Lenovo W520 Owner's Thread

Since portability is not an issue, the W520 would be a nice laptop for this. I would get the 1000M as your not concerned with 3d (even though the 1000M should still be nice), a 2720QM processor, 4-8 gigs of ram, and a FHD screen.

If the price comes out a bit high, you can take a look at the T series with the same configuration (except the graphics card).

Both should be great laptops and should last you more then a couple years.

 

If screen quality is your highest priority, you should consider HP Eleitebooks with their Dreamcolor screens. They are very expensive though. Additionally, they have not officially announced the Sandy Bridge models yet (8560w and 8760w), so time could be a problem too.

 

I agree with this suggestion. I must point something out though... I priced out both the T520 and W520. I actually found the price to be fairly similar with the nVidia graphics option on the T520 and the Quadro 1000M on the W520. In fact, if I remember correctly, the W520 came out a tiny bit lower when all the little things (I call them BMW options) like FHD screen, camera, bluetooth, smartcard reader, wireless, etc. were added in.

Where the T520 comes out ahead is with the Intel integrated graphics, lower resolution screen, and one of the dual-core processor options. If a person is getting a loaded T520 then it makes sense to jump up to the W520. That's my $0.02.

Regarding laptops lasting a few years... I ordered the W520 today because my 8 year old Dell Precision M60 (Centrino 1.6Ghz, 1.5gigs of RAM, Quadro Go 700, 60gig 7200RPM HD) finally died on Friday night. I expect the W520 to last me until 2019 (another 8 years).

 

Cool, and congrats! One thing I did forget to mention, I'd recommend getting the least amount of DIMM's possible when picking RAM. This way, you'll have room (you get 4 slots) to upgrade later if needed.

 

Same here - I was originally looking at a high end T520, but thanks to this thread discovered that the equivalent specs on a W520 are very close in price, with the trade off for me being getting a few "nice-to-have" things like USB3 on the W520 at the expense of the extra weight over a T520.

 

Thanks! Yes, totally agree. I went with a 4GB SODIMM in 1 slot. The default on the W520 configurator is 4GB in 2 slots (2GB SODIMMs each). It's a $0 (free) change that is worth doing.

Crucial sells 4GB SODIMMs for the W520 for $48.99 each. Just buy 3 of them for less than $150 for 16GB of RAM. This is far cheaper than buying them from Lenovo. Product page: 4GB, 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600 upgrades for Lenovo ThinkPad W520

The two other pieces of advice I have are:

* Don't upgrade the hard drive from Lenovo. Buy either a HDD or SSD from NewEgg or elsewhere. It'll be much cheaper.

* Finally, I didn't buy the WWAN module because I plan on putting in a Intel 310 series mSATA SSD in that slot to complement the Intel X-25M 160GB SSD I'll be putting in the system. The 40GB version is $99 and the 80GB version is $189 at NewEgg. For those that need a WWAN module, AT&T and just about every other provider will throw in a free USB dongle with activation.

 

Unless you already have the X-25M, you should consider Newegg.com - Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW160G310 2.5" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - SSD instead.

 

Thank you all for all the great suggestions. I have one more question, is the processor and the GPU upgradeable?

 

CPU is upgradable, GPU though is not (from w520 repair manual)

 

I have a Intel X-25M sitting around but if people are buying a new SSD then go for the Intel 320 series. I prefer Intel SSDs for their reliability even though they aren't speed kings.

The hardware repair manual for the W520 can be found here.

The CPU is definitely upgradgeable to at least the ones listed on the Lenovo website (the BIOS must support the processor). The method to change the processor is on page 85 and 86 of the guide (page 93-94 of the PDF).

I'm not sure it's worth the money to upgrade the processor from a i7-2720QM to the higher options because it's only .1 Ghz difference. Secondly, I highly doubt the Lenovo BIOS has options to overclock the unlocked Extreme Edition but I could be wrong. I know someone ordered the "XM" CPU so it may be interesting to see if any overlocking options exist in the BIOS. If so, then it might be worth an aftermarket upgrade when prices come down.

