T60 - Modified BIOS & x64 CPU questions

[CicadaCool]

Hello everyone,

For a while now I have wanted to run a GNU/Linux-Libre distro on my T60. The OS needs an x86_64 processor, and I have purchased one (Core 2 Duo T7200) to swap out for my i686 processor. I'm 99% sure the new CPU will work from what I've heard, but in case there are any issues or things to look out for with the upgrade please let me know. I also have to get a modified BIOS so I can swap out the WiFi card. I would have just downloaded the ISO from the guide near the top of this forum called "Make your T60 with ATI run *cool* (and quiet)", but the link to the file is now unfortunately broken, and I don't want to download any bad BIOS mods, so if someone could recommend me a good one that would be helpful.

This is my first post on this forum (yes, I have read the rules), so in case I'm doing anything wrong please let me know.
Thank you in advance!

[TPFanatic]

if your T60 is a 15.4" / widescreen model, then you can find a modified BIOS linked in this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=128705

if your T60 is a 4:3 model, try this one: https://www.mediafire.com/file/vj7vdqd8 ... DOS%29.zip

best

[Gonzaleitor]

if your T60 is a 4:3 model, try this one: https://www.mediafire.com/file/vj7vdqd8 ... DOS%29.zip

best

Is this BIOS only to remove the whitelist or can you also swap fn and ctrl keys?

[CicadaCool]

if your T60 is a 15.4" / widescreen model, then you can find a modified BIOS linked in this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=128705

if your T60 is a 4:3 model, try this one: https://www.mediafire.com/file/vj7vdqd8 ... DOS%29.zip

best

Thanks a ton for the BIOS . I don't want to risk a brick though so I figure I should ask - have you used the 4:3 T60 BIOS mod, and if so did it work on your hardware? Thanks in advance.

[CicadaCool]

Update: The 4:3 BIOS worked! This was actually my first BIOS flash ever, so I was really afraid of a brick. I haven't tried it with a new WiFi card since I need to buy one still, but I'm updated to 2.27 (I was on 1.09a previously) so it at least flashed. boot times are a little longer but there's either a setting I forgot to turn back on after flashing or it's just because it's my second or so time booting after the flash. Or maybe that's just it, and it's a tradeoff you have to make.

Even though it worked, I can't promise it will work 100% for everyone since there are many factors that could cause a bad flash, for example there are bad blocks on the USB you are using. What I can be (mostly sure) of is that it is a working ROM, and it will flash properly if you're doing everything right.

[Gonzaleitor]

Update: The 4:3 BIOS worked! This was actually my first BIOS flash ever, so I was really afraid of a brick. I haven't tried it with a new WiFi card since I need to buy one still, but I'm updated to 2.27 (I was on 1.09a previously) so it at least flashed. boot times are a little longer but there's either a setting I forgot to turn back on after flashing or it's just because it's my second or so time booting after the flash. Or maybe that's just it, and it's a tradeoff you have to make.

Even though it worked, I can't promise it will work 100% for everyone since there are many factors that could cause a bad flash, for example there are bad blocks on the USB you are using. What I can be (mostly sure) of is that it is a working ROM, and it will flash properly if you're doing everything right.

Is this BIOS only to remove the whitelist or can you also swap fn and ctrl keys?

[CicadaCool]

Update: The 4:3 BIOS worked! This was actually my first BIOS flash ever, so I was really afraid of a brick. I haven't tried it with a new WiFi card since I need to buy one still, but I'm updated to 2.27 (I was on 1.09a previously) so it at least flashed. boot times are a little longer but there's either a setting I forgot to turn back on after flashing or it's just because it's my second or so time booting after the flash. Or maybe that's just it, and it's a tradeoff you have to make.

Even though it worked, I can't promise it will work 100% for everyone since there are many factors that could cause a bad flash, for example there are bad blocks on the USB you are using. What I can be (mostly sure) of is that it is a working ROM, and it will flash properly if you're doing everything right.

Is this BIOS only to remove the whitelist or can you also swap fn and ctrl keys?

I checked Config -> Keyboard/Mouse in the BIOS and it isn't there, so probably not. If there's somewhere else I should be looking please tell me and I'll check. Also, that thing I said about longer boot times with the mod is wrong in case anyone was wondering. I don't know why it happened the first few times but I posted that reply maybe like 5 minutes after the flash worked so I didn't know much.

[Gonzaleitor]

Is this BIOS only to remove the whitelist or can you also swap fn and ctrl keys?

I checked Config -> Keyboard/Mouse in the BIOS and it isn't there, so probably not. If there's somewhere else I should be looking please tell me and I'll check. Also, that thing I said about longer boot times with the mod is wrong in case anyone was wondering. I don't know why it happened the first few times but I posted that reply maybe like 5 minutes after the flash worked so I didn't know much.

Thanks for your answer! I guess It should be in the tab that you looked. Shame there IS no BIOS with whitelist and fn/ctrl swap.

