IBM ThinkPad T30 Processor Replacement

Written By: Alex Kost

Comments: 1

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

The IBM Think pad T30 is a type of business laptop that is durable and able to upgrade. Overtime the processor may need to be replaced due to the performance issues, overheating, and the need to upgrade a faster CPU. This guide will show you the safest way to remove and replace the processor. A few things to keep in mind is making sure you have the time and space to work on replacing the processor and the right tools in hand. Be sure, if anything happens to back up important data incase something affects your files. Also, keep an eye on what you do, so you don't lose screws, have a misaligned heatsink, or force the pins to bend or break.

Tools

Step 1

Before starting, make sure to have the Think pad turned off and the power supply is closed.
Flip the ThinkPad upside down with the bottom facing you.
Slide the latch to the right into the unlock position.
While holding the latch in the unlock position, lift the battery out with your other hand.

Step 2

Begin by removing the two black 16 mm Phillips #0 screws. The screws can be identified by the two notches next to each screw. One (marked in red) is near the battery lock and the other (not pictured) is next to the Wi-Fi cover.
Push up the bottom of the keyboard by poking your finger through the hole to the right of the yellow bios battery. You will feel slight resistance.
Be sure to not lift the keyboard too far. It is still attached to the computer with a ribbon connector.

Step 3

Lift the keyboard to expose the ribbon connector and lean it against the computer screen to keep the ribbon intact.
If the ribbon is broken, the keyboard is permanently unusable and needs to be replaced
Use the plastic opening tool to gently pry the connector up from the motherboard.
You can now safely remove the keyboard.

Step 4

Remove the three 4 mm Phillips #0 screws securing the fan assembly.

Step 5

Using the plastic opening tool, gently pry the heat sink assembly upwards.
Be sure to reapply thermal compound on the processor and the heat sink when reassembling the device.
Be aware that there still is a wire attached to the fan that is connected to the motherboard upon removal.

Thermal compound should always be a thin layer, just enough to make up for surface roughness of the two sides.

l zeitlin - 01/07/20

Step 6

Using the plastic opening tool, gently lift the white connector out of its socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the new fan, remove all remnants of thermal compound from the top of the CPU. Spread a small amount of fresh heat sink compound (DC-340 or equivalent) on the top of the CPU to form a thin coat. Be sure the mating fan heat sink is clean.
Warning—the stuff is hard to clean off clothing.
Follow iFixit's guide for [invalid guide link] for a detailed explanation.

Step 7

To start off, make sure to power off and disconnect the laptop from any power sources.
Afterwards, flip the laptop and slide the battery out from the device.
Remove the keyboard by unscrewing all the screws and carefully lift it.
Also, disconnect the ribbon cable that was attached to the motherboard.

Step 8

Next, find the heatsink and the fan assembly. Unscrew the heatsink and lift it off gently.
Do it in a diagonal patter to avoid uneven pressure.
Processor pins and corners are pointy--be careful!
Beware of the pins, don't bend them!

Step 9

As you remove the CPU locking mechanism, make sure to use a flathead screw to take out the screws.
Needs to be rotated counterclockwise.
Lift the processor and handle it by the edges, so you avoid static damage.