The GPU I'm less certain about. I'm going to go out on a limb and say it could be soldered onto the motherboard because I couldn't find a set of instructions to replace it in a quick glance of the manual. It is certainly possible that it is socketed but without a tear down of the W520 I can't be sure. The location of the nVidia GPU is shown as item "d" on the "For Workstation Models" graphic on the bottom of page 94 of the guide (page 102 of the PDF).

 

NOOO!!!!!! Too late. Ordered 4/5.

 

I've seen this mentioned a few times in the forum, yet according to the tabook the W520 is lighter than the T520 base config?

 

Hi Wookwook - the data I was looking at (from the PDF linked to from each laptop's landing page on the Lenovo website - not sure if this is the tabook you are referring to) says that the starting weights are:
T520: 5.74lbs (2.6kg)
W520: 5.95lbs (2.7kg)

Although since the starting config for a T520 has a 6-cell battery, adding the 9-cell battery probably makes brings them even closer in weight?

 

How do I send you a PM ?

I am ready to make the same purchase as yours. Thanks.

 

You have to have a certain amount of post before you could use that function.

 

Can you send me a PM, I guess I can't not use the PM function yet.

I am ready to make the same purchase as yours. Thanks.

 

I can't send you a PM either. Why don't you participate a bit more on the forums and once you can PM me then I'll send you the info. It's just that I'm not comfortable posting a customer service rep's info in public because I wouldn't want my info posted in public. We're getting a bit off-track in the thread. My apologies ahead of time to the mods.

 

Just a quick question I'm hoping someone can help me with - on page 21 of this thread, a few people mentioned waiting until around 19th April to be able to select an 80GB Micro SSD drive as an option on the w520. I'm just wondering if it is something that would need to be ordered as part of a base system, or would it be possible to order from someone else to avoid the Lenovo premium and install myself when the laptop arrives (i.e. without it sticking out the side of the laptop from an external port)? I'm mainly worried about losing the IBM system restore partition as I'm not overly technical and have had to rely on this a few times so I'd like to keep it intact on a new W520.

Ideally I would like to have the 500GB mainly for storing static files (i.e. not programs or VMs), but having the 80GB SSD for the core OS seems like a good compromise over the extra dollars required for 256GB SSD. WHat do others think of this - is it worth the money or should you really just go massive 7200rpm drive or completely SSD?

 

you seems to be more technical from your post. So I will sum up in short. Before you install SSD make recovery disk from HDD came with W520.

after that take out HDD and put SSD for fresh install from recovery disk made. you are all set to go.

BTW: I got 96GB SSD for $110 & using as main drive. Hard drive enclosure connected to USB 3.0 is reasonably cheapest and mobile option to carry additional 500GB storage.

 

I'm going based on the tabook here:

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf

Shows that the 520 notebooks with 6 cell battery are:

T520: 5.54lbs
W520: 5.4lbs

Since that differs from the other PDFs it seems to me like the other numbers might be more realistic measures.

 

You could order an Intel 310 mSATA SSD from NewEgg and install it yourself. If I remember correctly, according to a review posted on a TechNet blog linked somewhere in the first 5 pages, the W520 can boot off a drive in the mSATA slot. I believe StorageReview's first look at a T520 also mentioned this feature.

I'm not sure how the system restore functionality works on ThinkPads (whether it is a burned set of disks or if there is a hidden partition on the drive or both) so you'll have to ask someone else (or wait until I get my system in 2 weeks). Another option is you could always use Clonezilla to clone your new laptop's hard drive even before powering it on and storing that image in a safe place. That way you can restore the original configuration in case of a disaster.

Sticking to just a regular massive 7200RPM HDD is fine (Option 1). A more costly option is getting either a 40GB or 80GB mSATA drive and a large HDD in the primary bay (Option 2). The most costly option is a 40 or 80GB mSATA drive, SSD for the primary bay, and a very large HDD for the UltraBay (Option 3). Obviously, I haven't included using an external drive connected via either USB3 or eSATA but those options exist too. The main difference upfront is cost but only you can decide what is right for your needs and wallet.

