"Inside" difference between T40/41/42/43

[bilalmuddassir]

I am confused. What is the bus speed difference between the T40/41/42/43?

What is Think Express and What is the "P" attached to the above numbers?

I want to buy one Thinkpad but I need all the information about the types of machines there are so I can make an informed decision.

Thanks.

[AIX]

Express models means "preconfigured laptops"; if you don't want a custom configuration, you can go with an express model.

P means performance; top of the line setup, powerfull graphics cards.

[leif]

Let me makeup the bus speed. According to official description, the bus speed of these series are:

T40: bus 400MHz with memory DDR333
T41: bus 400MHz with memory DDR400
T42: bus 400MHz with memory DDR400
T43: bus 533MHz with memory DDR2-533

[Rose]

Let me makeup the bus speed. According to official description, the bus speed of these series are:

T40: bus 400MHz with memory DDR333
T41: bus 400MHz with memory DDR400
T42: bus 400MHz with memory DDR400
T43: bus 533MHz with memory DDR2-533

correction

T40 memory DDR266
T41-T42 memory DDR333
T43 memory DDR533

[dr_st]

T40:

Chipset - Intel 855PM
CPU - Pentium M Banias 1M L2 cache
FSB - 400MHz (Dothan 400MHz supported)
RAM - 266MHz (DDR, 333MHz supported)
Video - Radeon 7500/9000 or FireGL 9000 (p-models)
LCD: 14.1" XGA/SXGA+

T41:

Chipset - Intel 855PM
CPU - Pentium M Banias 1M L2 cache
FSB - 400MHz (Dothan 400MHz supported)
RAM - 333MHz (DDR)
Video - Radeon 7500/9000 or FireGL T2 (p-models)
LCD: 14.1" XGA/SXGA+

T42:

Chipset - Intel 855PM
CPU - Pentium M Dothan 2M L2 cache (very few early ones had Banias)
FSB - 400MHz
RAM - 333MHz (DDR)
Video - Radeon 7500/9000/9600 or FireGL T2 (p-models)
LCD: 14.1" XGA/SXGA+ or 15" XGA/SXGA+/UXGA (UXGA only on p-models)

T43:

Chipset - Intel 915PM/915GM
CPU - Pentium M Dothan 2M L2 cache 533MHz FSB
FSB - 533MHz
RAM - 533MHz (DDR2)
Video - Intel GMA900 / Radeon X300 / FireGL V3200 (p-models)
LCD: 14.1" XGA/SXGA+ or 15" XGA/SXGA+/UXGA (UXGA only on p-models)

[bilalmuddassir]

I am thankful to all those who tabulated the chipset level difference between the models.

I will restrict myself to T41/42/43 only now.

Does a "P" model only differ in regard to the graphics capability or is there any upscaling of any other thing (e.g. RPM of HDD)?

If a "P" model only differs in graphics, is it possible to get a non-"P" model with 15" screen and 1400+ resolution?

Finally, if we place 15" screen T41/42/43 sidebyside is the form factor the same (e.g. 1 inch height)?

Thanks,
Bilal

[naro]

I am thankful to all those who tabulated the chipset level difference between the models.

I will restrict myself to T41/42/43 only now.

Does a "P" model only differ in regard to the graphics capability or is there any upscaling of any other thing (e.g. RPM of HDD)?

If a "P" model only differs in graphics, is it possible to get a non-"P" model with 15" screen and 1400+ resolution?

Finally, if we place 15" screen T41/42/43 sidebyside is the form factor the same (e.g. 1 inch height)?

Thanks,
Bilal

the 15" model is slightly bigger than the 14" models...

[dr_st]

I will restrict myself to T41/42/43 only now.

Better restrict yourself to T42/T43 only. T41's processors are less efficient and so are the graphical chipsets (except T41p).

Does a "P" model only differ in regard to the graphics capability or is there any upscaling of any other thing (e.g. RPM of HDD)?

