Ibm Lenovo T60 Help ?

Hello,

I am buying a used IBM THINKPAD T-60 CD RW DVD ROM 2GHZ 15. LCD. I am looking to run a Land Desktop Computer aided drafting program on this Laptop. I need some help on the RAM, Memory,Video Card & CPU to buy. I have heard that 3 GB memory is max on these systems. I want this T60 to run flawlessly & perform fast with alot of ram @ high speed & memory. My question is, what are the best options with this computer, & the brands I should purchase.

Thanks,
BT60

 

Here's some basic info on the T60/T60p:

T60s were offered in three different form factors: 14.1" standard screen, 15" standard screen, and 15.4" widescreen. The 15" standard screen models have Flexview screens with great color accuracy, high resolution(SXGA+ or UXGA), and incredible viewing angles. If those are important to you, I'd highly recommend getting a Flexview T60/T60p. Mine's a dream to work on.

T60p models are designed to be mobile workstations and typically include more powerful hardware and have the more powerful graphics cards, which could be useful if you're going to be doing any 3D work.

Max RAM on a T60/T60p is 3GB. This is a chipset limitation and can't be worked around. If you care about the minor performance increase of dual channel, you can put 4GB(2x2GB) in, but only 3GB will be recognized. RAM is PC5300, and you can get 4GB for about $40-50 depending on where you shop.

Video cards are(from least to most powerful): Intel GMA 950(integrated), ATI X1300, ATI X1400, ATI FireGL V5200(T60p only) and FireGL V5250(T60p only). The FireGL cards in the T60p run hot, but I've never heard of one failing... and for the age of the system are surprisingly powerful. I don't do CAD or 3D modeling, but I can run even more recent games like Far Cry 2 and Bioshock on my T60p reasonably.

CPUs are either Core Solo(rare), Core Duo(most common) or Core 2 Duo. Since I wager you'll be needing a more powerful CPU, you can put up to a Core 2 Duo T7600 into a T60 or T60p. T7200/7400 CPUs are less expensive and there's only a minor performance difference between the three. The Core 2 Duos are 64-bit CPUs. You can run an x64 OS or any programs optimized for x64 operation, but you won't get the benefit of using more than 3GB of RAM.

Since it sounds like you need some power, if you've got the money go for a T60p with a Core 2 Duo processor, preferably a 15" standard screen(for the Flexview). They're great machines, although a little pricey for their age... expect to pay between $6-700 for one, but you could luck out. If you have any questions, just let me know... I cna point you in the right direction.

 

LegendaryKA8,

I want to personally thank you for all the very useful information you have provided to me. I need to run a 32 bit system with this T60/60P, being my CADD software does not except the 64 bit format. It looks like your suggestions well work except where the CPU's come into play, and I well need to go with core Duo which with my understanding is a 32 bit system. I am about to purchase a T60 w/ 15" standard flexview, it looks like I can add hardware to make it a better performing machine. I am going to keep my eyes open for a T60P in the next few days.

Sincerely,
BT60

 

Not a problem. It is worth mentioning that you can still run 32-bit operating systems and software with the Core 2 Duo processors without an trouble at all; they just have the capability of running 64-bit operating systems and software if you choose to do so. Running a 32-bit OS on a Core 2 Duo won't present any problems, and jumping up from a Core Duo to a Core 2 Duo is a pretty hefty speed increase. Hope this helps!

 

LegendaryKA8,

I have to pick your brain another more time. I have got a T60 available to me with core duo & 15" standard screen flexview for $150.00 in very good shape, everything is working w/ good LCD no cracks. I know you said the core duo 2 is a hefty change in speed, by adding software to a T60 (maxed ram 3GB, max cup.s, & 250 GB memory @ 7200 rpm.s), do you think this system has enough gut speed & performance (your honest opinion please), or should I hold out for a higher $ T60P.

Thanks again,

Brad

 

Hmm... I will admit that $150 is a screaming good deal on a T60, however there's a few things to look for:

What is the LCD resolution? Now that I'm thinking about it I have heard mention of a few 15" XGA(1042x768) models that I don't think have Flexview... I'm honestly not 100% sure on this. If it is a SXGA+ or UXGA resolution, then those are Flexview.

If you're going to be gaming, doing professional 3D apps(3D modeling, AutoCAD, etc) or working with any program that's optimized for a workstation GPU like the FireGL, you'll most likely be happier with the T60p and the V5200/V5250 it comes with. If your programs aren't that intensive, you can definitely look at the standard T60, but make sure you know what video card it's going to come with.

