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    Configuring and Upgrading Lenovo Ideapad Y580

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by I PewPew You, Dec 28, 2012.

  1. I PewPew You

    I PewPew You Newbie

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    Hi all,

    I just recently bought a Lenovo Ideapad Y580. Here are the internal hardware specs:

    1920x1080 Screen
    i7-3630QM CPU
    nVidia GTX 660M GPU
    8.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz RAM
    1 TB 5400 RPM Hard Drive + 16GB SSD

    First off, I tried to research it as much as possible. Was it a good deal for ~$1050 with a 1-year accidental damage & in-home warranty from Lenovo?

    Secondly, it says the maximum capacity for RAM is 8GB. With this specific system, is that 8GB per slot? And if so, If i upgraded the RAM to 16 GB (2 x 8GB sticks), would that significantly improve performance?

    I read somewhere that the CPU has a built in Intel HD 4000 card. Is that true?

    I understand that the main hard drive isn't too great. I am mainly going to be using the laptop for gaming, a little 3D rendering, video and photo and other school tasks. A full blown SSD is too pricey for me. Would a Hybrid Drive (I'm looking at the Seagate Momentus XT 750 GB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s 32 MB Cache) significantly improve load times, etc?

    Lastly, how is bloatware with Lenovo computers? Should I do a clean install of Windows 8? And since I am going to be gaming, would it be wise to overclock the CPU? and to what speed? I have never overclocked a CPU before. Any help would be great!

    Early thanks for all the responses, Thank you!
     
    I PewPew You, Dec 28, 2012
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  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    Unless you're running out of RAM, nope, the laptop should be able to take 16GB just fine.

    Yup, look up what nvidia Optimus is, you'll be using the dGPU when it's needed and otherwise you'll be using the HD4000 to preserve battery life.

    Yes, but nothing staggering, that said, for OS and programs, I prefer having at least a 7200RPM drive, it feels a tad more responsive. The hybrid drive will only help with your most used programs and the OS (only if there is room to fit them in the cache and the cache is relatively small). I still say it's worth it over the 5.4K RPM drive, but don't expect a staggering performance difference like you would get from a SSD.

    I can't speak for the Ideapads, but on the Thinkpad, most of the bundles utilities are useful and there is little bloatware. You'll need someone who has experience with the Ideapads for a precise answer on that one.
     
    tijo, Dec 28, 2012
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