T430 Owner's Thread

try throttle stop and speed fan

1. Optimus automatically manages it for you. You can always force the settings of course.
2. No idea. This is my first thinkpad
3. Slice battery is a battery thats like a flatpack and connects at the bottom through the dock connector. Its an extra battery that pushes endurance. This might help you.
4. Not that I can think of; other than either a mSATA SSD as a boot drive or replacing the ODD with a SSD.
5. take your pick.
Standard 2x4GB 1333mhz CL9 Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM, 8GB (2 x 4GB), DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)

or
2x4GB 1600mhz CL9
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM, 8GB (2 x 4GB), DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800), 9

 

Thanks! The 4gb card was 1 DIMM, can I just get another single 4gb card to round it out at 8gb?

 

Right. 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600. Like this.

 

ahh right I didn't see.
I thought you were going to replace everythign

In that case just pick anything that has the same specs (speed and Cas Latency; CL) as the default sticks

 

hello fellow t430 bros. Ordered mine last week and I might be getting it as early as this Friday. here are the bits of the build that matter:

Processor Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Display type 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display
System graphics NVIDIA NVS 5400M 1GB DDR3 Memory
Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3
Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Battery 6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+

two questions that I hope you guys can answer:

how is the battery life on the 6 cell, under low and high stress?

and how straight forward is reformatting it with a clean install? I plan to put my own copy of Windows 7 Ultimate as soon as I get it, but will the drivers or anything else give me problems?

 

Well apparently this still doesn't work on my T430. I set everything in the BIOS to enabled but it still doesn't work when the power is off unless plugged into the wall. Which totally defeats the purpose. I'm trying to charge an iPhone 4S if that makes a difference. Any ideas?

 

Congratulations on your new ThinkPad. It is very straightforward to do a clean installation of Windows 7. (Make sure you create the Factory Recovery discs first: 1 CD or DVD for boot + 3 DVDs for data.) Before you remove or wipe out the stock HDD, copy the C:\SWTOOLS folder to a USB flash drive.

Once Windows installation is complete, open Device Manager, go down the list of unresolved drivers and point to the SWTOOLS folder on the flash drive, telling Windows to search the subfolders for the right drivers.

Also within the SWTOOLS folder, you'll find the installers for Lenovo applications. Windows 7 runs fine (lean and mean) without those applications, but you can selectively install some of them that may add value to you personally. I usually install Power Manager and Onscreen Display (Hotkeys) only.

 

Thanks but Fn + F8 is dimming the screen on the T430, I know I can disable Ultranav using the software but was hoping there is a way to Fn key to do so like on most other laptops.

Yeah that's normal, you have to plug it into the wall to use the always on USB port, you can't use your laptop as a portable battery to power your phone. I assume they are doing so to prevent over draining the battery.

 

I believe that there is an option for that in Lenovo PowerManager or the BIOS, but don't quote me on this.

 

How do you manually switch between integrated graphics and the graphics card?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-T989 using Tapatalk 2

 

I've seen a few people mention this problem with Thinkpad specific buttons losing functionality after a clean install of W7.

Is there any way around this? I plan to do a clean install to an SSD, to replace the HDD that shipped with the system.

 

It did for me. But just the volume buttons. However after all the updates and all it came back to normal. Just follow Hearst's guide and everything works.

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Powermanager's battery maintenance menu has settings to prolong battery life, however it won't enable always on USB while disconnected from power, the always on USB feature will only work when the computer is off and plugged in.

Go to Nvidia control panel and select 3D settings, where you can set Optimus policies, or switch it in BIOS under configuration--> Display

After a clean install just use System Update to install all the drivers, which includes the driver for the function keys and buttons such as mute, volume, mic mute, and TV.

 

Well, because Windows 7 itself doesn't know everything about ThinkPad. Lenovo supplies both device drivers and utility applications. The answers lie in the C:\SWTOOLS on the stock HDD. Before you "re-purpose" that stock HDD, copy that folder onto a USB flash drive.

You must install all the required drivers. Go down the list in Device Manager and, for each unresolved driver, point to the SWTOOLS folder on the flash drive and tell Windows to search down the subfolders for the right driver to install.

