Thinkpad T60p - CPU Upgrade to Core 2 Duo T7600

[stefan_s1]

Hi There,

I just wanted to say my upgrade from T2600 -> T7600 went perfectly

I used some Arctic Silver 5 cooling paste, and the temparature is just about 52-57 Degrees idle, and the fan is not louder than before.

BIOS recognized the new cpu, and ID'ed it correctly.

The disassembly was very easy indeed, thanks to the service manual posted by Austin_Goh in this thread :

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=35638

Here follows some benchmarks on super pi. I'm running Kubuntu Edgy 6.10 (x86):

Code: Select all

processor       : 0
vendor_id       : GenuineIntel
cpu family      : 6
model           : 14
model name      : Genuine Intel(R) CPU           T2600  @ 2.16GHz
stepping        : 8
cpu MHz         : 1000.000
cache size      : 2048 KB
physical id     : 0
siblings        : 1
core id         : 255
cpu cores       : 1
fdiv_bug        : no
hlt_bug         : no
f00f_bug        : no
coma_bug        : no
fpu             : yes
fpu_exception   : yes
cpuid level     : 10
wp              : yes
flags           : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx constant_tsc pni monitor vmx est tm2 xtpr
bogomips        : 4328.98

super pi
======================

 Version 2.0 of the super_pi for Linux OS
 Fortran source program was translated into C program with version 19981204 of
 f2c, then generated C source program was optimized manually.
 pgcc 3.2-3 with compile option of "-fast -tp px -Mbuiltin -Minline=size:1000 -Mnoframe -Mnobounds -Mcache_align -Mdalign -Mnoreentrant" was used for the
 compilation.
 ------ Started super_pi run : Tue Jan 9 12:05:04 CET 2007
 Start of PI calculation up to 1048576 decimal digits
 End of initialization. Time=       0.368 Sec.
 I= 1 L=       0        Time=       0.996 Sec.
 I= 2 L=       0        Time=       1.148 Sec.
 I= 3 L=       1        Time=       1.172 Sec.
 I= 4 L=       2        Time=       1.148 Sec.
 I= 5 L=       5        Time=       1.148 Sec.
 I= 6 L=      10        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I= 7 L=      21        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I= 8 L=      43        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I= 9 L=      87        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I=10 L=     174        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I=11 L=     349        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I=12 L=     698        Time=       1.148 Sec.
 I=13 L=    1396        Time=       1.140 Sec.
 I=14 L=    2794        Time=       1.144 Sec.
 I=15 L=    5588        Time=       1.140 Sec.
 I=16 L=   11176        Time=       1.132 Sec.
 I=17 L=   22353        Time=       1.116 Sec.
 I=18 L=   44707        Time=       1.084 Sec.
 I=19 L=   89415        Time=       1.020 Sec.
 End of main loop
 End of calculation.    Time=      22.673 Sec.
 End of data output.    Time=       0.148 Sec.
 Total calculation(I/O) time=      22.821(       0.684) Sec.
 ------ Ended super_pi run : Tue Jan 9 12:05:27 CET 2007

Here's the benchmarks for the new CPU:

Code: Select all

processor       : 0
vendor_id       : GenuineIntel
cpu family      : 6
model           : 15
model name      : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU         T7600  @ 2.33GHz
stepping        : 6
cpu MHz         : 1000.000
cache size      : 4096 KB
physical id     : 0
siblings        : 1
core id         : 255
cpu cores       : 1
fdiv_bug        : no
hlt_bug         : no
f00f_bug        : no
coma_bug        : no
fpu             : yes
fpu_exception   : yes
cpuid level     : 10
wp              : yes
flags           : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx lm constant_tsc pni monitor ds_cpl vmx est tm2 cx16 xtpr lahf_lm
bogomips        : 4660.50


Version 2.0 of the super_pi for Linux OS
 Fortran source program was translated into C program with version 19981204 of
 f2c, then generated C source program was optimized manually.
 pgcc 3.2-3 with compile option of "-fast -tp px -Mbuiltin -Minline=size:1000 -Mnoframe -Mnobounds -Mcache_align -Mdalign -Mnoreentrant" was used for the
 compilation.
 ------ Started super_pi run : Tue Jan 9 20:59:33 CET 2007
 Start of PI calculation up to 1048576 decimal digits
 End of initialization. Time=       0.324 Sec.
 I= 1 L=       0        Time=       0.724 Sec.
 I= 2 L=       0        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I= 3 L=       1        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I= 4 L=       2        Time=       0.832 Sec.
 I= 5 L=       5        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I= 6 L=      10        Time=       0.824 Sec.
 I= 7 L=      21        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I= 8 L=      43        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I= 9 L=      87        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I=10 L=     174        Time=       0.832 Sec.
 I=11 L=     349        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I=12 L=     698        Time=       0.824 Sec.
 I=13 L=    1396        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I=14 L=    2794        Time=       0.824 Sec.
 I=15 L=    5588        Time=       0.828 Sec.
 I=16 L=   11176        Time=       0.820 Sec.
 I=17 L=   22353        Time=       0.804 Sec.
 I=18 L=   44707        Time=       0.776 Sec.
 I=19 L=   89415        Time=       0.720 Sec.
 End of main loop
 End of calculation.    Time=      16.389 Sec.
 End of data output.    Time=       0.104 Sec.
 Total calculation(I/O) time=      16.493(       0.756) Sec.
 ------ Ended super_pi run : Tue Jan 9 20:59:50 CET 2007

[/url]

[Petekilla]

All that was necessary was swapping the CPU?

