ThinkPad X220 (i/T) Owners Thread

And in the meantime it can be avoided by using a 90w power adapter (the full size one, not slimline - I picked up a new one online for £25). IIRC it's due to the 65w adapter not being able to deliver enough power to drive the CPU at full turbo over a sustained period, especially with the battery removed. Real world scenarios seem limited to gaming.

There are two BIOS updates coming to fix this. The first one will stop the permanent throttling (I.e. Not speeding back up again without unplug/reboot or whatever it was) and the second update will generally increase performance re throttling, which I take to mean reduces the amount of throttling in general.

Seems to have been handled well by Lenovo, although I can understand for those that have had this issue for a little while the wait will have been frustrating. I know that support from other PC makers is not as open as Lenovo have been, by a long way.

S

 

Which models come with the USB 3.0 port? Doesn't specify on Lenovo site.
THX.

 

Ok, looks to be an i7 thing only. I didn't notice it bundled in with the processor spec's.

 

does anyone know whether where the link 2537M option gone to? I've been looking/searching at the lenovo website for configuring my wannabe x220 lappy with this 2537M CPU but I cant find it anywhere in lenovo website.. helpp...

 

I have the exact same problem. This also has never happened with my previous Thinkpads. It maybe is a driver issue however, no driver update is available.

 

WLAN reconnection or briefly unresponsive mouse?

 

Hey guys, first time poster here.

I'm interested in getting the x220, I'm looking for an ultraportable and it seems to be the best choice. Plus, its a Thinkpad!

I was originally thinking about getting an Edge 11 but then I came upon a great deal on a brand-new, unopened X220 imported from the US (the X220 is not yet available in Greece, sadly). Its an i5 model with the IPS screen option and the 6-cell battery.

I have a couple of questions though:

1) Is the warranty effective globally?

2) Has anyone reported any stuck pixels? Is such a problem rare on the X220?

3) I read a couple of comments regarding backlight bleed on the IPS screen. Now I've been using IPS screens for the past 10 years or so, and I've yet to see one without backlight bleed. I just wanted to know if anyone has a pic of their X220 displaying a fullscreen black image just to gauge the extent of the 'issue'.

4) Finally, what about color/brightness uniformity?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes, of course the bigger SSD's will be faster but they also consume more power. Main reason I went with the msata was power consumption and also having the HDD as a backup if the SSD ever fails.

 

Your 5.35watt idle came with the wifi off, and the screen brightness all the way down, right?

 

Thanks to finding this forum, I ordered the system below on the 7th and it shipped the 14th of July. Some custom choices in bold... I'm adding my extra purchases below also...

1 4286CT CONFIGURED SYSTEM $890.46
0A69628 SBB INTEL CORE I5-2540M PROC
45M3090 VBB GENUWIN7PROFES.64
0A59804 SBB GEN WIN7 PRF64 ENGLISH
0A69640 ** SBB 12.5PRMHDLDBCLTDPYMBBBRDAN
45M4569 VBB 2GBPC3-10600DDR3 1333SODMM
45M4839 SBB KEYBOARDUS ENGLISH
0A69644 SBB NO FINGERPRINT READER
0A69658 SBB NO CAMERA
0A69654 SBB 320GB HRDDSK DRV,7200RPM
0A68287 SBB NO MSSDRIVE
0A69646 SBB TP BATTERY 29+(6CELL)
41W1787 SBB CPK NORTH AMERICA
0A68261 SBB BLUETOOTH 3.0
45M4804 SBB IN.CENT.ULTIMATE-N 6300
44C7950 SBB INT WRLSSWDAREANTWRK UPGR
0A69659 SBB LANGUAGE PACK US ENGLISH

NOTES: I went with 3 antenna and no 720hd camera because I love good internet connections and don't need the camera. We already have Skype on our family computer; I could have gotten i7 for cheaper because of a sale the week I ordered. I decided against it because of the i7 problems I've read about and couldn't find a definitive solution. Actual speeds should be similar with my i5 upgrade and less to worry about....

Performance boost add-ons:
RunCore 60GB Pro V SATA 6G 50MM mSATA (Mini SATA PCI-e) SSD - RCP-V-T5060-MC for $199.00 (Sequential Read up to 554MB/s and Sequential Write up to 469MB/s)...To run Windows 7 and some programs while storage will be on hard drive listed above.

Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1866 HyperX Plug n Play Laptop Memory Model KHX1866C11S3P1K2/8G for $149. (which includes TrendMicro Titanium)I'm no gamer, so this is overkill, but I decided on the fastest memory I could find.


Total: $1250 for I5-2540M X220 Thinkpad with 60g SSD and 320GB storage drives and 8gb of 1866 memory

Hard to imagine not being happy with it, but happy or not I'll give my impressions once it's all delivered and running...

Thanks for the input to this thread!

 

Stuck pixels....always luck of the draw there wth any lcd regardless of reputation. Doesnt seem to be a common occurance on these tho, so that shouldnt be a worry.

Light bleed...just like how you said you havent seen one without it...it's nothing different here. While very common, it still is a flaw, thus people will point it out. So yes, it is common with the x220, but so do lots of different lcds. Not a deal breaker unless you are expecting perfection.

 

It depends on the machine type. You can look it up here.

 

Does getting 3x3 vs 2x2 make a big difference in getting a good internet connection?
From what I have read, the difference is in the speed, not the range. There is no clear answer on whether you get more reliable wireless connectivity or a better signal strength.
Are those with 2x2 antennas having any trouble getting a really good internet connection?

 

2x2 is totally fine. I routinely pull 15megabytes a second from my enterprise grade access point.

 

FYI, mSATA on the x220 will only run at SATA 3GB speeds.

 

Hi guys, new x220 owner here. The machine works well except I have this one problem with it.

Whenever i play a video on WMP or VLC, and jiggle the laptop a little bit, the video begins to break and lag a little bit. It returns back to normal video playback once i stop the moving the laptop around and make it remain still.

Does anyone have this problem?

 

It's most likely the hard drive protection kicking in.

 

Same thing happened to me with music. It is probably the hard disk protection (as mentioned by ZaZ). In my case the solution was to increase buffer to 16 seconds.

 

What about this 'image persistence' issue with the IPS display I'm reading about on various forums? Has this been resolved in later batches?

 

Have updated the GPU to 2361 manually. I swear colours look more vivid. Maybe I just have it brighter but it seems to be improved even at lower brightness. Could just be imagining it though, so take that with a grain of salt.

 

I downloaded 2361 for win7 64bit from intel and tried to install it over 2342. But I got a message saying the driver "not validated"?

 

Download .zip

Device Manager -> Display Adapter -> Update Driver software -> Browse computer -> Let me pick -> choose 2361

 

Interesting read, thanks. I guess I could have saved $30 and got the runcore mSATA that reads/writes 280/270mb. At least with the one I ordered the computer should do a full 300/300mb read/write.

 

That is interesting, given that SATA 6GB will probably become standard over the next few years.

I try and maximize the life-cycle of my laptops- I still use my T40 as an internet and basic productivity machine. With this in mind it makes the x220 an interesting proposition.

In terms of looking for 3+ years of use:

The x220 has major advantages over many prior generation ultra-portables since it sprots a full powered CPU and the upgradability of a mSATA SSD + HDD. Expresscard 54 allows for either ViDock graphics or USB 3.0 ports but probably will not allow light peak. The IPS screen is also a great option given the price point. ThinkPads also have good build quality.

So for its size and price-point (sub 1K) the X220 is a great choice for the long-term buyer. The main limitations compared to larger machines (looking forward):

Some newer models will offer i7-2630QM at 14" and 2.2KG ( or 2KG: http://vr-zone.com/articles/msi-s-x460-packs-quad-core-cpu-weighs-less-than-2kg/12516.html# )
-Dual core is about 40% slower (in synthetic benchmarks) to quad core.
-SSD's will eventually by 6GBS which will be much faster than the Intel 310 mSATA.
-HD 3000 graphics will probably be a performance bottleneck in 3-4 years.

...So no doubt the x220 is the way to go if I want an ultra-portable in terms of value and long term use. But I also think "ultrabooks" will bring a lot more options in 1-2 years. So it might make sense for me to get a 14" 2630QM now, and then have it be my "desktop replacement" in 2 years and get an ultrabook at that time- when the x220's type of feature set becomes more mainstream (along with the benefits of Ivy-Bridge.)

