T41 3D problems

[tphm]

I just bought a used T41 with an ATI 7500 video chip. I updated all of the drivers and tried using Omega drivers. Everything is all right, except when I try to do any 3D work. Even games from 2002 cause my T41 to freeze. There is sound for a few moments, then the computer freezes (blank screen). I have to hard reset with the power button a few times until it finally boots. This only happens when I try any 3D work, and I can do everything else fine.

[agarza]

I think you might have a damaged GPU chip, or your GPU is overheating and thus causing the screen to go blank (I had that trouble too with my T42, IBM replaced the short fan to the long M10 fan, and the problem was gone forever)

You might want to monitor first your GPU temp, switching Alt + Tab alternatively between your 3d application and the TPFanControl found in the Utility Work Area

Good Luck

[tphm]

The laptop is still under a 3yr warranty. Being this is the 1st thinkpad I bought I don't really know much about their policies. Should I take it to a dealer/call them?

Oh and I ran PC Doctor and crashed partway into the video test.

[Thinkpaddict]

It might be possible that there is no problem wiht your Thinkpad's GPU chip. What type of apps give you the problem? OpenGL, DirectX? Even going back to 2002, there would be applications for which the T41 would not be suitable for. Thinkpads are known not to be on the cutting edge of technology regarding 3D applications because of their conservative choices of GPUs. Maybe you could post the specific apps/games that are freezing your T41, and get feedback from other T41 owners with an ATI 7500 GPU. I would try to make sure first that this is not due to driver problems, and if/when you determine that there is a hardware issue, then you can definitely look a more severe course of action.

Good luck with it.