Lenovo R61i (8932) BIOS v1.03 processor upgrade T8300

[vjeko1701]

Hello, I'm having some problem with my R61i upgrade. As far as I can see, the version is 8932, 15.4" version with IEEE 1394. BIOS version is 1.03. I've upgraded the memory to 2gb RAM.

The problem comes when I try to replace the T5250 with T8300. I have two T8300 processors both tested in HP Compaq 6280s and functional. When I put either of them in my R61i, I just get a black screen for a few seconds and then it shuts down. When I return the original processor, everything works well.

The only possible solution I found is the BIOS upgrade but I cannot do it as the battery in the R61i is not functional so the BIOS upgrade utility won't allow me to continue.

What I want to know is why won't the T8300 work, is it the old BIOS or complete incompatibility of the laptop with it. If so, what's the best compatible processor for it?

https://i.imgur.com/Yqbuza6.jpg

[Droider]

I have come across the same issue myself once with anoher laptop not a thinkpad but a toshiba. It had GM965 chipset, so it should have naturally supported penyrn cpu's but i have never managed to boot it with any penyrn cpu. After some investigation on the internet, found out somewhere mentioning the first batch of mainboards with 965 chipset produced in 2007 couldn't handle 2008 penyrn cpu's. While the 2nd batch mainboards produced in 2008 had natural penyrn support. I ended up putting T7700 in that machine.

[vjeko1701]

Hmm, so t7700 should work without any trouble? I see that it's almost as good as t8300 performace wise and with a bigger cache. It's also about 5$ on ebay.

What about custom bios? Any chance that would work? There is one popular for the thinkpads, can't remember the name right now.

[axur-delmeria]

What about custom bios? Any chance that would work? There is one popular for the thinkpads, can't remember the name right now.

Middleton BIOS. It still needs a working battery though.

[RealBlackStuff]

Make a battery "extension cord" to use any other battery from that era: viewtopic.php?t=104989
Then install the correct Middleton BIOS.

[vjeko1701]

The problem is, I have three laptops, all with bad batteries so I have to buy one. If I do, it will be for r61i. What about winphlash? Any guides how to use middleton's with them. I have downloaded it and it comes with winphlash but there's no Flashabl.rom.

[RealBlackStuff]

Unpack the downloaded .RAR using 7-zip.
Then read the readme.txt file and see what's in the sub-directories, they have everything, including 2 flash-files.

[vjeko1701]

I have downloaded
Dual-IDA_SATA-II_Whitelist_SLIC2.1_Thermal_Sensing_Error_ThinkPad_R61_15.4_(8930_8932_8933_8934_8935_8936_8937)_R61i_15.4_with_IEEE_1394_(8932)_BIOS_(2.24-1.08)

These are the files and folders:







I also found a case where the direct update from the starting 1.03 BIOS version to the Middelton's soft bricked the Laptop. X61 series if I remember.

[RealBlackStuff]

Install the original Lenovo BIOS 2.24/1.08 first: https://thinkpads.com/support/Thinkpad- ... uj16uc.iso
Reboot, and only then M's BIOS.

[onespeedbiker]

Hello, I'm having some problem with my R61i upgrade. As far as I can see, the version is 8932, 15.4" version with IEEE 1394. BIOS version is 1.03. I've upgraded the memory to 2gb RAM.

The problem comes when I try to replace the T5250 with T8300. I have two T8300 processors both tested in HP Compaq 6280s and functional. When I put either of them in my R61i, I just get a black screen for a few seconds and then it shuts down. When I return the original processor, everything works well.

The only possible solution I found is the BIOS upgrade but I cannot do it as the battery in the R61i is not functional so the BIOS upgrade utility won't allow me to continue.

What I want to know is why won't the T8300 work, is it the old BIOS or complete incompatibility of the laptop with it. If so, what's the best compatible processor for it?

https://i.imgur.com/Yqbuza6.jpg

Why not but a cheap battery? https://www.amazon.com/AC-Doctor-INC-Ba ... way&sr=8-3

[vjeko1701]

Won't deliver to my country, but I'm thinking about this one

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5566728 ... 2e0eXGLDjy

But I'm also thinking about getting a T7700, it's almost as good as T8300 and I0m worried about getting the battery and then bricking my laptop. It is a spare laptop and more of a hobby project to get him as fast as I can so it wouldn't be the end of the world but I also love it.

As for the BIOS, so it's important to first install the new Lenovo's BIOS before I do the Middleton's? That's really good to know. Thank you.