Can I Upgrade my T60 CPU ?

[Tangtawan]

Hi,

I'm new to this forums and recently got an IBM ThinkPad T60 for a very good deal, the specific one I have came with Intel Centrino Duo T2400 @ 1.83GHz. However, I did read on the internet that the CPU is replaceable in the T60 series. So is it possible for me to upgrade my CPU to Intel T7400 or any other more performance CPU ? There are many T7400 CPU selling for dirt cheap on ebay.

If I could replace my CPU, the new T7400 does support 64-bit operating system; can I install 8GB memory and install 64-bit operating system? And another question about monitor, my T60 came with 1024*768 panel, is it possible to replace it with the higher resolution (1440) one?

Thanks a lot.

[axur-delmeria]

1. Yes the T60 supports the Core 2 Duo T7400.

2. The maximum addressable memory for the T60 is around 3GB, even if you put two 2GB RAM sticks. This is a chipset limitation and cannot be overcome.

Let's wait for fellow Thinkpadders for answers regarding LCD replacement, as I have not replaced/upgraded a T60's screen.

[Tangtawan]

1. Yes the T60 supports the Core 2 Duo T7400.

2. The maximum addressable memory for the T60 is around 3GB, even if you put two 2GB RAM sticks. This is a chipset limitation and cannot be overcome.

Let's wait for fellow Thinkpadders for answers regarding LCD replacement, as I have not replaced/upgraded a T60's screen.

Thanks for the answer, and if it does support T7400 (which comes with top of the line T60).. does it mean that it also support Intel T7800 that came with T61p ? If yes, then does it worth spending more for T7800 ?

[axur-delmeria]

The T60 will not support any processor that works on the T61.

AFAIK the fastest processor you can get would be the T7600 and T7600G, but these are usually overpriced.

[TPFanatic]

The difference between T7400 and a T7800 is the FSB. T7400, T7600, and other T60 compatible CPUs have 667 mhz FSB. T7800 and other T61 CPUs have 800 mhz FSB.

[axur-delmeria]

The difference between T7400 and a T7800 is the FSB. T7400, T7600, and other T60 compatible CPUs have 667 mhz FSB. T7800 and other T61 CPUs have 800 mhz FSB.

Not just the FSB. The T7800 is a "Socket P" processor, while the T7400 is "Socket M". We already know that the two are not pin-compatible-- A Socket M processor might fit in a Socket P board, but some signals might be in different pins, so there's a good chance that the processor (and/or the laptop's system board) will be damaged.

[RealBlackStuff]

CPU can take 64-bit T7200, T7400 or T7600.
If your T60 is a 14.1" then you can upgrade to SXGA+ (1400x1050). No other parts required.

If your T60 is a 15" then you can upgrade to SXGA+ (1400x1050) as well as UXGA (1600x1200).
In both these cases you need to upgrade the inverter as well.

Click on the HMM link at the top of this page to get the illustrated (pdf) manual.

[Mindfulness Quebec]

RBS: QXGA is also an option, if you can find a screen. The ATI GPU might run a bit hot, though. I'm also curious if 14-inch 60p's perform any differently from the 15's, heat-wise, and I've just bought one on eBay for next to nothing as a laboratory. The planar may end up in a 15-inch case after some in-vivo experiments with cooling.

[RealBlackStuff]

MQ: UXGA is also an option (for 14.1"), if you can find a screen.
IMHO there's no point even mentioning such rarities.

The mobo/fan/CPU are the same in 14.1" and 15", but 15" has a bit more room for internal cooling.
So the 14.1" runs a few degrees hotter than the 15".

[Mindfulness Quebec]

Ah, I figured as much - that the smaller one would run hotter.