[stefan_s1]

Yes that was all

You could make sure you have the latest BIOS before doing the upgrade, just to be sure - but I dont think it's necessary.

[stephenaron]

I ordered the T7600 to replace my T2600 in my T60p. Question about the Arctic SIlver......is how and where to apply it, and which one to buy? The link below shows a bunch of different versions of the paste. Any pics and steps to using it and replacing the CPU;s? Sorry to ask, but 1st time taking a LAPTOP apart.
[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... x=0&Go.y=0

[brentpresley]

AS5 is what you want. You want to apply it to the CPU core ONLY and then JUST enough to barely cover the core.

The goal is good contact between the HSF and the CPU, with the purpose of AS5 to facilitate heat transfer. If you use too much, it does the opposite and starts to act like an insulator.

[stefan_s1]

Sounds cool that you're doing the same

Don't worry about taking the laptop apart - it was my first time also.

It's very simple to do, just remember NOT to handle the plastic too rough, and remove the screws pointed out in the service manual.

Servicemanual:
http://kcbox.net/my/T60_Upgrade/Thinkpa ... Manual.pdf

I suggest you go for some silver instead of the usual ceramic compound, as it has better specs (and since you're encasing it all up in a laptop, that runs hot).

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835100007

When applying it, make sure to just put paste on the little silver square in the middle of the cpu, and not too much.

Hard to explain precisely, but just enough to cover the square. Then add a little more, making sure that there's no air bubbles inside. I used a bit of paper from the cpu package as a help to spread it properly.

I don't mind you asking, and do ask again if you run into trouble.

[z_24]

Can you buy a CPU for a laptop?

[stephenaron]

Of course. Not all can be upgraded...but you are on the T60 board. We are talking about replacing the CPU in the T60.

[stephenaron]

So excited....new CPU arriving this afternoon from Newegg. T7600.

[stefan_s1]

No wonder you're excited - it's really cool stuff

Can't wait to hear your experiences with it!

Do write after you throw it in ...

[z_24]

Of course. Not all can be upgraded...but you are on the T60 board. We are talking about replacing the CPU in the T60.

So all laptop CPUs have same dimension? What kind of CPU would fit in TP?Sorry, I'm a noob at this.

[stefan_s1]

I think all Core Duo's and Core 2 Duo's will fit the T60(p) board, but don't take my word for it

[brentpresley]

I think all Core Duo's and Core 2 Duo's will fit the T60(p) board, but don't take my word for it

No they will not. You need motherboard rev. 3 or higher to run a Core 2. There are small, but significant, electrical differences in the chips and only certain MBs will run them.

Also, this is something you do at your own risk. If you have problems and your manufacturer discovers you swapped chips, you can kiss that warranty good bye.

[stefan_s1]

Wouldn't be pretty naive to think that the warranty wasn't void by swapping a so central piece of your computer ?

Offering DIY CPU upgrades, has never really been IBM style...

Didn't know about the rev. of the motherboard though, I just figured the Intel 945PM chipset was enough.

I took the chance, and it worked. Good for me.

[stephenaron]

How do you check the rev. code for the motherboard?

[brentpresley]

How do you check the rev. code for the motherboard?

Download CPU-Z and run it. Under one of the tabs (or even on the front page) it will say Rev. X.

Most boards are Rev. 3, but some 6+ mo old are not.

[stephenaron]

Well i did it. Spent an hour swapping the CPU's tonight. All is working. Hope i used enough Arctic Silver. Just applied thin coat to cover the CPU. Nice to see the machine work perfectly nad recognize the new CPU. [/img]

[stefan_s1]

Cool, congrats

Could you write your experience regarding the speed improvements ?

[smiler]

Can you upgrade a T60 from an Intel Core Solo T1300 / 1.66 GHz processor T1300 to a duo core like a Intel Core Duo processor T2400 (1.83GHz)??, or if I can should I aim higher if it is possible.
The T60 in question is a 1951-A47 which Lenovo support webpage says is based on a 1951-43U, which is why I think the Intel Core Duo processor T2400 (1.83GHz) may work.

Cheers

[brentpresley]

Can you upgrade a T60 from an Intel Core Solo T1300 / 1.66 GHz processor T1300 to a duo core like a Intel Core Duo processor T2400 (1.83GHz)??, or if I can should I aim higher if it is possible.
The T60 in question is a 1951-A47 which Lenovo support webpage says is based on a 1951-43U, which is why I think the Intel Core Duo processor T2400 (1.83GHz) may work.

