T9600 CPU specifications

[cosma12]

Hi,

I am looking to buy an aftermarket processor for my T400 - 7417CTO, and I saw that Intel is listing different spec codes for this processor (SLG9F, SLB47). Does anybody know which spec will work in T400 ?

Also my system came with a P8400, that has a lower TDP - 25 W as oppose to 35 W for the T9600. I am wandering if the heat sink / cooling ensemble would be different.

Any sugestions apreciated, 

Thanks,

Cosmin 

[zilla]

Somebody else may know if there is a white list in bios so you need to buy the T9600 from lenovo for it to work.

The heat sink is part of the mobo and according to the Hardware Maintenance Manual the mobos arnt different  for the different processors.

[cosma12]

Hi Zilla - what is the "white list" in Bios ? also does Lenovo sells t9600, I don't remember seeing this, if you did can you point me to the right page, otherwise I can ask our sell rep.

thanks,

Cosmin

[zilla]

You order it as a spare part from the online spare parts site .. for the number to order see the hardware maintenance manual.

[cosma12]

 Anyone with a T9600 in their T400 - can you tell me what steping it is ? E0 or C0, it should show up in the CPUZ main window.

 Many thanks,

Cosmin

[KBAM · Accepted solution]

cosma12,

We have a ThinkPad T400 2764-CTO, 12/08 production.  It has an Intel C2D T9600 (2.8GHz, 6MB L2 cache, 1066MHz FSB, 35W) with Stepping 6, Rev C-0 (reported by CPU-Z).  This is a very nice CPU--although currently, we'd probably spec a C2D T9900 (3.06GHZ; otherwise similar, but does not support "Turbo Boost").

Not sure if you're clear, but the newer T9600, E-0 revision, is probably what you want.  The attached links will explain Intel's change, originally dated 08/06/08.

Just to be clear for the benefit of others, CPU stepping/revision level can't be specified or confirmed when purchasing ThinkPads (or for that matter, virtually any laptop; not sure about people like Alienware/Dell or Falcon-NW). The average sales rep would not even know what you're talking about...

Lenovo would likely produce systems on an inventory FIFO (first-in, first-out) basis; by now, it should be shipping the E-0 version of the T9600.  Less reputable vendors might actually source older CPU steppings/revisions if lower landed cost would result.  Assuming an earlier version had no obvious bugs, how would 99.9% of customers really know what's onboard?

Hope this helps.

--BAM

Intel Product Change Notification (.pdf):
http://content.intel.pcnalert.com/dm/d.aspx/CA1D2476-244C-4F3D-BDAF-FD674429442D/PCN108660-01.pdf

Differences between s-Spec SLB47 (original) and SLG9F (latest):
http://www.cpu-world.com/sspec/SL/SLB47.html
http://www.cpu-world.com/sspec/SL/SLG9F.html

[cosma12]

Hi kbam - thanks, this means that probably both revisions C0 and E0 are supported, problem is the retail version of the T9600 does not have the spec specified on the box, so you don't know what you get .... for this reason I am inclined to go for the similarly priced P9700, only the E0 rev available, that is if I could get an answer from Lenovo if their Bios recognizes this processor.

Cosmin