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hI

i HAVE AN ibm THINKPAD P2 MODEL 600E. iS IT POSSIBLE TO UPGRADE THE cpu TO A p3

pLEASE HELPME ASAP

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Dani AI

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Short expert summary for : several replies in this thread (notably , and ) are correct to treat this as a conditional question rather than a straight “yes.” Whether a ThinkPad 600E labeled as a “P2” can run a Pentium III depends on three distinct things — the physical CPU packaging, the system chipset/BIOS microcode, and the board’s power/thermal capability — so a quick checklist is the fastest way to a definitive answer.

Checklist to determine upgradeability:

  1. Record the full machine type/serial/FRU from the bottom sticker and consult the official Hardware/Service Manual or parts list for that exact MTM to see how the CPU is described.
  2. Inspect the system board per the manual (battery/AC removed, ESD precautions). The parts list or service steps will show whether the processor is listed as a removable module or as part of the motherboard assembly.
  3. Identify the chipset and BIOS version in the manual or system info; verify vendor docs or BIOS release notes for explicit processor support and required microcode.
  4. Compare electrical/thermal specs (Vcore, FSB, TDP) between the existing CPU and any candidate Pentium III. If the board’s VRM or cooling can’t meet the candidate CPU’s needs, the upgrade will fail even if the package fits.
  5. Favor a donor motherboard (same model that shipped with a PIII) over attempting desolder/reball work; professional BGA rework is specialized and costly.

Practical tips and low-risk options: preserve the original board/CPU intact for rollback, test any change with minimal components before full reassembly, and only apply BIOS updates from the vendor that explicitly mention CPU support. For many ThinkPad 600-series machines the cheapest practical route—if a PIII is required—is sourcing a matching donor mainboard or a factory-upgraded unit rather than attempting board-level rework.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

I dough if very much ,highly on likely ! but i could be wrong ,but not this time, i don't think

Member Avatar for forumdude123

the upgrade you are talking about, even if possible, would be very costly. i think it is impossible, as it may be soldered to the motherboard. For the same amount of money, you can get a brand new laptop with a pentium dual core that will be faster. unsoldering a cpu from a mobo is nearly impossible, and requires very expensive equipment, lots of percision, and is a pita.

Member Avatar for JANINE1

So basically it isn't something to be reccommended in this case then I guess. If Das223 was to do it though what tools would he need other then a soldering iron and some solder mop

Member Avatar for caperjack

Flux! lol
a steady hand ,or a soldering robot

Member Avatar for Quargar

I would just buy a new laptop, I managed to upgrade a dell cpi to a PIII, but the processor wasn't soldered and i had another cpx that is the same model but w/ a PIII and better graphics. so, if it is not soldered, maybe (just take the keyboard out and see, usuallly the processor is directly under) but with most old ibm thinkpads, the processor is soldered, if it is soldered, don't even bother, that would be a huge waste of time and money

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