As to the Lenovo applications, you can selectively install those that add value to you personally. I install only Power Manager and Onscreen Display (Hotkeys). This last item is related to the "ThinkPad buttons losing functionality" problem that you raised.

Those function keys are handled by Lenovo applications, not device drivers.

I'm weary of Lenovo System Update application. I decide specifically what to update and when. Thank you very much.

Windows 7 clean install gives me a sense of lightness. The Lenovo image is bloated. (That SWTOOLS folder that sits idly on your C: drive takes up over 4GB.) Take a look at Control Panel > Programs list before and after, and you'll know what I mean.

 

Which is why you need to use system update to install the specific program to enable those keys, for people are may not be familiar with what each program/driver does, it's a safe bet to install all the recommended ones. I agree though, the Thinkpad image, while better than the HP ones, are filled with garbage hard to get rid off. I almost always clean install and activate using ABR.

 

^^^ If you go down the "clean Windows install" path, you should learn to selectively install the Lenovo applications. I mean, clean-clean-clean.

 

I feel the same way, but with the Thinkpad updater you can select what updates to install.

I did a clean install onto an SSD and using the updater saved me a lot of time by not having to root through the lenovo website. I only have installed what I want installed and this system screams.

I would highly recommend using the system updater from lenovo.

 

This is the key point.

 

Hey guys. Does anybody know the driver for the GPU?

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Drivers and software - ThinkPad T430 / Video section

Intel HD Graphics Driver for Windows 7 (64-bit) - 8.15.10.2696 - 05 Jun 2012

NVIDIA Optimus Display Driver for Windows 7 (64-bit) - 8.17.12.9688 - 01 Jul 2012

 

Thank you so much!

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After a couple of weeks of use, I have to say I'm truly impressed with the machine, I guess I'm somewhat adjusted to the keyboard and the typing experience is great. One thing interesting, though not surprising, is that I believe mSATA SSD (Curicial M4) actually uses slightly more juice than the OEM 320GB HDD. Also while gaming the hard drive slot gets extremely hot even though that space is left empty, I'm thinking maybe because it's empty the heat is trapped inside since there is nothing to transfer heat to the plastic body. It's almost impossible to rest your hand on the left palm rest but luckily I play racing games so I only have to touch the direction keys. The battery lasts about just over an hour of hard gaming in power source optimized mode with dGPU.

 

Do you guys know if the ultraslim adapter 41R4493 will work for the T430? Are all T series power requirements the same?

Thanks

 

Absolutely, that adapter is advertised as one of the T430's optional accessories here http://www.lenovo.com/products/us/laptop/thinkpad/t-series/t430/T430-datasheet.pdf

T430 with integrated graphics requires 65W power supply, the one with dedicated GPU requires 90W.

 

Well I have had it for a couple of days, I am also impressed with it. I have the SDD in the primary bay and the HDD in the ultrabay. I watch TV Shows and movies. The HDD does get Hot in the ultrabay. I can feel it from underneath. The ultrabay are is the only thing that gets hot. Only when in use. Like watching a Video from it. General use it does not get hot. I wonder if there is a way to cool it?

Is anybody running windows 8?

 

Thanks for the tip; Even though Speed Fan didn't seem to work on the T430s, Throttle Stop did help in reducing the CPU frequency down to 800Mhz.

But eventually, I used TPFanControl to control the fan speed and find out that the biggest culprit regarding noise is actually the HDD! Coming from the X31 that had a very quiet 4200rpm drive, I did not expect this, but it's actually hard to hear the CPU fan over the hard drive spin.

When I managed to turn off the HDD, the laptop went dead silent, so that means I've got to get a SSD if I want to enjoy perfect silence when idle!

 

Does anyone else have this problem where the Esc key makes this strange click noise when you press on it? All of the other keys feel fine, but the Esc is really annoying because pressing on it feels cheap and loud.

Is my keyboard just defective?

