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    Lenovo W520 Owner's Thread

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by zacharyp, Mar 31, 2011.

  1. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    And better then paying for an OS youll never use. Im sure corporations and governments are getting better discounts. But for those who already have windows or use linux $15 is better then nothing like you said. :)
     
  2. Thors.Hammer

    Thors.Hammer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unless of course you consider resale value. Since the vast majority of the world doesn't run Linux or DOS on the desktop, having the factory disk set with Windows 7 in case you decide to sell it is probably a decent investment for $15.
     
  3. barich

    barich Notebook Enthusiast

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    Given that the 7 Pro upgrade on the dual-core W520 is $50, eliminating the OS entirely from a quad-core model that only comes with Pro should be a greater savings than $15.
     
  4. Speedies

    Speedies Notebook Guru

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    Is there a way to get .edu emails if you don't have one?
     
  5. RikoOnWeb

    RikoOnWeb Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't think the pricing is (or should be) straightforward like that. Even more importantly, the price for the DOS only version is about $200 higher (depending on configuration) than the lowest price you can get when purchasing through Mastercard Market, shareholder program and other sites, nevermind the deals you can get over the phone.
     
  6. mad_max

    mad_max Newbie

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    Sh*t! Thanks for that heads up. Picked up the config below for about $1538 pretax. There's also an additional 5% off at checkout.

    Processor

    Intel Core i7-2720QM Processor (2.20GHz, 6MB L3)
    Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
    Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 English
    Display type 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
    System graphics NVIDIA Quadro 2000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
    Color sensor No Color Sensor
    Total memory 4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
    Keyboard Keyboard US English
    Pointing device UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
    Camera 720p Camera
    Storage subsystem Internal RAID - Not Enabled
    Hard drive 500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
    Optical device DVD recordable multiburner
    System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
    Battery 9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
    Power cord Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
    Bluetooth Bluetooth 3.0
    Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
    Integrated mobile broadband Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
    Language pack Language Pack US English
    Fingerprint Reader
     
  7. Speedies

    Speedies Notebook Guru

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    Did you really got 40% of your configuration? Does the 40% apply to all products?
     
  8. mad_max

    mad_max Newbie

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    No, not 40%. But a normally priced build like that is around $1900 with 5% off. So I suppose it's closer to 20% off. Nothing to balk at.
     
  9. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    My SSD RAID0 sequential read is 25% lower than is should be (817MB/sec vs 1,100 MB/s StorageReview is getting)

    I think I may have just figured out the reason:

    I used the 128kb strip size when I set up the RAID, as recommended by Lenovo.
    This is the recommended size for SATA drives. But now I see that for SSDs a 16kb strip size is recommended.

    Arrrrgh! I don't think I can change it "on-the-fly". Did you use a 16kb strip size for your RAID0?

    EDIT: While Intel recommends 16kb, the reviewers here [M] RAID 0 Stripe Sizes Compared with SSDs: OCZ Vertex Drives Tested concluded that 128kb is best (at least for the Vertex 30GB).
     
  10. drunckenmonkee

    drunckenmonkee Notebook Consultant

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    I did a little bit of research on this before I set my strip size and it seemed that many people were recommending 64k for OS but I also saw alot of people getting better results with 128k over 64k, especially on sequential transfers. People were also getting different results with different controllers.

    I ended up sticking with Lenovo's recommended 128k strip size as I was most concerned about excessive writes and write amplification since TRIM doesn't get passed through to the RAID array.

    In general for 2 SSD RAID 0 array, from my simplistic understanding, a lower strip size will typically give you better random performance and a larger strip size will typically give you better sequential performance. Since your sequential reads performance is less than expected, I think it has more to do with write amplification than your strip size. If you went down to 16k, I would expect your sequential performance to decrease further. I think the only way to recover your performance would be to perform TRIM or secure erase on your SSD but I don't know if you would really notice the additional 200mb/s in sequential transfers.

    As a side note, after running my OS on my RAID array for a few weeks now and through normal usage, my sequential reads have drop from 977mb/s to around 900mb/s.
     
  11. Thors.Hammer

    Thors.Hammer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes.

