Odd possible GPU failure on my 140m

[Banshee365]

I have a 15" UXGA Frankenpad with it's second MB. I don't do intense graphics or gaming but sometimes run it the GPU around 78-80 degrees for a few hours at a time at the most. The temp never exceeds 80.

Today while gaming at 76 degrees my video flickered and the computer froze. This turned into the video doing the same thing after a reboot when loading photos or any graphic load. I saw a windows notification saying a kernal failed and was recovered. I thought I would just update the driver so I downloaded the newest driver from invidia's website and installed it. I rebooted the computer and all of a sudden I have absolutely no video ever but the machine seems to boots as I hear the windows chime after a while. Not even BIOS information shows. NOTHING. The screen is lit but just shows black.

I removed the battery and adapter, pushed the power button 10 times and held it for 30 seconds. Same result. I unplugged the CMOS battery with no adapter, plugged it back in. Same result.

Does it appear this GPU failed as well?

[ajkula66]

Does it appear this GPU failed as well?

Yes.

[Banshee365]

Does it appear this GPU failed as well?

Yes.

Even without the beeps at startup?

[Neil]

I have to agree with George...I mean, what else could it be?

[ajkula66]

Even without the beeps at startup?

Beeps are really not a requirement - for a lack of better word - in identifying a GPU failure.

[Banshee365]

Is it possible to mess up the controller on the bottom of the lid under the screen through the OS or can it only be altered through the BIOS? All I did was install the latest drivers shortly after my video started flickering and the machine started to freeze. Upon booting the screen is lit black with faint horizontal lines.

I guess the only way to really test it is to install my old T60p MB and fan to stock form. If it boots fine that way I think I'll put up the machine for sale on the board along with my spare parts as well as a brand new BOE-Hydis UXGA 1600x1200 LCD that I had planned to put in it if my UXGA started to go downhill one day. My wife and I are moving away from PC's with her photography business so I think I'll replace my ThinkPad with a big iMac and get a netbook for the only PC need I have (car diagnostic software). Even with Frankenpad's built as fast as they can go they can't quite keep up with the needs I have anymore. I sure am going to miss that keyboard and screen...

[RealBlackStuff]

An easier way to test the screen would be to remove the complete lid, some RAM, and the keyboard, attach them to your bare T60 mobo.
Attach the DC-jacket if you have a spare one, or else a charged battery.
Lift up the keyboard a little so it won't make contact with the electronics, and press the power button.
If your screen works, you know where the 'sinner' is.

[Medessec]

Really sad to hear that you have to leave Frankenpadding behind...

But indeed- if you need to move on, it's best not to squander over old hardware anymore.

TuuS is selling some good Frankie mobos right now:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=112028

But if you do plan on parting out your setup, I might snatch up some of it... I guess it'll help make the transition a bit easier. Keep us posted

[Banshee365]

An easier way to test the screen would be to remove the complete lid, some RAM, and the keyboard, attach them to your bare T60 mobo.
Attach the DC-jacket if you have a spare one, or else a charged battery.
Lift up the keyboard a little so it won't make contact with the electronics, and press the power button.
If your screen works, you know where the 'sinner' is.

I just did this and the old FireGL T60p board fired up no problem. Another nVidia board bites the dust I guess. SOO frustrating... I do LOVE The screen, keyboard, and build quality but I think I'm over it. The only sad part is that I get to look forward to shelling out $2300 for an iMac, that's worth buying specs wise, then having to deal with a POS netbook for the very few needs I have for a PC but oh well. I wish Lenovo still made REAL ThinkPad's...

Really sad to hear that you have to leave Frankenpadding behind...

But indeed- if you need to move on, it's best not to squander over old hardware anymore.

TuuS is selling some good Frankie mobos right now:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=112028

But if you do plan on parting out your setup, I might snatch up some of it... I guess it'll help make the transition a bit easier. Keep us posted

This board that just died I did buy from TuuS. It lasted less than a year but his service was great. There is only so much he can do to stress test his items before selling but any of us who buy an nVidia board know what to look forward to if the GPU is ever stressed as mine is. My temp never ever got above 80 degree's and it still ended up failing, there is just no way around it.

I do have some parts that I think some would be interested in. I'm going to sell the T60p with stock HDD in stock form with the stock internals but the frame has already been modified for a T61 board of the buyer's choice. I also have another keyboard, a FPR palmrest from a 14" T61P, and some other odd and end small spares. I think one of the spare's I have is another superdrive from my old T61p. Possibly the most valuable part I have is a brand new BOE-Hydis IPS UXGA display with FRU 13N7076 p/n HV150UX1-100. I've tested this screen once with perfect results and am going to again before I sell it for my own piece of mind. I bought this screen on eBay a couple of years ago with the intent of staying with the ThinkPad's and putting this in my machine if my IPS display ever started to degrade but I guess plans change...