Upgrading T61 (14.1" widescreen) with T400 motherboard.

[mechanic]

Hi All,

My T61 (7662CTO) broke down once again due to the infamous nVidia NVS140m graphics card. I had this issue coming up last summer (i was out of warranty by 6 months then), when my Visa CC warranty program helped me pay for the motherboard (MB) replacement (Lenovo charged $610). After 8 months, last week my graphics card fails again (Not a surprise this time).

I am now left with 2 options:
Possibility 1: Sell my T61 for parts.
Possibility 2: Buy a used MB from marketplace and replace it myself.

Looking in to the option of replacing the MB, i can simply replace the busted MB with a T61 MB (of course, with integrated graphics this time!). I plan to do it myself this time, which might cost me under $250. Any part numbers and things-to-watch-out-for would be welcome!
As alternate plan, albeit a little more expensive, is that i can go with a T400 MB. I am just evaluating this option to see if this can help me upgrade as well. From pictures, i find that the design has not changed much (at least externally). Would this be MB upgrade be viable. I might not be able to use my T7250 processor and DDR2 RAM on the T400 MB. Hence, i am throwing this question open to this forum, so that i can get the ideas and opinions from you all. As for my DIY (with computers) skill level, i can rate myself at an intermediate level. Thanks for all your suggestions.

*****************************
My T61 configuration:
CPU: T7300 (2GHz 4MB L2 cache 800MHz FSB)
RAM: 2 x 1GB PC2 5400
Hard disk: 160GB SATA 5400rpm
Display: 14.1" WXGA+ (1400 x 900 pix)
Battery: 6 cell (Still in fine condition after 2.5 years)
Wireless: Thinkpad (Atheros) BGN
Bluetooth: Yes
Integrated camera: No
Fingerprint reader: Yes
*****************************

[Brad]

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry for your ThinkPad trouble x 2.

The T400 upgrade makes sense. Unfortunately some mounting holes are different if I remember correctly. Also like you mention the processor and memory would need to be replaced. For this expense and your time for the repair I think selling what you have and getting a used T400 makes more sense.

Just my .02c.

Brad

[ZaZ]

You'd have to replace the optical drive too as the T400 uses a SATA connector whereas your T61 uses PATA. I'd say a T61 board with the Intel card is the best way to go. I heard that that the mount points are different too, though I don't have any first hand knowledge.

[RealBlackStuff]

Before you throw away your bad T61 motherboard, let me know please.
Use the PM button at the bottom of this (my) message.
Thanks

[mechanic]

Thanks for all the opinions on my query.

I am going ahead with T61 motherboard replacement (with Intel graphics).
I will try to post a descriptive guide with pictures, if it helps others.

[msb0b]

Lenovo may be covering Nvidia GPU issues even for those who are outside of warranty coverage. Take a look at this thread over at the official Lenovo forum: http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T61-and-pri ... 958#M46264

[mechanic]

Thank you bob. Looks like there might be a glimmer of hope.

The bad news is that, I just disassembled my T61 completely and bought a used Mb from our marketplace as well. If Lenovo will once again install the nVidia graphics MB, it is just futile. Although i am fixing my T61, i will call up Lenovo and try my luck as well.

[makaveli559m]

You know there is a fix to fix the NVS issues, I was gonna get rid of my T61 until I did more research
Powermizer Switch 1.2.0 fixed all my issues including the heat issue
I am telling everyone that has a T61 or T61p there is a fix. Nvidia isnt going to fix that issue themselves, sometimes you have to look elsewhere.

[bakery2k]

Does anybody have any more information about this upgrade? I too have a T61 with a dead Nvidia chip, so am looking to replace the motherboard. Switching to Intel graphics would require me to buy a motherboard and a heatsink/fan assembly, and I was also going to take the opportunity to upgrade my CPU. It seems that the only extra item I'll need for a T400 upgrade is new RAM - I'm not currently using the Ultrabay.

1. Has anyone actually tried this upgrade - if so, how well does the T400 board actually fit? Do you know any details about the mounting points issue mentioned above?

2. Are there any other parts I'm going to need other than: CPU, motherboard, heatsink/fan and RAM?