[lazyberry1238]

Update: The 4:3 BIOS worked! This was actually my first BIOS flash ever, so I was really afraid of a brick. I haven't tried it with a new WiFi card since I need to buy one still, but I'm updated to 2.27 (I was on 1.09a previously) so it at least flashed. boot times are a little longer but there's either a setting I forgot to turn back on after flashing or it's just because it's my second or so time booting after the flash. Or maybe that's just it, and it's a tradeoff you have to make.

Even though it worked, I can't promise it will work 100% for everyone since there are many factors that could cause a bad flash, for example there are bad blocks on the USB you are using. What I can be (mostly sure) of is that it is a working ROM, and it will flash properly if you're doing everything right.

Hey, sorry to bother. i have a quick question : did you flash it using a USB or a CD img? and does it work like the Zender BIOS mod, since that's the popular mod for the T60 but i could not find it. if anyone has it or can lead me to it it'll be great.

Thanks.

[metal03326]

Hello.

I can confirm that the BIOS for the 4:3 T60 works. BUT… For some odd reason my Core 2 Duo T5600 is now recognized as a 65 nm Merom. I do not see any problems, but this is incorrect. I'm planning to order a T7600 CPU, 4 GB RAM, and an Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235 WiFi card in a few days. I'm hoping there won't be any issues with the new CPU, and I'll test if the whitelist in this BIOS is indeed gone. I'll keep you posted.

PS: I couldn't find any other 4:3 modded BIOS in 2025… all other links are dead.

[dr_st]

I can confirm that the BIOS for the 4:3 T60 works. BUT… For some odd reason my Core 2 Duo T5600 is now recognized as a 65 nm Merom. I do not see any problems, but this is incorrect.

The T5600 is a 65nm Merom. Why is it incorrect?

[axur-delmeria]

What's incorrect about the Core 2 Duo T5600 being identified as a 65nm Merom? https://www.techpowerup.com/cpu-specs/c ... t5600.c378

"Merom" is simply a codename for the first-gen Core 2 mobile CPU (along with Core 2 Solo, Pentium Dual-Core and Celeron M CPUs derived from it), manufactured in Intel's 65nm process.

[metal03326]

Yeah, sorry, my bad. I thought Penryn was before Merom, but apparently I was wrong. Then I guess there is no issue with the BIOS. I'll report once I get the newer WiFi card.

PS: What is the best 5 GHz WiFi card for the T60 that supports XP? My search led me to the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235, but maybe you know something better.

[RealBlackStuff]

Atheros AR9380 / AR5BXB112

[jdwis]

if your T60 is a 15.4" / widescreen model, then you can find a modified BIOS linked in this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=128705

if your T60 is a 4:3 model, try this one: https://www.mediafire.com/file/vj7vdqd8 ... DOS%29.zip

best

For T60 4:3 models, instead of creating a bootable CD (the ISO) is it possible to use the same ISO image to create a bootable USB stick and flash the BIOS ?
Will it work ?

[metal03326]

if your T60 is a 15.4" / widescreen model, then you can find a modified BIOS linked in this thread:
viewtopic.php?t=128705

if your T60 is a 4:3 model, try this one: https://www.mediafire.com/file/vj7vdqd8 ... DOS%29.zip

best

For T60 4:3 models, instead of creating a bootable CD (the ISO) is it possible to use the same ISO image to create a bootable USB stick and flash the BIOS ?
Will it work ?

The ZIP file actually doesn't contain an ISO file. I used Rufus to create a bootable FreeDOS USB flash drive, then copied all the files from the ZIP file to the flash drive. Also, as explained in the readme.txt (inside the ZIP), the flash.bat will backup the current BIOS, which cannot be done on a CD. Both of those lead me to the conclusion this BIOS update was meant to be booted from a USB drive from the beginning.

[bcuba]

First, I’d like to wish everyone a great New Year. Now my questions, I have a an old T60 (non-widescreen) and I’d like to upgrade the current CPU to a T7400 that will allow me to use a 64bit OS, currently I have BIOS version 2.09 (79ETC9WW) Date 2006-12-22, Embedded Controlling Version 1.07 my question is, will I have to upgrade/change my BIOS? My second and last question is I want to upgrade the WiFi card to a newer AR5BXB72 300M PCI-E Dual Band Network Card For T60/T61 42T0825, will this card work or do I have to also upgrade the BIOS? I’m not super tech savy, but I can follow clear instructions. I’ve read through dozens of pages in the forum and I wasn’t able to find a clear answer to my questions. Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank all

[axur-delmeria]

My second and last question is I want to upgrade the WiFi card to a newer AR5BXB72 300M PCI-E Dual Band Network Card For T60/T61 42T0825, will this card work or do I have to also upgrade the BIOS?

In order to install a non-Thinkpad WiFi card, you need to flash a modified BIOS that disables the WiFi whitelist. Try looking for "T60 Zender BIOS". I don't have a copy though.

[metal03326]

The MediaFire link in the second post is still active, and I can confirm that BIOS removes the WiFi whitelist. Also, I think the provided instructions in the readme file inside the zip are adequate. It is not the Zender BIOS (I also do not have it), but it does the job. Furthermore, I've upgraded my T60 to a T7600, and it works fine.