T430s owners'/would-be owners' thread.

From what I understand, B140R102 means it's a screen manufactured by AU Optronics, which is said to be slightly inferior to Samsung's.

Did you try to run the Windows screen calibration utility? You can probably fix the yellow tint this way.

 

Quick question:

by putting an SSD to replace the dvd-drive, will it be not as effective and slower?

 

The Ultrabay has a SATA 3.0 6Gbps connection, so it'd be as fast as the primary HDD (and even theorically twice as fast as a SSD on the mSATA port).

 

i got ultrabay from ebay and put the HDD that came with t430s in there, hwinfo reports SATA 2, 3Gbps speeds. not sure if the HDD that came with machine is 3Gbps.

 

HWiNFO also reports a 3Gbps SATA controller for the HDD in the primary bay, so I'd guess that regular HDDs only supports 3Gbps SATA since that's already way about they maximum throughput.

 

Just an fyi for anyone contemplating an EGPU on this machine: Today after getting it in the mail I managed a 1.1xOptimus link through a PE4H-EC2C with a GTX 560, Heaven Directx11 score was around 1050 on an external monitor, so not too shabby. More benches to come/a full length post describing my experience.

Word of advice: stick to Setup 1.x, don't bother with the DSDT override - it will have you bluescreening like crazy.

 

I take it you need an HD4000 + NVS 5200M configuration in order to be able to use the 1.1x Optimus link?

I would be interested in an eGPU solution (preferably Thunderbolt-based) but I haven't found any simple guide so far. That PE4H-EC2C card looks pretty neat, but I'm afraid that most graphics card would be bandwidth-starved by the ExpressCard port. :/

 

No actually, all you need is an Intel HD graphics option, which the baseline T430s has. If you get the i7 version you get thunderbolt too - but you can't get the NVS dGPU unit, which is anyway super overpriced considering its performance is only marginally better than the HD 4000.

I have only done Heaven benchmarks so far, but I am hitting 1050 in DX11 without overclocking. Bandwidth isn't optimal, but overall performance is a sight better than any mobile graphics card you can get.

 

Hello everyone,

I've bought this adapter from eBay ( Mini DisplayPort DP to HDMI 1.4 Adapter with Audio support 3D for ATI dell Black | eBay) to convert thunderbolt to hdmi.

However, when I connect the cable, nothing happens, even doesn't see the monitor.

So - is there a specific driver i need to set up? how can i test for if the port is the problem or not

Thanks

Edit - Thunderbolt is enabled in the BIOS.

 

After I got my T430s, I have got 4 times of BSOD. The recent two blue screen showed a message: A clock interrupt was not received on a secondary processor within the allocated time interval.
The stop code: 0x000000101

When I use the software "BlueScreenView" to read the .dmp file, it says that it caused by address "ntoskrnl.exe + 7f1c0".

Anyone have same issue?

 

I've had that same STOP code too; I have had 3-4 BSODs within the first week, all different but always coming from win32k.sys, so I was rather annoyed, but hopefully that won't happen anymore.

 

I phoned the technical support and they can not solve my problem. I was asked to keep eye on it and to see whether BSOD appears again...
By the way, since I use Vmware workstation 8.04 to run unix, I enabled the virtualization and VT-d in BIOS. Recent two BSOD happened when I ran the Vmware into background and surfed internet with Chrome.

Hope someone give some clues. Not sure it caused by defective CPU or motherboard.

My config:
i7-3520M
8G DDR3 Low voltage(one is from stock, one is samsung)
Corsair Force GT 180G

 

Just had the same BSOD a minute ago while I was away from the laptop; the only software running was Chrome, uTorrent and Magic The Gathering 2013 IIRC :

I'm getting worried now, looks like I'll have to perform a system restore and eventually send it back. :/

 

Have you tried testing (Memtest86+) or reseating the RAM (and mSATA if you're using one)?

 

Are you running the Lenovo factory image? Is this Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1 with all patches and fixes applied?

