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    ThinkPad RL400 Upgradeability

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by erietdyk, Jan 31, 2009.

  1. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just got a slightly over base model of the ThinkPad RL400, chosing the lowest processor, RAM, and hard drive options. I want to know if I will later be able to upgrade to the P8400 processor later, even though it has a 1066Mhz FSB, while the processor I ordered with it has an 800Mhz FSB. If all the SL400's are based on the Montevina platform, it should be able to, but I just want to know. I know that the RAM and the HDD is upgradeable easily, but I'm wondering if the graphics card can be upgraded or not. If so, which type of MXM slot does it have, and which cards can I upgrade to? Thanks guys!
     
    erietdyk, Jan 31, 2009
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  2. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    The processor, by the way, is a T6570, which I can find NO information for, even on the intel website.
     
    erietdyk, Jan 31, 2009
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  3. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    The GPU isnt upgradeable.

    The CPU can be upgraded, but it isnt the easiest thing to do. ;)

    I dont see anything for the T6570, are you sure thats the right model number?
     
    ahl395, Jan 31, 2009
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  4. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Mind you, I do have the discreet graphics model, not the x4500MHD model. Is it still not upgradeable?
     
    erietdyk, Jan 31, 2009
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  5. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    I think the GPU is soldered in place (just like the CPU is on the X series) as opposed to a socketed design.
     
    jonlumpkin, Jan 31, 2009
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  6. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    Even so, I dont think it is upgradable. Not many in notebooks are. Less than 3% of them have this capability. The main ones i know of are some Sagers, and Clevo's.

    Check out xoticpc.com
     
    ahl395, Jan 31, 2009
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  7. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Alright. The 9300m GS is good enough. Now, the processor I got was a T6570, and I can't find a thing on it online. Even though it has an 800MHz FSB, can I upgrade to the P8400 with a 1066MHz FSB later?
     
    erietdyk, Jan 31, 2009
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  8. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    Well, since we cant find anyhing about it, i dont know what Socket it is.Thats will decide if you can or cannot. If its the same socket as the P8400, you can, if not, you cant. :eek:

    After you get it, you can use CPU-Z, to find the Socket number, if it is Socket P (478) you can upgrade it to a P8400. ;) It most likely is. But Check.
     
    ahl395, Jan 31, 2009
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  9. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    I know it's a socket P, but I've heard that even though it is the same socket as the P8400, it may not be compatible. I think it will be, as Lenovo offered the P8400 as one of the options, but I want to make sure before I make a $100 purchase.
     
    erietdyk, Feb 1, 2009
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  10. mrjohn

    mrjohn Notebook Consultant

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    It would probably be best to either look at the service manual for this particular model, or phoning up Lenovo support and asking point blank if it's possible.

    The thing is, it may actually be cheaper to upgrade on the order than to buy the processor yourself as Lenovo get Intel bulk pricing deals.
     
    mrjohn, Feb 2, 2009
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  11. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    Well, then as far as I know, its compatible. ;)

    You shouldnt have any problems.

    HERE is the cheapest I found a P8400, for $173.
    So, compare that to the upgrade price to the P8400 in customization. ;)
     
    ahl395, Feb 2, 2009
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  12. erietdyk

    erietdyk Notebook Enthusiast

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    The customization price was $125, but thats because of the price of the old processor aswell. I can shell out $173 later, as I was already planning to do this upgrade, I just couldnt afford it right now.
     
    erietdyk, Feb 3, 2009
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  13. ahl395

    ahl395 Ahlball

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    OK then, you shouldnt have any problems. :)
     
    ahl395, Feb 3, 2009
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