Upgrading R51 to the max *PIC*

[zaendenwurz]

Hello, I'm new to this forum.

I'm in the process of upgrading my Thinkpad R51 that I've been using for about 3.5 years and wanted to know if the following upgrade options are feasible or not for my current laptop. I've max out the RAM to 2GB, so the following options are the remaining that I can perhaps do.
Laptop build code is 1829EM2 - 9LLx (something), CPU 1.6 GHz, Hard Drive 60GB, XGA 1024x768, ATI Radeon 32MB.

1. I'm thinking about upgrading the hard drive to the 320GB Western Digital Scorpio Blue EIDE WD3200BEVE model. I've read several posts from people who have upgraded to 160GB and 250GB, but wasn't sure whether it will also work with 320GB for R51? Is there any BIOS limitation for R51 if I go up to 320GB drive? I'm using XP Pro SP3 btw. I've heard conflicting answers from several shops where I asked for the WD hard drive (they're selling like hot cakes!)

2. The current CPU is Intel Pentium M 1.6GHz, L2 1MB Cache. Is it possible to upgrade to Intel Pentium M processor 755 (2.0GHz, L2 2MB cache)? Will I need to upgrade the fan accordingly as well?

3. With regards to the LCD panel, is it worth it to upgrade to UXGA type panel? If so, would I need to change the inverter and cable as well?

Thanks in advance.

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

1) Yes, you can upgrade to WD 320GB HDD, there will be no issues.

2) Yes, you can upgrade to PM 755CPU, check out which fans were available for your model and pick the fastest/biggest one

3) What size LCD do you have? If it's 15" it can be upgraded to UXGA with a proper cable and inverter, along with the LCD itself.

Hope this helps.

[underclocker]

Welcome to the forum.

Well, if you want to take it to the limit, the Pentium M 2.1GHz (765) will work, too.

The UXGA LCD will work just fine, but you'll need the cable and maybe the inverter. The best bet is to buy the entire assembly from either a R50p or a T42p (15"). With the R50p, you swap everything, with the T42p, you just swap the parts.

The 320GB drive will work just fine, as George says.

As a note, the only weaknesses I'm aware of with the ATI-based R51's is 1) the ATI GPU could become loose, as with the T4x series machines and 2) the back left corner can fracture since the screws holding the hinge to the frame loosen over time. It's a good idea to tighten them once in a while.

[zaendenwurz]

Do you know where I can find out what sizes of fan are available and what can fit into the R51? What should I watch out for when selecting the fan? Voltage etc?

From the thinkpad support website, it seems that all R51 models use the same part for the internal fan: 13N5182, regardless of the CPU type/speed. Does this actually mean that I can upgrade my CPU to the 2GHz Pentium 755 without having to change the fan? A bit unsure here.
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 53115.html

I've got the 15" LCD screen and have heard quite a bit about the UXGA IPS FlexView LCD panel. I wonder where I can get my hands on one of those panels these days.

[sjthinkpader]

The R5x series has three fans:



The short one on the right is used for R50, R51 ATI with a separate heatsink on the GPU, aluminum for 7500 and copper for other types. You likely have this one.

The long one in the middle is for R52 with ATI X300 GPU, FRU# 26R9118, 26R8198. There is an accompanied "L" bracket.

The long one on the left is for all intel GPU, FRU# 26R8296.

[zaendenwurz]

Can I really fit in the 2.1 GHz (765) into R51 without heating up the laptop too much?
I'm just worried I will overheat the motherboard for a little additional gain in speed.

Thanks again for everyone for helping out with their great advice.

Welcome to the forum.

Well, if you want to take it to the limit, the Pentium M 2.1GHz (765) will work, too.

The UXGA LCD will work just fine, but you'll need the cable and maybe the inverter. The best bet is to buy the entire assembly from either a R50p or a T42p (15"). With the R50p, you swap everything, with the T42p, you just swap the parts.

The 320GB drive will work just fine, as George says.

As a note, the only weaknesses I'm aware of with the ATI-based R51's is 1) the ATI GPU could become loose, as with the T4x series machines and 2) the back left corner can fracture since the screws holding the hinge to the frame loosen over time. It's a good idea to tighten them once in a while.

[underclocker]

Regarding the 2.1GHz CPU, that CPU was used in the T4x line and the ATI GPU motherboards are basically identical across lines. Plus, there is more room in the R-series case, so I'd say it should run cooler than in a T42. No matter what you do, your ATI 7500 GPU won't get as hot as the FireGL T2 from the T42p/R50p, so it will be cooler in there. I mean it's called "Fire" for a reason!

It's just a cost issue, the 2.1GHz is much more than the 2.0GHz, at least in the U.S.

[sjthinkpader]

Can I really fit in the 2.1 GHz (765) into R51 without heating up the laptop too much?
I'm just worried I will overheat the motherboard for a little additional gain in speed.

....

If you use "Adaptive" CPU profile in the Power Manager, the CPU will be in low frequency mode most of the time and is an effective way to mitigate heat build up.

Then again, 745/1.8Ghz CPUs are cheap and performance is enough.

[zaendenwurz]

Thanks, underclocker. I've found several used CPUs (755 and 765) on eBay that are reasonable priced, at least within my upgrade budget, though I'm not quite sure yet about the quality of such used CPUs. So still haven't made up my mind completely which one to go with.

One more thing, is it necessary to apply thermal paste (something like Arctic Silver) to the CPU/the fan when upgrading to higher speed one?
I've found rather confusing explanation on this, some people said it will work to reduce heat quite considerably, some said not that much different.
Btw, the Thinkpad R51 manual indicated that I need to apply some sort of paste on the fan section (that contacts the CPU), while on the Arctic Silver website, it suggests to apply the paste directly on the CPU?

Anyone else had previous experience with such thermal paste before?

Regarding the 2.1GHz CPU, that CPU was used in the T4x line and the ATI GPU motherboards are basically identical across lines. Plus, there is more room in the R-series case, so I'd say it should run cooler than in a T42. No matter what you do, your ATI 7500 GPU won't get as hot as the FireGL T2 from the T42p/R50p, so it will be cooler in there. I mean it's called "Fire" for a reason!

It's just a cost issue, the 2.1GHz is much more than the 2.0GHz, at least in the U.S.

[RealBlackStuff]

Thermal paste (like Arctic Silver 5) is a MUST, between CPU and cooler.
It's easier to apply it on the CPU (just the size of a rice corn is enough), then use e.g. a credit card to spread it out evenly over ONLY the CPU top.
Make sure to clean up any previous paste with e.g. Isopropyl or Isopropanol from a drugstore/pharmacy.
Medicinal cleaning alcohol will also work.

[vitalous]

I upgraded my R51 (1836) from a 1.5GHz Dothan to a 2.0GHz unit and don't notice any more heat.

John