Any difference in hardware between 42W7648 and 42W7872?

[SimonSt]

Hi,

I'm planning to replace the buggy (nVidia Bug) mainboard of my 14" T61 with an Intel graphics powered one. As far as I know there are two possibilities: 42W7648 for Merom CPUs and 42W7872 for Penryn CPUs. I know that I can use both boards with my Penryn CPU when I use an alternate BIOS for the 42W7648. Does anybody know, if there are any hardware differences between those two boards or is it just the BIOS what makes the difference? It's hard to find a 42W7872 in Germany...

Thanks a lot,

Simon

[craigmontHunter]

the penryn board actually supports the thermal sensor, the merom + patch just disables the error messages about them not supporting the thermal sensor - I would try for the penryn board if you can find it, otherwise I don't think it makes a diffrence.

[Johan]

Welcome to the forum, Simon!

In reply to your question, you may find the thread T61 GMA motherboard in T60p helpful, especially this post. The (more lenghty) thread Parts for the ultimate 15” T60 UXGA FlexView w/T61(p) mobo? may perhaps also contain some useful information. I used this very useful search-script made by HarryC - try it out, and you'll learn how to find answers to many questions, already discussed by TOP-ThinkPad'ers!

PS: Maybe your buggy nVidea T61 is eligble for a FREE repair? Check the thread BREAKING NEWS: T61 nVidia thinkpads now being repaired N/C, altought this offer may have expired... see T61p exhibiting 1 long and 2 short beep and black screen.

Johan