T41p display issue

I've got a T41p (1.7GHz, 2GB RAM, 32MB RADEON 7500, XP SP3) and the display is cutting out; this also occurs when the laptop is connected to an external display. For instance, the computer will begin to boot and graphics will begin to display but it then goes blank.

The motherboard was replaced way back when although I suspect that it could go south again. That said this laptop has been well cared for.

Could it be the graphics card?

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated in advance!
David

 

That'd be my guess.

 

Any chance if you know whether the T41p takes a low profile or high profile 32MB RADEON 7500 graphics card or can suggest other cards that would work???

Many thanks!!!

 

The card is soldered to the board. If you want to replace it, you'll need to swap out the board. There are some places that may be able to fix the GPU using a heat gun, but I think it's hit or miss as to whether it'll work, I've gathered some of them are kind of flaky, and there's the cost issue. Do you want to put that kind of money into a six year old notebook?

I'd say you're probably better off, if you can't swing a new machine which are dirt cheap as compared to a new T41 six years ago, upgrading to a T60 or R60. They are in most ways better than the T4x machines, except may the keyboard and they're a little thicker. You'd get a dual core CPU, better construction and access to bigger/faster SATA drives. Sorry to hear about the board, but that's my 2¢.

 

Ah, now I understand the issue. I've already purchased a new Sony laptop so I'll need to re-evaluate what to do with this potential brick...ugh

Nevertheless, thanks again for your direction!

 

I'd be willing to purchase it off of you. I like to fix up old laptops and give them to friends/family that need them. Send me a Private Message.

 

There's still some good parts on it I assume, which may bring in some money via eBay.

 

I wish that you were a part of my family...PM sent

 

Yup, new keyboard, RAM maxed out (and I still have the original 512K module), relatively new battery and power supply, original motherboard and hard drive were replaced while under the extended warranty, cosmetic condition very good.

That said I am still having a difficult time believing that the graphics card is soldered to the motherboard...ugh

 

Until recently they were all made that way.

 

since when did the T41p used the Radeon 7500 GPU? isn't the ATI FireGL T2 the standard GPU for the T41p?

you can try to reflow the GPU, but this would require that you take apart the laptop.

 

Here is the spec on the T41p:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-55328

In my case, I have no idea what exactly this laptop has inside...

 

that is the spec list for both the T41 and T41p, if your GPU isn't the FireGL one, then it is just a a regular T41 and not the T41p. The T41p is the workstation laptop that uses the ATI FireGL graphics card.

 

My bad...thanks for the clarification! I am assuming that this card is also soldered to the MB...