Lenovo W520 Owner's Thread

Hi Netwebber
Could you tell me how easy or difficult it was to get the T221 working with the W520? E.g.

- Which graphics card are you using?
- Are you using Windows 7 or another OS?
- Is it simply a matter of getting a Displayport to DVI adapter, or do you need anything else

Many thanks for your reply!

 

I have the Quadro 2000M, stock drivers. I'm running Windows 7. When I connected it at first Windows didn't like it very much (some BSoDs), and PowerStrip didn't give me much control over the video card. But Nvidia's Control Panel worked to create a custom resolution of 3840x2400 at 30Hz. I have two T221s, and I can run both at 30Hz or one at 48Hz.

You need a DisplayPort to DVI adapter and at least one Dual-link DVI to LFH60 adapter. There are three types of these: the original converter box that came with the T221 DG5, aftermarket Japanese version that's been around for a couple of years, and a new one designed by someone who goes by Cirthix. You can go here for more info: IBM_T2X_LCD : IBM T210/T220/T221 Users

I can confirm that both the Japanese version and Cirthix's adapter work very well. Cirthix will program custom EDIDs that identify themselves to the video drivers automatically.

Here's what you can do at native resolution with various hardware:

Single link DVI (passive)+adapter cable (no LFH60 converter): 13-15Hz
Dual-link DVI (active)+one LFH converter: 24-30Hz.
2xdual-link DVI+two converters: 48Hz

I could not get 3840x2400@48Hz with one dual-link DVI+converter and one single-link DVI+adapter cable, even though that's theoretically possible.

Hope that helps!

 

Is it better to run restore on a new SSD and install all of my software, or just clone my HDD over?
Are there any benefits for choosing one over the other?

 

Do you have any software on the source drive that is activated or serialized that would be a hassle to re-activate? If not, it's best to install from scratch.

 

I do not need anything from the old HDD, but when I install the SSD it will look just like the HDD. I do not want to install windows from scratch, I plan on running restore and installing my software.

 

Are there any problems with the crucial m4 128gb SSD like the intel 510 SSD?
Like warm boot? I think they both use the same controller.

Or should I just get the intel 320 120gb SSD?

 

Not sure about the Crucial, but you can't go wrong with the 320, especially if it's your first SSD. So much better than a 7200rpm HDD.

 

what is the maximum transfer speed mSATA support on W520?

 

The msata max out at SATA II.

 

After further research, it is really hard to choose between the two.
The most important thing is reliability, price, then speed.

From the recent reviews, the M4 seem more reliable after the last firmware update. As for price, both cost the same. And for speed, the M4 is faster.

So it comes down to reliability vs speed, and it is hard to choose between the two. Any other input?

 

i'm using the 510 and the warm boot issue is all i've had. i usually just shut down and then reboot and avoid the issue completely. i would guess that lenovo will address the warm boot issue with a bios upgrade at some point. i would go with the 510 for sure, i tried another brand and ended up buying two ssd's. the 510 is pretty much flawless except for the warm boot.

 

If I run restore using the created media from the w520, will TRIM be enable for the Crucial M4 and/or Intel 320? Or do I have to do a clean install?

 

Hi I am thinking of getting a w520. Can anyone tell me if the laptop is noisy ? E.g when using office and surfing the web. Also what's it like when under load?

Thanks

B

 

Under light load, it doesn't make very much noise. My Scorpio Black makes more noise than the fan.

Under full load, it makes noise, but that's to be expected considering the TDP of the chips.

By the way... Anyone else with a Scorpio Black notice that it leaks noise out of the Smart Card slot?

 

This is easily checked. There are some good articles on the subject.

checking SSD TRIM support - Bing

 

anyone of you guys still continue to use desktop after you bought w520, just because w520 not powerful enough or for any other reason?

 

I use my desktop when I'm at home just because it gives me more workspace (i.e. resolution on the monitors). I prefer the desktop form factor over the laptop form factor, too.

 

I don't. I have a port replicator at work and have 22" monitors on that with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. there are a couple of hard drives and other accessories attached to that. With the 510 ssd it's the fastest machine in my office!

 

I did just pick up a minidock 3 with 170watt power which I *might* integrate into this setup... but for now what's pictured is why i've kept a desktop around.

 

I have read that some people are having problems with certain SSD and Hard drive password. Is there a problem with a power-on password and the intel 320 SSD? What about the HDD password? Some of these post are old, with old firmware. So if someone could confirm if there are any problems with the new firmware updated.