Cheers

You can definitely go to Core Duo. You will need to run CPU-Z and make sure you have a rev 3 system board to go to Core 2 Duo.

[smiler]

Many thanks for yr reply, may go for a merom T7200 then.

[Truthfinder]

I currently have a T2500 in my T-60.

Could anyone tell me the cost of purchasing a Core 2 Duo, either 2ghz or 2.13 ghz.

Also, is there enough gain to warrant making the change...........

Thanks, Steve

[Truthfinder]

I currently have a T2500 in my T-60.

Could anyone tell me the cost of purchasing a Core 2 Duo, either 2ghz or 2.13 ghz.

Also, is there enough gain to warrant making the change...........

Thanks, Steve

PS: My system was built in August of 2007. Should the main board support the Core 2 Duo ?

[brentpresley]

I currently have a T2500 in my T-60.

Could anyone tell me the cost of purchasing a Core 2 Duo, either 2ghz or 2.13 ghz.

Also, is there enough gain to warrant making the change...........

Thanks, Steve

PS: My system was built in August of 2007. Should the main board support the Core 2 Duo ?

Core 2 Duos are about 15% faster clock for clock, plus they support 64-bit operating systems. So a 2.0GHz T7200 is going to be about the same speed as a 2.3GHz Core Duo. You have to decide if that extra 300MHz or so of "equivalent" speed is worth 1) the price, 2) the trouble, 3) voiding your warranty.

[Truthfinder]

I'd like to upgrade my T-60 from a Core Duo to a Core 2 Duo.

I would like to pick up a 2ghz or something a bit faster.

Could anyone tell me what the approximate cost of this processor would be and the best place to order one?

Thanks to one and all, Steve

truthfinder@comcast.net

[brentpresley]

I'd like to upgrade my T-60 from a Core Duo to a Core 2 Duo.

I would like to pick up a 2ghz or something a bit faster.

Could anyone tell me what the approximate cost of this processor would be and the best place to order one?

Thanks to one and all, Steve

truthfinder@comcast.net

Go get one from eBay.

T7200 - 2.0GHz 4MB Cache
T7400 - 2.16GHz 4MB Cache
T7600 - 2.33GHz 4MB Cache

As long as the seller has a guarantee against DOA on the CPU, you should be fine.

Retail will be 30-50% more expensive, and honestly, if you install the CPU properly these things NEVER EVER DIE.

I would sell you one, but I'm plum out.

[smiler]

Hi, success, just upgraded my T60 with rev3 mother board from a T1300 solo to a T7200 Core2Duo no problem using Arctic Silver 5 compound. CPU temp has gone up from 47C to 51C when on AC and running at 2Ghz so seems good. Batttery life is 4 hours still and CPU runs at 41C when speed stepped down to 1Ghz.

Just a note, do not forget to go into the BIOS to enable Hardware Virtualization' after you are done as it will not produce an error and you will just not be using it. I was looking for this setting to be enabled running Microsoft Microsoft Virtual PC machines, virtual PC app said my machine did not support it....until I enabled it in the bios...

Hope this helps somebody

Cheers

[SpawnyWhippet]

PS: My system was built in August of 2007. Should the main board support the Core 2 Duo ?

Obviously this system comes with a flux capacitor and 1.21 jigawatts...

On a lighter note, I was thinking about putting a Core 2 Duo in my 1951-44M, need to find this CPU-Z application though.

My recovery partition is also long gone, does anyone know where I can get copies of the recovery disks?

[efrant]

Hi, success, just upgraded my T60 with rev3 mother board from a T1300 solo to a T7200 Core2Duo no problem using Arctic Silver 5 compound. CPU temp has gone up from 47C to 51C when on AC and running at 2Ghz so seems good. Batttery life is 4 hours still and CPU runs at 41C when speed stepped down to 1Ghz.

For all you guys using Arctic Sliver 5, keep in mind that the temperature should drop over time at the compound reaches its maximum conductivity. Here is a quote from the company's website: "Due to the unique shape and sizes of the particles in Arctic Silver 5's conductive matrix, it will take a up to 200 hours and several thermal cycles to achieve maximum particle to particle thermal conduction and for the heatsink to CPU interface to reach maximum conductivity. (This period will be longer in a system without a fan on the heatsink or with a low speed fan on the heatsink.) On systems measuring actual internal core temperatures via the CPU's internal diode, the measured temperature will often drop 2C to 5C over this "break-in" period. This break-in will occur during the normal use of the computer as long as the computer is turned off from time to time and the interface is allowed to cool to room temperature. Once the break-in is complete, the computer can be left on if desired."

http://www.articsilver.com/as5.htm

[jgrobertson]

I just put a T7400 into a new 2623DDU (comes with a T2500). I hope I did not blow the guarantee on it.

The fan/heat sink covers not only the CPU but two other chips which I assume are graphic chips. Those have silicon pads over them but the CPU is direct fit to the heat sink with compound.

I put new Articsilver 5 on the CPU but the other chips I just left those pads.

Any advice on this? Should I get new pads from someplace and replace those too?

How do I measure the temperatures?