 

Hi there, I'm new here, just found this board on the web. I always wanted to own a thinkpad, and it looks like the T430s is the perfect fit for my needs. I'm just wondering, where is the best place to purchase one, for the best deal? Are most here just customize and buy directly from Lenovo.com? I see they have a sale going on right now.
Here is configuration I liked:
ThinkPad T430s Laptop with Enhanced Graphics
• Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
• 14.0" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display
• Intel HD Graphics 4000 with Intel Core i5-3320M Processor
• 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
• UltraNav multi-touch touchpad & TrackPoint with Fingerprint Reader
• 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• DVD Recordable
• 6 Cell Lithium Battery T81+
• Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
• Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)
• Mobile Broadband upgradable
• 1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

and the total comes to be $925.65.
It's interesting that getting the same options from the base T430s model actually nets a higher price.

Anyway, for my first question, is this a good deal or should I wait for a better time like the Thanksgiving/holiday shopping season? Does Lenovo usually have more price cuts on those holidays, say black friday? Also, by that time windows 8 should be out. Do you guys think they will hike up the prices with the new OS?
Also, one of the option I don't really understand is the mSATA thing. Can someone explain a bit what is it, what does it do/where does it go, and any pro and con for getting it?
Thank you very much for any advice.

 

I'm going to try this whenever I get a chance (mSATA slot is empty, so I'll only check the RAM).

First BSOD appeared on factory Windows 7 64 Pro image (on an i7 configuration with 8GB RAM and 320GB HDD, Intel Ultimate 6300 Wifi), then I ran all updates (Windows + Lenovo) but it kept showing up.

It's rather disappointing, but it looks more and more like a hardware issue to me.

 

I did clean install of Win7 X64 SP1 after I got my laptop. When I contacted the technical support of Lenovo, they remotely accessed my laptop and checked all the update of drivers and Win7, but the rep said my drivers and system are up to date. So they finally conclude that I need a full test on the CPU and motherboard by their engineers if my BSOD continues.

Actually, after I got my T430s, I have done lots of stability, stress test, including Prime 95, Furmark, MemTest Pro. But none of them gave me problem and my T430s all survives. But the BSOD just happened randomly and no sign at all.

 

Can you still return it? I have had my T430s more than 3 weeks. I guess they won't allow me to return it. Or I still can?

 

Hello All,

I am new to this forum and need few clarifications before I buy the T430S. Though I have been using notebooks for over a decade, I am not well versed in computer hardware and have never owned a Thinkpad in the past. It would be great if you guys can help me out with the following....

1. There is an option to add a 16GB mSATA SSD. Will Lenovo load the OS in this SSD?
2. What are the peripherals I can add using the express slot?
3. If I upgrade the RAM or other HW on my own after the purchase, my warranty still holds good(unlike Sony)?

Thanks in advance and look forward to hearing from you.

 

Per the Shopping Help area on lenovo.com, here is the return policy from http://shop.lenovo.com/ISS_Static/ww/ag/merchandising/us/popups/returnpolicy.html

 

I would back the machine up with Acronis True Image Home 2012 or some other good backup/restore product then image it with the factory DVD set you created when you got the machine. If it works with the factory image, you know it's a software problem.

 

You will always get a better deal if you wait, but if you need the machine, I'd say it's not worth the $100-$200 saving by waiting. All T430s comes with mSATA if I am not mistaken. You can plug a mSATA SSD into it. However，there is a speed limit on the mSATA port.

 

I've got the hookup for you-

How about $755.30 plus tax?

My T430s arrived last Weds (7/25/2012) and I'm loving it. It is configured very similarly to your specs and I paid $911 delivered including 3yr warranty.

I noticed that you didn't select the backlit keyboard. If you havnen't considered it, I highly recommend it for the $40 upgrade.

As configured, your system doesn't include a 4-in-1 card reader for SD memory cards. If you want to include it, it's a $10 upgrade under System Expansion Slots.

I chose the Intel 6205-N WiFi card but I have heard that the 2200 performs just as well. If you were to want an upgrade in the futre, it's a piece of cake and they're easy to find on Ebay.

I ordered the default 4GB of RAM and 320GB 7200rpm hard drive and added 4GB of DDR3 RAM from Newegg for $26 (8GB total now) and I have a new 128GB SSD to install when i have time. But the performance is GREAT with the 8GB and the 320GB/7200 hard drive!