 

Plug in an external 24-inch monitor and a keyboard and with this 2 monitor setup (24" + 15") you have a system that beats most desktops in power and ergonomics.

 

Anyone feel like trying my TwoFingerScroll settings? I have them calibrated to the FHD screen, using Firefox 9.0 at 115% zoom (NoSquint).

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\TwoFingerScroll]
"scroll"=dword:00000001
"scrollLinearEdge"=dword:00000001
"scrollSpeed"=dword:0000001c
"scrollAccEnabled"=dword:00000001
"scrollAcc"=dword:00000047
"scrollMode"=dword:00000001

 

I just tried to throttle my desktop i7 2600 from 3.4 to 2.2Hz and found that it works much slower this way. Seems the same speed I'll get from W520 2720qm?

Could anyone say how often do u see TURBO working while u have some load. it's enabled 20-30% of time? or almost 80% of time?

 

It depends on the app.
Example: When I opened the window to reply to this thread, the bar in Intel Turbo Boost manager went up to 3.2GHz and stayed there for a few seconds.

If I watch a YouTube video at 480p in Full Screen, it fluctuates between 2.9 and 3 GHZ during the duration of the video. (set the Intel Turbo Monitor to "always stay on top")

 

This can give you a perspective of varying CPU performance

Prime 95 benchmark w520 2720qm
Prime 95 benchmark w520 2920xm
Prime 95 benchmark Desktop I7-2600

Used this version of Prime 95
These w520s always have the turbo on. i.e. when i look at cpu-z on the 2920 it always shows it is running at 3190mhz.

 

Do you have anything else running? Mine stays at or near 800MHz under the same conditions, which is expected, rather than staying in a Turbo state.

 

I have Chrome, Outlook, Excel, MS Expression Web, Norton, etc. running idly in the background (using less than 5% CPU).

I just tested it again.
This time, while the YouTube video was playing, there was never more than 10% CPU usage (per Resource Monitor), but the Fequency jumped up to 3.1 GHZ or 2.8 GHZ occasionaly - perhaps to ensure a smooth video playback.

 

Might be one of those. I have Firefox, Word x2, MSN x2, Acrobat x2, and Kaspersky running and idling at 0%. During the video Task Manager shows 6-10%, and the CPU never turbo'ed.

It's also possible your Flash isn't using GPU acceleration properly.

 

Hooked it up to a nice 24" monitor and it's plenty powerful and ergonomic and QUIET. No need for a desktop.

 

I accidentally cracked the screen on my new W520
I don't have accidental damage protection. Does anyone have a ballpark figure as to how much I may have to shell out?

W520 HD+ (1600 x 900)
Region: New York

 

When I start up my computer, if there is no wireless network available, it won't connect/detect any new networks until I 'troubleshoot>turn wireless capability'. Is there a way to make it so this capability won't turn off in the first place?

 

How did you do that?

 

I accidentally hit my mobile phone on the screen while trying to remove battery.

 

Ok peeps, I pulled the plug so to speak and ordered one this morning. Look very forward to it.

I am coming from a few years of Dell Latitude goodness but wanted to change since their new line went to shiat.

I have had Thinkpads before. Mind you, many T43's and a T60 or two.

The order:

System components-

Intel Core i7-2620M Processor (2.70GHz, 4MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
15.6" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad
720p Camera
Internal RAID - Not Enabled
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader
9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)

I also added 1 year of NBD warranty and express shipping.

All for the tune of 1093.00 USD.

..........

I will be upgrading the ram to 8 gigs and a 750gig Scorpio Black, albeit in a Newmodeus HDD caddy, and a SSD for the main. Likely a Crucial M4 128gig.

I also went with the i7-2620M as it will meet my needs, and after all the horror stories I read about this line/model and the issues involving throttling down, plugged in or not, battery can't handle it, Lenovo get your shiat together, etc. etc. I stayed away from the Quad for now. Praying to Jeebus and teh Spaghetti Monster it isn't involving the Dual Core too.

.............

.............

.............


Now that I have ordered and will have it in my hands 7 to 15 days from now, I will reread this thread, and others.

BUT

Do want to ask:

Is the whole power connection/down throttle/optimus/lenovo bios dealy mostly or only involved with the Quads ??? Or not ?

AND

What has peoples experience been with a SSD in this unit ?

