1 long and 2 short beeps

[alibao]

Hi Folks,

As subject of this post points the problem during system startup. A quick look at BIOS error code confirms that its video issue. Here http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/T61-and-prior-T-series-ThinkPad/T61p-exhibiting-1-long-and-2-short-beep-and-black-screen/td-p/223574/page/101 is very interesting discussion about the same problem.

1) It works for me once in ten times. If its problem with video part then howcome it can work even once?
2) My video chip set is "64MB ATI Mobility RADEON X1300 - discrete graphics chipset", any idea if i can just buy one and replace it by my self? its out of warranty anyway.


Any thoughts?

regards,
ali

Machine: T60 , 1.83 Ghz

[TuuS]

Good news, and Bad News. The major issue with the 1 long, 2 short beeps is for the model T61, not the T60, and it only effects boards with nVidia Graphics. However, the bad news is more reliable GPUs like your ATI do fail sometimes too.

The nVidia is an internal problem with the chip, it's been reported that the lead substitutes used cause separation with heating and cooling, and there isn't anything you can do to fix an internal processor defect. Your board may be repairable, I can't really say, but it may not be cost effective to fix it. If I were you, I'd consider swapping a T61 intel board, then you would have greater cpu support, upto 8gb ram, and even SATA2 with a modded bios. You can also get a T61 nVidia board, but if you find a late model one that's not effected by the unreliable GPU, it won't be cheap.

I get the 15.4 Intel boards with lower case and fan assembly and hardware for about 150, they are tested and pulled as I need them. If you have the 14.1 inch, they are much cheaper, as many came with Intel.

As for why your's is intermittent, it's not uncommon for electronics to fail like that, it's actually the heeting and cooling that does them in. If a machine is booted up and never shut down, never overheated, never had high or low voltage, it would probably last decades, but constant restarts, heating and cooling can kill a computer and laptops are even more sensitive to heat because the circuts and chips are smaller, and less air flows through them.

Good luck with your T60

[Harryc]

One long and two short beeps, and a blank or unreadable LCD.

System board
LCD assembly
DIMM

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/researc ... MIGR-46018

[alibao]

Thanks for your valuable followup.

After this problem, I did service my laptop while cleaning the fan, motherbaord etc. It really strikes me, how on earth it can work randomly! I was able to actually login and do backup. But now, even it starts up randomly the screen is filled with black, gray, white and blue boxes. I know it will be bit OT but it would be really great if there is any quick tip to conclude that problem is with graphics chipset.

I have checked ebay and seems i can get t60 mother board. Any thoughts how can I make sure I am buying the right model? Should i follow the model 'Type No ' or P/N no. written in blue ink on motherboard frame?

Thanks,
ali

[alibao]

One more question:

I have never used Thinkpad Docks. I wonder if i can just use a dock with external PCI video card and totally avoiding the motherboard replacement. Any thoughts if this can an option?



regards,
ali

[Harryc]

That's an interesting thought, and I can't see why it wouldn't work. The issue is that you'd need to purchase an Advanced Dock and a video card. I can't imagine that would be any less expensive than a systemboard..not sure of prices in your part of the world though.

[alibao]

Ok, I made my mind and ordered a mobo form here http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=7925915721 its all in chinese which I sadly don't know but friend of mine helped to get it right. Price is almost same as ebay but ofcourse shipping cost is less. I am sure motherboard (video chip in particular is the problem child) , as I've tried system while removing the LCD, changing DIMMs, HDD, WLAN and even fan assembly. Will keep posting!

On the sidelines, curious to know that howcome dock with external video card will work. Is it ROM will update itself in POST process and redirect the video path to external port or both ports will work at the same time?

regards,
ali

[Harryc]

My opinion is that the video signal would be directed to the external card and to the internal GPU both simultaneously.

[alibao]

If its simultaneously signal then separate LCD/MONITOR is required for sure. Will check with MS/*nix folks for POST.

regards,
ali

[alibao]

Hello,

Finally, I got my new mobo yesterday. Took me 2 hours almost and this [ http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/io ... index.html ] assembly/disassembly videos were references. Well, I have T60 and in video they show something else, but still it was a great help to have an idea about certain parts.

The most tricky part is base and motherboard frame. At the end of assembly I ended up with extra few screws;-) I wouldn't say it's saving but close miss.

Here is the summary:

Problem:

1 Long and 2 short beeps with occasional display or most of the time no display.

Workaround:

0) Check your DIMMS, clean them, change them , swap them etc.
1) LCD check, the easiest way is to just remove power and video connector of LCD and see if the system can be turned on.
3) System Board, If above things didn't work then chances are very clear that your video chipset is to blame. But, its still worth a shot to give a try. Remove all the components from board and see if that helps.

Solution: Get your self a new motherboard or if you cranky enough then just change the video chipset.


Happy T60 user,
ali

[RealBlackStuff]

Solution: Get your self a new motherboard or if you cranky enough then just change the video chipset.

Changing the video chipset is NOT possible!

[TuuS]

Changing the video chipset is NOT possible!

I think he means replace the damaged components on the system board, not replace a video card.

[alibao]

Seems we have bit misunderstanding.

The video part ( problem in this case) would have been replaced. But ofcourse, its just so much pain and effort to get rid of BGA packaged IC. I don't see why that would not be possible. One would have started with ATI chipset and 2 memories (in 14.1" for x1300).

Any questions?

regards,
ali