Loose GPU? R51e

[emeraldgirl08]

I get weird multicolored horizontal lines and the laptop freezes when I move it. It also does this when I press on the right-side of the keyboard. I was under the impression that my R51e has integrated graphics so this strikes me as a little unusual. I don't take this Thinkpad out so I'm thinking that age has just caught up with it. I believe that this was manufactured in 2005 and I got it just five months ago from Fleabay

I'm now thinking part it out??? Send it in to get reballed??? I do need a second Thinkpad as a backup here. I have a T400 but want to be extra-gentle with it! I really don't feel like tearing the R51 apart and dedicating huge amounts of time to pinpointing problems. I've been a very busy girl as far as taking Thinkpads apart lately so I feel that simply scrounging up for a replacement would be easier for me. I've got some parts leftover from the last couple of months that I could sell also to finance something...um any 15" R52 hopefully. T43's would be nice but they are more expensive than their first cousin (R52).

Now the question of the replacement. I really like discrete graphics but the con of that is another loose GPU! I understand that the T43/R52 ATI GPUs are more resilient than the T40-42/R51 ATI's. I also would like another 15" 4:3 screen that has potential to be upgraded to Flexview. Gee maybe this is a blessing in disguise??? Maybe just wishful thinking. This also reminds me to change my signature as two of the Thinkpads there are not mine

Any suggestions guys???

[Harryc]

Product: ThinkPad R51e 1844-69U

Original description: Celeron M 360(1.4GHz), 256MB RAM, 40GB 5400rpm HD, 15in 1024x768 LCD, ATI Radeon 200M, CDRW/DVD, 802.11bg wireless, Modem, 10/100 Ethernet, 6c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Home

It's a loose GPU, and it's an ATI not an Intel on your machine.

[emeraldgirl08]

Hmmm... I recall hearing from several places that the x200M was integrated....

Then discrete!

I also remember my brothers Desktop version of the X200- that was integrated! Regardless I can only say that I am bewildered but accept the X200M at face value- a lite graphics card that is a step up from the integrated graphics the R52 has.

Definitely a GPU issue then... I think I saw that a fix from Superior Reball is $45. I think I will just part this one out. I'm hoping a couple of small sales I will have may help me get a backup for this laptop. So it's off to part this one and some other parts I have to generate a sales list. Anyone have an 15-inch R52 with ATI X300 for sale???

[Harryc]

Now having looked into it a bit, it is an integrated chipset - http://ati.amd.com/products/radeonxpres ... specs.html
So, disregard my previous post.

[emeraldgirl08]

Confusing eh. So Harry. What would cause the lock-ups/graphics distortions??? Would it be a loose Southbridge? lol I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about but have read something about Southbridges coming loose! Would that cause distortion and freezes?

[Harryc]

Freezes, yes, video distortion ... I don't think so. You may need to actually remove the keyboard and start applying pressure to the southbridge and GPU to see if you can get the symptoms to occur or change. The machine will run in a dock without a keyboard, or you can leave it hooked up but loose. Be careful not to short anything else out with the metal keyboard bottom.

[emeraldgirl08]

I don't know if you remember but I had a thread going on an LCD swap I did about two months ago. The original LCD that came with the R51e had two pressure spots on it. It was a project laptop to begin with so along the way of upgrading I swapped a dead R40 units LCD with the R51e. It worked but I'm thinking that there could be a loose LCD connection. I remember having somewhat of a hard time getting that cable to stay in back of the panel. Sheesh that was a pain! I'm thinking that it's somehow come loose. Could a loose cable cause freezing and garbage-like artifacts on the screen?

[Harryc]

My guess is that yes a loose cable might do that, but you mentioned pressing on the "right side of the keyboard" to make it happen.

[emeraldgirl08]

I've got some interest from a forum member regarding a buy.

Yes. It does respond to basically any movements Harry. So apparently pressing the keyboard moves the laptop enough to cause the problem to happen.

I am seriously considering selling this and saving up for that R52 w/ ATI X300. I heard the Fire graphics cards ran too hot! I just need a 4:3 15" Flexview screen

[RealBlackStuff]

Just in case, if you re-fix the LCD cable on the inside of the lid, use a piece of duct-tape to keep it in place.

[Harryc]

I am seriously considering selling this and saving up for that R52 w/ ATI X300. I heard the Fire graphics cards ran too hot! I just need a 4:3 15" Flexview screen

The R52's are a nice machine, but be aware that none of them came with an IPS Flexview LCD from the factory. You'd have to go for an R50/P or an R51 if that is your goal.

[RealBlackStuff]

Somebody's looking for R51e parts: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=83717

[emeraldgirl08]

I beg to differ. I'm pretty sure I've seen threads here that even have an Intel GM 900 that is capable of doing IPS- only in 15" however. I also remember reading some threads about 15" ATI X300 doing IPS. Oh Harry I am aware that the R52's did not ship out with the option of IPS I am planning on future upgrading

[Harryc]

Ok then. It seems like my comments are not helping in this thread, and that you are up on everything you need to know. Good luck with parting out the R51e machine and rebuilding an R52.

[emeraldgirl08]

Ok then. It seems like my comments are not helping in this thread, and that you are up on everything you need to know. Good luck with parting out the R51e machine and rebuilding an R52.

I definitely appreciate any input Harry. Please don't take what I am typing differently. I do not mean to come across in a condescending manner. I am sorry if that is what it seems like. I learned what I know now from you guys here at the forum.

Have a good morning