Replace motherboard for T61 (6459-CTO)

[msimpsonnj]

Hi all - I tried to find this in the forum first - it may be I just don't know what to look for and if so, I apologize.

My T61 (6459-CTO) has a bad motherboard.  It's still a great machine and I'd like to replace the motherboard.  Can someone point to:

(a) somewhere where I can figure out which motherboard to replace it with (and if possible, a source) and

(b) instructions/video on how to do the replacement?

Thanks

Mark

[sktn77a]

Instructions on how to disassemble the computer and replace the motherboard should be in the Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM).  Sorry, I don't have the link but you should be able to search for it on this forum.

[TuuS · Accepted solution]

Mark, I replied to your PM, as you know, but I thought I replied to this topic as well, so for the benefit of all, here is the link to the Lenovo training website that shows videos of the proceedure being done.

http://www.lenovoservicetraining.com/ion/

I can't post in the forum about 3rd party sources for system boards, but I sent you details privately. What I can say is that Lenovo sells refurbished boards, I believe they cost roughly $600. There are many other sources that vary in reliability, but ideally what you would want is an original used board in good working condition that's never been repaired from a unit dated 08/08 or newer. These are rare, but can be obtained, just use caution if you buy from places like ebay, many thinkpad parts are misrepresented.

[msimpsonnj]

Thanks for the help TuuS - anyone reading this who has questions or is looking for parts for this job, talk to TuuS - he is an amazing wealth of knowledge and information.

Unbelievably helpful.

Mark

[timkirk]

I am having this problem too.  My friend lent me his 15.4" T61p because he got the "one long beep, followed by two short beep" issue and was so upset that he replaced the T61p with a computer from a different manufacturer.  I have always been a fan of ThinkPads and asked if I could take a crack at bringing it back to life, as I've had some experience with hardware (memory, hard drive, motherboard, optical drive) replacements and upgrades.  

So, the most obvious question is whether this computer, given the extent of the T61 problems, still covered by some kind of extended warranty or replacement or repair policy by Lenovo, considering the prevalence of this issue?

If not, what are my motherboard replacement options and which of these options is the least expensive, while retaining the speed and functionality of the computer and its options (webcam, card reader, fire-wire, etc)?  Are there less expensive motherboard options that might provide some but not all of the functionality mentioned?  Are there other "generic" motherboard options that would fit the T61p case?  It seems that putting anything more than a few hundred bucks into this project doesn't make sense, but I'd love to give my friend back his ThinkPad and let him rediscover why he chose Lenovo in the first place, and put him back on that track.

Thanks, in advance, for all of the help, suggestions, and assistance.  Please let me know if you need more system information.

Model Number: 6459-CTO

Serial Number: xxxxxxx

Moderator Note; s/n edited for member's own protection

[TuuS]

I can probably help you, but send me the serial number in a PM, not in the forum, so I can figure out exactly what you have.

[benlydmb]

I just recently resurrected my trusty T61, which failed after four faithful years of service due to the NVIDIA GPU problem (even though my refurbished unit had a factory date of 08/08). 

You can add me to the long list of TuuS fans. He is the MAN. I have no doubt that I can continue using my T61 for YEARS to come as long as he is around!

[TuuS]

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benlydmb wrote:

failed after four faithful years of service due to the NVIDIA GPU problem (even though my refurbished unit had a factory date of 08/08). 

---

Please note that Lenovo refurbished units carry the date the unit was refurbished, not the date it was originally manufactured, so the original date of manufacture was no doubt before august 2008.

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benlydmb wrote:

You can add me to the long list of TuuS fans. He is the MAN. I have no doubt that I can continue using my T61 for YEARS to come as long as he is around!

---

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad I was able to help, and I'm sure you'll agree the knowledge you gained is far more valuable then the laptop, which you'll never again look at with intimidation, since you have the skills to replace anything that fails.

[Dev4321]

Hi TuuS,

I have heard a lot about you in Lenovo forum and thought if you could help me.

I have a lenovo T61p which is having one long and two short beep issue for which I need to replace the System/mother board. But I am not able to find from where can I buy one and which board will fit my laptop. My laptop board died on 14th December 2011.

My Laptop details:

Type ---- > 6459-CTO

Serial Number ----> xxxxxxx (I have sent this in private message to you)

Date on latop back side --- > 07/12 which I think is December 2007 as that is when I bought this laptop.

Also, is there any way I can re-use it's hard drive and/or other components in another laptop of same or different make and model?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks,

Dev

[lagear]

Hi, I have the same problem, my laptop t61p is dead from jun 2009 and I don't kwnow where buy the correct motherboard. Please help me. 6459CTO