CPU and MBoard upgrade for T41 model 2373 - any ideas

[RoyalQC]

Hi,

So I own a T41 model 2373 with T41 motherboard and Intel M 1.4g.
I just don't want to buy and install something that will not run or cause crash.

I would like to have ideas to get the best from my old T41.

Thanks !

[dr_st]

Once you upgrade the mobo, you can put a T43 mobo / CPU in (up to 2.26GHz) and this will get you maximum performance.

Not a worthy investment, IMO, unless you get the things dirt cheap.

[poshgeordie]

Welcome to the forums!

A list of the T41 slower Banias processors and the equivalent faster Dothan ones is in this thread.

Some of the slower Dothan CPU's are fairly cheap but the faster ones are more expensive.

You may also need to update the BIOS for the Thinkpad to recognise the processor.

[RealBlackStuff]

A Dothan 745 1.8MHz CPU is the sweet spot.
Combined with 2x 1GB RAM and a 320GB 5400rpm hard disk, you'd have the easiest & cheapest useful upgrade.

[sktn77a]

In my experience, a larger HDD (7200rpm if you can find one or a large 5400rpm drive if not), 2gb RAM and a 2.0 dothan processor, in that order for bang for the buck.

[emeraldgirl08]

From what I see also- the 7200 models max out on storage space sooner, require more power to operate, and are not competitively priced against 5400's. The 5400 w/ the latest tech offer more storage and are nicely priced these days

sktn77a and RBS any particular large capacity 5400 models the OP (and myself) should consider?

[RealBlackStuff]

WD Scorpio Blue 320GB PATA WD3200BEVE: http://www.wdc.com/cN/products/products.asp?DriveID=599
Check around for prices.

[sktn77a]

sktn77a and RBS any particular large capacity 5400 models the OP (and myself) should consider?

I use the Hitachi 5k160 but they are probably not the fastest of the currently available crop.

[RoyalQC]

WOW !


I have more informations in 2 days here than 1 month on the net....
Thanks guys !

Question : Should I buy a new mobo to put in my new CPU ?

[t140568]

I have a Samsung Spinpoint M5 HM160HC in my R50 and my X30. From what I read when I bought them, they're pretty quick. Higher platter density with fewer platters if I remember right. I've been pretty happy with them.

[sktn77a]

Question : Should I buy a new mobo to put in my new CPU ?

Not sure what you would gain.

[RoyalQC]

I mean ....


Do I need to change my motherboard if I want to put new processor.

[RealBlackStuff]

No. Just put in fresh thermal paste when you swap CPUs.

[sktn77a]

I mean ....
Do I need to change my motherboard if I want to put new processor.

No, you don't need to upgrade you motherboard. You can use up to a 2.1GHz Pentium M 765 CPU. The Dothan processor needs to end in a "5" as these have the 400MHz FSB. The 2.1 GHz 765 run quite hot and are still expensive. A 755 (2.0GHz) or a 745 (1.8GHz) are probably the optimum upgrade for a T40/1/2.

[thinkpad1]

I upgraded my Thinkpad THD model, 2373, with a Hitachi 120 GB notebook drive. Is there any way to list the hardware specs so I can confirm the model number? Either in Windows or Linux?

I think it's a 5400rpm drive. Hitachi's 5400rpm drives are okay, right?

[sktn77a]

Look in Device Manager or in the BIOS for the HDD model number and then check it on the Hitachi GST site.

[thinkpad1]

Excellent idea! I discovered that my notebook drive ISN'T a Hitachi and what's worse, it is a VERY SLOW drive!

Maybe even worth upgrading? I think I got ripped off by the seller (who also sold the Thinkpad and exchanged the keyboard which wasn't assembled all that well - well, the keyboard has keys which are sticky or don't go down very smoothly). Anyway, the drive has the model name ID, ST9120824A, which makes it a Seagate.

It is listed on this site:
http://www.harddrivebenchmark.net/hdd_list.php

The benchmark test displays it at or near the bottom of the pack.

Should I upgrade this drive?

The WD 3200 BEVE and SAMSUNG HM160HC get a good result and are both often recommended, right?

Sorry if I am sending this thread on a bit of a tangent. Hopefully, the OP is interested in the additional hardware topic.