 

What did you say when you asked for it? It seems incredible especially considering how much the X ultrabases cost.

 

i'm writing from italy...here i can't configure the laptop..

anywone has ordered one like this

- i7 2720qm
- 2x4gb 1333mhz
- 500gb 7200rpm
- fhd 1920x1080 display
- intel n 6300
- quadro 2000
- pantone color check
- 3y base warranty


?
the keyboard is backlight ?

 

Thanks nni123 and hrana for the detailed replies about retaining the ability to do a system restore and storage options. hrana, until I read your post I didn't know what an UltraBay was, but now I've done some reading and a variant of Option 3 sounds ideal. I'd really like to have an 80Gb mSata for core OS and programs, the 500Gb 7200rpm drive in the primary bay, and then have the possibility of swapping out the DVD-ROM for a large HDD in the Ultrabay, and just have a portable DVD/BluRay drive for the very odd occasion when I'd need to read a disc. I'm always leaving my external USB storage devices at home or different client sites so having as much storage inside the laptop is important to me.

Is it reasonable to assume that if it becomes possible to order the 80Gb mSata SSD and the 500Gb HDD in my W520 configuration, that IBM would install the OS and system restore partition on the SSD?

 

Im looking to purchase a system with the 500gb HD preinstalled -

Am I right in thinking I can purchase a Crucial 128GB RealSSD C300 SSD and swap this out with the HD in the primary bay, and use this as the boot drive? Is the OCZ Vertex drive confirmed as working or is it safer to go with the Crucial?

If I then purchase a ThinkPad Serial ATA Hard Drive Bay Adapter III 43N3412, can I swap out the CD drive in the ultrabay with the 500gb that comes with the machine?

Post at the bottom of this page http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/W-Series...gb-s-suppported-on-the-W520/m-p/406417#M13861 - states that ultrabay and primary bay are both SATA III interfaces; is this correct? If so, would it not make a difference whether the SSD was installed in the ultrabay or primary bay?

Is the mSATA slot the express card slot (on the top left of the right hand side of the machine)?

Finally, can I add two 4GB sodimms (by purchasing Lexar Crucial NOTEBOOK 8GB Kit (4GBx2) DDR3 1333 MT/s (PC3-10600) CL9 SODIMM 204pin) to a single 4GB installed with the laptop to make 12GB?

Your responses appreciated

 

Hi shashu - I can't help with the questions on storage and RAM, but as for mobile broadband, I prefer to use my mobile phone (HTC Desire, but many other phones support this) to create a portable wifi hotspot which my laptop connects to. The laptop then uses the phone's 3G connection for internet access. I prefer this because I don't have to pay for the mobile broadband to be built into the laptop, and I only pay for a single data plan.

 

Seems like a valid configuration, whats the problem? The keyboards are not backlit on the ThinkPad's, but they do have a thinklight where when enabled, the light comes from the top of the open monitor down to the keyboard, lighting it up a little.

 

thnaks, i would like to know the price who lenovo makes at the phone...

or i buy the same on ebay ( at 1598$ )

 

Update - having done some searching, can anyone confirm the following is correct

If I purchase the machine with the option Wireless WAN upgradeable - I can then purchase an mSATA SSD (Intel 320) and install inside the machine in the PCI Express Mini Card for WWAN (page 73 of the repair manual). Is this correct? (if purchased with mobile broadband mSATA SSD cannot then be installed in the machine?)?

 

I won't know how Lenovo does their restore image until I get my laptop. I will say this... an 80GB mSATA drive runs $189 aftermarket. I'm not sure if I'd want to leave a static restore image sitting on such an expensive drive. I'd want the entire thing to be used as an OS or scratch disk. Your best bet is to call Lenovo to explore your options.

