Thinkpad T510 Owners lounge

Actually there are three. I see two under the access panel on the bottom of the unit, and only one of them is used. The other DIMM slot is under the keyboard, totaling up to 3.

 

Uhm, are you 100% sure there's two dimm slots under the access panel???? This flies against everything I've seen to date (though I haven't opened mine up to look).

 

I was surprised too. For 2 thinkpads I had before, there was only one under access panel. I haven't tried actually plugging the RAM into that slot to test if that's a functional slot, but that's exactly the same slot (size, space etc.) as the other one. It'd be absurd if that's not functional.

 

What is the correct memory to buy for the T510? Running a system utility, it shows a single 4GB Samsung DDR3 PC3-10700. I would like to match that. On the Lenovo accessory site, it shows either PC3-10600 or PC3-8500. Using Crucial's matching, it only came up with the PC3-8500.

 

You can use either PC3-8500 (1066MHz) or PC3-10600 (1333MHz) in your T510. The Crucial site lists PC3-8500 because that's the max speed the laptop can actually take advantage of. You can use PC3-10600 because it's backward-compatible, but you'll get zero performance gain vs PC3-8500 in your T510. So, but which ever speed rating is a better price for the brand you want to buy (sometimes the faster ones are more $ because they're so new, sometimes the slower speeds are actually more $ because the faster speed has become more common).
EDIT: removed quote since it wasn't necessary

 

I would tend towards the 1333 since it would match the module I already have. They are currently the same price through Lenovo (which happens to be the best deal I've found so far). But what is confusing is that System Information for Windows reports PC3-10700, not 10600, but it is DDR3 1333 so I'm sure that's the one.

thanks......

 

Well so far as I know, there's no such thing as PC3-10700? I'll try to remember to have a look at what sys info reports on my T510 tonight, since I've got two sticks of 4GB PC3-10600 also.

 

Hey @pstrisik, where exactly are you seeing the RAM speed in Windows System Information? All I can see is the ram AMOUNT and how much free, etc., but there's no mention of the speed.

 

Mutnat,

It's not Windows System Information, it's System Information for Windows.

http://www.gtopala.com/

.

 

Ah. Sorry I meant to follow up on this last night but forgot. I'll try tonight.

 

I placed a T510 order today via their phone service. How accurate are their estimated shopment date? It says 06/08/10 which is quite long. Should I expect a surprise for an earlier shipment?

 

Processor: Intel Core i5-540M Processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
OS: Windows 7 Pro (64bit)
Display: 15.6" HD+ Anti-Glare Display with LED Backlight and WWAN Antenna
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics with Always On USB
Memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
HDD: 320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Battery: 9 cell Li-Ion
Wireless: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2x2 AGN)

No fingerprint reader, no cam and no bluetooth. Im not using any WWAN service and not planning to do in the close future but ordered and WWAN display since it doesnt cost any extra. Now Im thinking if that was a bad move. The WWAN antenna is something internal and it doesnt add to the weight that Is should worry about, right?

This config cost me $1020 excluding the tax. I believe I got a very good deal.

 

WWAN antenna for future proofing is definitely a good idea. Even if it adds 100g, so what? You won't notice it as soon as you have more than the laptop itself in your bag (books? mouse?).

The other three things you discarded, I do consider rather practical. How much do you save with that? Since they are things that aren't easily user-upgradable (except BT maybe?), I'd recommend getting them.

Generally, getting a computer like the T510 for as low as 1000 is more than fair I think. So far I'm very content, despite minor complaints.

 

Okay I just downloaded the tool you linked and it shows the same PC3-10700 for me. It must be a quirk of the tool, because there's no such standard as PC3-10700 that I'm aware of. HWiNFO32 reports it as 10600, and that should be the correct rating.

 

I went ahead and ordered the 10600 spec'd module from Lenovo.

But... PCWizard also reports 10700. So... who knows? Must be something from within the module.

.

 

Those numbers are based on the MHz of the chips. Since the MHz is not a true increment of 0 (they use 133 MHz, for example), the number isn't exactly 10600 or 10700, but somewhere in between. Some manufacturers choose to "round up" to the highest number, to make their chips appear to be faster.

Anyone reporting 10700 has chosen to "round up", while the others have chosen to be more honest. However, this doesn't really impact the quality of the RAM or anything else, so the only dishonesty is in the marketing. All RAM you buy should have a lifetime warranty on it.

 

I need a new notebook for my accounting firm and would appreciate feedback on the below configuration. The system is a mobile workstation for use at client sites and presentations. Applications are limited to accounting software, acrobat, excel & more excel.

Notes:
-Data security is important, hence the encrypted (FDE) hard drive.
-The onsite and thinkpad protection warranties are needed to ensure the system is always available. Mailing to a depot would take too long.
-I am on the fence with the 6 or 9 cell battery. The 9 cell will not last through a full work day. I always plug in for presentations.

Thank you!



