T430 Owner's Thread

Thanks! I'll check out that guide later. If I understand your post, you're suggesting that I put the SSD in the stock drive spot and move the HDD to the ultrabay. In that case, should I be buying a 7mm SSD (like the Samsung 830 I had in mind that would fit the ultrabay) or a 9.5mm one?

 

You could put the SSD in the UltraBay, which operates at SATA 6Gbit/s speed. In that case, you can buy either 7mm or 9.5mm SSD, but remember to set the boot order properly. (In any case, it is advisable to remove the HDD while you work on making the SSD a Windows-bootable drive.)

If you consider putting the SSD in the primary, keep in mind the 7mm height.

 

Consideration one, two, three.

 

Thanks a ton for the temp update! Real solid info as well. Am not really going to be pushing the GPU much (in fact, not planning to get the NVIDIA version) so that's not much of an issue. The fan option looks good too.

 

^^ If you don't get the NVS 5400M then you probably don't have to worry about temperature at all, the heatsink should effectively dissipate any heat generated by the CPU, and since it sits farther away from the palm rest that area should be pretty cool too. I'm not gonna use the dGPU if I'm on battery since the HD4000 is plenty fast even for some modern games, but I think it helps if I'm plugged in and the laptop sits on top of a cooling pad.

 

Is it normal for my CPU temperature to shoot up to the lower/mid 80s when the GPU is running for extended amounts of time (1 hour+)?

 

I'm spec'ing a T430 for general use, and moderate PC gaming (I don't really care too much about running anything maxed out, as long as FPS is acceptable).

Could someone take a look at my build and tell me if I'm blowing money where I don't need to, or if I really need something that isn't in there in?

Processor: Intel Core i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
Windows XP Mode: Windows 7 XP Mode - English
Display type: 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
System graphics: NVIDIA NVS 5400M Graphics with Optimus Technology, 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard - US English
Camera: 720p HD Camera with Microphone
Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Micro hard drive (mSATA): 16GB mSATA Solid State Cache Drive
Ultrabay: DVD Recordable
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader
Battery: 6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+
Power cord: 90W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 AGN
Integrated mobile broadband: Mobile Broadband upgradable


Quoted at $920.

 

Unless you are doing a lot of CPU intensive work such as graphics rendering you can save a lot of money by going to a i5, for general use you probably won't notice any difference between the i7 and a i5-3320M. Also I'd rather go purchase my own SSD instead of getting the 16GB mSATA cache, its performance is no where near a real SSD where your OS and programs are hosted on. With the money you have saved you can also purchase another 4GB RAM stick from Newegg so you can run the memory in dual channel mode. I also highly recommend the backlit keyboard, it's really nice to have.

 

^ thanks for the reply.

Hmm, dropped the i7 and the mSATA cache (it's only $40 though).
Now quoted at $786

How would I go about running an SSD for the OS in the machine? Ultrabay?

If these questions have already been answered in the thread, just tell me, and I'll go ahead and peruse thoroughly.



EDIT: nvm. TOTALLY in this thread.

 

^^^ You could keep the 320GB HDD (or upgrade to 500GB) for storage, and buy mSATA SSD (like this or this) for boot/OS/apps. Alternatively, you could move the HDD to the UltraBay (you must buy a caddy adapter, like this) and install a SATA SSD in the primary bay. In fact, you could keep the HDD in place and put the boot SSD in the UltraBay. Your choice. In any event, it is best to pick a 7mm-height SSD.

If you need the T430 for "general use and moderate gaming," I would suggest going with HD 4000 integrated graphics.

 

For only $50, would I really not be getting my money's worth with the NVS 5400M?

Also, is there any way to have an SSD and an HDD in the machine without an ultrabay?

 

It really depends on what your definition of "moderate gaming" is, but I'd say the 5400M is probably worth it since I'd still provide a noticeable performance improvement over an i5 with 4GB of RAM.

Apparently, the HD4000 is still a bit short on power for recent games such as Skyrim or Diablo III. On my T430s with an i7 and 4GB of RAM, I have I have only tried Just Cause 2 and Magic The Gathering 2012 so far; MTG runs perfectly fine at max settings, while Just Cause 2 runs ok at native resolution without any AA (around 25-30fps). I wouldn't expect to play any of next year's AAA game at anything but the lowest settings and resolution, though.

Regarding the SSD and HDD, you can put a SSD in your mSATA slot, but it'll be limited to SATA-2 speeds (3Gbps), which is below what most SSD can achieve nowadays. You'd still see a dramatic improvement over a regular SSD, but be aware of that limitation.

 

Yes, as I said, mSATA SSD (like this or this) in the WWAN/mSATA PCIe slot and HDD in the primary bay -- no need for UltraBay caddy adapter. You may want to read the T530 Hardware Maintenance Manual (downloadable PDF) about the WWAN/mSATA PCIe slot.

