T450s Owners Thread

Good Evening.
Finally, received my T450s today and so I am taking the liberty to start the T450s Owners Thread.
Below is more info about my new toy.

Order Date: Feb 28, Recd. Mar 10

Specs:
Intel i7-5600U 4GB Y-Dock
4GB PC3-12800 4GBBS+0DIMM
45W AC Adpt US (2pin)
Intel Core i7-5600U on MB
Windows 8.1 Pro 64
16GB M.2_SSD Single
720p HD Camera
3rd M.2 SSD slot
500GB HDD 7200rpm
14.0 HD+ WWAN
Intel 7265 BT ACBGN
3 Cell + 3 Cell battery ( 6 Cell was not available as an option at the time).

Geekbench Scores, 32-bit Trial Mode (Single-core / Multi-core), AC power

T450s, 64bit, 4GB RAM: 2841 / 5980
T440s, 64bit, 12GB RAM: 2591/ 4814
Desktop i7-4770, 64bit, 16GB RAM: 3174 / 11018

Additional benchmarks in Post #8 below in this thread.

Comparison of the 3 CPUs offered on T450s: http://ark.intel.com/compare/85215,85212,85213
Hardware etc. Manuals: https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/pr.../thinkpad-t-series-laptops/thinkpad-t450s?c=1
Accessory/Parts Compatibility: http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/um006391


Below are some pictures of it next to my T440s.
The pictures were taken with brightness turned all the way up and on AC power.
Size and appearance wise it is almost the same as the T440s.

I will be adding an M.2 SSD and another 8GB RAM and post updates tomorrow.



up and on AC power.

 

How is the new touch pad? That's the largest complaint we have with our T440s's.

 

I find them to be the same, but then, I have barely used it

 

Looks very nice, congrats. Whaddya think about it?

 

Good stuff, mate. Is the touch screen glossy or matte on this Thinkpad?
I almost bought the new Dell Xps 13, but the very glossy screen and lack of page up and down keys proved to be a deal breaker.

 

This is the non-touch matt HD+ (1600 x 900) screen. Some of the technical computing apps that I work with do not scale well with non-standard DPI and so I am stuck with this resolution. The screen is the same T440s. Today I will be installing the M.2 and the extra RAM and will run some benchmarks then.

 

Looking forward. I wonder why there's just one review of this model available on the web. The info on the Lenovo UK website is pathetic, hardly any details, and that 'latest processor' flag is totally retarded. Moreover, they blatantly lie about ' Next generation of NVIDIA® graphics processor' in the system, which is not the case at all.

 

Finally got around to upgrading the RAM, SSD and running some benchmarks.
I used the Windows 8.1 feature of Recovery Disk and make an USB recovery disk (flash drive). Just to be sure, I also made an Image of the USB Flash Drive for later use, just in-case the USB directly file-copy doesn't work.
Lastly, The Recovery software prompts to delete the Recovery Partition, but Lenovo recommends to keep it.

My upgrades:
MyDigitalSSD 256GB M.2 SSD
Crucial Ballistix RAM 8GB, Sport SoDIMM, BLS8G3N169ES4


Pictures are below.
One of the pic shows the tool set that I used for opening up the case. I ended up damaging one of the platic latches on T440s, so this time I was more careful.
The other shows the open T450s. You can see the M.2 SSD installed and the HDD that I am about to install.
Below are the machine configurations. I am using my desktop for comparison as well.
Computers:
T440s - i5-4300U, 1.9-2.9GHz, 12GB RAM, 128 GB M.2 SSD, Intel HD Graphics 4400
T450s - i7-5600U, 2.6-3.2GHz, 12GB RAM, 256 GB M.2 SSD, Intel HD Graphics 5500
Desktop: Z87 Pro, i7-4770, 3.4GHz, 16GB, nVidia GTX 650 Ti, 1GB

 

Are the images in my previous post visible? I see them momentarily, but then they disappear!!!
Thank you for your feedback.

 

They are clear and visible. How do you determine what RAM module is compatible with this Thinkpad model?

 

@Kolo Bolo - Thank you for confirmation.
I looked at the RAM specs on my T440s using CPU-Z and also compared the RAM module Code in the ThinkPad compatibility matrix Spreadsheet. The T440s and T450s use the same RAM. So I just looked up the part # from my T440s, but bought the Ballistix version as opposed to the regular version. Would be happy to answer any other questions. Thank you.

 

I bought a T450s from the deal that was going on last week and I'm waiting for the machine to be shipped. There aren't any stores nearby that have T series in stock, but I did get to try out an older Yoga 14 model (no touchpad buttons). The touchpad on that machine was abysmal to say the least. How does the T450s trackpad compare?