This would have been my suggestion to you--buy the Intel 310 mSATA (the 320 is a regular 2.5" SSD) to install yourself in the WWAN slot. These 3 StorageReview articles articles are worth checking out...

http://www.storagereview.com/intel_ssd_310_series_80gb_review
http://www.storagereview.com/new_lenovo_thinkpad_notebooks_announced_msata_ssds_everyone
http://www.storagereview.com/lenovo_thinkpad_t520_review_first_thoughts

It seems, reading in between the lines, that it is either WWAN card or mSATA device even though the spec sheet refers to other mini-PCIe slots in the W520. If you go without the WWAN card then Lenovo will leave the slot and antenna wires in place for a later upgrade. I would much rather do the mSATA device install aftermarket than pay Lenovo the price premium for doing it.

 

JUST FYI: I started a new thread to discuss the shipment of our W520 laptops. Over there we can discuss why it has not yet been shipped or why it seems to still be sitting in Kentucky

http://forum.notebookreview.com/len...-owners-thread-shipping-info.html#post7357723

 

Re: Questions on the 80 GB PCIe SSD card and a HDD:

If you order it from Lenovo not only will it come installed, it will be coordinated with an Intel software driver that moves data between the drives based on usage. So I imagine the Q (Recovery) Partition will be on the HDD. This is Intel's Rapid Drive system.

If you add it yourself you will have 2 discrete drives and you will need to locate the software and data files where you like.

The Rapid Drive System likely is great but I am not yet certain I want something else moving my files around without my knowledge.

Also like many of you, I was a bit concerned about moving around OSs and reinstalling files. Other than the hours it took to wait for the Recovery Disks to write themselves (which needs to be done anyway) it was trivial. Simply write the Recovery Disks and than set the BIOS to boot from the Optical Drive and put in the Bootable Recovery Disk and simply change disks when told.

Very simple.

Perry

Perry

 

I'm also curious as to how to ask for the discount. I just called lenovo and asked for a quote and if there were any discounts, to which he replied that the best he could do is 10% off.

It seemed awkward to ask about the docking station, so does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Deleted this post.

 

I have a W510 with the 920XM and also have the new W520 with 2820QM and the 2000M. The W520 absolutely smokes the W510 - without a doubt. The color calibrate software has been updated, and I am not sure if it is better or not. Battery life is significantly better. No CPU whine whatsoever.

 

How much off the website price were you given over the phone?

Thanks.

 

I like to heard from someone experiences with an installed mSATA on their new w520.

 

Off the website price, 350. My corporate discount offered 150 off, which seemed nice, until the rep gave me a quote at 350 less. This was around 15%

Edit: I didn't have to haggle, either. I was simply asking some technical questions and was about to wrap up the call when the rep said he could help me further. I asked with how and he offered a quote.

 

I agree with this position. I've had/heard enough data loss horror stories to write an epic. A recent Rapid Drive specific one was posted here. This could have been averted with a sound backup strategy which far too many people neglect these days.

Without knowing a whole lot about how Rapid Drive works and the underlying technology, I think the best practice should be OS on the mSATA drive and data on a larger spinning HDD (or SSD if you have the cash). In home-use applications, both should be backed up to an external device and off-site. I might backup the OS drive to the HDD within the laptop as well as doing an external backup.

I wonder if the Rapid Drive system can be added later. A cursory Google search doesn't turn up much. Does anyone here know more?

 

I could care less about RapidDrive. The last thing I need is software based RAID that doesn't work.

I am interested in what RapidBoot really does. Of course there are no details on it either.

 

I would wait until StorageReview or someone on the forum confirms it. I vaguely remember someone saying an OCZ drive had problems but I can't find a link so I'm probably wrong (I hate to start rumors). *I* stick with Intel SSDs for their reliability even though they're not at the top of the benchmark charts.

That's what I understand and have read online. Of course, I haven't tested it myself.

I would leave the SSD in the primary bay and swap out cheaper/larger HDDs in the Ultrabay. If the W520 is like previous Lenovos then booting from the Ultrabay should be possible.