ThinkPad T510
Processor: Intel Core i5-540M Processor (2.53GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 US English
Display type: 15.6" HD+ Anti-Glare Display with LED Backlight and WWAN Antenna
System graphics: Intel HD Graphics with Always On USB
Total memory: 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
Keyboard: Keyboard US English
Finger Print Reader: UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Camera: Camera, 2.0 MP
Hard Drive: 250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm with Disk Encryption
Optical device: Multi Recorder Optical Drive (12.7mm)
System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 5 in 1 Card Reader & Contactless Smart Card Reader
Battery: 6 cell 2.6Ah Li-Ion Battery - Dual Mode
Power cord: Country Pack North America with Line cord & 65W AC adapter
Bluetooth: Bluetooth w/ antenna
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated mobile broadband: Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Language Pack: Language Pack US English
Accessories and options:
3Yr Onsite Warranty + 3Yr ThinkPad Protection
$1,370

 

There are a few new models on the market labeled as "T510i". While I know the pure specs, I wonder if there is any difference in build quality or system architecture to the current T510 series without the "i". Anybody knows something about this?

 

Hi again,

Did anyone have issues with the optical drive on their T510? I know that I updated all drivers when I got my T510 but the CD/DVD drive behaves very strangely. Like, intermittent clicks (ok, not quite clicks, but you know the sort of optical drive sounds when it's reading) followed by whirring up to speed, followed by a drop down in spinning speed and the clicking again.
It sounds just as if the CD is scratched and the drive is having trouble reading from it, But....
... same thing happens for a number of CDs and they look undamaged to the eye.
Also, when ripping a CD with Windows Media Player it takes forever.... like instead of taking 20sec to rip a 2 minute track it takes about a minute!!! Very slow!
I really hope that it is a driver problem and not a hardware fault. I don't want to have to return my notebook to an engineer, since everything else is working superbly.
Does anyone have any thoughts, or even experience of the same problem?
I have the multi-recorder DVD drive with no Bluray.
Thanks,

LennyOvo

 

I've not had the issues you describe. The optical drive is noisy, but nothing that sounds qualitatively different that other notebook drives. And it seems to perform fine.

.

 

Hi all,

Can somebody tell me how much a W510 weighs? i have seen seller specs stating anywhere from 2.5 Kg to 3.2 Kg.

I am inclined to believe the higher figure.

TIA

A

 

Hello everyone.

I wanted to share with those that have the same issue as me. Basically I'm talking about a fix for CPU whine/high pitch noise from T510.

In short, I've noticed it on my T510 (i5 540m) right after I turned it on. It was really really annoying. I took it to a service center w/o any results (they tried to replace CPU and system board). I was really desperate until today.

My solution (that worked for me) was to use ThrottleStop app. More than that, all I need to do is to just to start it!!! It turned out to be C states, because by default it disables them and there is an option that if I check it noise comes back.

Small note though. Initially I was seeing my CPU getting to 3.06GHZ, but now only up to 2.7GHz, but I don't care, because it's much better than having it constantly at 1.2GHz

Also I had to disable in BIOS the CPU Power management as well. If it's enabled this fix doesn't work...

Hope this will help those that have the same problem.

PS: ThrottleStop 2.0 Build 25

 

So I'm about ready to pull the trigger on this deal. I only have two questions. For those of you that have the video card, what kind of games can you actually play? I mainly play source games so if it can play those (left 4 dead, tf2 etc) I'll be happy. Finally is the extra money for the onsite warranty worth it (an additional 50 bucks). I'm trying to cut costs to get to a close to 1K as possible. Cheers!

 

About to pull the trigger on the T510, but I'm concerned for the audio quality coming from the headphone jack as I always listen to music on high end headphones while on the computer. Can anyone comment on this? Also, are the speakers loud enough to watch a movie on it?

One more thing, what do you guys think of this configuration?


Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz 3MBL3 1066MHz)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" HD+ Anti-Glare display LED backlight and WWAN antenna
nVidia SG 512MB, AMT
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm4
DVD Recordable, Ultrabay Enhanced
6cell High Capacity Li-Ion Battery TWSL
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
None
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty
Processor Intel Core i7-620M Processor (2.66GHz 3MBL3 1066MHz)
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
Operating system Language Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
Display type 15.6" HD+ Anti-Glare display LED backlight and WWAN antenna
System graphics nVidia SG 512MB, AMT
Total memory 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
Keyboard US English Keyboard
Pointing device UltraNavN-FPR for Color Sensor
Camera Integrated Camera Module 2.0MP
Hard drive 4 500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
Optical device DVD Recordable, Ultrabay Enhanced
System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 5-in-1 CR
Battery 6cell High Capacity Li-Ion Battery TWSL
Power cord 90W AC Adapter; NA, LA, (2pin)
WiFi wireless LAN adapters Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
Language pack English US Publication

 

got my t510 earlier this week and been using it for couple days. overall, i like it very much. my only complaints are

1. webcam quality sucks
2. you don't know when like numlock is on/off
3. battery life is terrible
4. the scroll on the trackpad is kinda unresponsive sometimes

 

The webcam is actually very good.
The problem os that the webcam has a power saving mode with low quality which gets activated. To use it at high quality you need to either use the maximum performance profile in power setting or you can put in the power cord...

