W530 Owner's Thread

Hello Juan,

about the Vengeance part: Please remember that, if you combine the pretty quick (latencywise) Vengeances with the stock 4 GB module (which might be Samsung like for other buyers, 1600 MHz too, but different latencys), the W530 might clock all memory modules to 1333 MHz automatically.

To prevent this, you can either remove the Samsung module (even if you add two more 8 GB Vengeances, they'll run fine on 1600 MHz and dual channel) and keep the 16 GB until you want to add 2 more modules or leave it in and it might run in 1333 MHz only until you swap/remove the 4 GB module.

The problem is, that nobody can say which clock frequency the BIOS will set (1333 or 1600 MHz) if you mix different modules of different brands/latencys/etc. without testing it personally for each combination. It might set them to 1600 MHz or 1333 MHz for compatibility, this can even change with BIOS updates, but if you don't mix different modules they should always run with the labeled speeds.

If you use just the same Vengeance modules, they will indeed work with 1600 MHz in all cases, no matter if 1, 2, 3 or 4 modules (but dual channel will only work with 2 or 4 modules, for sure, as it needs pairs of 2 modules to use dual channel with them).

About the 1,35V modules: They might consume a bit less power, that's it on the advantages side as the memory controller of the CPU supports the 1,5V modules without problems (some time ago there were 1,65V modules in use which had no official support in some of the newer chipset/processors and so one had to either overvolt the memory controller or undervolt the modules).

But the downside is, that often the 1,35V modules are a bit slower clocked or latencywise, or more expensive for the same speed.

The RAM doesn't have a really high power consumption, compared to the whole system, so as long as you are not striving for every second of battery usage time I see no use in swapping for 1,35V modules.

By the way: As Privatejarhead said, there should be not much difference between memory brands aside the obvious speed/latency differences. But in reality, unfortunately, there are still pretty often incompatibilities between the system and the modules, even more in the server area with ECC/Reg./FB RAM.

So to prevent yourself from buying RAM that might, in the end, have some stability/compatibility issues, it's the best to look into what others with the same machine use. The chance is low to get a compatibility issue, but better a zero chance (aside from possible module faults which could happen on every manufacturer) by buying already proven combinations, than to be the one which finds out just your combination has some issues.

From my experience with my system I can tell, if you use the Vengeances 8 GB modules with 1600 MHz and a CL 10 (CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10 or CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10 are the product strings for europe, not sure if they are the same for you?) they'll work in any combination, from one to four modules (assuming you have a quadcore CPU which supports 4 modules, else you have two dummy modules and only two usable slots).

Much regards,

Wolf

Yep, that's exactly the case. I guess even under full load the differences will be under one watt, mostly, guessing from the total power consumption of modern modules and the pretty small difference between 1,5V and 1,35V.

@Juan:

I hope I didn't confuse you: the two Vengeance 8 GB modules will work with your 4 GB module without problems, just probably slower than they are labelled to. As I didn't test the other modules you ordered before, I cannot say much to their compatibility with the W530.

You can also look in the last few pages there, I believe there were some Mushkins and G.Skills mentioned from one buyer which worked without problems also, I cannot remember the exact modules, sorry.

Much regards,

Wolf

 

laptopvideo2go released version 305.53 with a modded inf last week.

This installs without issue on the W530.

Doesn't fix my problem

Might help out the gamers if someone wants to download and benchmark?

 

Looked through this thread but found no solid answer to this.

Does a 9.6mm or larger than 7mm hard drive fit into the main hard drive bay of the W530?

I am asking as I've purchased a SanDisk Extreme 240GB.

 

9.5mm drives fit in the main bay. Your laptop probably comes with a 7mm drive so you will need to source new rubber side bars to suit the 9.5mm, plenty on ebay etc

 

Hey guys, I'm wondering if it would be bad to remove the stickers from the bottom-left corner of the palmrest, the Windows, Intel Core i7, and the Enhanced Experience 3 sticker. Should I leave them on? Would taking them off damage the resell value?