The only things that you can get only in a "P" model are the FireGL graphics and the UXGA 15" screens. Everything else, including 7200RPM hard disks are available in non-P models.

If a "P" model only differs in graphics, is it possible to get a non-"P" model with 15" screen and 1400+ resolution?

The non-P models offer SXGA+ 15" screens (1400x1050), but not the UXGA (1600x1200).

Finally, if we place 15" screen T41/42/43 sidebyside is the form factor the same (e.g. 1 inch height)?

I think so. The T42 and T43 are exactly the same. The T41 doesn't come in 15", as far as I know.

[bilalmuddassir]

I will restrict myself to T41/42/43 only now.

Better restrict yourself to T42/T43 only. T41's processors are less efficient and so are the graphical chipsets (except T41p).

This is now only about T42/43.

Does a "P" model only differ in regard to the graphics capability or is there any upscaling of any other thing (e.g. RPM of HDD)?

The only things that you can get only in a "P" model are the FireGL graphics and the UXGA 15" screens. Everything else, including 7200RPM hard disks are available in non-P models.

If a "P" model only differs in graphics, is it possible to get a non-"P" model with 15" screen and 1400+ resolution?

The non-P models offer SXGA+ 15" screens (1400x1050), but not the UXGA (1600x1200).

1400x1050 for 14.1 is not bad. I want any level higher than 1024x768.

Finally, if we place 15" screen T41/42/43 sidebyside is the form factor the same (e.g. 1 inch height)?

I think so. The T42 and T43 are exactly the same. The T41 doesn't come in 15", as far as I know.

I would need clarification here. Please correct me if I am wrong. T43 is the only model that was shipped with 533 FSB and 533 RAM. T42 has 400 FSB but does it support (is there any such RAM) 400 RAM?

And finally does FSB and the RAM clock really matter (when you are doing file I/O or when you are doing Matlab programming)?

[asiafish]

FSB does matter, but the difference between 400 and 533 is negligible, unlike moving up from 100 or 133 to 400, which can be significant.

The 14" models are considerably smaller and lighter than the 15" models, but the big ones still aren't too bulky. If you are out and about most of the time you'll probably be better off with the 14", but if you tend to use it mostly at home or don't carry it further than the car, the 15" will be nicer to work with.

Personally, I like the 14" form factor better, but then, I'm a very mobile kind of guy.

[dr_st]

T43 is the only model that was shipped with 533 FSB and 533 RAM.

Yes.

T42 has 400 FSB but does it support (is there any such RAM) 400 RAM?

Such RAM exists, but T42 doesn't support it (limitation of the Intel chipset).

And finally does FSB and the RAM clock really matter (when you are doing file I/O or when you are doing Matlab programming)?

Clock for clock the 533/533 is going to be faster than the 400/333, but it won't be very noticeable. My conclusion is that the 1.73GHz/533MHz/533MHz Dothans beat 1.8GHz/400MHz/333MHz pretty consistently, but by a rather small margin. To some the benefits of the reduced power consumption of the 400MHz Dothans is worth the marginal performance loss.

[bilalmuddassir]

Are both T42/43 Linux friendly?

Which one is X friendly?

If I buy a used Thinkpad and it has warranty? is it transferrable?

Is it transferrable over Atlantic ocean to the US?

If it doesn't have any warranty would I be able to purchase it?

[christopher_wolf]

1.) Yup, the Entire T Series, from the T43 on back to the T20, is Linux friendly; of course, this all depends on your definition of "Friendly" The T4X Series is very good when it comes to ACPI and Power Management since it changed over from the APM, I think, awhile ago.

2.) They all seem to be X friendly as well

3.) If a Thinkpad has a warranty, that warranty covers it from when it shipped from the factory to when the warranty itself expires; there isn't much of a transfer process invovled if I remember correctly

4.) If you ship it over the atlantic to the US, not from, then it should still work fine; you might have to call IBM to tell them about it though.

5.) You can purchase a Thinkpad without a Warranty, no problem; I haven't, however, seen too many like that.