Edit: I installed and ran HD Tune Pro (free 15 day Trial). The 48-bit Address feature is unchecked. How would I activate this (it's not part of the BIOS?) so that I could even use a 160 GB drive? I currently have XP Pro SP2 installed. Do I have to update the BIOS or tweak the BIOS somehow to obtain 48-bit LBA support?

[RealBlackStuff]

That 4200rpm Seagate HD should be ready for retirement, or re-use as a backup-HD.
It has the size, but not the speed. Get that WD drive instead.
It wouldn't hurt to update your BIOS, but if nothing is wrong, best leave it alone.
When you install the larger HD, it will automatically be recognized.
Windows XP SP1 (and higher) includes 48-bit LBA support, which only kicks in for HDs over 132GB.

[thinkpad1]

That 4200rpm Seagate HD should be ready for retirement, or re-use as a backup-HD.
It has the size, but not the speed. Get that WD drive instead.
It wouldn't hurt to update your BIOS, but if nothing is wrong, best leave it alone.
When you install the larger HD, it will automatically be recognized.
Windows XP SP1 (and higher) includes 48-bit LBA support, which only kicks in for HDs over 132GB.

Okay, but why isn't it checked in HD Tune? I'm confused about that.

Edit: Would updating the BIOS help? I checked and the BIOS version on my Thinkpad T41 is 1RETC6WW (3.05a) while the current updated BIOS ver. is 1RETDRWW (3.23). There's been a bunch of BIOS updates since then (i.e. the one I currently have).

[RealBlackStuff]

I wrote: 48-bit LBA support only kicks in for HDs over 132GB. Since yours is 'only' 120GB, it is not necessary, and thus (probably) not set. I never checked any LBA related settings, because they work (at least in my PCs and laptops).
And who says HD Tune is correct?
Either way, update your BIOS first, after that also update the Enhanced Control Program to the latest version. You'll need both an AC adapter and a charged battery connected before you do this.

[thinkpad1]

I wrote: 48-bit LBA support only kicks in for HDs over 132GB. Since yours is 'only' 120GB, it is not necessary, and thus (probably) not set. I never checked any LBA related settings, because they work (at least in my PCs and laptops).
And who says HD Tune is correct?
Either way, update your BIOS first, after that also update the Enhanced Control Program to the latest version. You'll need both an AC adapter and a charged battery connected before you do this.

I know what you wrote so I'm not trying to insult or patronize! But, I read that it depends on the BIOS and not the operating system or the drive. So, I'm getting mixed views here.

Edit: Also, it is confusing on the Lenovo site: it states to upgrade the Embedded Controller after you update the BIOS but for the latest BIOS, 3.23, you need Embedded Controller version, 3.04 at the latest! HUH?

My BIOS shows BIOS ver. 3.05a (1RETC6WW) and Embedded Controller Version 3.01a. So, if I upgrade the BIOS ver. to latest, 3.23, it won't work until after I update the Embedded Controller program (to 3.04)????

[RealBlackStuff]

The numbers for BIOS and Embedded (not Enhanced as I mistakenly wrote) Control Pgm do not go up parallel.
Just get the latest version of each off the Lenovo website, and update BIOS first, then ECP.
Make sure you get it for YOUR exact type, e.g. 2373-xxx (see bottom of laptop).
See here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-46258

[thinkpad1]

I just upgraded the BIOS and Embedded to most updated versions.

I downloaded and installed free trial of Everest and it seems the '48-bit LBA' is listed but in this case, is more of a drive device value or centric to the device's abilities (?) rather than the BIOS. So, that just leaves whether the updated BIOS has built-in support for 48-bit LBA or not. Anyway, I am guessing it does since I haven't found any posts about any issues or problems using the full capacity of these 160 GB and 320 GB drives of Samsungs/Western Digital drives.

[RealBlackStuff]

People have not worried about LBA for at least 6 years, and neither should you.

[thinkpad1]

People have not worried about LBA for at least 6 years, and neither should you.

Um... okay!

[RoyalQC]

sktn77a
No, you don't need to upgrade you motherboard. You can use up to a 2.1GHz Pentium M 765 CPU. The Dothan processor needs to end in a "5" as these have the 400MHz FSB. The 2.1 GHz 765 run quite hot and are still expensive. A 755 (2.0GHz) or a 745 (1.8GHz) are probably the optimum upgrade for a T40/1/2.

Ok thanks.

No new fans or cooling device ?