You may already know this, but the optical drive (DVD-RW) is removable and Lenovo makes a 3-cell supplmental battery that fits in the slot. There is also an adapter tray that allows you to have a 2nd built-in hard drive in the optical drive bay. And they are hot-swappable, so you don't have to reboot or power off to do swap- I keep a 500GB hard drive in mine (the optical drive bay is called the 'UltraBay' in ThinkPad-ese). Very useful and cool functionality!

Here's how to get the best deal-

Go to this link- LINK

Choose 'Create Account' and it will ask for an email and to choose your password, then you'll get the email confirmation and can sign in. After signing in, configure it just like you did earlier on the general Lenovo site. The big differnce will be the prices- and you won't get a better deal on T430s than what you're looking at here!

 

Hi,

I'm unsure whether this has already been discussed but why does the T430s have a poor battery life while the regular T430 also with a 6 cells battery appears to last much longer on a charge? I mean both batteries are 6 cells and I don't see anything different in the specs of the 2 laptops (if you take botj with same cpu, intel hd4000 and an ssd). Sounds weird! Is an ultrabay battery worth it then?

 

The number of cells alone can be misleading. For example, all V6 car engines aren't the same. They all have six cylinders, but their displacement and power output can be very different!

The 6-cell battery in the T430 is rated at 57Whr while the 6-cell in the T430s is rated at 43.2Whr. So the T430 battery should last about 24% longer than the smaller one in the T430s, all other specs being equal.

The 3-cell Ultrabay Bay battery for the T430s is rated at 31.3Whr and it extends the run time from a max. of 7.6hrs to a max of 13.2hrs! It's definitely worth getting if you need that additional run time.

If you decide to get the 3-cell Ultrabay, DON'T add it on the 1st (main) configuration page 'System Components'. It will cost $120 if you add it there. When you get to the 3rd page- Accesories- the first subsection should be Power Accessories and you can choose it from that list- it's ThinkPad Battery 43 and shoulld be less than $85 currently.

I suppose that Lenovo had to reduce the battery size for the T430s to reduce the thickness by 0.35" compared to the T430. At least they made the bay battery as powerful as possible to compensate and add about another 75% of battery life to the standard T430s battery.

 

I might be wrong, but my conclusion today is that a batch of faulty motherboards for T430s's have been released to the market without QA noticing.

My BSOD-issues seem to have dissapeared since a field engineer replaced the motherboard (inc. CPU and video chip set) on friday: Knock on wood for my ol' T430s

My lesson learned: next time, contact support asap instead of wasting time fiddling around with reinstalls, recoveries, burn-in tests etc. If a laptop crashes out-of-the-box, chances are faulty hardware is the cause.

 

So to further clarify, if I receive a shipment from Lenovo, do NOT open the box, call them up, obtain an RMA and send it back, this means I will not get hit with a 15% restocking fee? Their verbiage saying "if it's Lenovo's error" and such seems to leave them room to hit you with a fee regardless if it's opened.

I did get hit with a $94 restocking fee for a returned X230. I opened the box for 3 minutes, then sent it back (after being told no restocking fee would be charged). They are shady with returns.

It's troubling because the instant you place your order, you cannot cancel it. I called minutes after submitting my most recent order and they rep told me she sent a request to cancel and if it still shipped, just call them back and they would give an RMA with no restocking fee. Of course it shipped.

I don't believe them, honestly. I am certain that I will still get a 15% restocking fee on a sealed unit simply because it "wasn't Lenovo's fault." I consider not being able to cancel an order in which you don't even have possession of their fault. It's pretty shady, actually.

 

Thank you for your info. Hope your BSOD has gone. But if it appears again, please let me know. Thanks.

A special question, when the field engineer replace your mother board, did him replace the fan also? Or the engineer used your old fan?

 

Did you/are you going to try my suggestion? If you have more than one drive, pulling the problem child out and imaging the other drive with the factory image is a great way to test. Then you don't have to worry about destroying your world.

 

I do have multiple drive. But the problem is, my BSOD is quite random so I can not re-create them. If I change to a new drive and recovery to the factory image, I don't know how long I should wait for the BSOD to appear again. Also, since I have to work on my laptop, I have to install some software, how do I know what the BSOD is caused by? these softwares or the hardware? I do appreciate your advice, but it is hard for me to test whether the BSOD is hardware problem or other issues....