 

I had the same problem with my right arrow key in T530 out of the box. I was annoyed like you and all what I did is removing the key (it will feel like as if you are gonna break it but do not worry) then press it again in place firmly and see if it goes away. If not request an exchange of the keyboard and replace it yourself.

 

Hey owners, how's the actual lead time on a new T430 these days? If I ordered a base spec unit today, approximately when would I get it?

 

did that make the problem go away for you?

 

Yes, it did! Just try it. You have nothing to loose

 

I ordered it on July 18th and received it on July 30th, as long as you don't choose the smartcard reader and 500GB 7200rpm HDD you should receive yours in less than two weeks.

 

For the sim card does it sit in a tray? For some reason I can't get the sim card out?

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Hey guys, can anyone confirm the laptopmag claim that with the 9 cell you get 13 hours of real life usage on the T430. It sounds too good to be true. Thanks.

 

Does the mSATA SSD come with screw to fasten it. From the picture, it seems you have fastened your mSATA SSD with screw. I bought the same SSD, but it did not come with any screw.
Thanks!
Well, I think I found the little screw for the mSATA SSD.

 

The T430 already has a single screw in place, it only needs one screw to fasten the mSATA SSD.

 

Yes, you are right. I should have looked closer .

BTW, do you find the T430 fan a bit too noisy? It seems to be speeding up and down for no specific reason.

Also, the system seems to run at 41+ celcius all the time. Is this normal?

 

Mine should arrive tomorrow. I saw this thread after ordering and now am afraid of whether I will have the same problem as these people. If so, it is going back.

T430 Fan speed - Lenovo Community

 

Hey guys,



Hopefully new T430 owner here. I've been reading many things about how bad lenovo customer service is. Unfortunately I had to contact them because I had the wrong information on my credit card. It was definitely a very frustrating experience. Now that is cleared up, but now I am concerned about them shipping my order in time. Since I go to school out of the country, I need them to have it sent at a certain time period. They said that the laptop *should* ship by the 19th at the very latest but it could not be guaranteed. I asked them specifically if the T430 had any parts on backorder and the customer service agent had me hold on the phone for a minute while she checked with someone from another department. According to her, there should be no delays with shipments of the T430. Has anyone experienced any delays with their T430 shipments...specifically with this build:



I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

Shipping Country USA

Pointing device T430 UltraNav with FPR

AC Adapter and Power Cord 90W AC Adpt US (2pin)

Keyboard Language KYB (Backlit) US English

System Unit T430 NVIDIA Optimus with 1GB

System expansion slots T430 Exp CS & 4-1 CR

Display Panel T430 14.0HD+ Anti-Glare, WWAN
Processor Intel Core i5-3210M
Operating system Windows 7 Home Premium 64
Operating system Language Win7 HP64 English
Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Hard drive 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
Optical device DVD Recordable, UBE w/SWR
Battery 9cell LI Battery TWL70++
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.0 w/ antenna
WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205
Wireless WAN accessories Mobile Broadband upgradable
Warranty Type

1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

 

I think the fan noise is average, when it's at my desk it's plugged into a laptop cooler which is slightly louder than the build in fan so I don't hear it. When I'm outside, well, ambient noise covers up the fan noise too. If it bothers you go install TPFancontrol and get it to cycle less often.

So far the only confirmed delays involving 500G 7200rpm HDD and smartcard reader, you have neither so should be fine. When I ordered mine (almost same specs except the HDD) a month ago I got it in 7 business days, not sure about their inventory right now since a bunch of people bought the computer after the latest posting on slickdeals. Mind you it comes directly from Shanghai and some members have reported various delays at US customs.

 

Got my T430 in a few days ago.

Installed the SSD and 8 gigs of RAM.
The RAM was a bust, had to RMA it.
The SSD works great, complete system restart in 30 secs. I'm not going to clean up my system to do benches or anything, and I have a few programs run on startup, so I'm perfectly fine with a 20 sec cold boot.

The keyboard is far FAR better than I thought i would be. I'm actually really liking it. Thus far, when I'd handled chiclet type keyboards I actually felt a little physically ill; this is probably to do with the fact that most chiclet style keyboards are glossy, and thus attract oils and grime, which make them an absolute mightmare for another person to use. The Thinkpad keys are all nice and matte, have satisfying 'clicky' noises, and feel just right.

