I have a T41 with multiple problems... can someone confirm?

[bmasuda]

firstly, this is a great forum and thanks to everyone who shares their information here. I've known about this forum for a while and finally decided to sign up and ask a question...

so, i have a T41 that I've had since new. over the years, it's been exhibiting the typical problems, like USB 2.0 reverting to 1.1, etc. The final straw seems to be the GPU issue, though I'm not 100% sure.

I *think* I have the GPU issue, but i'm not 100% sure. This is what i'm experiencing:

- the display image is completely corrupted, though I can tell that the system is responding to keyboard inputs. the problem is NOT the LCD, because i get the same corrupted image on a known working external display.
- pressing down around the GPU area has no effect
- this problem started after a reboot right after a Windows update.
- if i just let the system boot, it seems to continue as normal and disk activity seems typical of a boot up. alt-ctrl-del after the boot up seems to make the corrupted display image change, so I assume my windows login prompt is working, just the image is corrupted.

do these symptoms point towards the typical GPU problem? I never had any random freezes or anything like that...

My USB port is also failing and almost always drops to USB 1.1 except on very few random occasions it will stay at USB 2.0.

Bottom line, I think my motherboard has a lot of issues... i've read about the "solder re-flow" fixes... but I'm unsure about doing it myself.

I've been a long time user of Thinkpads... from the 600E, T2x, T4x, and currently also have a T61. It seems like the T4x models seem to have the most problems... is that just my perception or is it true? My old 600E is still running and serves as my living room web browser. With so many problems with the T41, i'm also wondering how much I'm willing to spend to fix this.... what are your thoughts?

[Harryc]

It sounds to me like you have either a loose GPU and/or a loose Northbridge (USB problem). Personally I'd opt to replace the system board. How much you are willing to invest in repair is a personal choice, one that I'd base on system condition, length of intended use (in months or years), and whether or not said machine will be able to handle what you need it to do for that time period.
Here's a system board that would work for you, from a trusted member -

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=70290

It's a very good price, so don't wait too long to decide ...

Note: This is a screwdriver job that can be done in an afternoon with the maintenance manual as a guide. Since he is selling a complete base, the job is very easy. Oh, and at the end of the day you have a T42, not a T41. Just make sure that your T41 is a 14" (not 15" model). The system board would still work in either a 14" or 15" base, but not the LCD. In other words, if you have a 15" T41, you could still use the system board, but only in your base because your LCD would be too large for a 14" base. .

[Beaver]

From my point of view it's not a good idea to replace the board. Because if you do not buy the brand new one, you can simply face the same problem after several months (days, hours,...).

[Tim M]

From my point of view it's not a good idea to replace the board. Because if you do not buy the brand new one, you can simply face the same problem after several months (days, hours,...).

I respectfully disagree. I purchased a new board from a forum member (Brad) and have not had any problems since installing it half a year ago. The board was a "useable serviced part" and came with a one-year warranty. As always, buy based on seller in addition to product or price.

[Harryc]

From my point of view it's not a good idea to replace the board. Because if you do not buy the brand new one, you can simply face the same problem after several months (days, hours,...).

There is no guarantee that a reflow or brand new board will not go bad either. It is extremely difficult to find a brand new board as well. That is not a practical solution for many folks.

[bmasuda]

From my point of view it's not a good idea to replace the board. Because if you do not buy the brand new one, you can simply face the same problem after several months (days, hours,...).

This is exactly why i was asking what it's worth to repair this laptop, or put another way, what dollar amount should i spend on repairs.

It sounds like these problems are just durability design defects. If that is the case, then a brand new motherboard can only be expected to last 2-4 yrs before it exhibits the same problem. And similarly, i don't know how much longer I can expect a "used" motherboard to last before it exhibits the same problems. My perception on this issue is based on what i've seen posted on the internet. So, part of my question to the experts here is; is my perception wrong?

Personally, I "feel" that the solder re-flow repair might be a better bet, or at least worth a try. I'm just comfortable doing this myself. Are there electronic repair services that can guarantee their work on this type of repair? (I don't need them to guarantee that my laptop will work again, but i would like some guarantee that their repair will fix any broken electrical connections to the GPU or other IC)

Thanks for your thoughts...

[Harryc]

Superior Reball offers the service that you are asking about -
Superior Reball on EBay
The cost is $60 including return shipping. Plan to be without your laptop for 2 weeks to a month. Again, it sounds to me like you have more than one issue with that board. You could very well have superior reball fix the GPU only to have the board returned with the existing USB problem.

[bmasuda]

Superior Reball offers the service that you are asking about -
Superior Reball on EBay
The cost is $60 including return shipping. Plan to be without your laptop for 2 weeks to a month. Again, it sounds to me like you have more than one issue with that board. You could very well have superior reball fix the GPU only to have the board returned with the existing USB problem.

Thanks Harryc! I'll ask them to see if they can also perform the same procedure on the north bridge as well...

Or, i guess I can go buy a heat gun and give the home-reflow a try...