Trying to save a Thinkpad 600x. Help!!

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ixwood · #1 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:06 am

Hi All.

I've trying to bring an old 600x thinkpad back to life (type 2645 if that means anything!) and stumbled across this forum. It's great that thinkpads have such a following!!

I've started reading up on all old threads, but I'm not very techie and most of it goes over my head. I'm looking for some gentle starter advice.

I've got past the power on off dodgy battery things (thanks to here!) and have installed (a low memory version) of debian linux.

The main battery itself is fine, which amazed me considering it hasn;t been used for at least 6 or 7 years.

The memory is very low, so I guess that's the main thing to sort. From what I gather, I can have 2 extra 256mb cards.. is that right? Any particular sort? Does it have to match my original memory type?

Is there anything else easy I can upgrade? I guess maybe only the harddrive? It's only 20gb at the minute I think.

What about the processor? It's a p3 at the minute. Don't know what speed.

Any pointers, or general information would be great,

Thanks

Ian

bobgarty · #2 Post by **bobgarty** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:58 am

Memory - 600X natively supports 144 Pin PC100 SO Dimms and can support some PC133 Dimms too. Max Memory is 576Mb (64Mb Onboard + 2 x 256Mb Dimms).

Disk - Not sure if there is a maximum supported size - but upgrading to a 5400rpm drive will give a noticeable performance improvement due to faster disk read/writes.

CPU - The 600x uses Intel MMC-2 P3 cpu's - early 600X's were available with a P3 450Mhz or 500Mhz cpu - later models had a diferent motherboard and 650Mhz P3 Speedstep cpu's - the fastest MMc-2 Speedstep cpu made by Intel was the 850Mhz which is rare and pretty expensive - there is some debate about which boards can support speedstep as you will see if you search this forum.

ixwood · #3 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:11 am

Thanks bob, that's great.

144 pin PC whats? What's the difference and does it matter? Should i just go for 100s or will 133s be quicker?

I've no clue about hard drives. That's good that'll it'll increase speed. 'll have to read up and head for ebay.

It's either a 450 or 500 I think. Not sure where I've seen it now though. Any idea how to get all the system information from it on linux (I'm new to linux too!!)? What's my (very easy, if any) options?

It came with a dvd player, that worked years ago, but now doesn't. I think maybe a memory thing?

Grey Area · #4 Post by **Grey Area** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:37 am

ixwood wrote: 144 pin PC whats? What's the difference and does it matter? Should i just go for 100s or will 133s be quicker?

No, they won't be quicker - the 600X will just run them at 100. Also, it is important that you get low-density memory chips. Unfortunately it is not always clearly stated whether a RAM stick is low-density or high-density, as to most machines it makes no difference.

It's either a 450 or 500 I think. Not sure where I've seen it now though. Any idea how to get all the system information from it on linux (I'm new to linux too!!)? What's my (very easy, if any) options?

I'm not sure about linux, but you can see the processor type in the BIOS: Press the F1-key while starting up the computer and keep it pressed until the BIOS-screen appears, where you should see, among other things, the processor type information.

It came with a dvd player, that worked years ago, but now doesn't. I think maybe a memory thing?

Hard to tell... In my experience the original DVD-drive is a bit finicky when it comes to modern discs, in particular those you have burned yourself. And then there is the whole "watching-DVDs-on-Linux" legal mess... Does the drive not work at all?

Björn

bobgarty · #5 Post by **bobgarty** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:58 am

ixwood wrote:I've no clue about hard drives. That's good that'll it'll increase speed. 'll have to read up and head for ebay

Its worth checking out this Ebay seller - I have bought several of these 40Gb 5400's at around £15 + delivery and they are as he says - all dated around Dec 2006. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0124469078

ixwood · #6 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:58 am

Thanks. Do they need to be the same as each other and my existing memory? so whats the best way of knowing whats compatible? I'll be looking for some ebay cheapies.

I'll try F1. Thanks.

It trying to do something, but not getting far. Mind you, i can't seem to play a cd properly either. Drive, memory, or linux? Maybe a 1st time linuz install wasn't my best move ever!!

What should I replace the drive with? Does it need to be something special?

ixwood · #7 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:02 am

It's a 500.

The cmos battery is dead btw, but I don't think that'll effect anything else will it?

ixwood · #8 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 9:06 am

What about network access? Does it come with anything useable?

What's the easest way to get online with it, or even wireless? Unfoirtunately, No USB ports.

So far then, it's just the memory, hardrive, dvd player! Gulp.

#9 Post by **rkawakami** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:25 am

ixwood wrote:Do they need to be the same as each other and my existing memory? so whats the best way of knowing whats compatible?

If you are looking to expand the system memory to its maximum, then that means 256MB PC100 "low-density" modules as mentioned by Grey Area. They will be easily identified as having a total of 16 memory "chips"; 8 per side. They do NOT have to be an identical matched pair (but it wouldn't hurt either). You can mix and match 256MB modules from different manufacturers.

ixwood wrote:The cmos battery is dead btw, but I don't think that'll effect anything else will it?