I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Sometimes mixing and matching memory can lead to problems so if you want to be completely safe then only buy Lenovo-approved memory. In practice I've rarely had problems with mixing and matching in standard consumer systems. It's different when the system is overclocked or if the system is a server with tighter tolerances.

 

What type of problems can occur with mixing and matching memory?

 

Well, I took the plunge and ordered the W520. I tried to ask for further discount or freebies as other posters have suggested...no go. Oh well...

 

What kind of battery life is everyone getting with their W520?

Please describe detail of what is running (apps), networking if applicable, and the drives that are in the system.

Information on the power plan (and tweaks), screen brightness, etc. will also be helpful.

 

i will not do mix and match with lenovo. I had bad experience with T400 & W510 as well.

 

Does anyone know the exact detail of the memory Lenovo uses in the W520?

 

Can new owners please provide any info about the fan noise?
What are RPMs in idle and load?
Can the fan be constanly on a low RPM, or is it constantly kicking on and off? My T60 is one minute silent and one minute 3000 rpm all over again thats crazy. Thanks

 

I've seen plenty of strange behavior in server systems. For example, just recently I had a strange crash showing up in a Supermicro-based server system with a memory upgrade. The issue was that motherboard didn't like memory modules with different timings being mixed and matched. Those same modules worked fine in an ASUS board and brand-new modules made no difference. Have you ever tried to mixed unbuffered and buffered modules or ECC with non-ECC modules? There are plenty of weird cases but 99% of the time you can get away with it.

As people get their W520's it may be a good idea to set up a hardware compatibility list (HCL) of tested/working memory modules, WWAN cards, WLAN cards (Lenovos have a whitelist), Blu-Ray drives, processors, etc. all in one post.

How much did you end up paying? Also what configuration did you get? You should have spoken to the rep that set up my order. She responded to my email today saying that she couldn't add the dock to my order but she reiterated her offer of the same deal I got on the W520 for anyone else that wants it.

I'm sure you've seen this but this is a great idea. We could add this information to a W520 sticky along with the latest drivers for all the various components and the HCL I mentioned above.

 

Yes the Ultrabay Caddy is bootable. Yes, it works with the Crucial C300 in replacement of the HDD. Yes, you can move your HDD from the Disk 0 position to the ultra bay.

Yes my Crucial memory sticks worked and test out swimmingly well with the lenovo sourced memory.....not made by Lenovo of course.

No problem with the addition of memory. No problem with making Recovery Disks, removing the 500 GB drive, loading the C300 and restoring the factory image on the C300. No problem with removing the Q partition from the SSD newly created Factory Image. No problem formatting the 500 GB drive in the Ultrabay. No problem creating 2 partitions on it. D: is Data and Files. E: I reserved for backup of data.

No problem moving my photos and media from my old drive to the new D: drive.....except time as I am doing over my wireless network and that is limited to about 3-4 GB/hour.

No problems loving my new quiet, cool running, no hot lap, Sandy Bridge quad core equipped Thinkpad. The only noise I have heard is once when I was installing Lightroom 3 and the optical drive must have been out of balance as it sounded like a washing machine with an unbalanced load on the spin cycle.

Reseated the CD and all was quiet again.

Fabulous machine.

No problem finding software to synch Outlook across all 3 of my machines (SyncPST for Outlook).

So easy I think I am going to order a x220 as a travel machine.

Also no problem with Homegroup although I find the wireless network much easier to use.

Perry

 

Done with 35 pages, phew. A couple of questions remain. If anyone has any insight, I'd greatly appreciate it.

1. RAID option -- not too popular, is it? I had two HDDs die on me in my T60 and so mirrored raid is something that I am now seriously mulling over.

2. No pre-installed junk -- is there a way to have Lenovo not to install any trialware on the laptop? No Office, no Symantec (yickes) and preferably not even Lenovo's own utilities. Just bare-bones W7 with all required drivers and system services.

TiA