Replacing my motherboard. Instructions? Advice?

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suckstobeme · #1 Post by **suckstobeme** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 11:37 am

Hey guys-
My T40 needs a new motherboard. I just got one off of Ebay (fingers crossed that its not a dud), but now I need to know how to put one in. I saw a manual on IBM's website about how to remove and install various components (including a system board), but the instructions seem pretty cumbersome and it bascially wants me to take everything out and put it back in. So does anybody have a different way of doing it? Even if you think I should just go ahead and do it the "right" way, any tips or advice? Also, is there anyway for your average guy with a voltmeter and a dream to test the board before I put it in. I have some limited experience working with hardware, but this is probably the biggest project I've undertaken so far.

crazyfrog · #2 Post by **crazyfrog** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 11:50 am

Follow the instructions step by step EXACTLY according to IBM manual. That is the best way to do things correctly.

Thinkpaddict · #3 Post by **Thinkpaddict** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 12:26 pm

Unfortunately there aren't any magic shortcuts. Follow the HMM's instructions to the letter. Don't do it hastily either, and make sure you label every group of screws that you take out.

Some words of advice: Beware of static electricity. If possible, don't do this over a carpeted area. At least, take your shoes and socks off. Probably follow the standard procedure of touching something metallic and grounded before you handle the motherboard.

As to testing the motherboard before installing it, this is just not worth it. If such a thorough test could be performed with a multimeter alone (I am sure there are plenty of mobo problems that that test would just be unable to detect), it would probably take you longer to do the test than to install the motherboard and see if it works.

I suggest you allocate a good chunk of time when you can open up your thinkpad and change the motherboard. Don't wait to long to do it, in case the board is a dud (hopefully not) and you need to demmand a refund/return.

It might seem like a daunting task if you've never done it before. Just be patient and methodical, and you'll be fine.

#4 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 1:37 pm

I've changed a few of them before on various thinkpads. It's not that bad. Just block out a coulpe of hours to do the job and follow the instructions in the Hardware Maintenance Manual http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.ws ... 39298.html to the letter. They are very clear and complete instructions and easy to follow. Do it one step at a time and you will be done before you know it. Just keep track of which screws go where.

#5 Post by **BillMorrow** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 3:31 pm

suckstobeme wrote:Hey guys-
My T40 needs a new motherboard. . . . So does anybody have a different way of doing it?

well, there IS the alternative method..

take an industrial strength can opener and go in from the bottom..

then you will really think that it sucks to be you..

take the advice of the first guy, do it EXACTLY the way it shows in the HMM..

and, no offense intended about the sucks comment..

welcome to the thinkpad owners club..

cmarti · #6 Post by **cmarti** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 3:58 pm

What is needed:

1-The manual
2-Small screw drivers
3-Artic silver
4-Small pliers
5-Patience
6-Lots of care

Edit.

Ah... The motherboard.

bigtiger · #7 Post by **bigtiger** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:04 pm

Another alternative, is to have a friend who is experienced to do so and then you do sth for your friend. I found that is a good way to do things.

Thinkpaddict · #8 Post by **Thinkpaddict** » Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:51 pm

Not as much fun. Plus, I can't think of a single friend of mine which I would let even close to my Thinkpads!

suckstobeme · #9 Post by **suckstobeme** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:31 pm

Hey guys-
Thanks for all the advice. I'm writing this message on my newly repaired Thinkpad. Whoever mentioned keeping good track of all the screws couldn't be more dead on. I would have gone nuts with all those tiny things everywhere if i didnt keep good track. The machine is running great, but just a little bit slower than i remember. Maybe its just me. Any advice to speed things up? I'm thinking about more RAM anyway...does anyone remember off hand what kind i need to buy?

Thinkpaddict · #10 Post by **Thinkpaddict** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:50 pm

suckstobeme wrote:The machine is running great, but just a little bit slower than i remember. Maybe its just me. Any advice to speed things up? I'm thinking about more RAM anyway...does anyone remember off hand what kind i need to buy?

Just go to Crucial's website, you can choose the right RAM from their web interface. You can also gather the specs that they publish there, and get something else. Myself, I've always had good experiences with Crucial, so that's what I would go for.

As far as the computer running a little bit slower than you remember, did you retain your old CPU? There's no reason for the computer to be running slower. Perhaps your perception is wrong. There is a tendency when you do some heavy work on a Thinkpad like you did to expect the computer to run faster for no reason (human psychology I guess). Just like working on a car.

Replacing my motherboard. Instructions? Advice?

Replacing my motherboard. Instructions? Advice?

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