T40 upgrade advice

[pipspeak]

I'm planning to upgrade my 2 year old T40 to either a T42 or T43 for a variety of reasons -- most related to the fact that I now do more graphics-intensive work that the old Radeon 7500 just can't seem to hack.

But first I have some questions that I'd be grateful for opinions on.

Firstly, what is the performace difference between the Radeon 9600 and the newer X300 in the T43? Is it a gulf, or just incremental compared to the 7500?

Secondly, is the faster bus speed in the T43 going to make a huge difference for graphics-intensive work or is the step up from the T40 to the T42 speed going to be significant in itself?

Finally, is there really a big problem with heat and battery capacity with the T43 models vs. the T42? I've heard plenty of criticisms of the T43 with its fan and power-hungry (relative) Sonoma chipset, though for the features some T43 models seem like bargains compared to some T42s.

And are there any other major differences I should consider? FYI, I'm looking at spending under $1800 (so will probably buy from a reseller) and getting a 14.1 screen, preferabley SXGA.

Cheers.

[K. Eng]

The Radeon 7500 is a DX7-class part with 2 pixel pipelines capable of handling 3 textures each. The Radeon 9600 and X300 are DX9-class parts with 4 pixel pipelines capable of handling 1 texture each. In real world situations, the 9600 is about 2x as powerful as the 7500, due to a far superior memory interface and vastly superior geometry engine.

The 9600 and the X300 both use the same RV350 core. However, the X300 has a 64-bit memory interface (9600 usually has a 128-bit memory interface), causing it to perform slightly worse in some situations.

My guess is that the T42 is slightly better in 3D applications, while the T43 is faster in tasks that require a lot of computation (like media encoding, compiling). Overall, the differences will not be much.

Bill Morrow (owner of this forum) is a licensed ThinkPad reseller who may be able to get you a ThinkPad at a good price. Email bill at thinkpads dot com and I'm sure he can help you out!

[JHEM]

most related to the fact that I now do more graphics-intensive work that the old Radeon 7500 just can't seem to hack.

Then you should be looking at a T41p or T42p with the 128MB ATI MOBILITY FireGL video card.

Regards,

James

[pipspeak]

Then you should be looking at a T41p or T42p with the 128MB ATI MOBILITY FireGL video card.

They're out of my price range as far as I can tell (over $2K), so the 9600/X300 is a compromise.

I'm also curious why the T43s seem to be cheaper... for example, resellers seem to sell the higher-spec 2687DEU T43 for slightly less than than the 23738ZU T42 model.

That T43 has faster processor/FSB, a better wireless card (OK, still Intel) and X300 graphics card, though a lower resolution screen, all for less money than the T42 model.

[pipspeak]

My guess is that the T42 is slightly better in 3D applications, while the T43 is faster in tasks that require a lot of computation (like media encoding, compiling). Overall, the differences will not be much.

Thanks for the info... sounds like it won't make a huge difference which card I end up with.

[jonnnny]

That T43 has faster processor/FSB, a better wireless card (OK, still Intel) and X300 graphics card, though a lower resolution screen, all for less money than the T42 model.

i think a high res screen is what makes up a lot of the difference in terms of price. and it has the most direct effect on usability. i've gone sxga+ and can't go back to anything less

[pipspeak]

yeah, I'm getting fed up with using XGA when I switch from a high-res external monitor after undocking.

But I'm still trying to decide whether the heat/fan/power consumption issues of the T43 outweigh the "older" technology of the T42 or not.

[JHEM]

Pipspeak,

You've got a PM!

Regards,

James

[thinkpadz]

The T41P is doing everything I ask of it including gaming.

11,254 points in 3dmark01 and 2,500 in pcmark05.

http://img36.imageshack.us/my.php?image=edph9wz.jpg

This is with the firegl t2 chipset.

[GomJabbar]

Pipspeak,

You've got a PM!

That one flew over the top. Enlighten me please. What is PM?

[thinkpadz]

"Personal Message"

Pipspeak,

You've got a PM!

That one flew over the top. Enlighten me please. What is PM?

[GomJabbar]

Thanks thinkpadz. It seems kind of silly now that I asked it, and didn't know the answer.

[pipspeak]

Thanks James... I shall consider!

[slagmi]

Stuff I've read here and at other sites including forums and reviews has convinced me to steer clear of the X300.

If graphics performance is important to you I'd suggest you consider doing the same!

[pipspeak]

Stuff I've read here and at other sites including forums and reviews has convinced me to steer clear of the X300.

If graphics performance is important to you I'd suggest you consider doing the same!

Can you point me in the direction of any reviews? The problem is that if I go for a T43 I'm pretty much stuck with the X300 becasue the only other options are the 7500 or Intel card (can't afford T43P).

[thinkpadz]

just a thought but maybe you can find a replacement sysboard with the T2 or better on it.
They pop up on ebay from time to time in the 200-300$ range.
by far the cheapest solution.

Stuff I've read here and at other sites including forums and reviews has convinced me to steer clear of the X300.

If graphics performance is important to you I'd suggest you consider doing the same!

Can you point me in the direction of any reviews? The problem is that if I go for a T43 I'm pretty much stuck with the X300 becasue the only other options are the 7500 or Intel card (can't afford T43P).