Any SSD as the main drive, NAMELY a Crucial M4 if thats the case.
Any input on your SSD experience with this unit would be helpful.

Thanks !

 

I bought a 1680x1050 replacement for my Dell laptop for about $200 (Canadian) from a local computer store about 2 years ago. I replaced it myself, otherwise it was $50 for them to do it. Dell would have charged almost $400 for the LCD and over $100 for them to do the replacement. So I'd guess doing the repair through Lenovo will be more expensive then doing it another way, although I guess there's more "peace of mind" that it'll be done right if you use Lenovo.

 

Lenovo's USER / MASTER password functionality is INCOMPATIBLE with any new generation SATA3 Sandforce SSD's.

I have tested and found an issue with

- OCZ Vertex 3 240Gb
- Kingston HyperX SSD 240Gb
- OWX Mercury Pro 6G 240Gb

In all cases the password was set, correctly confirmed, but resulted in a bricked drive after the 1st reboot nevertheless. Password entry was not accepted.

I had the misfortune to set both USER and MASTER passwords on the OCZ but thankfully OCZ replaced it. In all other cases, the drive was locked using the USER password, but that password could luckily be cleared by using HDDErase 4.0 (bootable floppy, IDE mode legacy)

 

Is this ONLY true for new generation SATA III sandforce SSD? Have anyone tried or know if the Intel 320 is affected?

 

This is one serious computer and the workstation-class GPU is no joke. With active DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapters, it can simultaneously run an IBM T221 at 3840x2400@30Hz and a Planar Dome E3 grayscale monitor at 2560x2048@50Hz. (I picked up the Planar Dome on eBay for $650 and use it mostly for reading documents. I wanted sort of a "giant e-Reader" and that's exactly what it feels like.) I have a 2000M, but the 1000M should be able to handle that too.

 

That's a pretty expensive monitor just for reading text...


Anyway, the left-side locking "pin" on the monitor broke off, leaving only the right side fully locked and closed when I shut the lid =/. Not sure if it's worth the hassle to deal with Lenovo on a fix yet, since I have lots to do in October.

 

And I ask is it the case with sata 3 ssd's in general ?

 

That's not fun. The old latch mechanism had the hooks move, so it had a lot of tolerance and wouldn't snap so easily.

On a related note, anyone notice that closing the lid with strictly the left corner or the right corner results in the hook on the farther side not latching?

 

Nope, the Intel 510 SATA3 240Gb works fine (save the 40 seconds warm boot delay)

 

Not tested (yet). The Postville X-25M works fine.

 

what about crucial m4 - is it also delay boot for 40 seconds? just ordered one...

 

seconded

anyone have a Crucial M4 Sata III in a w520 ?

any issues at all? complete success, or not ?

Need to know before ordering one in a day or two....

 

Looking at getting a docking station....I am liking this machine so much, and my desktop just ate it during a thunderstorm. I may just try using only the notebook for a while.
So, the question is are there any expectations that a new docking station might be forthcoming w/ USB3? I waited a good while to get a laptop w/ USB3 for external drives, I'd like to maintain the data stream when I get the new Vantec enclosure I'm waiting on.

 

not sure about your usb3 dock question

but I would like to ask you since you sound very happy with your machine....

have you been issue free ? or did a fix or two make them go away ?

what's your config, specs please

thanks

 

I asked when i ordered mine in april and was told that they didn't have any idea. hopefully it will be soon but i wouldn't hold my breath. i ordered the dock when i ordered the laptop and use it at work as my desktop replacement. it works great that way. if you want to transfer at usb 3 speeds you will have to plug it in the back and unplug when you shut down.

 

Issue free. 2720QM, Quadro1000, FHD, 4 gigs RAM w/ 8 more on backorder, Win7 64 Pro, Seagate 500Gb drive, pretty much a stock system, got the Intel 6300 wirelless.
I'm not gaming currently, machine is used for web, CAD, open office, and a lot of photo processing in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Great battery life, really glad I waited for Sandy Bridge and Optimus. Came real close to getting a W510, but decided to wait another year.

I'm missing my NEC PA271 for it's size, this FHD screen is very good, however. Guess I'll grab a Display Port/DVI adapter for the meanwhile...

Still setting the machine up, only been using it full time for a week.

Thanks for the reply, badhabit wb.

 

I have a 256GB Crucial M4. No boot delay for me. Boots in a minute flat, even with some newly-installed bloatware I need to get rid of.