    1. Go to school
    2. Create a recognized educational institution. See .edu Policy Information
     
  12. AESdecryption

    AESdecryption Notebook Evangelist

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    Has anyone on this forum noticed that the Thinkpad X1 offers 8GB RAM w/ 1 DIMM. Why does Lenovo continue to not offer the 32 GB (4 DIMMs) RAM 1333MHz option?
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  13. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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    I was wondering why Intel recommends a 16kb strip size for SSD RAID0 (vs. 128kb for regular SATA drives) and found this explanation:

    "The reason smaller is better when it comes to stripe size on SSD RAIDs has to do with the nature of the storage medium combined with the mechanisms of RAID. I will explain in short here, and you can read up more for yourself you are more curious.

    Intel SSDs can do 90-100% of their sequential bandwidth with 16-32KB blocks @ QD 1, and at higher queue depths they can reach it at 8KB blocks. Harddisks on the other hand reach their maximum bandwidth around 64-128KB sequential blocks, and do not benefit noticably from increasing the queue depth.

    When you RAID-0, the files that are larger than the stripe size get split up in chucks equal in size to the stripe size and distributed amongs the units in the RAID. Say you have a 128KB file (or want to read a 128KB chunk of a larger file), this will get divided into 8 pieces when the stripe size is 16KB, and with 3 SSDs in the RAID this means 3 chunks for 2 of the SSDs, and 2 chukcs for the third. When you read this file, you will read 16KB blocks from all 3 SSDs at Queue Depth 2 and 3. If you check out ATTO, you will see 2x 16KB @ QD 3 + 1x 16KB @ QD 2 summarize to higher bandwidth than 1x 128KB @ QD 1.

    The bandwidth when reading or writing files equal to or smaller the stripe size will not be affected by the RAID. The sequential bandwidth of blocks of 1MB or larger will also be the same since the SSDs will be able to deliver max bandwidth with any stripe size since data is striped over all in blocks large enough or enough blocks to reach max bandwidth for each SSD.

    So to summarize, benefits and drawbacks of using a small stripe size:
    + Higher performance of files/blocks above the stripe size while still relatively small (<1MB)
    - Additional computational overhead from managing more blocks in-flight, although this is negligable for RAID-0.
    The added performance of small-medium files/blocks from a small stripe size can make a difference for OS/apps, and can be meassured in PCmark Vantage."
    from: AnandTech - Intel X25-V in RAID-0: Faster than X25-M G2 for $250?

    Someone did a test of 16kB vs 128kb here and yes, the 16kb strip size got 10% faster sequential reads and 20% faster performance in PCMarkVantage: Intel X25 V x 3 Raid 0 results - XtremeSystems Forums
     
  14. kevinlau

    kevinlau Notebook Geek

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    Just received new ultrabay caddy from Newmodeus. It is a very well made caddy.
    It is all metal, and it fits very well, with no gap top or bottom. :)

    The bezel is about 1mm taller then my Optical Disc Drive, so this gives a tight gap-less fit.

    It is designed not for quick-removal of hard disk from the tray.

    You have to remove 3 screws, then take off the metal top in order to install or remove the hard drive.
    Otherwise I was not able to get the drive in.

    This shouldn't be an issue for those who just want to add a 2nd or a 3rd hard drive to the W520.

    Pictures provided below:
    .
     

    Attached Files:

  15. magicman0

    magicman0 Newbie

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    Anyone notice that you cant use the trackpad when holding down a key on the keyboard? Or is it just me?
     
  16. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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  17. anand_raman

    anand_raman Newbie

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    I got mine to day as well and it fits great!.

    But I had a tough time installing my intel ssd drive into that. I did remove the screws and opened it to install, but for some resaon really had to fight it to get the ssd snap into the connector. Was worried if I might even break the sata connector on the caddy!

    But at end was able to push it in and use the 4 screws to tighten the ssd to the bay.

    Anand
     
  18. AESdecryption

    AESdecryption Notebook Evangelist

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    What do you know, great deal for ;)~$300 ;) Lenovo 8 GB RAM for the ???W520??? here (FRU 57Y4427).

    But I wonder, is it for the laptop or desktop as RAM?
     
  19. drunckenmonkee

    drunckenmonkee Notebook Consultant

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    Good info...looks like 16kb stripe size is the way to go and it actually doesn't create excess wear either. The random access speed increase is tempting...
     
  20. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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    Its a 240 pin desktop module. Won't fit the W520.
     