Since it sounds like your drafting apps might need some GPU power, I'd steer clear from that particular T60 if it comes with just an Intel GMA 950(The X1300 is kinda underpowered as well). If it has an ATI X1400 and you are sure you don't need the extra power(the V5200/5250 benchmarks about twice as powerful as the X1400), $150 plus upgrades could be a great deal, especially if it has an SXGA+ or UXGA Flexview. Keep in mind that the GPUs are physically fixed to the motherboard; a GPU upgrade entails an entire motherboard replacement.

A few more things to look into are what the system includes; are you getting a battery with this system? If so, what kind? Does it hold a charge? Are you getting an optical drive? Power adapter? Does it have RAM installed, or a hard drive? Is it in good working order? Most importantly is if there's a BIOS password already on the system; these machines have some great security measures but they're hard if not impossible to circumvent. Make sure you're not getting a bricked T60.

Counting in upgrades($100-$150 for a T7200-T7400, $40 for 4GB RAM, and $80 or so for a good-sized 7200RPM HDD), you're looking at $420 or so for your system max. If the specs on this T60 suit your needs and the system itself is in great working order, you're getting a great deal for a great machine.

 

Since I don't know what Land Desktop CAD entails, it's kind of hard to say. If it's CPU/GPU intensive, then you'll do better on a newer machine, but it's hard to beat the price to performance ratio for $150. I'd suspect it's XGA with the Intel GPU, which means it's not a FlexView. Do you know the machine type? The V52x0 cards will offer you better performance, but they are known to run hot, particularly the V5250.

 

LegendaryKA8,

Once again my hat is off to you ( "YOTA" of the T60P's), I am a Land Surveyor living in a 3D CADD Graphics, & gaming world, where performance & screen resolution quality are my best friend. You have given me once again the answers I am looking for, the T60P is for me!!!! no ifs ands or buts about it. I have stumbled upon a T60P which could cost me in the range of $450.00 to $550.00 w/2GB RAM, I am including the specs for this system:

IBM THINKPAD T60P 2.16GHZ 2GB 100G 15"UXGA IPS FLEXVIEW

This item is in perfect working order. It has a Lenovo Vista Business with the Lenovo Recovery Partition is installed. This 32 bit laptop is the IPS/Flexview screen with 1600X1200 resolution, Genuine 9-Cell IBM Battery that is NEW (cycle count of 5).

T2600(2.16GHz), 2GB RAM, 100GB 7200rpm HD, 15in 1600x1200 UXGA IPS Flexview , 256MB ATI FireGL V5200, CDRW/DVD, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 9-Cell Li-Ion batt (5 Cycle Count), VISTA Business (with Recovery Partition).

It looks like possibly this might be the one for me. I am going to check, make sure & confirm about the BIOS password installed on this system. In asking about this BIOS password, how would you go about asking confirmation on this topic?. I would need to add T7200, and 4 GB RAM, but I think this is a great start. Take a look @ these specs and tell me what you think. You have been a great help & this forum is fortunate to have you, keep up the great work.

Thanks again,
Brad

 

I have found out that this system is an XGA w/ a NVIDIA GeForce2GO video card & Intel GPU, you are right it is not a flexview. The money that I would have to poor into this w/ Land Desktop CAD system (1 GIG) on board is not worth the time & money.

BT60

 

The UXGA FlexView is probably the finest notebook screen ever produced. I really like mine. The V5200 isn't a top card any longer, but those will cost you more. T60s have ATI cards. I don't know how you'd get a GeForce. Congrats on the machine.

 

I use solidworks 2006 on my T60 w/a NVS 140 card with no performance issues. I have 3 gigs of ram.

 

Do you have a UXGA FlexView

 

14.1 widescreen 1440X900 res.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I wasn't certain if the XGA 15" offerings in the T60s were Flexview or not; I know they weren't on the T4x machines. Also, I would like to add that the V52x0 cards definitely do run hot, but FWIW I've never heard of a thermal failure on a T60p. I've done some moderate gaming on mine and haven't had any issues. However, I've never seen temps above 90C on mine, whereas I've heard some others report temps well into the 100C+ range. This is definitely an arena where mileage varies drastically.

That configuration sounds pretty good for a T60p with Flexview. A T7200 should give you a decent processing power increase over the T2600, even if the clock speed is a little slower. That already has a 7200RPM HDD, although you can get a larger one for not that much, or you can always bump up to an SSD if you'd prefer one for a chunk of change extra. The like-new 9-cell battery is also a pretty good bonus; expect about 3.5-4 hours of useage on it.

