Compatible motherboard for my Lenovo Thinkpad T60 laptop - 14 inch screen

[bugbgon]

Hi folks,

My Lenovo thinkpad T60 was running low on battery and before I can plug the AC adatper in the computer abruptly shut down. Since then I am unable to start the laptop. I tried taking the battery and putting it back in but it won't start.  A computer repair person (working from home) took a look at my laptop and said the motherboard is bad. Is it possible that a motherboard can be fried from the battery running out of juice and shutting down abruptly?

So now instead of buying a new laptop (which I can't afford) I am trying to find a used motherboard from ebay/craigslist for my laptop.

Is all the motherboards on the Lenovo Thinkpad T60 laptops the same? For example if I can locate someone selling their used motherboard (T60 Thinkpad 14 inch) will it be compatible with my computer or do I need the same model # motherboard that was installed in laptop from the factory?

My laptop is a TYPE: 2007-46U with Serial # L3-AG159

Please advise, Thank you,

Jeff

[goretsky Community Moderator]

Hello,

It could be that the internal battery, which provides power to the BIOS for storing its settings as well as the clock has failed.  These are 3 Volt Lithium coin cells which have a wire harness on them which plugs into the motherboard, not the big battery pack, which plugs into the back of the unit.  The part number for the battery is 02K6572 and instructions on replacing it can be found in the Hardware Maintenance Manual for the T60.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[TuuS]

If you do need a new motherboard, you can install several different ones on your system. The base level board has integrated Intel graphics, then you have four models with ATI discrete graphics. Yours has the ATI radeon X1300, the next step up with be the radeon X1400, then the ATI FireGL 5200, and the FireGL 5250. While you're doing this you might want to consider replacing your 32bit intel core duo chip with a 64bit Core2 duo. 

To give you an idea of cost, I can get the best of these boards for $100, that would be for the ATI FireGL 5250 board. This board can run a core2 duo upto 2.33ghz, and will also run the core duo chip. Some of the lesser  boards may have a problem with faster chips, so consider that when doing your shopping. 

[ajkula66 Guru]

Welcome to the forum!

One thing to remember is that your "new" board - should you decide to replace it - MUST come from a non-widescreen T60/p, whether it's 14" or 15" doesn't make a difference. Motherboards for widescreen models are of a different physical shape and will not fit yout base.

Good luck.

[BSheriff]

I'd like to upgrade my MOBO and I have a clean T60 with x1400. I'd be willing to sell mine reasonably upon procurement of a replacement, if you haven't already found one. My question to you, TuuS is do you have any pointers on finding PC's with compatible boards or part #'s for the 5250 board?

[ajkula66 Guru]

Welcome to the forum, BSheriff!

Is your machine a 4:3 unit or a 16:10 (widescreen) one?

[richk]

It might be the motherboard, but repair people who don't know ALWAYS say it's the motherboard.  It's 4:3 - all 2007 models are. First, pull the battery and unplug it. Then unplug the CMOS battery. (under the palmrest) Then press the power button a few times, holding it for 5 seconds the lasrt time. Then put it back together and try again.

[BSheriff]

If you haven't already gotten one; I'm getting ready to upgrade my 14.1" x1400 motherboard. It's in clean, perfect running order and I'll let it go for ~$50 shipped. what cpu do you have?