Dead R52

[Unknown_K]

I snagged an R52 for my collection (mostly because it was cheap, intact , and had the set of OEM restore CDs) and its dead.

Removed the RAM an no beeps (it powers on and the fan spins but no video or HD activity).

Are there any common failure modes for this model I should look for (type 1859-5ru) and what motherboards will fit for a replacement?

[ajkula66]

Removed the RAM an no beeps (it powers on and the fan spins but no video or HD activity).

That's not a good sign. Try another CPU if you have a spare.

Are there any common failure modes for this model I should look for (type 1859-5ru) and what motherboards will fit for a replacement?

Any R52 board will do. You'll just have to get a different heatsink if the replacement board has ATi graphics. You could also use a planar from a T43/p.

Before you go searching for a board, have you tried this old trick:

Remove the battery, hard and media drives. Unplug the AC adapter.

Press the "power" button ten times in a row, holding it down for ten seconds each time and thirty seconds the last time around.

Plug the AC adapter - but nothing else - and try to power on.

Good luck.

[RealBlackStuff]

Some R52 (and T43 alike) suffer occasionally from a loose ATI GPU and/or Southbridge chip.
Yours is a 15" model with Intel GPU, so your problem is most likely a loose Southbridge.
That's the big Intel chip under the wifi-card.
Remove the wifi card, then put pressure onto that Intel chip and see if it boots.
Try different corners of the chip.
If no luck, the only proper way to fix that is by reballing the loose chip(s), IF you can find someone to do it.
To replace the motherboard, any R52 or T43 motherboard will fit, whether with Intel or ATI graphics (14.1" and 15" use the same boards).
Only difference: some R52 boards have 1394/Firewire, and T43 do not.
If you go for an ATI mobo, you'll also need a different fan. Anything else will fit straight away.

If you want a really nice piece for your collection:
look at the R52 with the much sought-after SATA-mod that I have for sale: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=118123
You cannot find one nicer than that, and for a very reasonable price!

[Unknown_K]

Well after taking everything apart and looking it over not finding anything I ordered a new CPU for a couple bucks and it now works!@!