 

Definitely what I see w/ the 4GB Samsung it came w/ and the 1600 Vengeances I bought. Everything runs at 1333...

 

It has never been a factor in any of my sales. I remove the stickers from every machine I own.

 

So it is written, so it shall be. I find they look ugly, but I just didn't know. Now, the Intel sticker says my i7 is vPro, but I don't recall getting a vPro chip. Is it just the standard sticker, or what? I got the i7-3720QM, but I don't think I got vPro.

 

Stickers are there to let others know you don't have high attention to detail.

 

Hi,

Just ordered my W530. I'm wondering if this is a good hard drive to order to place in the HDD hard drive caddy.
Amazon.com: Seagate Momentus 7200 750 GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 16 MB Cache 2.5 Inch Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive ST9750420AS: Electronics

Seagate Momentus 7200 750 GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 16 MB Cache 2.5 Inch Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive ST9750420AS


Here are the specs:
Quantity Part number Description Availability Item price Line total
1
2436CTO ThinkPad W530 - 1 Year Depot Warranty Estimated ship date: 8/20/12**
$1,694.00

$1,694.00


Processor Intel Core i7-3720QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)

Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)

Operating system language Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 - English

Display type 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready with color calibration sensor

System graphics NVIDIA Quadro K1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory

Color sensor Color Sensor

Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)

Keyboard Keyboard Backlit - US English

Pointing device UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader for Color Sensor, Smart Card Reader

Camera 720p HD Camera with Microphone

Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Optical device DVD Recordable

System expansion slots Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader & Bezel

Battery 6 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70+

Power cord 170W Slim AC Adapter - US (2pin)

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n

Integrated mobile broadband Mobile Broadband upgradable

Language pack Publication - US English


41C9338 3YR Onsite Next Business Day + Accidental Damage Protection $259.00
$147.63
$259.00
$147.63






Subtotal: $2,889.00

Sale Price: $1,841.63


Estimated total: $1,841.63*
Total savings $1,047.37





Amazon.com: Seagate Momentus 7200 750 GB 7200RPM SATA 3Gb/s 16 MB Cache 2.5 Inch Internal Notebook Hard Drive -Bare Drive ST9750420AS: Electronics

 

Hi there,

I have just recieved my Thinkpad with the following specs:

ThinkPad W530
Intel Core i7-3820QM-4C-2.7GHz
2x4GB 500GB 7200rpm
15.6inch(1920x1080 nVidia Quadro K2000M)
DVD-Rec
WiFi BlueT WWAN 3G Upgradeable
Color Sensor
FingerPrint 4-in-1
Cardreader
9-cell
Cam
Windows 7 Pro 64
Backlit Keyboard

I am very happy with it but i have a couple of questions:

1.There are around 110 (!) processes running when idle. They make my phisical memory go up to 25% when idle. Allot of those processe are because of Simpletap and Lenovo solution centre Is it safe for me to remove these programs? Or will i be needing some of the functions (for screen brightness ect.)?

2. Do i need to charge the battery fully before using it?

3. Are there any driver/software updates/changes i should do?

I am willing to do a fresh install of Windows if it's really neccesary but i'd rather not do it. Are there any guides on reinstalling windows for the Thinkpad?

If there are any other tips i would be very thankfull.

Thanks in advance!

Robin

 

I'd like to know if anybody has any audio delay problems with the dolby drivers, cause there seems to be a slight delay between video and audio on my machine.

 

Just a quick question. Does optimus automatically switch between integrated and discrete gpus or is there a way I can switch it manually?

 

It automatically switches. You can manually force either mode via nvidia control panel, I believe.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

This is correct. You can also set the BIOS to force either integrated or discrete graphics at boot.

 

Dolby is working fine for me. I uninstalled the default drivers and installed the Dolby driver linked in this thread along with the ThinkMix3 settings.

 

Yeah, thanks guys. I was used to the ATI switchable graphics on my old machine which you had to do manually.

