CPU upgrade for Z61e?

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Jumphog · #1 Post by **Jumphog** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 4:46 pm

I recently needed to buy a laptop with GMA950 graphics for a work project, and after many years of owning thinkpads I started to have a browse around for something on ebay. I managed to get what seems to be a brand new Z61e for £310 which was a great bargain - and best of all it doesnt have a touchpad!

Obviously the 950 onboard graphics isnt the greatest, but im looking at upgrade options for the rest of the system, Ive bumped the ram to 2gb, and I will put a 160gb drive in later on, but I was wondering about the CPU. Ive currently got the lowest of the low - a celeron M410, not too bad but Id like dual core really.

Has anyone played around with this system? It seems to be available with a T2500 core duo so that should be an easy fit, and Ive just come across a page with a T7200 as an option. I wonder if there is any difference in the cooling system? TDP of 27w for the celeron, 31w for a T2500 and 34w for the core2...

Any comments or ideas?

jkahng · #2 Post by **jkahng** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 1:53 am

Looks like the standard processors for Z61e models are
1. celeron m 410 (your's)
2. T2300 (core duo 1.66)
3. T5500 (core 2 duo 1.66)

source : http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:Z61e

If all Z61e models share the same motherboard, you upgrading to #2 or #3 should not be a problem.

If the Z61e shares motherboards with the Z61m, you should be able to get the hightest merom (T7600) for napa.

You should try giving more information such as your machine type.

Hope this helps.

Jumphog · #3 Post by **Jumphog** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 3:26 am

I found the T7200 cpu mentioned on an IBM page (like this one: http://www-306.ibm.com/common/ssi/fcgi- ... anguage=en - down at the end of the list of options 0673BHU), so hopefully its an option. While searching around I also found a page ( http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 64222.html ) which lists 5 types of motherboard with 950 graphics, which introduces a bit more uncertainty. On the other hand it only lists one cooling setup for all integrated graphics models...

My Z61 is 0673-21G by the way.

jkahng · #4 Post by **jkahng** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:00 am

Your planar board is the first one out of the five. with FRU#(42T0097 replaces 41W1286) based on your type# 0673-21G (0673-21x, where x is the machine's country designation.)

This is what I can tell you from the info on this board.
All T60, Z61 motherboards that have a rev 3 motherboard and bios upgraded beyond 2.0 should be upgradable to Merom cpus(core 2 duo with 667 fsb)

If you have a rev 1 or rev 2 planar board, you can upgrade to yonah cpus (core duo)

People have been sucessful with their upgrades with such conditions.

However, I think that you're the first one to try with a Z61e version.

First I would check the motherboard revision using CPU-Z (shows as rev.3), update the bios if needed and work from there.

Getting a positive answer from a member who has done it with a Z61e would be the best...

Good luck on your upgrade and I hope someone else can add to this discussion...

John

Jumphog · #5 Post by **Jumphog** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:25 am

Thanks for putting together the pieces about the motherboard, I checked CPU-Z and it does indeed say revision 3, Ive already upgraded to bios 2.18, so thats all looking positive.
When the project that I got the laptop for is finished (and Ive been payed!) then Ill get a T7200 and have a try...

jkahng · #6 Post by **jkahng** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:33 am

Jumphog,

If you are considering an Engineering sample CPU, pls read this
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=407

Not all Core Duo / Core 2 Duo ES CPUs are faulty and the ones that go to reviewers should be of top grade. But, it seems that some people have their hands on the defect batch and are making some money off of it.

A ibmmania.com formum member ( TP forum in Korea) is having problems with a ES cpu. (only one core recognized and not booting all the time)

Hope everything goes well.

Jumphog · #7 Post by **Jumphog** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:49 am

Thanks for the heads up, I didnt know about that. I was thinking of going for a retail boxed one, as they dont seem to be massively more expensive than what I can find on ebay, this makes up my mind.

jkahng · #8 Post by **jkahng** » Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:52 am

Not all ebay cpus are ES samples... But I guess there is always a chance you can get one. they are easy to identify so IF you buy from ebay or used. just look at the markings...

I'll shut up now.

Let us know how this goes when you do the upgrade.

Jumphog · #9 Post by **Jumphog** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:42 am

Success!

I got a T5200 for a very reasonable price on ebay, popped it in and it was recognised straight away. One reboot for windows to find the other core and everything seems to be good. So just the HDD to upgrade and this 61e will be pretty much maxed out.

CPU upgrade for Z61e?

CPU upgrade for Z61e?

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