That's a pretty good notebook for the money. I wouldn't regret pulling the trigger on it.

 

LegendaryKA8,

Ya I think this might be the one to build from, I should get some great years out of this setup. I well get some more RAM & T7200 to get me started & play it by ear from there. I well keep in touch on the outcome of the buy, thanks again,

Brad

 

you mean T61 right?

 

Yea, sorry I meant T61. Its also approaching 2 yrs and have had no Nvidea card issues. I also use it to play GTR and Race without any issues. I have been very happy with my T61, especially after getting rid of all the Thinkvantage software.

 

That is good, i have sold all mine nvidia thinkpads, which is a shame.

 

LegendaryKA8,

I am also looking at a T61p with a 15.4" screen, it has a "Minimum resolution 800 to 600 high resolution from 1920 to 1200", the way I understand this is, with a high grade Video Card I well be able to use this system to its max resolution. Is the extra performance worth the loss of the T60p FLEXVIEW?.

Thanks,
BT60

 

Sounds like you're looking at a T61p with a 15.4" widescreen at WUXGA resolution. It's a decent machine but the screen quality is far less than that of the Flexview. Another caveat is that it uses a Nvidia G84 graphics card. Unfortunately, these specific GPUs have some serious design flaws; they may or may not fail catastrophically. Thinkpad T61s with these cards have relatively low failure rates with these particular GPUs, but my personal feeling is that the risk of GPU failure is far too high for it to be worth it.

However, the GPU is significantly more powerful than the V5250 in the T60p, and the T61p uses faster processors and can take up to 8GB of RAM instead of the T60p's 3GB. The performance increase might be worth it, although if you don't get one with remaining factory warranty you might end up owning a bricked machine.

If you need the extra power over the T60p and want more reliability, another choice would be the newer W500. The FireGL V5700 in that machine is a little more powerful than the T61p's Nvidia GPU(though not by much), has a far better rate of reliability, and many of them come with switchable graphics... you can run an Intel integrated GPU when on battery for added life, then switch to the FireGL when you need more powerful graphics.

 

LegendaryKA8,

Thanks again for all your help.

BT60

 

NO YOU CAN NOT RUN FAR CRY 2 ON An IBM Lenovo T60 i have tried EVERYTHING and it just WONT work. I have the 15.4 wide screen and am using the intelr graphics media accelerator

 

I was running Far Cry 2 on a T60 p, which is a workstation variant of the T60 and is equipped with a ATI FireGL V5200 or V5250. The Intel GMA950 that comes with the standard T60 really isn't capable of much in the way of gaming.

 

NO FAR CRY 2 WILL NOT WORK ON A T60 Lenovo lap top trust me iv tried absolultly EVERYTHING

 

While even I question the fact I'm replying to a bumped thread from a year ago, here's the facts:

The T60 and T60p series came with five different graphics chipsets: the Intel GMA 950(which your T60 is running as per your first post in this thread), the ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 and X1400, and the workstation(read: for CAD and 3D modeling applications) FireGL V5200 and V5250.

The base GMA 950 is capable of running Aero effects in Vista/Win7 as well as play much, much older(anything from 2003 and older should work well) titles. The same chipset was used in some netbooks as a graphics solution. It is not a gaming card by any means.

The T60 p I had used the ATI FireGL V5250, which was the most powerful graphics available for the T60-series. It managed to play Doom 3 rather well on high settings as well as Far Cry 2 on medium settings, although it struggled at my 1600x1200 native resolution. This isn't based on speculation, this is based off of me testing said games on said notebook.

Links to the two different chipsets on Notebookcheck:

GMA 950: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 - Notebookcheck.net Tech

FireGL V5250: ATI Mobility FireGL V5250 - Notebookcheck.net Tech

Basically, if you want more graphics performance from your Intel-based T60 the only option available is a motherboard swap. Not a very easy task if you've never worked on a computer before, but it is possible. Do keep in mind that the V5250 drastically increases temperatures and decreases battery life. That said, the V5200 and V5250 are about the only T60/p graphics chips that will be able to run FC2; the others just don't have the necessary grunt to get it done.

Personally, for the cost of(and headaches finding) a V5250 motherboard you would be much better off saving up and getting a used T500 with switchable graphics(same form factor as your 15.4" T60, has onboard Displayport, and even uses the same batteries). Its HD3650 is over twice as powerful as the V5250. I've played MW2 on high settings with that rig; I'm sure it'd handle FC2 without a problem.