In regards to ram upgrades, what would you recommend? I was looking at going for the Corsair.

Newegg.ca - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory Model CMSX8GX3M2A1600C9

Anything else that would be worth considering or you'd recommend over that?

 

I would not recommend buying 4GB sticks for a W530. I already have a nice little 4GB graveyard started as they get replaced with 8GB sticks.

 

I agree with Thor. It's always a good idea to buy memory modules in the maximum increment each slot can hold so you don't need to worry about replacing them later.

Regarding specific modules, I've got 32GB (4x8GB) of Corsair Vengeance modules and they work well for me.

 

Anyone had any durability issues with the keyboard? My "V" key doesn't register when I click the top part of it. It also seems very loose. Yesterday it even came off completely. One of the clips on the key itself seems broken. I really didn't think the keyboard was that fragile. Do you think they'll have to send me a whole new keyboard?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Yes, they should.

 

Thats in this thread? Through searching, I can't seem to find it. Link?

 

If you can spare 2x4GB DDR3 SODIMMs, I'll be glad to take them off your hands

 

I'd like to have some . I still have one more slot to fill in my W520, and maybe I'll gift some to my friends

 

Hello Wolf,

Sorry for my late reply, I had a quite busy week.

Thank you very much for that detailed explanation, all it is clear now for me.

Yes, I also have noticed that But 1,35V modules are often a bit slower clocked or latencywise/expensive for the same speed. At the end there will always be small compromises.

I will check the CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10 or CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10 references for sure here in Australia, where everything is almost twice as expensive :/

I will post back my experiences with the w530 memory upgrade.

Cheers,
Juan

 

Hi guys,

The folks at notebookcheck (one of my favorites sites for reviews) just uploaded a great review for a w530, i7-3820QM, 8GB RAM, FullHD, Color Sensor and Quatro K2000M.

Link here:
Review Lenovo ThinkPad W530 N1K43GE Notebook - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

Hope you will enjoy the post.

Cheers,
Juan

 

I broke a key off of my keyboard and support didn't even blink an eye. I got a new replacement keyboard the next day. I just had to take it out (very simple if you read the user guide) and swap the parts, and send back their box (already had postage).

 

I broke off the left arrow key with a screwdriver. Called IBM and they sent me a new replacement as well. Even offered to send a tech over to install it for me (since I bought TPP), but I declined that offer.

 

For you guys that have gotten backlit keyboards (replacement or otherwise) recently, is the top row w/ the function keys more even now? Mine is bright at F6 and dim at the edges...I noticed someone took apart their keyboard and repointed the LEDs...

 

Thanks for the feedback. Called tech support and they're sending me a replacement. The kicker is, they're out of stock! Seems like I'm not the only one that broke off a key, not even close. I don't know about this new keyboard design...

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

Yep i have that too, F6/7 very bright, Esc and Delete almost no backlight...

 

Hallo Juan,

no problem, I'm quite busy from time to time, too

I just hope those product codes are valid for other countrys like Australia, too. Else their exact description is:

Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM 8GB PC3-12800S CL10-10-10-27 (DDR3-1600) for the single 8GB module and Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM Kit 16GB PC3-12800S CL10-10-10-27 (DDR3-1600) for the kit of 2 (some write 10-10-10-28 latency on those but they are the same 27 latency ones like the single module).

I hope you can order them cheap, would suck to pay a high price for those modules while RAM is pretty unexpensive nowadays.

Much regards,

Wolf

 

Hey guys, I ordered the W530 on Aug 1st and it was supposed to be shipped out on the 14th. They have delayed my ordered three times already and it's "scheduled" to be sent out on the 22nd. Is there a way I can complain and ask for faster shipping ? Last option is I'd be willing to pay extras to upgrade the shipping. I will be out of the country soon that's why.

 

Definitely. Give them a call and inquire with your order number. Usually if you talk to someone in person, as opposed to typed emails, you can get something done immediately.

 

Just wanted to let you guys know that I've just ordered my W530.
It's my first Lenovo ever and I'm really, reaallyy excited!