It will affect your boot process as the system will get asking you to set the date and time.

ixwood wrote:What about network access? Does it come with anything useable?

The only built-in networking capability on the 600X is the modem (assuming that the card is installed in the MiniPCI bay in the bottom of the laptop).

ixwood wrote:What's the easest way to get online with it, or even wireless? Unfoirtunately, No USB ports.

For the 600X, installing an ethernet or wireless PCMCIA card on the right side of the system is probably the easiest. There is one USB port under a cover on the left side, towards the back corner.

ixwood · #10 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 12:39 pm

Does it matter what sort of wireless PCMCIA card, or will all fit?

What about this:-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... ink:top:uk

whizkid · #11 Post by **whizkid** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 12:41 pm

I've got a 600X with an issue. I had to replace a system board, and all that was available quickly was a slower non-speedstep board like you have, but the CPU I have is the 650MHz speedstep version.

In Linux (both Fedora and CentOS), the machine hangs during boot at one point. Generating an ACPI event at this point nudges the kernel to continue. (Pressing Fn-F2 does the trick, as does unplugging or plugging the AC adapter.) I also had to disable the dynamic CPU frequency scaling, or the machine would lock up every 20 seconds or so, until I again pressed Fn+f2.

My point is that just upgrading the CPU may be a lot more hassle than a reasonable person might think.

RAM for the 600X has been falling in price. Crucial sells a PC133 256MB part that they guarantee will work for US$41.

And a larger faster hard drive will improve performance dramatically. The machine can use drives up to 120GB in size with no problem at all.

ixwood · #12 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:37 pm

Thanks, I'll gladly stay clear of CPUs!!

This any good:

"1 x 256 MB IBM SDRAM 133 MHZ CL 3
PC133s-333-542-Z

Pulled from a SONY Vaio PCG, tested and running."

Knowing the pin thing, isn't going to be easy!

I have looked at the crucial ones, but I'm hoping to pick something up on ebay dirt cheap. And cross my fingers that it works! lol.

#13 Post by **rkawakami** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:45 pm

Without a picture of what this is referencing, you could be looking at a "high density" module which will not work in the 600X. If the seller explicity states "16-chip" or "low-density", then it should work fine. If the seller uses a "stock" photo, you need to make sure they are sending you something that is truly compatible with that picture. As always, ask plenty of questions of the seller and if you do not get a straightforward answer, go somewhere else.

edit: As far as the speed/timing (PC133 CL3), yes, that's fine. If the seller has stated that the module is the same as an IBM FRU 33L3069 or 33L3070, then that's what you need.

ixwood · #14 Post by **ixwood** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:53 pm

There's no picture. I've mailed to ask. Not hopeful of a informed response, but fingers crossed.

Thanks for everyones help!!

bobgarty · #15 Post by **bobgarty** » Fri Jun 15, 2007 5:36 pm

Ian - I have loads of 600x bits if you need anything (not memory though unfortunately) including some speedstep motherboards that are ok a part from damage to the docking port - I'm in Herts so not a million miles away ....

ixwood · #16 Post by **ixwood** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:35 am

Thanks Bob. That's very kind of you. I'll see how I get on.

Never thought I'd be a proud old computer owner!!

ixwood · #17 Post by **ixwood** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:38 am

"2Wire?s 802.11g Wireless PCMCIA Card is a wireless network card that fits into any standard PCMCIA Card Type II slot on your laptop."

Do I have a card type II??

It says no drivers. But guess I'd need to find my own anyway as it's running linux.

ixwood · #18 Post by **ixwood** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:41 am

"NEC 256MB PC133 144PIN SDRAM SODIMM LAPTOP MEMORY MODULE.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS ITEM IS SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN REGULAR LAPTOP MEMORY MODULES (SEE PICTURE) SO PLEASE BE SURE THAT THIS ITEM WILL FIT YOUR LAPTOP OR DEVICE BEFORE BIDDING."

http://i19.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/a4/0b/1d1d_1.JPG

Any good? I doubt it, but you never know!

ixwood · #19 Post by **ixwood** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 2:22 pm

I've just brought a x21!! lol. I was only looking for memory.

I'll start a new thread in that area, but any info, comparisons with the 600x would be great?

ixwood · #20 Post by **ixwood** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 3:29 pm

I'm just reading up now.

This ultrabay thing is confusing me. Not sure if mine's coming with one. Probably not.

It does come with a docking station though, which is a bonus. Although, it doesn't look like my 60 will fit.

whizkid · #21 Post by **whizkid** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 5:47 pm

Veering off topic... the X20 and X21 do not have infrared, FWIW.

ixwood · #22 Post by **ixwood** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:18 am

Thanks. I'll have a play when I get it and see what's what.

ixwood · #23 Post by **ixwood** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 3:02 pm

bobgarty wrote:Memory - 600X natively supports 144 Pin PC100 SO Dimms and can support some PC133 Dimms too.

How do I know what PC133 Dimms?

Cheers.

Trying to save a Thinkpad 600x. Help!!

Trying to save a Thinkpad 600x. Help!!

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