HTH

[AIX]

Linux & Thinkpads:

http://thinkwiki.org

[christopher_wolf]

ThinkWiki is an *excellent* resource if you want to put Linux on your Thinkpad. Also, most of the guides I have found about Linux and Thinkpads were very useful and reliable.

[bilalmuddassir]

Very good site indeed. Thanks guys.

[reltor]

FYI
I didn't see an infrared port built into the T43. This was important for me so I went with a 42.

[christopher_wolf]

As stated before, the T43 *does* have the Infrared Port.

[nichevo]

Isn't there at some point the bus difference, i.e. from IDE to SATA? Also ISTR some issue with firmware and upgrading disks not whitelisted by IBM. I have the T41p which takes IDE; you can't easily or cheaply find big IDE 2.5" HDDs these days. So if the T42 or T43 went to SATA that would seem to be an upside, unless there is some wrinkle making them less so in this wise. (?)

Meanwhile just bought T400 and T42 on eBay in fit of somethng or other. Will fix up and post here about my experiences. What I really wanted was just to get my T41p fixed up. It has the red/pink LCD dimming/blanking problem. Sent it to people in Michigan to fix for $75:

http://www.bztechservices.com/ibmlaptopparts.htm

but they said something else failed and I was going to be on the hook for rather more...

This is to confirm our conversation about your IBM laptop.

The backlight assy. has been replaced in the lcd screen. However there is additional problems with the video relay circuit on the motherboard.

The other option is to replace the motherboard. Part Number 93P4158

IBM ThinkPad T41p
Type 2374-GGU
S/N *******


Let me know what you would like to do.

So I think they wanted another $130 to fix it, or I should find them a mobo, or I guess the proper chip. They would never tell me what chip exactly and ISTM this wasn't necessarily the right or only mobo. Apparently in a fit of pique they are returning me my unit and now I will have to get it fixed elsewhere or Frankenstein it with some other half-Thinkpad from eBay.

Advice on this would be most welcome.

[ajkula66]

nichevo wrote:

Advice on this would be most welcome.

Your problem:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33952

Suggested solution:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33952

Good luck...you also may want to start a separate thread instead of bumping a five-year old one...

[nichevo]

Well, ajkula66, you're very kind and indulgent to a poor sinner, except:

Your problem:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33952

Suggested solution:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=33952

are the same link starting on the first page of a 288 post thread. After getting home from another day of constant attendance on my father at the hospital, I got to about the top of page 5 of 10 before calling it quits.

Unless you were being extra sardonic, maybe your links were wrong?? Or maybe despite the well known and loved ethic of RTFM here, you could go the extra mile just this once and spell it out for me?

So far I draw 2 conclusions: 1) I need something or other reballed and 2) IBM might have fixed it for me free if it weren't so late (or is it?). I just got it from their used machines SPP program in I guess 2010 so pity on me that or that it didn't happen before the wtty expired, or that I didn't come straight here when it happened...oh well I did...and didn't find this thread...I found a bad backlight thread which was the symptom I'd been seeing, the pinkish whites...and sent it off to be fixed as I didn't have the heart to do my own backlight given people's caveats...

...now there is a problem which is now not even named merely hinted at by the good ajkula...and while I feel better about the LCD internals having gutted and replaced the digitizer on my Treo, I don't have time or room for part swaps let alone home reballing...I must say the doctors are as confusing so why should I complain...but as with the docs I wish I could just be told what exactly is happening and how to fix it. Meanwhile it is coming back to me Mon from MI, in what shape Heaven knows...

Can anyone either advise more specifically, or recommend a service by mail or local to NY that will lift this cup of wonky 2374-GGU from me?

[ajkula66]

I was not being sardonic...just tired....

The GPU has become loose on your ThinkPad, a very common issue. You can't replace it by yourself.

PM the forum member RealBlackStuff to get your board exchanged for a reballed one.

http://www.theboardroom.info/index.html

If you're not comfortable with that solution for whatever reason, post a WTB (want-to-buy) ad for a motherboard in the forum's marketplace. I'm certain that someone will come to the rescue.

