Lenovo W520 Owner's Thread

Thank you. I'm in the GTA so that means it should be here tomorrow or some time shortly after.

 

Can you provide a picture of how yours look like inside the bay ?

 

Hey I was thinking of ordering this laptop, but I'm not sure on upgrading the screen. Is it worth upgrading from the 1600x900 resolution to the full HD for someone who plans to use it in school (engineering) and play games?

 

If you can, go take a look at one and see if the FHD appears alright. I personally think that a FHD panel on a 17.3" is too small already, and a 15.6" is even smaller, so I went with the HD+ screen. I'm going into engineering as well, and I think I'll be fine.

 

Image

Not exactly a beauty contest winner but much better than w/o the tape.

 

Lenovo Thinkpad W520 - eBay

Do you guys think that I could do better than this config (FHD, 2720QM, 2000M, 8GB, 500GB 7k, 6205 WAN, 3 year depot warranty) for $2000 by calling a rep and ordering it straight from Lenovo? Are they still giving out deals? I configured a laptop with lesser specs (FHD, 2720QM, 2000M, 4GB, 320GB 7k, 6300 WAN, 1 year + protection warranty) and it was $2100.

 

I think there are a few of you with Intel 310 ssd's here. Could you please post in this thread. There seems to be degraded ssd performance because of cpu throttling even in max performance profiles.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/576202-those-you-intel-310-80gb-ssds.html

 

I think it is absolutely worth it. If the text is too small, simply increase the DPI setting (you still get the benefit of clearer text).

 

You can save money by upgrading the RAM yourself. PM or e-mail me if you want my rep's contact info.

 

Hum - I don't know what kind of deals are out there now (and if you can't get a coupon or find one online, then you'll probably have to try and negotiate with a rep), but the $2100 price is definitely quite high compared to what was available last month.

The Ebay price isn't bad, but it's not that great. It does have the extra wifi adapter, the slightly extra HDD space (320 vs 500 GB) and it has an extended warranty which is worth a couple of hundred dollars. So it's definitely much better value than the list price but by no means awesome.

I just checked out visaperks.ca and I configured this spec for just under $1600 CDN (and the CDN prices are usually a little bit higher than the available USD prices):

I7-2720
15.6" FHD
Quadro 2000M
4GB Ram single dim
500GB HDD
1 year warranty
Price: $1595 CDN + Tax.

So, I think the deals are still around if you look...

 

Yeah, you can do better. I just signed up to share the deal I got and how I got it. Here's what I just ordered:

4270CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM
05/30/11 $1,574.33 $1,574.33
0A68541 SBB ICI7-2720QM
45M3090 VBB GENUWIN7PROFES.64
0A68625 SBB GW7P64 E
0A68535 SBB 15.6FHD (1900 X 1080) LED
0A68894 SBB NVQ2000M GR
45M4571 VBB 4GBPC3-10600DDR3 1333SODMM
45M4839 SBB KEYBOARDUS ENGLISH
0A68526 VBB FINGERPRINT READER
0A68558 SBB 720P HD CAM INT MICR
0A69620 SBB I RAID-NOT EN
0A68553 SBB 500GB HDD7200RPM
0A68547 SBB DVD RC8XMXDLLRULTEHATA
0A68529 VBB ECS+4IN1CR
45M4816 SBB 9CELLLI-ION BATTERY
0A68904 SBB CPNAMLC+ 170W AC AD
0A68261 SBB BLUETOOTH 3.0
0A68255 SBB IC ADVN 6205 2X2AGN
44C7950 SBB INT WRLSSWDAREANTWRK UPGR
0A68564 SBB LANG PCK US E
0A68537 SBB FINGRPRNT READER
41C9170 3YR Depot

I got this deal based off of a Slickdeals post for a Lenovo v470:
1. Go here and register an account. I had issues and had to clear browser history and cache to make it work.
2. Login and navigate to the w520 page to build your machine.
3. At your shopping cart, there is an offer on the right hand side for the coupon BESTSELLER - click on it, or just enter the code.
4. You should have a good deal!

I hope this is helpful!

 

Looking back nearly 3 years ago, I paid too much :O
T500
P8600
2gb ram
15.4" CFL 1680x1050
80gb HDD
ati 3650 256MB
1290 CAD incl. tax

since then, I added a 500gb momentus XT and a T9900 chip + 2more gb of ram for 470$ CAD.

 

I just received my W520 today, and decided to verify the stepping number. I ran MEInfoWin.exe as an administrator and received the following error:

Intel(R) MEInfo Version: 7.1.10.1065
Copyright(C) 2005 - 2011, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.

