Graphics problems with new IBM T40 (Radeon 9000)

[MWink]

My new IBM Thinkpad T40 came today and it's already having problems. For some reason there are a lot of graphical problems. 2D programs (such as emulators) seem to run slower than I think they should. The frame rates are worse than my old Inspiron 8200 (with a Geforce 4 Go). 3D programs don't run too well either but they also have more serious problems. There is occasional corruption and other problems. Textures are sometimes corrupt or just plain missing. The only 3D programs I've had a chance to run are 3D Mark 2000 and 3D Mark 2001SE. Both of them have the same problems.

I've tried downloading the latest video drivers from IBM but they don't help. I've run tests on the graphics card using the program that came with it and it says it's working but I don't know how well it checks. Any ideas what the problem could be? I'm really pissed that I spent all that money on an IBM and even it doesn't work right! This is the THIRD laptop I've had problems with right out of the box.

I'm wondering if there could be some kind of design flaw that may be allowing the Radeon 9000 to overheat. This is the ONLY model T40 that comes with a Radeon 9000 (besides the T40p) and maybe they didn't test them too well. Or maybe I just got a bad unit? I'd love for this to just be some weird software problem but it looks a lot like when a video card is overclocked too far.

 

[Yomicron]

I just ran 3DMark2001 SE on my T40. I didn't notice any texture problems and I got 4969 3DMarks. I haven't done any tweaking, I used the stock drivers and 3DMark was run with the default settings.

1.6GHz, 512MB RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 32MB, DX9.0a

 

[MWink]

That's good to hear. I'm hoping that it's either a software problem (I'm going to reinstall windows tomorrow) or I just got a defective one. Other than the video problems I really love this laptop. It's by far the best designed laptop I've ever used. I'm just going to have to hope that IBM's better at fixing their computers than Dell. (RossMan knows why I said that )

 

[gordita]

where do i get the 3dMark2001 SE test from?
I got a T40 - 1.6M, 1gig RAM and 80gb Hdd and want to run some tests for my Radeon 9000

 

[mocca]

I don't have texture or missing rendering problem with both my T40 and T40p. It might be that the driver you install is corrupt. I would try to reinstall driver again and see if it helps. You can get 3dm2k1se for free from www.futuremark.com

Mocca

 

[MWink]

Well I think I figured it out. It does seem to be a software problem. It only happens when I have AIM open. If I don't have my buddy list up it works fine but if I have it open I get all sorts of graphical problems. Maybe it has something to do with AIM trying to stay on top or docked to the side of the screen. Either way the fix is simple so I guess there's no problem.

 

[taftalidje]

Do any of you have a Bluetooth working on your T40?

I've ordered A1U T40 two weeks ago without that option, but would like to upgrade later. What would be the cheapest way to do it?

 

[azazello]

taftalidje:

The part number for the Bluetooth/Modem Daughter Card (yours has just a modem daughter card) is 26P8396 (the FRU is 26P8397, I think). Call IBM Parts in the US at 8003887080 (not sure what it is in other countries). The cost is $70, no shipping.

You will need to remove the battery and the keyboard (4 screws indexed 4 on the bottom). The keyboard is removed by nudging it gently forward and lifting it from the back. The DC slot is on the left, near the power port. Unscrew the two screws on it and remove it, unplugging the modem connector. Connect the BT antenna lead to the card, connect the modem connector, tuck the wires and the card in, and re-assemble everything.

You won't have a BT indicator like the T40p has, but you can still turn it on and off via Fn+F5.

 

[taftalidje]

Originally posted by: azazello
taftalidje:

The part number for the Bluetooth/Modem Daughter Card (yours has just a modem daughter card) is 26P8396 (the FRU is 26P8397, I think). Call IBM Parts in the US at 8003887080 (not sure what it is in other countries). The cost is $70, no shipping.

You will need to remove the battery and the keyboard (4 screws indexed 4 on the bottom). The keyboard is removed by nudging it gently forward and lifting it from the back. The DC slot is on the left, near the power port. Unscrew the two screws on it and remove it, unplugging the modem connector. Connect the BT antenna lead to the card, connect the modem connector, tuck the wires and the card in, and re-assemble everything.

You won't have a BT indicator like the T40p has, but you can still turn it on and off via Fn+F5.

Thank's azazello.
I'll give it a try.