As for the extra mile, I've gone down that road about a thousand times in the T4x/R5x forums. You would've found that out for yourself had you utilized the forum's "search" function...

Good luck.

[nichevo]

I do thank you, but as you can imagine I'm tired too. I did search (sparing you the "of course") but ISTM the bztech people did not give proper info to use proper search terms..."video relay circuit" told me nothing...my inquiries were fruitless (anyone heard of these people?)...and forgive me all, instead of searching this forum I googled, no doubt compounding the error.

I have PM'd RBS, no reply - thought he had some illness and was out of the biz? Hope not - and I guess I will check the boardroom directly. Perhaps if I buy a salvage T41p (or which other mobo or scrap thinkpad will do?) and send it there too I can get a discount on the reballing? Plus then I guess I need the new backlight.

I was not being sardonic...just tired....

The GPU has become loose on your ThinkPad, a very common issue. You can't replace it by yourself.

PM the forum member RealBlackStuff to get your board exchanged for a reballed one.

http://www.theboardroom.info/index.html

If you're not comfortable with that solution for whatever reason, post a WTB (want-to-buy) ad for a motherboard in the forum's marketplace. I'm certain that someone will come to the rescue.

As for the extra mile, I've gone down that road about a thousand times in the T4x/R5x forums. You would've found that out for yourself had you utilized the forum's "search" function...

Good luck.

Thanks again. You must admit your links were problematic, at least if you were trying to point me to specific post or page. I guess I will dig through the rest of that thread.

Hey, and I guess this is basically for lulz, but can I go the the SPP page and buy that extended warranty for $99/$85 and have IBM fix it? I think they were pretty crummy to sell me a used machine with this prob still in the wings.

[RealBlackStuff]

I made a reply to your PM around 5am EST this morning but somehow forgot to hit the Submit button.
Went for a coffee and then did other things until just now.
PM coming shortly.

[nichevo]

Thx u, look for long rambling reply in PM.

I made a reply to your PM around 5am EST this morning but somehow forgot to hit the Submit button.
Went for a coffee and then did other things until just now.
PM coming shortly.

[misfit]

T40:
Chipset - Intel 855PM
T41:
Chipset - Intel 855PM
T42:
Chipset - Intel 855PM
T43:
Chipset - Intel 915PM/915GM

<Quote snipped>

Thanks for that, excellent to see all in one place. I don't suppose you know the start / end dates of production for each?

Cheers,

[dr_st]

Thanks for that, excellent to see all in one place. I don't suppose you know the start / end dates of production for each?

You could find this information by browsing through the TAWBOOK and LTWBOOK PDFs, although it is scattered across the different pages (each page typically indicates when the models on that page were introduced/withdrawn).

[misfit]

You could find this information by browsing through the TAWBOOK and LTWBOOK PDFs, although it is scattered across the different pages (each page typically indicates when the models on that page were introduced/withdrawn).

Yeah, I know that I could get a fair idea of it (although IBM / Lenovo seem to be masters at not sticking to published information).

I'm a little lazy, was just hoping that someone knowledgeable might have this info handy is all.

[nichevo]

Yes, I always have a good laugh when people tell me the RTFM. I did, I did R TFM.

For instance, which fan assembly, Part # 18, does my T41p, 2374-GGU, take? Is it on page 216 or 217? Is that 91P8393, 26R7860, 13R2919, 13N5442, 13R2657? None seems to reference 2374-GGU. Then, it says the backup battery for the 14.1" LCD is 92P0986 and for the 15" it's 02K6572. (BTW, Tier 2 CRU on the 14.2" and N on the 15") So I ask on the forums and it's "They're the same thing, dummy." (Well, "dummy" seems implied, or maybe I just inferred it )

[ajkula66]

@nichevo:

Any "long" fan (M9, M10, M24) will work on your board...there are subtle differences between them, but they all work.