Also, as someone has mentioned, add another 4GB 1600MHz RAM stick to bring the total to 8GB.

 

I wouldn't need to config the build with an mSATA cache to do that right, as long as I don't spec a WWAN card?

And then proceed as detailed in Hearst's guide?

 

Right. Your post-purchase mSATA SSD boot drive (64GB, 128GB, whatever) has nothing to do with Lenovo mSATA SSD cache.

Right.

 

^Thanks to everyone who replied.

Pulling trigger.

 

Has anyone successfully used the T430 with more than two displays with the Nvidia Optiumus graphics?

 

Great! Am really not planning on use the laptop for any GPU intensive stuff (and all the older games work fine on integrated). Going to jump into the T430 pool soon.

 

Is this a correct mini displayport to HDMI adapter for the T430? Would this work?

Neet® - DisplayPort to HDMI adapter: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/2m-DisplayP...Q2CW/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1344000667&sr=8-8

 

I was reading about the T430s, unluckily this model has the NVS5200, not the 5400. But its 1lbs lower though

 

First one is a DisplayPort (not mini) adapter, so it would not work with the T430. Second one looks ok.

 

Thank you, just ordered the second one.

Also..Lenovo have screwed me over. They said the product shipped yesterday and I just recieved an E-Mail stating

We are contacting you in relation to your recently placed order on the
Lenovo Online Store. We have been informed by the manufacturer that the
product(s) you ordered, T430, is experiencing delays in the building
process and as a result the shipment date will be later than expected.

We have been advised that the new estimated shipping date will be: 20/08/12.

...

 

Small note:

Received the Crucial 256GB mSATA yesterday and have done a clean install again. I followed Hearst's guide with some minor changes.

What I did:

I updated bios to the latest and did a reset to factory default values. (defaults to UEFI and Optimus Display)
Removed HDD, so I only had the mSATA plugged in during the Windows installation. Updated Intel RST drivers during the Windows partition selection screen.
After first boot, installed wifi and Nvidia Optimus driver from lenovo. Reboot and install TV System Update. Installed the rest of the stuff via System Update.
Follow Hearst's for the rest of the steps.
At the end, insert the HDD back in and delete the Reserved and Win7 partitions and format into a single volume. Also hid the System Recovery Partition in disk management.


I'm glad to report that the NVidia Optimus works great now. Able to play smooth Diablo3 @ 1600x900 with default settings (all High except Shadow set at Medium(Smooth). Prior to this, Diablo3 was very jerky in all bios display modes(Optimus, HD4000 only or Nvidia 5400 only). Couldn't identify the issue.

Happy days!

 

Would it be possible for you to give some feedback regarding Diablo 3 with the HD 4000 only? Either in 1600x900 or 1366x768 resolutions. Would you consider it playable without having to sacrifice image quality too much?

 

How did you know it was shipped? Did they send you an email stating so, if yes it should already contains a tracking number. From the outlet experience sometimes Lenovo is required by law to send out delayed notifications if the product didn't ship after a certain number of days, even though the product itself isn't delayed. However if you ordered the 500GB 7200rpm HDD or the smart card reader it may be a different story since both options are experiencing shortage ATM.

 

Lenovo does all crazy stuff. I ordered a slice battery and I received a shipment notification e-mail with tracking information that showed the order shipped 5 days ago and should be delivered this Monday 8/6. Interestingly, I discovered that till now the package has never been picked up by UPS at all. I called the reps at Lenovo and they kept saying the crazy stuff that it is still within the delivery time frame and I kept explaining to them that it is not even in UPS hands since 5 days till they discovered the sh.. they are doing and told me that it will ship tomorrow. They never acknowledged that they did a mistake and I asked them an interesting question whether it will be the same tracking number or different one to tell me it will be different which means that this item has never shipped in first place. That is bull...

 

The E-Mail which was a 'Shipping Confirmation' stated 'the following product(s) has shipped. The estimated delivery time is 3 to 6 business days.' - It even provided a tracking link to the UPS website..but no UPS tracking number/reference. I looked it up and apparently it was quite normal for Lenovo not to provide one().

I ordered the 500GB 7200rpm HDD..Oh well.

 

Weird, in my shipment confirmation email under Status it shows Shipped, and under that is the blue UPS tracking number as a clickable link.

 

Did you receive yours?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

^^ I received mine on Monday and I've been posting some impressions here already.

BTW how do I disable Ultranav (both touchpad and trackpoint) when I'm using a mouse?

 

I receive mine on Monday... how long did yours stay in customs? I can't wait! I called ups and I will be picking it up from them in the morning

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

Question guys.