 

I dont have any complaints about the T450s touch pad. The surface is rougher than my T440s, but it might just be the usage. The Synaptics driver/software adds much more options to the Mouse Properties in Control Panel. This was not available on the T440s (at least not for Windows Server 2012). The options provide much better control over the touch pad behavior.

 

Is the touchpad still a clickpad? On the Yoga 14 I would place my finger on the touchpad, only for the pad to wiggle due to the touchpad also being a clickpad.

 

Just ordered a T450s.
1. Does the 90W power adaptor (for T430) work for the T450s?
2. Does the docking station for the T430 work for the T450s?

Thanks!

 

@mandeep - Yes, the touchpad is still a click-pad, but NOT as much travel as the T440s.

@seiyafan - It depends on the models that you have. The OCM spreadsheet should shed some light on your questions. http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/documents/um006391

 

I am going to do a fresh install of Windows 7 when I receive it next week. So looking at the list of drivers, I see that the Intel Collaborative Processor Performance Control (CPPC) is only listed for Win 8.1, does it mean this functionality is not supported on Win7?

2. Do I install Realtek drivers for Lenovo wifi card?

3. Is Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology Driver needed if I only have one drive (SSD)?

 

1. Yes. Never seen it for anything other than Win 8.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, better to install it. Intel docs say that it should be used for one or more drives. It actually combines the AHCI/RAID driver and the SSD-based performance improvements.

Best approach:
1. Download and install (in order) the Chipset Driver, the WLAN driver and the System Update Utility.
2. Run System Update and install all the relevant drivers.

Cheers.

 

Intel(R) Management Engine Interface is optional right? I see it listed under chipset drivers.

 

I've just got my T450s with a touch display.

Pluses IMO so far:

It feels solid.

A decent keyboard if you write a lot.

The display looks good, is responsive and not particularly glossy.

It works the same every time you boot it.

Minuses IMO so far:

Ms Windows 8.1 (compatibility issues, blurry fonts due to DPI scaling on some software, endless registry hacks to get things working right, weird options magically checking themselves without your interference and causing glitches, explorer and application windows repeatedly unable to memorize their position and size, explorer columns not auto-sizing to contain a full file or folder name). In short, a ton of fundamental and productivity-reducing flaws that have not been fixed as yet despite decades of development.)

A GUID partition means most system encryption tools refuse to operate. Bummer.

The power adapter has a rectangular plug different to the round one found on my older ThinkPad, so I'm gonna have to purchase a slim-tip power supply adapter converter cable. Not a big deal.

I've just had my first BSOD in years, caused by address hal.dll+37213. Not too promising.

Feel free to ask me questions about the setup should you have any.

 

Just received the T450s earlier this week. It's my first Thinkpad and I'm loving it so far except for one thing. On battery, the screen's brightness will adjust when transitioning between light and dark backgrounded apps. This is the same issue the Dell XPS 13 is having and there doesn't seem to be a fix on that computer. Is there a way to disable this on the T450s? I turned off adaptive display in power settings, but it didn't work.

Edit: I went into Intel Graphic Options from the desktop right click context menu, went to the power settings, then changed the tab from Plugged In to Battery (it's kind of hidden), then disabled the power saving display feature. Now the adaptive display problem is gone!

 

Got my T450S Tuesday and sent it back yesterday. Nice machine, but I was not sold on keeping it. I had the i7, 1080p multitouch model and planned on upgrading the memory to 12GB and adding the 500GB Samsung EVO Drive I had from a recent deal.

The machine was still a bit thicker and heavier than I had expected and what pushed me over the edge is that I believe the keyboard on mine was defective because the spacebar required more effort to press in than the other keys and my thumb actually started hurting after typing for just a bit.

I could have swapped for another one, but the form factor was just not compelling enough for me to keep it, so Lenovo waived the return fee for me and I sent it back for a refund. In retrospect, I would have been happier with an X250 and that's what I should have bought. I think with the T450S, I was looking for something like a slightly thicker X1 Carbon with a bit more upgradability. It was just too heavy and bulky, though.

 

3.5 pounds isn't heavy and bulky in my opinion.

 

Thanks; the feature was expertly hidden indeed.

 

I hear ya. I'd never seen one in person and was thinking in my mind it would be about the same thickness as my wife's Thinkpad Yoga, which I really like. We got her's on the Outlet for $529 refurbished. My past three work machines have been an X201T, Carbon X1 touchscreen with Ivy Bridge, and I have a Surface 3 Pro now from work that is OK, but I miss the Thinkpad keyboard. I'll bite next time there is a deal on the X250 - I love that form factor. The T450S was a solid machine, but I'd still rather use the Surface 3 Pro with inferior keyboard for now until I can get something a bit smaller and lighter.

