R50 upgraded to Dothan 1.8GHz - no problem

[underclocker]

Just an FYI-

I upgraded an R50 (model 1836-3SU) from a 1.6GHz Banias to a 1.8GHz Dothan. No issues at all and I wasn't expecting any. This R50 uses the same BIOS and EC as some R51's, and all T40, T41 & T42's.

Can I notice the difference in speed? Not really. Both variations are snappy, this model also has the ATI 9000 video chipset.

[pianowizard]

Can I notice the difference in speed? Not really.

Thanks for the info. I was thinking about upgrading my R50p's to a Dothan. You saved me some money!

[underclocker]

Your welcome. I suppose if you were doing CPU intensive chores, you could notice a difference, but for opening apps., surfing, Word, etc., 1.6 to 1.8 isn't a big deal. Perhaps a nice Pentium M 765 2.1GHz would be noticeable?

[LondonConsultant]

Following on from the above posts... I have a ThinkPad R50e (1834-Q2G) with a Pentium M 725 (1.6GHz). This may be a SL7EG CPU (478-pin, 400MHz) but I don't know - maybe someone can confirm... Now, I want to upgrade this to a faster CPU in order to reduce long render times when processing home video, but I don't know which CPUs are appropriate and compatible. For example, would a SL7EM (2GHz, 478-pin, 400MHz) work? Any feedback appreciated. Also, much appreciated if anyone can recommend a UK website that sells these older CPUs. Many thanks...

I've just ordered 1GB RAM (as 2x512MB) to replace the existing 512MB (2x256MB) and, after upgrading the CPU, should probably start looking at upgrading the hard disk as well...

[underclocker]

First note, the R50e's did not use the same BIOS or EC as the T40/T41/T42/R50/R51 so we can not assume the successful upgrades for those machine work.

The 1834-xxx R50e's originally came with Celeron's or Dothan Pentium M's up to 1.7GHz. I'd say there is a good chance that the 1.8, 2.0 or 2.1GHz 400MHz bus Pentium M's will work, but I have not tested this.

I'd create another thread and wait for feedback, perhaps someone else has tried this. (I'm sure somebody has...)

About the memory, you might be better off picking up one 1GB sodimm and keeping one of the 256MB sodimm's installed for 1.25GB of RAM. Assuming the R50e does support a slighly faster mode for identical sodimm's, you'd never notice, plus this permits a future upgrade to 2GB without scrapping all your memory.

The R50e's are very nice machines with a few reduced features as compared to the R50, but they are certainly fine performers.

Let us know how this turns out!!!

[LondonConsultant]

underclocker: Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start a new thread now, but just too late for the memory advice (the 2x512MB arrived this morning)...

[ymemuser]

First note, the R50e's did not use the same BIOS or EC as the T40/T41/T42/R50/R51 so we can not assume the successful upgrades for those machine work.

The 1834-xxx R50e's originally came with Celeron's or Dothan Pentium M's up to 1.7GHz. I'd say there is a good chance that the 1.8, 2.0 or 2.1GHz 400MHz bus Pentium M's will work, but I have not tested this.

I'd create another thread and wait for feedback, perhaps someone else has tried this. (I'm sure somebody has...)

About the memory, you might be better off picking up one 1GB sodimm and keeping one of the 256MB sodimm's installed for 1.25GB of RAM. Assuming the R50e does support a slighly faster mode for identical sodimm's, you'd never notice, plus this permits a future upgrade to 2GB without scrapping all your memory.

The R50e's are very nice machines with a few reduced features as compared to the R50, but they are certainly fine performers.

Let us know how this turns out!!!

Do you have any experience of hard drive upgrade on R50e. I scared by horrible stories about hard drive upgrade on R52/T43. I have brand new in sealed boxes R50e and R52 and just ordered brand new T43 from Lenovo. I need to get decision which of which to keep/sell. All of these machines are having 40GB 5400RPM hard drives and will require hard drive upgrade. Thanks.

[underclocker]

Everything should work in the R50e. I'm not sure about the R52/T43 (the same issues and BIOS) but I'm sure there is a lot of info posted in the T4x series forum. From what I remember reading, people have gotten all or nearly all aftermarket drives to work. I'm sure you'll find your answers there. Don't forget to post the results.

P.S. All those machines take PATA drives.

[ymemuser]

Everything should work in the R50e. I'm not sure about the R52/T43 (the same issues and BIOS) but I'm sure there is a lot of info posted in the T4x series forum. From what I remember reading, people have gotten all or nearly all aftermarket drives to work. I'm sure you'll find your answers there. Don't forget to post the results.

P.S. All those machines take PATA drives.

Thanks.