AFAIK, there isn't, but considering it's a 486, I'm fairly certain that fixing the memory by replacing the chips, or simply removing the onboard memory should be easy enough.

Removing? :D I do believe BIOS will miss the integrated memory. Are you sure, this will work?
I've written to many chip vendors but I didn't get a single reply. I guess they won't talk to me for less then 1000 pieces :)
I also tried to aquire a faulty 486 Thinkpad for the chips, but I had no luck.

You may be able to find an addon memory module for that laptop that uses the same chips and you could use them as a donor for the board.

Definitely only recommended if you have a hot air desoldering station and some experience though.

Thanks for the tip, I'll browse e-bay all night :D

Praetor02 wrote on 2025-06-09, 20:16:

Thanks for the tip, I'll browse e-bay all night 😁

Since it is an IBM it should have specific part numbers for the memory upgrades (possibly marked IBM FRU xxxxxxxx). If you can track down the part numbers that could make it easier to find.

Otherwise, you may be able to find other 486-era memory modules that have the same chips... though the IBM markings on these tell me they may be pretty specific.

Could you post a better photo of the memtest output, the one you already posted is a bit blurry.

edit: oh and btw, the last post of this thread seems to indicate that removing the onboard memory and using the memory slot does work.
https://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=115762

OMG you were right!!!! Thanks for the info, I didn't find this forum! I'll take the mainboard to a professional technician and have the integrated chips desoldered.
BTW the image is blurry because it was taken in 2012 and hasn't been working ever since. I took it apart a few years ago and now decided to repair it. I'm not in a hurry :D
The only aesthetic flaw is it's cover, is it true, that it can be scrubbed off?