Function

• The video card, along with the proper drivers, controls the output of data to the screen. The card determines not only the resolution (i.e., 800 by 600, 1024 by 768 or higher), but also the color configuration, whether it is High Color or 256 colors.
  
  

Types

• Different ThinkPad models may have different video cards installed. The 600 model uses a NeoMagic card, while later models may use cards manufactured by ATI Technologies or other video-card manufacturers. Older ThinkPads may be limited to a resolution of 800 by 600, while newer cards allow for higher resolutions. The most common screen resolution today is 1024 by 768.
  
  

Geography

• The video card is mounted either in the laptop body near the rear hinge or behind the LCD screen. The Hardware Maintenance Manual for each particular series of ThinkPads, available from the IBM/Lenovo website, shows the exact location of the card.
  
  

Size

• IBM video cards are small compared to a desktop version that performs the same function. The video card for the T40 series of IBM laptops is a mere 5-1/2 by 9/16 inches. Other models, including older ones, may have a small, square card, and some newer models may have an even smaller, rectangular card.
  
  

Considerations

• Without the correct drivers, the IBM video card will only function as a default card recognized by the operating system installed on the computer. This limits the abilities of the card as far as graphics, colors and the ability to use a separate full-sized monitor or multiple monitors at the same time.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• IBM and Lenovo have video-card drivers available for download for every ThinkPad model manufactured. The drivers are listed to match the operating system installed on the laptop. To find the proper driver, type the model number of the laptop into the search box on either the IBM or Lenovo website. Once the results appear, click on "Drivers and Downloads" to find the proper driver for the system.