 

Does the T450s have either Pervasive Drive Encryption or Connected Standby (I think it's called InstantGo now in Windows 8.1)? I'm not seeming to be able to access either. I don't have 8.1 Pro or Enterprise; I thought one major advantage of 8.1 was Drive Encryption for all.

Interestingly, it looks like you need InstantGo to be able to use Drive Encryption as per this Windows blog post.

What do folks here do to protect your data in the case of loss or theft?

 

As there is no 'Encryption' option in my 'PC info' settings pane, I fear the laptop might be incapable of pervasive encryption. Moreover, there are no free encryption tools out there to support a guid partition present on my hdd. That leaves us with paid options like an upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro for Bitlocker or Symantec, none of which are open source. Or hoping Windows 10 will offer something. Personally, I'm lost here, and dismayed with the present state of the whole industry, software and hardware. It's a disgrace that instead of simply being able to focus on what we must on our devices, we are forced to keep asking questions and endlessly fiddle with the devices themselves in hope they'll finally work as meant to.

 

Windows 8.1 needs to be 'pro' in order to have most security features, which is almost the only benefit to 'pro'

Windows 7 doesn't have that problem

Pretty sure Windows 10 (if includes home/pro/ultimate type system) will probably follow same as Windows 8.1

 

That's not correct. Regular Windows 8.1 has device encryption, add long as the hardware supports it. See the first link.

 

I did a fresh install of Windows 8.1 and have one device in device manager listed as 'unknown device'. The device id is ACPI\INT340F\2&DABA3FF&2. Anyone have any idea what this device is?

Edit: Turned out being one of the power management drivers.

 

I've had my T450s for a few days now and am still working on getting it fully set up. But I wanted to comment that my display is fantastic. I have the non-touch FHD screen and it's flawless. There isn't a speck of light bleed at the edges. The screen is bright and crisp, with excellent colors and angles. It's easily the best display I've ever had on a laptop. I don't know which manufacturer makes the screen, but it certainly doesn't exhibit any of the problems experienced with the T440s screens.

 

PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3L, non-parity (per T450s Platform Specifications)

TouchPad is still a click-pad notwithstanding the return of TrackPoint buttons, but the TouchPad is solidly supported, works well both for touch and for click.

 

The non-touch FHD screen on my T440s was stellar, too. Surprised to see complaints on the X1 Gen 3. Don't they use the same screen as the T450s???

 

The X1 Carbon 3 uses entirely different screens than the T450s. The FHD screens used in the X1 Carbon 3 are TN, not IPS like with the T450s, as they replaced the former 1600x900 TN option for the X1 Carbon 3. Only the WQHD screen of the X1 Carbon 3 is IPS

I don´t think these complaints concerning the WQHD screen are warranted whatsoever - most people seem to like this screen, which is made by LG, IPS, has a brightness of 250-300 nits (depending on Touch or non-Touch) and good contrast (600-700:1).

 

Really enjoying my new T450s. I got the base 4Gb+500Gb HDD configuration, and upgraded with an SSD in the M.2 slot, a hybrid HDD in the 2.5 slot, and a 8Gb SODIMM (Crucial).

I wanted to post some benchmarks for the upgraded storage I purchased. First, the Transcend M.2 256Gb SSD drive. I'm getting very fast speeds; the writes are twice as fast as I expected and approach 2.5" SATA speeds. Have now idea how possible but here's the proof:



I'm using the M.2 SSD as a boot drive. I purchased the 1Tb Seagate hybrid hard disk drive for data storage and backups. Here's the benchmarks:



The system feels very snappy. I'm happy with it so far.

 

Seems odd the FHD screen is TN on the Gen 3. I guess they did that for the big corporate bean counters.

Regarding the WQHD screen, I tend to agree. Part of the problem seems to be that the adaptive brightness settings are too aggressive.

Oh well, the T440s and T450s are practically perfect anyway.

 

Hi,
I ordered T450s with 4 GB RAM and plan to add more RAM later.
after reading this thread I am assured that I can do that, but for a while below terminology confused me

4GB PC3-12800 4GBBS+0DIMM

can you tell me why 0DIMM used here ?

 

That's SO-DIMM, the standard form for portable machines.
PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3L, non-parity.

 

Is anyone having problems with choppy audio when using the headset jack? A DPC latency checker confirms that I'm having audio drop outs.

Edit: Checked latency using latencymon, and latency seems to be a problem. Anyone have similar issues?

