Comments on: How to upgrade CPU on IBM ThinkPad T41p laptop

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:01:16 +0000

Hi Laptop Tech,

I was careful to take both of those steps, and again, just to be sure, I ran through the whole exercise twice.

The eBay seller has agreed to send me another CPU, hopefully this one will work out!

Thanks for the reply.

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:52:13 +0000

Tim,

I just received an M735 that I bought on eBay ($18 shipped!) and installed it in my T41 (2373-7FU) – with no luck! Computer powered on, but screen stayed blank. No beeps, nothing. Holding down the power key for just a second or so turned it back off. I put my old CPU back in and everything worked fine again.

Is it safe to assume the M735 I got (SL7EP) is a dud?

I assume the new CPU was installed correctly and you locked the socket before turning it on, correct?
Yes, it does sound like you got a bad one.

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:44:45 +0000

Hi there,

I just received an M735 that I bought on eBay ($18 shipped!) and installed it in my T41 (2373-7FU) – with no luck! Computer powered on, but screen stayed blank. No beeps, nothing. Holding down the power key for just a second or so turned it back off. I put my old CPU back in and everything worked fine again.

Is it safe to assume the M735 I got (SL7EP) is a dud?

I bought this T41 on eBay a while ago because I love the old ThinkPads and have since added a bigger battery, maxed out the RAM and replaced the WiFi with 802.11g (it had b), and am looking forward to swapping out the drive for an SSD soon when prices come down a little more. I KNOW I could have a faster, newer computer for the money I’ve spent so far (~$350), but pimping my T41 is fun!

By: mynamehear

mynamehear — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:00:21 +0000

You can only replace your internal with an ATA6 drive (IDE). Newegg has a 320 gig’r for $90 (old tech here). Honestly folks, even moving to a M755 (should you be able to find one) will net you a relatively small jump in performance as this processor is at least 5 year old technology. I agree with the OP’s original point in that this would be a fairly difficult hassle. Much easier just to ebay the t41 now and get $100 and apply it to a newer model for sub $500 will get you a huge leap in performance.

Sorry to be a killjoy

On the other hand if your nerd juices are really flowing, rip that bad boy a new one!

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:26:03 +0000

James,

I have a T41p…Was looking to put in a 500gb, but will something prevent me from doing so? Perhaps a 500 gb portable drive would be a better idea?

I’m not sure if your laptop can handle such a large drive. Also, I believe you have an IDE drive inside your laptop and I really doubt that you can find a 500GB laptop drive with IDE connector.

By: James

James — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:47:43 +0000

Thanks so much for replying!

I have a T41p…Was looking to put in a 500gb, but will something prevent me from doing so? Perhaps a 500 gb portable drive would be a better idea?

Thanks again!

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:15:20 +0000

James,

How do I flash the BIOS?

Go the the manufacturers website and find the latest BIOS update. Most likely you’ll find the BIOS update instructions in there too.

looking to upgrade to the largest possible hard drive (still workin off my stock 60 gb!)

What is the model of your laptop? If it works with a 60GB drive, most likely it will work with a 120GB drive too.

By: James

James — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:36:23 +0000

How do I flash the BIOS? Also, looking to upgrade to the largest possible hard drive (still workin off my stock 60 gb!)

Thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

By: Lex

Lex — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:49:44 +0000

This is exactly what I’m looking for.
Are all T41 mobo will accept Dothan ?
You;ve said that it will need BIOS upgrade– I assume BIOS upgrade must done before replacing the processor, is it ?

By: Laptop Tech

Laptop Tech — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:49:00 +0000

Rubz, According to this overview page for ThinkPad T41 and T41p, both models are very similar. I'm not sure what the difference between these two models. Maybe the screen size? Otherwise, specifications for both models are the same. I assume this upgrade will work on a T41 laptop too.