 

There are tools that will analyze the dump created by a BSOD and tell you what the probably cause is. I'll look around for the tool I last used. In the meantime, do a search on bing or google for "bsod dump analyzer" and you'll get an idea of some of the next steps.

 

Quick answers:

1: The mSATA preinstalled by Lenovo is used for cache, not the OS. If you want to put the OS on the mSATA, it makes more sense to buy your own and then install the OS yourself.

2: Via Wikipedia:

3: Things like the RAM, hard drive and mSATA can be replaced without voiding any warranties. In fact, Lenovo supplies a Hardware Maintenance Manual to help you replace these parts. However if you do need to send the laptop in for repair, you are advised to swap in as many original parts as possible.

 

Thanks a lot, nice piece of information. Actually an additional 3 cells battety would be good but is it possible to remove the 6 cells and run the laptop just on the ultrabay battery while keeping the 6 cells only when I need a long range?

 

I know a lot of people earlier in the thread avoided the restocking fee by calling them and complaining that the screen isn't what was advertised and isn't worth the money spent. As long as you can be convincing and are comfortable with annoying some people in the name of avoiding an unreasonable fee, I'd give it a shot.

 

Wow, thanks for the advice and the link. I'm glad I asked here first, saved me a few more hundred bucks.

One more question regarding the ultrabay options. I want the DVD drive, but I also like the 3-cell battery for when I'm on the road. So can the DVD drive and the 3-cell both be hot-swapped? Or do I need special tools to take out the DVD drive?

 

Complete newby to this stuff but am i right in thinking that i'll but the 320Gb options with the ultrabay cradle and then when i upgrade to SSD i can drop the 320Gd drive into the cradle and swap that out for a 3 cell bat / DVD / HDD on the fly?

 

I didn't pay attention to the fan, I'm afraid. The engineer did tell me that the only thing that wasn't replaced was the wifi-card and the memory, so I suppose the fan got replaced as well

 

Thank you! I am waiting for the next BSOD. If it happens again, I guess I have to upgrade my warranty to onsite service and ask for a replacement of motherboard and CPU.

 

You may want to check with someone else, or with tech suuport at Lenovo, but I do not believe you can keep interchanging the ultrabay battery, with the 320GB drive and the DVD on the fly very often.

 

Oh yes you can. It will not trip windows activation and the various devices will work just fine.

 

+1. I can hotswap my DVD and battery absolutely fine. Windows doesn't freak out about seeing a new device or losing the old one.

 

Right. The UltraBay HDD is treated as an "ejectable" device and will always show up in the "Safely Remove Hardware" tray icon (next to the clock at the right-hand side of the Taskbar). This is fine and good, so that you won't swap out the HDD in the middle of a write.

However, the "Safely Remove Hardware" feature can be a minor hindrance when you intend to have a fixed UltraBay HDD that is treated as an internal device, just like the one sitting in the primary bay. Every time you want to remove a USB device, the list includes your very own UltraBay HDD.

A solution to this is adding a couple of KEYs and DWORDs in the Registry that effectively tell Windows to treat the device on that port as internal (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ services \ msahci \ Controller0 \ Channel1 \ TreatAsInternalPort = 1).

 

Thanks all.

My plan would be to make the SSD the primary and the Ultrabay drive would get formatted and used as expansion, thus "Safely Remove Hardware" is exactly what i'm after.

 

I've been doing that since the T60p era. You know, SATA .5

 

Which ultrabay adapter are you guys using for your harddrive in the ultrabay slot?

 

This is what I got. the picture doesn't show it but this caddy has the plastic in front to support locking mechanism of the chassis. It fits perfectly

 

remember that primary hard drive slot of t430s accepts 7mm drives only.

 

This one is equally good, but less expensive than most. Same day ship-out from New York.

(You put the supplied screws on the two sides of the drive to help it fit snuggly within the caddy. The snap-down plastic piece at the opposite end of the SATA port secures the drive after you have inserted it.)

 

do you use it in t430s? looks like it'll fit in T430 but not in T430 s