Upgrade to T42p?

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LPC · #1 Post by **LPC** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:18 am

Well I want to upgrade to a T42p 2373-P64, but after reading http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952 I am having second thoughts.

Are all T4x susceptible to GPU problems?

I see Jamiphar can fix, but wondering if I should just stay away from the T4x model.

I also saw http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=65505 but again wondering if it would be more economical to just go this a TP model without these problems.

Thanks,

sktn77a · #2 Post by **sktn77a** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 8:30 am

For what you'd likely pay for a used T42p you could probably get a better, newer, computer (a low spec T60, for example) with comparable performance. Try your local Craigslist or this forum's marketplace. I've had a T41 and a T42 go bad on me with this problem.

I like the T4x computers, but I wouldn't buy another.

Temetka · #3 Post by **Temetka** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:45 pm

As much as I love the T4x line of machines I am going to have to echo the above poster.

A lower end T60 will be a better investment of your money. I myself was thinking of upgrading my lowend T42 to a T42p over time, but to be honest I want dual cpu and the only way to get that is to step up.

Let us know what you decide.

ajkula66 · #4 Post by **ajkula66** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:24 pm

Get a high-end T43 or T43p for the following reasons:
1) Far less likely to develop a GPU problem due to a different soldering technique.
2) Most likely (out of all T4x units) to have warranty remaining.
3) Top models will blow away lower-end T60 units in most respects.
4) Timeless T4x design and proper IBM keyboard.

And I'm NOT saying this because of the T43p I currently have in the forum's Marketplace...that one, which has a 14" LCD will be replaced by a comparable one with a 15" flexview, and I'd advise anyone who can afford one to get it...

My $.02 only...

sarbin · #5 Post by **sarbin** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:29 pm

+1 for the 15" flexview t43/p.

gongo2k1 · #6 Post by **gongo2k1** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:38 pm

ajkula66 wrote:Timeless T4x design and proper IBM keyboard.

by "proper" you mean "without the silly windows keys", right? those things seem to always get in the way when i'm trying to hit ctrl on my t60...

ajkula66 · #7 Post by **ajkula66** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:53 pm

@gongo2k1:

Yes, sir, that is EXACTLY what I meant and one of the main reasons I've sold my otherwise very nice T60p with flexview...apart from the fact that it had failed to impress me after I had it running side-by-side with a top-of-the-line T43p for a week...

agarza · #8 Post by **agarza** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:41 pm

T43p models with IPS screen would be nice, but you will encounter a rather hot and noisy machine as it has been discussed so many times on the forums.
It all depends on your preferences. You could get some new T61's with decent processor in the 700-800 range. I myself upgraded from a T42p to a T61 4:3 with integrated graphics.

I should say this thing is dead silent, no heat (not even on the left side of the keyboard). I still miss the oldstyle IBM buttons but I guess someday we will have to move on along with what Lenovo has to offer its customers.

If you're not concerned with noise, get a T42p but it would probably in the future develop the GPU issue.
Bare in mind newer processors are made from 45nm production against the Dothan 90nm. It will run hot those 7xx models.

ajkula66 · #9 Post by **ajkula66** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:50 pm

agarza wrote:

T43p models with IPS screen would be nice, but you will encounter a rather hot and noisy machine as it has been discussed so many times on the forums.

That's what ThinkPad Fan Control is for: my T43p (2668-PDU) idles at 43 C on CPU and 49 GPU @ 800Mhz, and that's without any undervolting. Mind you, this is PM 780 (2.26Ghz), the fastest one available, stuck in a 14" frame, which is usually hotter than 15"...and there's no fan noise whatsoever once the aforementioned utility has been installed during normal use...

LPC · #10 Post by **LPC** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 8:54 am

Thanks for all the replys.

Thanks ajkula66 for the info on the fan. I had rulled out the T43P due to the people saying it is noisy and the HD error.

I actualy just want to upgrade to due me finding some of my old games (midnight club and NFSU2) and playing with PJ64 emu. The T23 will not play MC or NFSU2, and I want a bit more performance on PJ64......so light gaming.

I thought the ATI Mobility FireGL T2 would be adiquet over the ATI Mobility FireGL V3200.

Ajkula66 could you comment on the differences.

Also after reading Jamiphar's discription on his perminate GPU fix I feel better about it.

Ajkula66 could you comment on this also? I read a post that you had "both services" done.

Lastly I wanted to stay under $400.....

ajkula66 · #11 Post by **ajkula66** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:36 am

I'm the wrong person to ask about gaming, I don't do any of it, but V3200 is supposed to be a more powerful GPU than FireGLT2 overall...not that there's anything wrong with FireGLT2...

James' work is impeccable. Two out pf the three machines that he had fixed the GPU on had made it to Europe, and are still up after all the customs nonsense, and travel...so is the third which is still around here somewhere...this is not an inexpensive repair, though. Do your math before you buy...

I doubt that you'll find a nice and complete T42p under $400...barebone unit, yes, by all means. I hope you've lined yourself on Bob A's waiting list...

Good luck.

sarbin · #12 Post by **sarbin** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:37 am

LPC wrote:Lastly I wanted to stay under $400.....

highly optimistic for a t43p. they tend to run 700-900 here, depending on configuration. might be less on ebay, but personally, i wouldn't go that route unless i had experience with the seller. ymmv.

LPC · #13 Post by **LPC** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:57 am

ajkula66 wrote: I hope you've lined yourself on Bob A's waiting list...

Yep I'm 11th

dr_st · #14 Post by **dr_st** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 5:30 pm

My vote is for a T60. Stronger built than the T4x, and I actually prefer a keyboard with the Windows keys.

If not T60, a T42/T43 (non-p) would be a good choice. The p-series in most cases are a waste of money (unless you need the superior graphics card). Just don't lift them by the corner with one hand and they won't develop a GPU issue.

LPC · #15 Post by **LPC** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:07 am

Well, the swap is finished!

I sold the T23 degrading the Ram to 512mb for $275 then the other 512 stick for $28 netting me alittle over $300 to upgrade to the T4X.

I got one of BobA's T42p's he was selling for $250.
It's really nice model 2373-N25.

Original description:
P M 745
2GB RAM ......now 1GB soon to be upgraded
60GB 7200rpm HDD
15 UXGA(1600x1200) TFT LCD
128MB ATI FireGL T2
24x24x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD
Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI)
Bluetooth/Modem(CDC)
1Gb Ethernet(LOM)
UltraNav
Secure Chip
9c Li-Ion...................... now 6c

I put in my 60gb 7k HD $35
1gb Ram of Fry's special $23 (once rebate arives)
AC cord $10
HD caddy and cover $14
So total setup $332

My total cost = $32!

I want to upgrade to a 15" T43P with the ATI Mobility FireGL V3200 and 2.26Ghz in the future, but for now this is a pretty sweet set up....And I am loving the Flexview

I did not think it would be much different to the SXGA, but it is a world apart.

Thanks all for your input and help.

sarbin · #16 Post by **sarbin** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:37 am

congrats on your new-to-you thinkpad.
sounds like we have a new flexview enthusiast.

sktn77a · #17 Post by **sktn77a** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 1:21 pm

Great buy! Now just don't pick it up by the front corner with one hand!

Upgrade to T42p?

Upgrade to T42p?

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