Can I upgrade the CPU in my T42?

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rocketman · #1 Post by **rocketman** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 8:29 am

In the future if I choose to can I upgrade the CPU in my T42? If the answer is yes is it a difficult upgrade?

#2 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 8:41 am

Download the hardware manual for your T42. It will tell you if the CPU can be removed, and if so how. I think it can be removed, and then the question becomes: What CPU is out there that is better than what you have, and also is a proper upgrade path for you?

I have a T41 that came with a 1.4GHz Banias processor. I was able to remove the CPU and replace it with a 1.8GHz Dothan that I purchased from a member here. It was a good move.

In terms of complexity, you have to work carefully. You have to remove the keyboard, the palm rest and the fan assembly. Removing the fan assembly without removing the keyboard bezel is a bit tricky, but I did not remove that bezel. You need thermal compound before you start. When you remove the fan, clean the contact area. When you replace the CPU, put thermal compound on the CPU and replace the fan. Don't skip this step or try to re-use the old compound.

... JD Hurst

CChoi83 · #3 Post by **CChoi83** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 10:10 am

Question: Would that avoid the warranty?

#4 Post by **jdhurst** » Thu Dec 09, 2004 10:54 am

CChoi83 wrote:Question: Would that avoid the warranty?

Yes. I purchased my T41 from a vendor I have been dealing with for over twenty years. I talked to Service before I started, and we agreed that if the system board appeared to fail in the future, I would just reinstall the Banias and hand it back for servicing. I changed the wireless NIC and that does not void the warranty, so while you can discern that the machine has been opened (not too easily, mind you), I don't think anyone could say that I changed the processor. Once you have the machine open, changing the processor is very simple. ... JD Hurst

RoundSparrow · #5 Post by **RoundSparrow** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 8:56 am

What are the current and future CPU upgrades on the T41 / T42. Can I go from 1.7Ghz to ?? in the future.

Thank you.

AtmosMan · #6 Post by **AtmosMan** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:45 pm

You can upgrade the T41/42 to the most current 2.1GHz. After that I am not really sure. Supposedly on January 19th Intel will release Alviso and Sonoma (chip and chipset.) A Pentium M (770) running at 2.13GHz will also be introduced. I know that the new chipset will be PCIe compatible, use DDR2 memory and support a 533MHz FSB. I *think* that the processor will still be considered a Dothan (what the T42s use.) I don't know if you can upgrade a T42 with the processor coming with Alviso/Sonoma. If you can, then the highest I've seen the clock speed go on the new Penitum M processor is 2.26GHz which is expeted to be released in Q3 of 2005.

rocketman · #7 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 12:52 pm

AtmosMan wrote:You can upgrade the T41/42 to the most current 2.1GHz. After that I am not really sure. Supposedly on January 19th Intel will release Alviso and Sonoma (chip and chipset.) A Pentium M (770) running at 2.13GHz will also be introduced. I know that the new chipset will be PCIe compatible, use DDR2 memory and support a 533MHz FSB. I *think* that the processor will still be considered a Dothan (what the T42s use.) I don't know if you can upgrade a T42 with the processor coming with Alviso/Sonoma. If you can, then the highest I've seen the clock speed go on the new Penitum M processor is 2.26GHz which is expeted to be released in Q3 of 2005.

Thats interesting, does IBM usually implement new chps immediately after they are released or does it take some time.

AtmosMan · #8 Post by **AtmosMan** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:23 pm

Well, when Intel first released the Penitum M in March of 2003, IBM had the T40s ready to go. It was such a huge change in architecture that they wanted it to catch on quickly. It worked very well. Then the next change was the Dothan processor, which came out in mid May 2004, IBM had the machines ready to be shipped also. This new chipset is a much bigger change than the the Dothans were, and I think it Intel wants this to catch on as much as they did with the original Penitum M. IBM really needs to deliver on this on, cause with the recent sell to Lenovo, this will be the first laptop that users can buy after the announcement, and will have a huge impression on what people think IBM has become.*

*Personally I think that the T43 has been in the works for a while, and may have been designed by IBM only. Though I don't knwo how IBM will advertise the T43-as a last triumph, or the first joint product.

So, I think that IBM will have the T43 ready to be shipped whenever Intel launches Alviso/Sonoma. Though even if you order it in January, don't expect to get it until early February.

-Brian

rocketman · #9 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:34 pm

AtmosMan wrote: So, I think that IBM will have the T43 ready to be shipped whenever Intel launches Alviso/Sonoma. Though even if you order it in January, don't expect to get it until early February.
-Brian

Thanks for your reply, reason I ask is I received my T42 2379R9U a few weeks ago (1.8ghz, 60gb HD 7200rpm, ATI9600) ard my 30 day window to return it ends in a few days. It's great, I just thought if the T43 is a real step up in performance and is being released in a few short weeks maybe I should return it and wait. I'm hesitant because this machine is terrific. Do you think the T43 will be a big bump up?

AtmosMan · #10 Post by **AtmosMan** » Fri Dec 10, 2004 1:47 pm

Well, I would be hesitant too.

It really depends on what you will be doing with your machine. Some applications will really benefit from the increased FSB (gaming.) Some will benefit from the DDR2 memory (anything that requires large memory bandwidth.) PCIe is where the computer industry will be heading in the future. So, if your plan is to future-proof your machine for as long as possible, then the T43 would be better. Remember though, that all of this technology is relatively new, and there is always the risk of getting the new-tech bugs. The technology you have is proven, and it works well. So, evaluate your software needs, and think about future-proofing...then you can make your decision.

JohnDrake · #11 Post by **JohnDrake** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:30 am

Don't do it. It will void your warranty. Not worth it, and a difficult task besides.

#12 Post by **jdhurst** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:02 am

JohnDrake wrote:Don't do it. It will void your warranty. Not worth it, and a difficult task besides.

Check my earlier post - you can replace the old processor if you need warranty service. But on balance, I have to say it was worth it. I had already put the super fast hard drive in my machine, and now with the Dothan processor, it is much faster overall than when I got it. It also runs very cool (below body temperature most of the time) and very quiet as well. JD Hurst

aleung · #13 Post by **aleung** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:13 am

well.. you can take a risk. I have my T23 for 2 week and IBM announce T30. I sold my T23 and lost $800. I have T30 2366-92U order right the way. End up I wait for 2 months to get My T30. T30 have too much design issue.

Can I upgrade the CPU in my T42?

Can I upgrade the CPU in my T42?

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