 

For the web cam problem, check here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/470302-having-trouble-your-webcam-mic-quality.html

 

Yes my t510 shipped today! I ordered it May 16th.

 

Weird my order went from Shipped to Blocked to Submitted..

 

How did you get this discount , is this 10 bing cashback ? or a coupon

 

Dunno how you came to that conclusion. With the 9 cell I commonly get 6 hours or so...

 

I finally bought me a T510 and I cant wait for it to be here
Setup is in my sig

 

I placed my order today. Lenovo said it will be shipped by 06.16 and I got free 2 days shipping.

 

I ordered on Monday and it still says In Process. But my bank account has already been hit....

 

Guys my status switched from In Process to this:


Invoiced
Shipped on
21/05/10
UPS SCS (ASIA) LIMITED

What does this mean? How can it be shipped if I have no tracking number yet?

 

call them they will give you the tracking number over the phone

 

Same status with my order. So I called in, and they said they don't have the tracking number, but gave me the UPS reference number which gives me the tracking number. Lenovo is funny that way.

Anyways, mine showed that it left Concord, ON yesterday @ 4am, and is on its way out to me here in Cowtown.

 

Yeah I called and they gave me the UPS reference too. Apparently my thinkpad is just a couple of miles away from me (around 15), and On UPS it says that the expeceted delivery date is today! Can't wait.

At what time does UPS usually deliver packages? I'm at work everyday from 9:30am to 5pm

 

God ****ing dammit. UPS ****ed up and delivered my thinkpad to another address... I just called lenovo and they are going to ask UPS to pick up and deliver it to me. I will shoot the guy is he touched my laptop.

 

That sucks to hear man. This is why I never go with UPS if I can help it.

 

All is well. I got my thinkpad

If only I could find the place in power manager to set up my thresholds.

 

Just received my T510! I placed my order on May 16th. Pretty fast for a custom build & free shipping.

I'll have to wait to set it up, I got errands to run.

 

Good news to report.

1) No creaky left palm side as shown in Mutnat's YouTube video.
2) The high pitched CPU whine comes on when the i7 is worked hard. It's ever so slightly audible, but nothing that bothers me. Some people be more affected by this than I am. It might be more audible because the i7 is cooled with copper heat sink pipes, so the noise is amplified when it comes out on the left side.
3) The fan is quiet and can be heard when it's dead silent. But that's to be to expected, and is not louder than any other laptop I own.
4) Keyboard does not flex. You can hear some of the "mushiness" on the right side keys, but no flex.
5) HD+ screen looks awesome to me. Bright like my 15" MBP.

Looks all good so far!

 

Congrats. Mine does't creak as well. I'm not sure I have CPU whine though. Sometimes I can hear a higher pitched noise but I'm not sure if it's that. Doesn't really bother me though. Also I checked for keyboard flexing, I don't know how much force is supposed to be applied to cause it, but there is a bit of flexing on the left side of my keyboard if I apply enough force. It's not that much and I doesn't affect my typing at all. The keyboard is amazing and not mushy at all.

All in all I am pretty happy. The computer is pretty quiet and remains always cool which imporessed me. The screen (HD+) is also very nice. I don't understand why so many people were ing about lenovo's screen quality. The only thing is that I find all of this thinkvantage stuff confusing and feel like it's slowing down the computer. Like my internet is slow even though I am 2 feet away from router. I will be doing a clean install today, however I am confused as to which drivers to get and which thinkvantage application to download (so far only power manager seems to be usefull).

I'm also not sure if I am supposed to delete the recovery partition before doing this (I've already done the recovery discs) and also heard someone talk about a hidden partition....

I'd really appreciate if someone could help me out with this.

 

Once you've made the recovery discs, it doesn't matter if you delete the partition or not. Just decide if you want the extra space.

 

But doesn't doing the clean install also erase my partitions too?

 

Clean install with another Win 7 Pro disc, then use the Win 7 key found underneath the battery. Then the easiest way to get all the required drivers is to download the ThinkVantage Toolbox and update from there.

Lenovo ThinkVantage Toolbox for Windows 7 (64-bit)

I suggest you don't delete the recovery partition, and just leave it alone. Better yet, clone the recovery partition and store it away.

 

You can choose to wipe only the Windows 7 install, or delete all the partitions and merge them back together.

 

Honestly I would rather not download the toolbox. I feel like it's bloatware. Imo power manager seems to be the only useful program. What would be the point of the recovery partition if I have already created my recovery discs?

 

You can skip entering the key and use my ABR program instead. It will save your key and activation and let you restore it later.