I'll be using it mainly for school since I follow 'digital arts and entertainment'.. Wich is sort of game design.
I'm travelling daily with the train up to 4 hours a day. So he's going to be my best budy i guess!

Here are the specs; i7-3810qm, k2000m, 8gig ram, 500gb hdd, 1080p 95% gamut screen, ..
When I get it, I'm going to upgrade a few things like an mSata, extra ram and maybe a larger storage disk.

Just sharing!

 

looking to possibly get this laptop. one thing that irks me is that they don't have a physical caps lock indicator. has this caused any inconvenience for any of you so far? has the OSD failed you at any time? any login moments where you tirelessly tried the password only to realize you had the caps lock on all along?

yes i tend to be paranoid, you don't have to remind me.

 

I've never had an issue with it. On screen, it should show you when it's on/off (at the bottom right, not the task bar though).

 

When the OSD is enabled, and you turn CAPSLOCK ON, the OSD stays on screen until capslock is turned off, so you should be fine. I haven't had a problem, other than gaming/movies(hit capslock when you meant to hit shift) as when you're in a full-screen application the OSD doesn't display.

 

Thank you both for your responses. Having the option to have "capslock on" displayed until disabled sounds pretty good. At the same time, I could see myself eventually becoming distracted seeing an OSD pop up just for caps, or not seeing one at all during a full screen app. One last question, this is going to sound really silly but how big is this OSD? I mean are we talking like the size of a quarter or something like a dime?

Thank you!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

alright one last thing....do you owners agree with what notebookcheck wrote about the w530:

"But in all this, there are a few places where the build quality drops which is different from the older devices. These include the two palm rests, the area of the Xrite Colorimeter especially stands out, the ThinkVantage bar, the area where the keyboard and the palm rests meet and the lower display frame, which can be considerably deformed, much like in the ThinkPad X220."

are the palm rests really squishy? and the deformation they're talking about seems to be the lower bezel looking like it's melting up off the lcd when it gets warmed up. not sure if anyone's put it in such an environment but thought i'd ask.

 

Nope, I disagree. They use the same frame/body, so it feels just like the W520.

 

I ordered mine in late July and it got shipped yesterday. They delayed it several times and late last week I called them the second time and got really upset. They told me they will do everything they can to have it shipped out asap. Not sure if that worked, but my order got shipped yesterday and arrived in Louisville couple of hours ago.

I'm hoping to get it by Thursday.

 

Talked to them yesterday and mine is arriving in 2 days.. yay..

 

Just got mine arrived. I'm really impressed with performance of W530. The only thing which bothers me is its display. After working for half an hour if I start looking around everything looks like being under fluorescent lamp , even when I'm outside. I've never experienced anything like this with other monitors or notebook displays. I've tried changing colors manually and also changing brightness unfortunately without luck. Even asked my wife to check it- she got the same weird feeling. I'm not sure whether this is color calibration issue or displays. Have you ever guys experienced anything like this with your W530?
Thanks!

 

Which of the 3 screen options (HD, HD+, FHD) did you order?

I've seen all three, and they're better than the other screens in the ThinkPad family. The FHD is the best. They tend to be quite bright, though. Try to reduce brightness to 11 or 12.

 

I got FHD and yeah, I've tried reducing brightness by half - same thing..

 

Sorry to hear that. All ThinkPad 15.6" FHD screens I've used are good. Sounds like your display is defective. You can request a replacement service. (I could do the replacement for a friendly beer. )

EDIT: Did you set 125% magnification in both Windows and your favorite browser?

 

One suggestion...have you try to use a different color profile? You may want to give this a try...

Re: W520 LED backlight and LCD quality - Lenovo Community

 

ThinkPad W530, User Review from notebookreview: Lenovo ThinkPad W530 User Review

 

What exactly does this mean?
You see glare? Colors look too blue? You're seeing fluorescent flicker?

I don't see any changes to the display after half an hour...