Total Memory and SSD?

Hello,

I just ordered my T430 with 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM) because I've been told that it's cheaper to manually upgrade it yourself.

I'm a really noob with these computer parts so I need help. Can you guys recommend a good/cheap 8GB or even 16GB?

Also, I'm not entirely sure what SSD does but do I need it? Does it replace the Hard Drive? or can I have it additionally to the hard drive? Can you guys also recommend me a good SSD?

thanks in advance

 

CT2KIT102464BF1339 works perfectly in my X220.

SSD is a lot faster than HDD, especially in terms of 4k random access. Get the Samsung 830 Series or the Plextor M3/M3P Series. Stay away from Crucial M4 for potential compatibility issues. Intel 520/330 Series may cause BSOD. Intel 320 may brick into 8MB even with the latest firmware.

 

I've owned over 7 Intel 320 series, half before the 8 MB bug and the other half after, never had an issue.

320 series with the Intel controller is one of the better SSDs for battery life. 830 is one of the better performing SSDs that is also reliable, but it chews up more battery life on full load. You can also look at the older PM810/470 series from Samsung, they have a proven track record.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233216

I pulled these from my Alienware M17x R2 and put them in my X220 tablet, worked just fine.

 

Anyone else had a repeat 8mb brick on 320 ssd AFTER firmware update.

According to statistics from newegg, around 2.65% Intel 320 Series still brick into 8MB after the firmware update.

 

If you have to ask what SSD does, perhaps you don't need it. Seriously, though, a SSD (solid-state drive) functions just like a good old HDD (hard disk drive), except that its persistent memory is not based on rotating mechanical platters, therefore it can operate faster and more quietly. The effect of a SSD is most pronounced during system boot time (between pushing the power button and seeing the Windows desktop) and when an application program is launched. Those are the times the SSD/HHD is accessed to load the necessary code to RAM.

Yes, a SSD replaces a HDD one-for-one, in terms of physical dimensions, power connector and electrical interface. So, one may swap a HDD for a SSD to gain speed, as explained briefly above.

Now, one good thing about the T430 is that you can add a mSATA SSD (micro-SATA solid-state drive) in the WWAN socket. The mSATA SSD is different from the regular 2.5" HDD in terms of mechanical shape, power connector and electrical connector. It is much smaller but functions just like a SSD. If you choose to install a mSATA SSD as a boot drive, you can keep the HDD in the primary bay as a storage drive.​

I'd recommend you use your new T430 for a while and see if you're comfortable enough with the overall system performance. Eventually, you might want to do the SSD upgrade, which will involve restoring or installing the existing software and user data. Lenovo publishes a guide for this. A forum member also compiled a very useful guide.

Regarding RAM, you've already ordered one 4GB stick. I'd recommend adding another 4GB stick to make a total of 8GB of RAM.

 

I still don't think that outweighs the good performance of the 320 series. It uses the same controller as G1/G2 which had its issues when they first released too. And again, I think I have bought more Intel 320 series SSDs than any member here, 2% failure compared to OCZ...lol.

 

Still, when you consider that a significant portion of people don't have up to date backups, that's still a fair bit of risk. Especially considering the inability to data recover from a failed SSD.

 

Hey Sniper Sung I know that this is a bit delayed but can you explain the compatibility issue with the Crucial M4? Is it not compatible with my T430?

 

^^^ I'll let @sniper_sung provide the "juicy" details regarding his claim, but I've had zero problems using Crucial M4 SSDs in various systems, including ThinkPads, for the last 18 months.

One thing to keep in mind is the 7mm height constraint of the T430 primary bay.

Anyway, the Samsung 830 Series is considered one of the best at this time.

 

Do you think either Samsung 830 or Crucial M4 would work with the new Windows 8? Does upgrading to Windows 8 have anything to do with the SSDs?

 

^^^ Yes. No.