I'm looking to either get a x230 or a t430 from the Lenovo b&n site.
In any case I'll be configuring for the HD+ screen on the 430 and IPS for the 230 with standard i5 processors for each.

I'm wondering which laptop would serve me better for pure school work and some occasional CAD, light gaming (tf2, JC2, ME3, low demanding games).

What would people recommend? 14" vs 12.5"
I haven't had a laptop to use for ages but I definitely don't want to go for anything larger than 14" nor smaller than 12".

Thanks guys!

Edit: I'd also like to add that I won't be adding the dGPU for the 430 as I don't see the need when I have a main desktop rig at home.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

I went with the T430s because of the low resolution on the X230 was just unacceptable for me, but I find it unnecessarily wide (wish they trimmed the large bezel and side speakers). I don't really regret it because there was really no other option available for me, but it can be a difficult choice.

If you don't need the 1600x900 resolution, you're probably better off with the X230, especially since games like JC2 will run noticeably better in 1366x768 resolution.

 

Thanks for the opinion. I do prefer working with higher resolution displays as it's simply more productive for me as I can have multiple windows open. I'm going to do some further thinking first.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Mine stayed in US customs for only a day IIRC.

I'd suggest you visit a store that carries both and test them out, they do feel completely different in your hand, you may discover that the T430 is too large and heavy for you, or you may find the x230's screen inadequate.

Interestingly I found the following pictures of a T430 reviewed by a Chinese website in May, and you may immediately notice that the keyboard sports the blue ThinkVantage button and the word ThinkVantage, also different are blue accent Fn symbols. Although it doesn't have the blue Enter key at least it shows that Lenovo was playing around with different keyboard styles and finally settled with the current black and white design.

 

I'll decide when the laptops arrive
I'm getting a x230 for my brother and a t430 for myself.
Just got off the phone with Lenovo and they've cleared my credit card and everything. (My friend's bringing it over from the US to me in HK)

 

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy the T430s and I'm having a hard time choosing the video card.

My options are:

1) Intel HD Graphics 4000 with Intel Core i7-3520M Processor

2) NVIDIA Optimus Graphics (NVS 5200M, 1GB), Intel® Core™ i7-3520M Processor (4M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)

Just to put it in perspective if I choose Nvidia I save $750 but money isn't an issue I just want the best card.

Thanks!

 

With option 2, you actually get both. So if you are saving $750, seems like a no brainer.

 

Great thanks Thors.Hammer!

That's what I figured but I didn't know what the integrated card would be if I chose the Nvidia card.

 

Uou get both the IGP and the dGPU.
You can then enable/disable through BIOS or is optimus.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

I used the communication utility for the first time today and in the configuration page it shows the current image and indicates that it's 640x480, how do you configure it to 1280x720? I tried it in Skype and the image appears to be VGA too.

Also how do I disable trackpoint and touchpad if I'm using a mouse?

 

I know I have a t530, but since a t530 is very similar to a t430, I'd thought to post in here.

encountered my first problem with the t530. I left my computer on with the lid open and I went away for some water and some tv. coming back, the screen the black and I assumed the laptop went into hibernate. no problem. i push the power button, and the power button is now flashing the green light. like 2x a second in a steady pattern. I moved my mouse, pushed the keys on the keyboard, nothing. the wifi indicator and the hdd indicator were both green. I then pushed and held the power button for 5 seconds, and the computer turned off itself. I turned it on, and it seems fine. i'm going to try this again. anyone else have this problem? thanks.

 

I see you posted the question in the T530 owners thread at http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/671390-lenovo-t530-owners-thread.html

 

No one can answer my question in post #591?

 

Fn + F8

 

Hey guys I just got mine today!

I am looking underneath and it looks like a small cover is missing or am i wrong? That silver part in the pic I provided...



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

Don't worry, it's just the docking station connector, it's meant to be like this.

 

Oh OK! Thanks. Are you running any program to monitor temps etc...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

No, although I'd be interested in any software that would let me underclock the CPU speed or reduce the fan noise when idle. Apparently, the i7-3520M can't go below 1200Mhz on idle?

 

Super excited to be part of this forum!

I just ordered my T430 on Sunday (that B&N deal was way, way too good to pass up). Random questions:

1) Can the discrete graphics switch automatically, or do I do that myself? On my T400, I had to do it myself.
2) Anyone know if the T400 minidock is compatible with the T430?
3) What exactly is a slice battery? I went with the standard 6-cell.
4) Any recommendations when I get it? Additional accessories?
5) Most important (for me), I only got 4gb because it's so easy to upgrade. Can anyone recommend a good RAM stick? I want to make sure the speeds are identical. Thanks!

I'm excited. Too excited for my own good. Yay!