  21. kirayamato26

    kirayamato26 Notebook Deity

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    The touchpad is disabled when you hold down a key in order to prevent you from accidentally clicking/moving the cursor while typing. CTRL, SHIFT, Winkey, are fine though (probably a few others too).
     
  22. hathdan

    hathdan Notebook Enthusiast

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  23. kirayamato26

    kirayamato26 Notebook Deity

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  24. wesmain

    wesmain Notebook Consultant

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  25. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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  26. wesmain

    wesmain Notebook Consultant

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  27. wesmain

    wesmain Notebook Consultant

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    Never mind. I have no idea what's causing this. It worked a few times, but now it doesn't. Graphics options appear to have no effect. :(
     
  28. schreibman

    schreibman Notebook Guru

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    LOL!


    Sorry, had to quote that!



    On a different note, I am really struggling with the touchpad. My main concern is vertical scrolling. I have Smart check settings off (palm check/starting zone and scroll region filters), but I still find one or two finger scrolls essentially hit or miss.

    Example, In Chrome (or IE), scrolling is anything but smooth, with a chunky feel to it. Its totally different that my old HP 6710D, which still provides a silky smooth scroll.

    15.0.18.0/SYnaptics driver.


    Also, Am getting a missing driver "?" error in device manager for "PCI SImple Communication controller "
    Hardware / Physical device object. NTPNP PCI003. Any clue?
     
  29. kirayamato26

    kirayamato26 Notebook Deity

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    Try turning off gesture filtering. Those are my settings and I find scrolling just fine to use. You can always use the TrackPoint to scroll, too.
     
  30. schreibman

    schreibman Notebook Guru

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    Sorry, forgot to mention gesture filters off, and I have scroll region as big as it gets. Still no love.

    Also, just not a TrackPoint dude.
     
  31. kirayamato26

    kirayamato26 Notebook Deity

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    That's weird. What version of the drivers are you using?

    And, I've never used a TrackPoint before and I find it fun to use from time to time, or when I'm too lazy to move my right hand off the palm rest.
     
  32. findbuddha

    findbuddha Notebook Enthusiast

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  33. BusNut

    BusNut Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yea - welcome me to the club. Just finished entering my credit card info on my W520. Now the waiting game begins. :spinny:
    ~
    I did opt for the 2-day shipping.
     
  34. schreibman

    schreibman Notebook Guru

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  35. yahyavi

    yahyavi Notebook Enthusiast

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    I installed the lastet version of UltraNav and it seems to have solve many of the problems. Two finger scrolling now works.
     
  36. yahyavi

    yahyavi Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the FHD 1920x1080 screen. I recently noticed that by default it's set to 50hz. This can be increased to 60hz.
    Did you guys leave it to 50Hz or increase it to 60hz?
     
  37. arlcrane

    arlcrane Notebook Enthusiast

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    How are people (especially mSata people) separating your OS / Programs and your data on different drives?

    Are you somehow relocating the Users folder to the Data drive, and if so, how are you doing this? It seems like this should be pretty simply, yet I've done a lot of searching and reading, and end up with conflicting information, with some people reporting stability problems.

    These links detail various approaches, starting with the simple, and straightforward. Yet I wonder if this approach will still result in lots of data written to the SSD, clogging up the 80G mSata.

    how to move user folders to different drives ?? - Microsoft Answers
    The following video shows the same approach. The woman in the video is toooo much.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koST74INsb0

    These links get more complicated. What do you think?
    Move the Users Directory in Windows 7
    User Profile - Change Default Location - Windows 7 Forums
    Win7: how do I move user folder to a different drive - Microsoft Answers

    I'd love to hear how other people are handling this. There have been similar discussions in other forums.

    BTW, my w520 arrived today. I couldn't locate the mSata drive when I ordered the w520, so I ordered it ($$$) from Lenovo, thinking they probably had a big stack of them. It ships with the OS on the mSata, but will try to write all USER data to the mSata as well, instead of the standard HDD.
     
  38. Thors.Hammer

    Thors.Hammer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Welcome to the W520 ThinkPad owners club. It's an elite group. :)
     
  39. mrpeaches

    mrpeaches Notebook Consultant

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    So, I'm looking to pull the trigger soon on a W520, but I had a question first before I buy.