 

Works fine here. You may have a driver or Dolby problem.

 

When I listen to music or watch the video, I could hear the background static noise coming from the headjack, and the noise goes away after I stopped the music for a few seconds, does anyone else notice this? Can it be improved?

 

No such problem here.

1. Make sure jack inserted properly.
2. Try different headphones.
3. Try on battery only (not AC).
   
4. Try Dolby off.
5. Contact Support.

Update: Definitely try Dolby Digital Plus off. I do this routinely because I don't like the artificial sound, and it can add noise when boosting levels.

 

What's the source of sound? Does it happen with anything you play?

 

Got the T450S, (win 8.1) intentionally with the 500gb HDD, and installed the Samsung 850 Pro (512GB) (way cheaper than the Lenovo Upgrade) I have a few observations on some of the process.

M.2 Slots:
When I ordered it, first I called Lenovo since I noticed that if you do not select the 16gb ssd drive, the option for the 3rd m.2 slot goes away. The agent told me that if you do not select it, they don't include the provisions for the extra slot. since the drive was cheap, i included it. When I did my prep for the SSD install, i noticed I could see two M.2 connectors after removing the bottom of the laptop. the 16GB ssd was no where to be found. after some looking around i found it underneath a metal cover that was under the internal battery. it looks like a custom. Decided to leave it in place. there are two m.2 slots next to the 2.5"disk bay. one has the wifi card and is very short in length. the other is the "third m.2 slot" and looks like it would support a 42mm long m.2 card.

Setting up the new SSD:
I made a restore media of the original 500gb drive, including the recovery partitions using windows native tools. using this restore media, I plugged in the new SSD and booted into the recovery environment, and did the restore onto the new Samsung disk. that all went well. but it did not copy the large recovery partition that contains the OS and drivers, etc, onto he new drive. so that means I would have to use the backup media to get access to the original recovery partition. which is ok, but my preference is for it to be on the computer drive, so i could use it if I am on travel somewhere or if I have an issue with a recovery medium, i want to be able to easily make another one. After that, I tried a cloning method using Macrium Reflect. Real easy, and it worked perfectly, all partitions were in the right place, and windows could see the recovery partition if i tried to make another restore media. However I noticed that since the original disk was 500 gb and the new disk was 512gb, i had about 10gb of unallocated space. the native windows disk manager will not allow me to extend the windows partition to capture this extra 10gb. used mini tool partition wizard, and that allows me to do that. but since the recovery partition is right after the windows os partition, if I try to make a restore media using the newly created ssd, I dont have the option of copying the restore partition onto the restore media. I think also I would not be able to access this partition from the windows environment, as the recovery partition would be in a different place.

Expresscache:
Since the 450S came with an HDD, it also had Expresscache installed and operating. it must have been set to use the 16gb ssd, as it shows on the native windows disk manager as an (OEM partition). there is a limited command line interface to expresscache, (eccmd.exe) and I can confirm it is using the 16gb ssd. I dont think I need Expresscash if I am using an SSD, and was thinking about uninstalling it.

I am interested if anyone has comments about a method to set up the SSD, so i can use all the space on the disk and hold onto and use the recovery partition. If I had used the 1TB drive I wold have had a huge amount of unallocated space using a cloning tool. And also if there are opinions on the expresscache issue.
thanks

 

1. When I get a new ThinkPad, I copy Recovery onto a good USB flash drive, which I keep for possible future use after installing a new system drive. I do not keep Recovery on my system drive. This saves system drive space and protects the Recovery. (I do have 10% over-provisioning of my Samsung SSD for reliability and performance using Samsung Magician.)
   
2. ExpressCache can help with hard disk, but won't help with SSD. (Likewise Lenovo RapidBoot.)

The 42mm M.2 slot is for WWAN (Wireless WAN) or SSD.

 

Any idea if the M.2 slots are M.2 sata or M.2 Pcie? I am looking to find out whether it would be possible to use the sm951 pcie ssd with the T450S. If its a Pcie slot - is it x4 PCIE 3.o ?

 

M.2 SATA.

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

I'm seriously considering purchasing the t450s in the next few days. The m.2 options are a bit confusing to me, and the online chat didn't help clear anything up. If i don't get the 16GB cache m.2, and don't get the smart card reader, will i still have a slot to add an m.2 SSD later? (i saw guardlights' post above that implies maybe not, but i'm wondering if anyone knows first-hand)
Thanks for all the info so far, including the screenshots of drive speeds.

 

I was confused too and I got the 16Gb m.2 just in case -- online chat said you needed it. It wasn't very expensive, though. I also didn't get the smart card reader.