T41 with memory issues - worth the buy?

[raabjerg]

Hello,

Just wanted to hear if anybody has an opinion on this:

I'm currently looking at a T41 on ebay which may go quite cheap. However, it has some issues. The seller claims that he upgraded from 256MB memory to 768 by adding a 512MB block. After this, the screen "turns off at random intervals", and the computer no longer works properly even only with the original 256MB memory block. (none of the memory works in his other computer)

Would you suspect he just damaged the memory and adding new memory would help, or would you say the chance of getting a 'very' defective machine is high?

Best regards,
raabjerg

[agarza]

I'd suggest to skip getting that machine in particular, unless it's a great deal and is still with some warranty left

[rkawakami]

It is possible that the system can "lock up" or "freeze" because of damaged memory but I do not believe it will "turn off". From reading the auction description it sounds like it could be a graphics chip problem (e.g., "the screen keeps turning off at random intervals"). Either that, something is causing the inverter to turn off and shutting off the backlight. If that is the case, the video signal still should be on the display and you could see a faint "ghost" image if you shine a flashlight on it at an angle.

The answer to the question about moving the screen while the system is on and not making any difference may have been mis-interpreted by the seller. It appears as if the "buyer" is trying to determine if the system has the typical loose GPU. From my understanding, the graphics chip problem is caused by moving or flexing the base of the laptop and not by swinging the screen about on its hinges (which the seller apparently was doing).

In any event, it does not, in my opinion, appear to be a simple issue of "plugging in good memory" in order to get the system working again. If the inverter is the problem, that would be an easy fix. If the backlight is going out or there's a problem on the motherboard which is causing a loss of power to the inverter, then those would be harder or more expensive to fix.

edit: I should also note that if the laptop does have a loose GPU, then it is possible to fix but by no means is it a 100% success rate.

ref: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952

[underclocker]

Sounds like the seller just didn't notice the intermittent GPU issue until after the memory upgrade. Unless it was complete and around $125 or less, I'd stay away. You'll need another $125 to pick up a working motherboard, plus your time for the transplant.

You can pick up fairly nice T40/T41's upon occasion for just under $300 and have quite a few to choose from around $350. A parts machine or incomplete machine will quickly break the $300 barrier.