PMXUtil: Error during PMX Call: idrvdll.dll!IDRVInit(): Failed VerAddVersion() call

Error 9470: Fail to load driver (PCI access for Windows)
Tool needs to run with an administrator privilege account.

Lenovo Support recommends a reinstallation of the Intel AMT 7.1 Management Engine Firmware. I reinstalled the driver, and experienced the same error. Does anyone have any suggestions?

W520: Core i7-2720 QM

 

Just to be sure, is this the model to buy to support SATA 3.0 Lenovo Support - ThinkPad Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter III - Overview then I will buy it for my current Ultrabase X200 and then put it into my W520 when I get that.

 

The order confirmation might refer to internal numbers, I guess. The HMM (hardware maintenance manual) that you linked to is the authorative source.

Oh and just to save you the work of looking it up, P/N 60Y5513 is in the IBM parts retail store with an item price of only $112

And, just to be absolutely clear, this is just a 12.7mm high ultrabay adapter. For hardware RAID you need a mainboard that supports it; It cannot be added later on.

 

okay I got W520 with two issues

1. Battery is pretty loose. I mean little loose is fine but if I put on flat or little uneven surface you can sense it.

2. Dead pixel - one blue color

3. Also screen has so much flex at the bottom that you pres it and screen get push out. (wow any of thinkpad never had some much flex)

Other things are good. I refuse to repair in 21 days return period.

I might end up returning.

 

Awesome! I got my config down to $1560 with a 3 year basic warranty. Thanks.


Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA Quadro 2000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD recordable multiburner5
9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++60
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
4270 : 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

 

It seems not to be a hardware problem, as the 2-finger scrolling works absolutely smooth under Linux (opensuse 11.4).

 

Does the ThinkPad Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter III sit loose due to the gap or is there just the gap?

 

Only the gap. The ultrabay devices generally have a little play, but the 9.5mm and the 12.7mm high 2nd hdd adpter are just as tight in the ultrabay. Or as the CD/DVD drive, for that matter.

 

Is it not possible to get a spacer for when I get my W520? Or is it not necessary?

 

Why does everyone think this is a big deal? I guess you guys keep your desk clean, too.

 

I don't mind the gap that much. Today the adapter has stated to vibrate when the HDD is spinning. It wasn't doing it yesterday when I first installed it. It makes an incredibly annoying vibration sound sometimes when happening. Anyone else experience this?

 

It's not completely loose, but the latch is at the bottom and because of the gap it rattles, the gap is uneven, and looks like it is going to fall off if heavily shaken or dropped. At least mine does. Plus it will suck in dust, as the fan is on the opposite side.

Of course a sticky tape fixes everything, including this, but it's rather surprising to see in a 1.5k+ Thinkpad laptop and $50+ HDD enclosure.

 

It doesn't rattle with SSD.

Seriously though, I agree Lenovo should do better. Seems like a half assed attempt especially now that the T520 and T420 are in the same boat.

 

Can anyone tell me the difference between the wireless cards you can choose from? Which is best? Also, do i need a color sensor? Im just a college freshman, not doing any proffesional graphic art really.
Thanks!

 

It seems wierd if they do not make a new adapter then, or at least provides a spacer with the old one or sells it separately.

 

got my invoice today still waiting for my laptop though. Invoice takes 4 pages to describe the laptop seems awfully wasteful in terms of paper

the invoice also says mine shipped on the 29th and the invoice date was may 3 the day I got an email that said it shipped

 

Is anyone else still able to access this? This is exactly the setup that I am looking to purchase and the price is certainly right. I would be disappointed if the deal is gone as this config priced out normally runs close to $2000, even with my student discount.

 

The wireless card doesn't matter a whole lot, the big difference is the 3x3 intel ultimate wireless has a higer thoroughput if you pair it with a wireless N router that allows triple data streams. Otherwise, the base wireless is fine. If I was going to upgrade, I'd skip the intel 2x2 option and go straight for the additional antenna of the ultimate 3x3 N.

 

I was able to access it, but the only way you can tell if *you* can access it is to try for yourself!

 

I doubt you will need the color sensor. I don't have one on mine and the colors look fantastic!

 

Skip the color sensor, get the 6300 card. You'll get better range with a better WiFi card.

 

Haha, I should have been more clear. I have tried multiple times to access it and have not been able to. I should have noted that in my post, my mistake.

I was just trying to see if the link was down for other people so that I could narrow down whether the deal was done or if it is just some pecularities of my work internet connection.