    I have a Series 3 dock that I used with a T410s. Could I just buy a 135W adapter and use this dock with my new W520? I know that the 170W adapter will not fit. I am looking at the base level Quad core with the 2000M graphics if this changes anything.
     
  40. hrana

    hrana Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a clean Windows 7 SP1 install on an Intel 310 80GB mSATA drive. Suspend and resume work fine in Intergrated-only but not in Discrete-only, and nVidia Optimus mode with BIOS 1.25 (1.24) and 16GB of 1866Mhz RAM. I just reconfirmed it again.

    I run mine at 60Hz. I noticed that I am sensitive to the lack of animation smoothness at 50Hz. In fact, I have always been rather sensitive to refresh rates back in the CRT days and can very accurately determine refresh rate differences up to about 120hz. Don't ask me how but I just can.

    It is a more complicated setup if you choose to separate things out. With EVERYTHING installed I don't have an issue with space on the 80GB drive so I didn't bother going through the hassle. With that said, the links posted are generally referenced on other forums too.

    EDITED: It looks like I messed up BIOS 1.25 results.
     
  41. zerodivide

    zerodivide Notebook Enthusiast

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    I used the move / regedit technique. All my applications run fine. I know someone that did the junction technique with a larger hdd having initial problems with system restore but it sorted itself out.
     
  42. infinus

    infinus Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't want to rain on your parade but I wanted to post this for future buyers, I highly discourage paying for 2-day shipping. It's one thing if you can get it for free, but it's not worth paying for it. The normal shipping is VERY fast while IN TRANSIT. It took mine no more than about 36 hours to get to the processing center here in the US.

    This is where you get held up. Whether you pick 2 day or just normal shipping, the amount of time it sits in customs is NOT COUNTED IN YOUR SHIPPING TIME. It can sit there for a week. If you read the small print they specifically mention this. I've seen people on here post about it taking a few hours, to it taking 3 or 4 days to get through customs. After customs processing, mine was at my door by the next day, and I think this is also fairly consistent.

    If you get one of the better sales reps from Lenovo they'll specifically tell you that they don't recommend 2 day shipping. More often than not people end up calling the rep back and complaining because customs holds it up, and transit wise, the 2 day speed is pretty much the same as the regular shipping option.

    Again, don't want to rain on your parade, but just a general tip for future buyers.
     
  43. badhabit_wb

    badhabit_wb Notebook Consultant

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  44. huberth

    huberth Notebook Deity

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  45. arlcrane

    arlcrane Notebook Enthusiast

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    Agreed. Mine left China Monday 1:00 AM (China Time), arrived Kentucky 1:30 AM Wednesday. Released from Customs 10:47 PM Wednesday, and I opened the box in Colorado at 9:20 AM Thursday. Standard Shipping. Pretty Amazing.
     
  46. arlcrane

    arlcrane Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks. I happily discovered your blog posts late last night and saved them to read today. They look great!! I suspect I'll have a question or 2 for you later :)
     
  47. drunckenmonkee

    drunckenmonkee Notebook Consultant

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    I have a quick question for those of you familiar with various backup tools. My initial plan was to use lenovo rescue and recovery but I've noticed that it only backs up one physical drive. For instance, if I'm running OS on my RAID array, it'll backup my entire RAID array but doesn't have an option to backup my mSATA. Is this a limitation of lenovo's backup software or am I missing a setting?
     
  48. commander

    commander Notebook Consultant

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    I did a clean install, and I cannot find anything bluetooth related. I cannot see bluetooth in my devices, nowhere. Can you please tell what should I install?

    ThinkVantage system update only show that I did not install "communication utility" and "modem adapter software". Are they needed?
     
  49. Thaenatos

    Thaenatos Zero Cool

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    Who runs dos these days? Everyone knows that the dos option is for those who already have a copy of windows or use linux.

    As for resell value well I use my computers until they literally die so thats never a factor for me. But I did sell my first computer this year though but it was to family so it was for a huge loss anyways (practically free). So yeah Im not in the least bit concerned with the very slim chance of there being a second owner of my rigs.
     
  50. drunckenmonkee

    drunckenmonkee Notebook Consultant

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    You need to turn your bluetooth on first...often times, it get shutoff by default. The green light at the base of your screen where you see battery, HDD, and wifi has one for bluetooth. since you don't have hot keys enabled, you will have to activate it manually.
     
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