

[ajkula66]

You can replace the motherboard, a different fan will be required for ATi graphics.

As for the LCD cable, all depends on the type of screen that you're intent on using - the cable must match the resolution of the actual panel.

[nanodario]

You can replace the motherboard, a different fan will be required for ATi graphics.

In this moment I have this fan mounted:

This (↑) should be the fan for ATi graphics. Am I right?

(so this should be the fan for motherboard with Intel graphics...)

As for the LCD cable, all depends on the type of screen that you're intent on using - the cable must match the resolution of the actual panel.

So, if I use both the LCD screen and cable (up to 1024x768) with ATi graphics (up to 1400x1050), will it work?
PS: my idea was to replace both the screen and the cable, so I can use 1400x1050 resolution.

[ajkula66]

No.

You have the correct fan for intel graphics. It *might* work with ATi, but I've never tried it myself.

If you swap both the cable and the screen, you'll be good to go.

[systemBuilder]

If you just want a larger screen - if you're not itching to play 3D games - then I believe that you don't need to change the graphics (at least, it was possible to put larger screens on ATI 7500 graphics cards, I'm not sure about Intel GMA's.) This would make your job a lot easier - just purchase a full SXGA+ screen unit with hinges on EBay and you should be good-to-go.

If you want to do 3-D graphics you have so much to replace (LCD, Inverter (15" models), Fan, Motherboard), that a $50 T43 shell might be a MUCH better idea on EBay. Apparently, all inverters on the 14.1" T43's are the same:

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... 9t2393.pdf

Just get an SXGA+ shell and move over the appropriate bits ( disk drive, maybe 802.11 card, maybe keyboard, CD/DVD - whatever) and then reinstall the video driver from the Lenovo website. This will be a lot quicker and easier than a full disassembly and reassembly of your laptop. Changing the motherboard is like heart surgery.

If you are trying to make your laptop "like new" and have a VERY clean laptop with good keyboard and shell, then perhaps changing all those parts is worthwhile, after all.

- Don

[ajkula66]

Please disregard the above post.

Intel graphics on a 14" T43 DO NOT support an internal SXGA+ LCD. No ifs, ands or buts. It DOES NOT work, period.

[nanodario]

Happy new year!!

Intel graphics on a 14" T43 DO NOT support an internal SXGA+ LCD. No ifs, ands or buts. It DOES NOT work, period.

Yes I know that Intel graphics support a resolution up to 1024x768. But if I put an SXGA+ LCD (and relative cable) on a motherboard with Intel graphics, can't it work? Even if I set a resolution of 1024x768?

PS: I'm thinking to replace motherboard (with one with SXGA+ ATi graphics card) and LCD (according to video card).

[ajkula66]

Yes I know that Intel graphics support a resolution up to 1024x768. But if I put an SXGA+ LCD (and relative cable) on a motherboard with Intel graphics, can't it work? Even if I set a resolution of 1024x768?

No. You'll get no image on boot.

PS: I'm thinking to replace motherboard (with one with SXGA+ ATi graphics card) and LCD (according to video card).

That will work.

[Bruce Guttman]

In case you don't want to believe ajkula66, I tried putting an SXGA+ display on an Intel graphics T42 and got no image on boot.

You can put any display/cable on the ATI graphics (although the performance of the 7500 with hi-res displays is pretty weak). I have replaced SXGA+ panels with XGA by simply replacing entire lid assemblies (easiest to do). As has been mentioned, the cable for XGA is different from SXGA+ (is UXGA different still?). The cable tells the graphics chip which display is mounted.

So you can put a 2668 Planar in an 1871 shell and it will work (maybe with a fan change) as an XGA ATI graphics system. Then you can upgrade the display later.

[nanodario]

So you can put a 2668 Planar in an 1871 shell and it will work (maybe with a fan change) as an XGA ATI graphics system. Then you can upgrade the display later.

I am currently looking for a 2668 motherboard, but I have not found anything ( = if anyone is interested in selling something like, send me a pm and I'll maybe buy it )