 

I ended up having to use Internet Explorer to make it work. I assume it worked because I haven't opened IE in ages and had no cookies or browsing history from the normal lenovo site. Maybe try private browsing settings in your browser also?

 

Got my W520 today. Very excited. Ordered on April 15, shipped on May 3.
While I was trying to install an extra RAM under the keyboard, after I took 2 screws from the back, the keyboard will not move, no mater how I push it. Some people reported a THIRD screw for the keyboard, but I cannot figure where where it is. I only see two screws with keyboard icons near them. Some suggestions? Thanks.

 

Third screw is under the bottom cover for the ram. Look at the small keyboard icon next to screws with the arrow pointing at the cover.

 

I already took one from the bottom ram cover. Let's make it this way: 1) how many screws are there under the bottom ram cover, 2) how many keyboard icons on the bottom?

I removed 2 screws to take the bottom ram cover out. And then removed one screw from under the bottom ram cover, another one just next to the bottom ram cover. I can only see 2 keyboard icons.

 

Here is a video: YouTube - Lenovo Thinkpad T510 Keyboard removal
On my W520 I had to push a bit harder...
PS: I only needed to remove 2 screws. Also, you don't need to remove the keyboard connector as it shows in the video.
Another video in German: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBEzYombu2c&feature=related

 

You are right, there are 2 screws. I misremembered. Usually people forget the one under the bottom ram cover, though. You should be fine, just push down the keyboard just below power button and move keyboard towards screen. Needs a little bit of force.

 

You've taken out all the necessary screws. As of one hour ago I was in exactly the same position. I've since solved the problem. After removing the two keyboard screws I loosened all 12 case screws just a bit. I did not remove them. That reduced the pressure on the keyboard and allowed me to slide it out per the manual. It was evident that the assembler was hasty and had deformed the keyboard. After installing new DRAM I reseated the keyboard properly. As a result several of the keys respond more smoothly.

 

Haha, I just solved the problem exactly the same way, except that I actually removed all the 12 case screws and then the keyboard was moved easily. I think some part of the keyboard just got stuck somewhere by the case.

Thank you so much m.antonius.primus, Volker, and huberth!!!

Also I verified that in the dual-core (2620M) machine, there are 4 slots physically, but when I installed 12 gig RAM (2X4GB, 2X2GB), the system will not boot. It seems that is limited by the CPU to 8 gig max.

 

Does anyone know what this means:

PMXUtil: Error during PMX Call: idrvdll.dll!IDRVInit(): Failed VerAddVersion() call

Error 9470: Fail to load driver (PCI access for Windows)

?

I'd really like to check my stepping version, and I'm worried about the fact that no one seems to have this error.

 

I received my W520 today and I was wondering, how hard is it supposed to be to remove the ultrabay adapter on models with configured RAID?

For the life of me I can't switch the latch to the unlocked position. Am I missing something obvious?

Edit: Figured it out. There was a screw that I needed to unscrew. Manual didn't mention it (unsurprisingly).

 

It means you should return it. Who needs that kind of aggravation?

On the other hand:

Lenovo Support - Intel AMT 7.1 Management Engine Firmware for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), XP (32-bit, 64-bit)

Lenovo Support - Intel AMT 7.1 - Management Engine Interface and Serial Over LAN driver (SOL) Driver for Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), XP

Did you install / reinstall both the firmware and the interface / driver or just the firmware?

Don

 

Yes, I installed them both. Then I uninstalled and reinstalled both. I enabled AMT in BIOS and enabled the Administrator. I used runas /user:Administrator MEInfoWin.exe. It keeps throwing the error message I reported. I found the pertinent dlls and changed their permissions, permitting read, write, and modify access to any user. You can find my post of the full error here.

 

I saw that post. You said driver and meant driver. My bad. Since the error message mentions an administrator privilege account, I suppose you could turn off the UAC (if you haven't already) and see if that makes a difference. However, I've only seen that type of issue when running Server 2008 R2, not Windows 7.

Don

 

I suppose I could reinstall Windows 7 and try over again. Unfortunately it will take about a day to reinstall all of the software packages. However, the probability is small that I have a B2 stepping QM67. On the other hand, it is a disaster if I do.

 

Did your W520 came with RAID enabled ?

If yes, can you show picture of the ultrabay adapter, with it inside the laptop, and with it removed ?

I am also curious why you have to remove a screw, while my W520 does not have such screw on the latch.


Thanks.

 

Try running the program from an Administrator command prompt directly, not just using runas.