The only issue I've come across so far is the TrackPoint. The recessed TrackPoint is a little harder to use, but I guess it just needs a little getting used to. A little more bothersome is the TrackPoint's LMB. I find that I'm inadvertently double-clicking a lot of things. This is because of the thumb-flick motion I've gotten so used to doing on my other Thinkpads. A flick seems to double-click some of the time, while a more deliberate press works fine. Has anyone else noticed something like this?

 

I too noticed the same double-clicking issue; thankfully it went away after a couple of days.

The chiclet style is ok, but I hate the new keyboard layout. I didn't mind the recessed trackpoint though, I think you should quickly get used to it.

 

^ you're right about the layout. The right-side corners are driving me batty. pgup/down/insert/delete etc in one row... ugh. And no more back and forward buttons with cursor

At least the LMB will sort itself soon (I hope).

Overall though, totally digging my new system. Hopefully my ultrabay gets here today.

 

I was wondering if anyone else has upgraded their t430 cpu yet? possibly to a 3820qm? oh how nice it would be to have a 14 inch laptop with 8mb cache!!!

 

3610QM would make more sense, afaik some people have done that no issues (TDP is same as dual core models). The 430 wasn't designed for 45w TDP on the CPU + GPU, etc. First off you would have to go to the 135w brick and then make sure there are no overheating issues, because if there are the system will throttle.

 

It's probably okay if you don't have dedicated graphics, if you do then there is no way the cooling system can handle the extra 10W of heat, right now the NVS 5400M is already putting a lot of strain on its ability to cool the laptop.

 

so I dropped my laptop for the first time and checked speedfan and my gpu is idling at 50 C ( cant remember what it was before I dropped it because its been so long since i checked) . my core 1 2 3 4 are around 30c. I have no clue what temp1 is but its at around 52 C. I have the nvs 5400m and i was wondering why is my gpu idling at 50c when i am not using any programs? Optimus is enabled so shouldnt my gpu temps be much lower then this at idle since its using the integrated? Also i just took it apart and the fan is running and i reapplied mx 4 just cuz i am a nervious wreck from this stuff. What do i dooooo?

 

Also, in my bios I noticed that OS detection for nvidia optimus was disabled as default. What is everyone elses at? I put it to enabled and it doesnt seem to change anything however I kept the other setting as nvidia optimus for the option above the OS detection. I have nvidia control panel set up so it shows if nvidia gpu is in use and when I am just browsing internet there is no gpu in use yet its temps are still at 50 C . What the heck is going on with this POS ?

 

I've had my T430 for about a week. Since then I've reformatted it and put on a clean install of Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit.

All is well, except for this which leaves me with 2 question:



- Why is only 3.73 GB of RAM usable out of the 4.00 GB that I have?

- I ordered Intel Core i5-3210M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.10 GHz), should I go ahead and attempt overclocking now? Are there any reasons not to? ie. warrenty voiding, ruining battery life/efficiency.

I appreciate any insight you guys may have on the overclocking bit. thanks!

 

If you do a little research then you'll realize that everything is what they suppose to be. The OS detection should be disabled since Windows 7 is capable of switchable graphics, that function is there to detect OS that doesn't support switchable graphics thus configure the GPU accordingly, you have Win 7 so you won't notice any difference. The "Graphics Device" setting is what really matters, as it sets whether your computer will run in iGPU only, dGPU only, or switchable mode. 50C sounds about right, that's what mine idles at too. The older Fermi chips are not as efficient as the current gen Kepler chips.

You only got 3.73GB of usable RAM because some are reserved for the onboard Intel HD4000 graphics. Core i5-3210m has a nominal clock speed of 2.5Ghz, but it can automatically turbo boost to 2.9Ghz in dual core mode or 3.1Ghz in single core mode. The turbo boost is done in the background without user interference. You cannot manually overclock a mobile Ivy Bridge CPU.
Here is what I have, note I have 7.73GB out of 8GB available.