T23 SXGA+ Conversion

[lilserenity]

Hello,

Ok some proof that you can convert an XGA T23 to SXGA+ using pretty much the whole LCD cover assembly (ie: full dismantling not required) from a T22 (and probably the T21).

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfis ... 3_2647.htm

Have to love the Japanese, ingenuity. I think I'd fit in well out there, except I don't have ingenuity, I'm just stubborn in my affection for my T23 (so much so I am going to make this conversion), youthfully stupid , and well I love my T23.

I'm not sure how often this comes up but basically:

T20 - cannot be upgraded to SXGA+ display, why? Because it has the S3 Savage IX8; in order to support SXGA+, it needs the S3 Savage IX8+ chip, so if you can unsolder that and put an IX8+ in, go for it

T21 - Similar to the T20, except some models did come as SXGA+ (all T20s were XGA) because the SXGA+ models came with the IX8+ chip, however the XGA models came with the IX8, negating an upgrade path pretty much.

T22 - UPGRADEABLE. All models come with the IX8+ chip, bless IBM. As far as I know one can take an SXGA+ assembly from a T21 or T23 and it will bolt in just fine. Couple of power cycles may be required to get BIOS used to the new screen estate. (As per the link above)

T23 - UPGRADEABLE. Yep it can be, this has the S3 SuperSavage IXC/16, in all models and that includes factory shipped SXGA+ screens that must mean they are all SXGA+ compatible with appropriate LCD plugged in of course. A T21 and T22 SXGA+ assembly should work just fine. (I say this because it is cheaper than buying the SXGA+ LCD, IBM wants around £600!) Same power cycle issue on first bootup.

The cables are just the same for all SXGA+ screens from T21/22 and 23. Good start. And there appears to be no physical difference of the connector on the motherboard either, as there is no specific SXGA+ and XGA motherboard, essentially the header on the motherboard is an internalised DVI port (a guess of mine, but hey, probably true) and thus is not resolution dependent).

I will probably set to work on this myself on Thursday/Friday evening and will let you know how this goes. However this link pretty much confirms what I knew, it will work.

Hope this info is useful as quite a few folks have asked me, so naturally I've piled in there to give it a whirl.

I wonder if IBM would ever notice if I send this in for warranty related work that this T23 is soon to be half T22, half T23, and that it has an SXGA+ screen unlike the 2647-4MG

Vicky

[lilserenity]

As an addendum: Also made some more sense of the Japanese guide, seems that the T23 they have is a 13.3" XGA model, wow never knew there were 13.3" TFT T23s! Now I do (Nice size display actually but would feel 'wrong' on a T2x series IMO).

Also that guy is doing a [censored] fine job, electrostatically protecting the T23 with the right gloves, the proper screwdriver, good on him.

However I'm not nearly as good as that, I generally am known to raid the knives draw in the kitchen, for unscrewing screws it has to be said, not so good... And electrostatic precaution, well I touched a radiator when I was 9 (only kidding, I was 7 ). Then there was the time I built a whole computer with one dinner knife and a teaspoon. Yes...

The teaspoon got that heatsink on that Athlon XP processor [censored] good though...

I think this time I will purchase an appropriate screwdriver

Vicky

[stgreek]

Vicky,

If you need an SXGA+ display I might be able to sell you a *complete* T23 SXGA+ machine for less than £600.

Stavros

[lilserenity]

Hiya,

I believe i did in another topic ask how much you were looking for, now I know. Basically the T22 which I picked up, has the SXGA+ screen, I paid £380 for it, I now have it for sale but with the T23's XGA screen (all being well of course) and that I could afford; however the £600 mark is out of my range at the moment because I'd have to pay for that before I sell my current T23 on, and I can't afford that right now I hope this makes some sense.

The thing is I'm off to the USA for a month and a bit on July the 7th (couple of weeks) and most of my funds are tied up with that, and I am still awaiting a refund for the T40 which I gave up on getting which I am told is due to be processed today. That's £860 in itself and payday on Friday, it all adds up!

Anyway, just out of interest, what spec is this T23 that you have?

Many thanks,
Vicky

[stgreek]

It is a T23, PIII-1.13, 512MB, 30GB, 14.1 SXGA+. And I never said I am selling it for £600, rather for much less!!!

[lilserenity]

So how much are you asking for it?

You now have me intrigued!

Vicky