t21 CPU problems?

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vailsy · #1 Post by **vailsy** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:28 am

i have an issue with my T21 which (i think) i've narrowed down to the CPU/fan...

i get the well documented hang issue on the device install section of the XP installation process... so i've reverted to win98SE. when looking at the CPU speed displayed by directX for example, the CPU speed is changeable and list as 200, 20 etc etc

i'm guessing the CPU has issues and/or isnt seated properly. anyone know the process for accessing it and reseating?

[i managed to install XP successfully on this machine in the past but then i started get total hangs on XP (no mouse movement, no ctrl/alt/del... nothing). then when i tried to reboot it would repeatedly hang on the windows boot up screen. i was able to boot to safe mode ok though]

any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated
i've been considering updating my BIOS but want to avoid the hassle if i can simply reseat/replace my CPU

thanxs.

djpharoah · #2 Post by **djpharoah** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:48 pm

might want to check that your cpu is not overheating due to a fan not turning on.

-dj

Website · #3 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:52 pm

I believe that you need to perform the BIOS update to be able to install WinXP, since these machines came with either Win98SE or Win2000.

Updating the BIOS has come a long way, and is SOOO easy nowadays, as compared to the old computers that I used to use. Back then, you had to be very specific in the Mobo that you had. With IBM, just choose the one for your model, in this case a T21:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MOE-3VAM8Y

vailsy · #4 Post by **vailsy** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 3:36 am

djpharoah wrote:might want to check that your cpu is not overheating due to a fan not turning on.

-dj

cheers. i installed AIDA32 and have been doing checks with that. seems the CPU is recognised by AIDA as 650mhz? would that be expected with a problematic fan (the CPU is recognised by the BIOS as 800mhz)? can i get info on fans with PC Doctor?

+are there specific instructions someplace on accessing/removing the cpu fan assembly?

thanxs for your help!

vailsy · #5 Post by **vailsy** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 3:40 am

tfflivemb2 wrote:I believe that you need to perform the BIOS update to be able to install WinXP, since these machines came with either Win98SE or Win2000.

Updating the BIOS has come a long way, and is SOOO easy nowadays, as compared to the old computers that I used to use. Back then, you had to be very specific in the Mobo that you had. With IBM, just choose the one for your model, in this case a T21:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MOE-3VAM8Y

thanks...

i tried a BIOS update, from windows and with a bootable disk, and was told both times that 'power management is disabled'. and so it wouldnt let me go any further.... v frustrating!

Website · #6 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sun Feb 26, 2006 10:29 am

You can use your Hardware Maintenance Manual as a guide to remove the CPU and fan assembly.

Yeah, you might need to reseat the CPU to get it to register properly. It sounds like your system is running on battery power, which explains why it is registering as 650MHz (150MHz less than the 800MHz using speedstep). Are you sure that it is plugged in?

vailsy · #7 Post by **vailsy** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 1:48 pm

tfflivemb2 wrote:You can use your Hardware Maintenance Manual as a guide to remove the CPU and fan assembly.

Yeah, you might need to reseat the CPU to get it to register properly. It sounds like your system is running on battery power, which explains why it is registering as 650MHz (150MHz less than the 800MHz using speedstep). Are you sure that it is plugged in?

thanks for the link

Just to tie things up incase others have similar problems, here's what i did...

-updated the BIOS to the latest version. XP still would freeze at 44 mins left when installing devices...

-found a post by an IBM tech on an internet search that advised to totally remove the xircom combo modem (found under the screwed down flap on the underside of the unit... removal instructions on IBM site). XP installed after this no problems?! i'm not sure if you can install the modem after installing XP.. i'm not risking it as i dont need it

the CPU is still showing various speeds, AIDA now shows 750mhz but unless anything goes majorly wrong i'll live with it!!!

Orevin · #8 Post by **Orevin** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 2:06 pm

The problem with the broken modem is well known. If you try to install it. Windows will boot fine, but freeze again, when it tries to install the drivers for the card.

tp23 · #9 Post by **tp23** » Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:06 pm

The cpu is supposed to run -150mhz unless it needs to run at full rated speed.

Yeah, take any mini-pci cards out. I had the same problem months ago, XP install would seize at 35 minutes left.

Avoid using the 1.06 embedded controller. Your installed version is shown on the first bios setup screen.

That fan should come on momentarily when the systemboard posts and come on every once in a while depending on the cpu load.

t21 CPU problems?

t21 CPU problems?

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