 

Well it's here......and it's fast! Just getting all set up, and WEI is (i7, 8GB HyperX 1866, Intel 320 SSD):

Processor 7.1
Memory 7.6
Graphics 6.4
Gaming 6.4
HDD 7.7

That's a big jump from my Vaio Z. Actually it looks faster than the NEW Vaio Z.

S

 

I thought I read somewhere that the i2540 could only use up to 1333 not 1866.

 

This memory works fine in the X220 and increases performance a lot.

 

^Indeed. See my WEI just above.

S

 

just ordered my x220 through Lenovo Canada EPP with 2-yr onsite warranty.
I was going to get the 3-yr warranty, but then I thought I'd probably get bored of it and want a new laptop after 2 years anyways..
Hopefully I won't regret not getting the 3-yr warranty
Here's my configuration

Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.2GHz
Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
Keyboard - US English
UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader
720p HD Camera
250GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
6 Cell Battery
65W AC Adapter - North America, Latin America (2pin)
Broadcom Bluetooth 3.0 with antenna
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
$972.40
-$145.86
=$826.54

2Yr Onsite Warranty Next Business Day
$163.20

DisplayPort to Single-Link DVI-D Monitor Cable
$23.99

ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint - US English
$49.99

Tax $138.28

Total: $1,202.00 CAD

Now I need to order more RAM and SSD

 

an article relating to the RAM, and the subject of the prior limit of 1333, can be found HERE


A quote from the articles conclusion:

"The performance numbers from upgrading the memory was insane. We saw performance gains from 6% to 86% depending on the benchmarks ....If you want to get better performance out of the Intel HD Graphics 3000 GPU on your Sandy Bridge laptop this is more than likely the best way to go about it."



Have a Magical Day!

 

I haven't read the article yet but are there any downsides besides price? (eg increased power consumption over 1333). Does it benefit all processors, incl i3-2310?

 

That I am not familar with; sorry I can not help you further.



Have a Magical Day!

 

Yes that is with Wifi Disabled (Ethernet Used), low brightness (4 or so), battery power manager scheme with an mSata (HDD spun down).

I kinda thought that too, but to me it seems like the brightness. Would you say 0 on Intel is around 4 on Lenovo? That is about what I thought... was much brighter to my eyes.

Still would love to figure out how to use Lenovo's drivers for the lows and Intels for the highs. I'm sure there is some table you can edit to change up how bright the bright levels are.

 

Does anyone know what this registry patch actually does?

I know it "enables maximum power saving" - does that mean that it depends on something else in the power management, or does it open up further options in power management? Or does it reduce power in all power profiles?

Perhaps most importantly, does it affect wifi performance at all? Less power sounds like less signal etc to me, but I'd be keen to know more before enabling/disabling it.

Cheers,

S

 

Has anyone else installed Win 7 Ultimate and found this to be their experience also?

 

I found this: "HyperX PnP are the first modules to scale the higher memory heights that are a part of the second generation Intel® Core™ i5 and i7 CPUs. The memory is programmed with faster frequencies and when 'plugged' into a system using the Sandy Bridge chipset, will automatically 'play' at either 1600MHz or 1866MHz in both desktop and notebook PCs.

The modules are programmed using JEDEC-compliant settings, allowing 1600MHz and 1866MHz frequency support. It is as simple as plugging in the memory and turning on the machine, as the system automatically recognizes faster memory speed with no further BIOS settings required. Users will notice performance gains as overclocking is automatic with the HyperX Plug and Play modules. In addition, the modules are backwards compatible with previously released DDR3 systems on the market...... enthusiasts can max out native frequencies on current Sandy Bridge systems and older DDR3 machines." "

Also, "

HyperX DDR3* features:

1.7v - 1.95v voltage range for dual-channel applications for AMD based systems and Intel® chipsets older than X58
1.65v voltage for triple-channel Intel Core i7 9xx series applications
1.65v voltage for dual-channel Intel Core i5 7xx series and Core i7 8xx series applications
Currently available in speeds up to 2000MHz and kits capacities of 8GB dual-channel, and 12GB triple-channel configurations​

Hope that helps...

To me it looks like it gives an automatic boost in i5/i7 Sandy Bridge machines but maybe you would need Bios tweaking in "backwards compatible" mode to get the most out of the memory - but I'm no expert.

 

Because of that quote, I didn't bother installing Ultimate. I didn't need the extra features and saving space on my 80gb SSD is always a good thing.

However, I can't imagine why it would run slower. Probably some extra service or two that can be switched off. Check out this page for help with that:
Black Viper’s Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Service Configurations | Black Viper's Website | www.blackviper.com

 

Thanks for all the info. No mention of the i3 there. Oh well.

 

No, the i3 is not singled out, however the article I read basicly says it boosts the Sandybridge processors in general, so if that is what you have then you should be golden; the differneces in the i3 & i5 is not that extreme.


Have a Magical Day!

 

I don't get battery stretch at all. My idle watt usage on stretch is 9.55 while normally it is 5.35. Ha, pretty solid battery loss.

I guess this should be obvious but a white background uses about .2 more watts than the black. Every little bit helps when you are saving battery.

 

Same here, the battery stretch messages are annoying...

I always run a solid black background, looks really nice on an IPS display and matches the overall look of the thinkpad well.

 

Thanks. Well, 8GB of that HyperX PnP is currently the best part of £100 and seeing as I don't game, it's probably not worth it. Might consider in the future if it comes down a bit.

 

Yup, I also noticed that after installing the Intel 2361 drivers, it seems that the brightness has been adjusted upwards. On battery, my Lenovo brightness was set at 6 but now with the 2361 intel drivers, the brightness is at 3 and still looks brighter than the Lenovo at 6!

 

I just got around to doing this today. From what I notice....max (15) seems to be the same, but the lower settings seem brighter, but not necissarily more intensly backlit, then before. I dont think the colors are any more vivid, but it's def whiter/brighter on the lowest settings vs seeming pretty yellow/grayish before. It's almost like the brightness is ramped up as the backlight intensity is decreased....as to maintain a rich picture without having to push a ton of light through it. Anyhow, definent improvement to me. If there turns out to be any power hit, its worth it.

 

That is right about what I experienced. 3-4 level difference in the lower levels. I was usually using 0 on the Intel driver, now I tend to use 4.

I found it to be about .5w penalty at low levels (didn't test high). If you were having problems with screen brightness, the penalty is most definitely worth it. I also noticed a .1 increase in graphics after the update.

 

I was wondering if anyone else is having this problem I'm having. I have the x220 i7 model and I recently upgraded to 8gb ram: G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)

But now I'm getting random reboots 1-2 times a day, even when I leave my computer on overnight sometimes I would wakeup with it reboot. I thought it was the ram at first so I ran a full memtest 86+ and it reported no errors. So then I thought it was the RAM timings so I took out 1 stick and put my old 4gb that came with the machine in so it would match that if it was slower. That didn't work either. I finally decided to take a 2gb stick out of my older dell laptop and use that with my original 4gb thinking it might be a problem with filling both slots, but that works fine.

I now also put those new 2x4gb sticks in my dell studio 14, core i3 and its running flawless on that. I'm bummed now that I have only 6gb on this x220, but was wondering if anyone has any suggestions I can try?

I think the only thing I didn't try yet was putting just 1 gskill stick in to see if this machine just doesn't like that ram, but wanted to get your guys' opinion first.

Keep in mind I've been testing this over a week now with different configurations since the reboots are random, sometimes it would take 1-2 hours, sometimes 20 hours, but it seems it always reboots at least once within 24 hours.

 

is possible to order at lenovo X220 without operating system I don't see this option?

 

Yeah, sort of less 'dull' overall. Well worth the update.

 

ThinkPad with DOS.

 

When they tested the system ( Kingston HyperX 8GB 1866MHz PnP Memory Kit For Notebooks - Sandy Bridge Notebooks Get HyperX Treatment - Legit Reviews ) why did they do a 6g to 8g comparison. It would have had more validity in my limited experience to have tested 8g of standard ram to 8g of the hyperX ram. Now I don't know if the improvement was adding 2g of Ram or the higher speed of the ram.

Real question is how is everyone's experience with this RAM going? I'm thinking of upgrading since although this is not a gaming laptop....I'll probably play games on it (WOW, CoH, Civ4). However, it is a big investment and I want to hear that it is an improvement I'd notice without running software to count frames.