X220 Msata SSD Upgrade

Hello,

I want to add an msata SSD, but since we dont know when Lenovo will offer it and since it is probably less expensive to do it ourselves, is there a link to a step by step instructions preferably a video. I know there are some things in the forums here, and I've read them, but I'm still a bit unsure about it all, especialyl with the whole reinstalling all of the drivers.

Is there an easy way to just mirror the contents of the hard drive that comes preloaded on the laptop over to the msata SSD and then just erase the main hard drive? Or like just port it over to the msata SSD?

Thanks!

 

Hit the training and support site. There's a link for it in the sticky. It has videos showing how to disassemble/assemble your X220. I don't think the mSATA drive is in there, but it's not rocket science. It's usually cheaper doing it yourself if you don't mind re-installing the OS. X220s have just started arriving. I'm sure there'll be some YouTube videos in the near future.

From my experience with SSDs, the first install should be a clean one so the partition alignment is good, but after that you can use cloning software to clone the drive.

 

Maybe somebody should make a sticky for mSATA lol. These topics are popping up like every hour.

 

I'd do it myself as I have the drive, but sadly no machine to put it in.

 

Thanks for the responses. I found this which has the link to the install of the hardware. Lenovo Service and Support Training I'm more concerned with the software aspect and making sure I get all the drivers back and my office software back on there as if I just ordered it with the mSATA. I wish there was one file to install all the drivers at once. Here is a link to the drivers page. Lenovo Support - Drivers and software - ThinkPad X220, X220 Tablet, X220i, X220i Tablet

 

System Update.

 

I'm sure the ThinkPad Hardware Maintenance Manual discusses removal and replacement of the WWAN card. As the mSATA drive fits in the WWAN card slot, those instructions should work just fine. It was an easy upgrade for my T420; I haven't done it in an X-Series, but doubt it would be much different.

As has been discussed in a number of other threads, cloning an existing drive to an SSD would mean the SSD would not be in optimal alignment, decreasing performance and increasing wear on its memory cells. You are best off doing a clean install for best performance. If you do a search for "clean install" across the NotebookReview forums, you'll find a sticky that helps you find an .ISO of the operating system you need so you can burn a disc to do this legally. The key on the bottom of your ThinkPad should work to activate it (in my case, I used an .ISO and key from my Technet subscription, since I'm running a different version of Windows).

 

I agree on this. I'll see if I can't throw something together over the next day or two, and post it, and if ZaZ approves, he can choose to sticky it.

 

Lets not. Otherwise we'll have stickys for it, lcd screens, gaming performance of the 2000m, battery life, etc. etc. etc.

In fact, 2 of the 3 current stickys should be unstuck.

 

agreed.   consider it done.

 

It's certainly up to the mods. However, there are a lot of redundant threads so far on the forum about mSATA.

I've started writing something up. I'll post it when I think I have enough detail, and if the mods wish to sticky it or not, it is their choice, and I (as always) respect whatever they do. If they don't sticky it, it will stay at the top if there is interest and questions, otherwise it will die the way all threads do when they outlive their usefulness.

 

Does the X220 mSATA drive require a special palm rest? In the Hardware Maintenance Manual there is only one "Palm rest assembly with fingerprint reader and mSATA".

 

Do we have a way to create a FAQ area? The issue I usually have with sticky forum threads is that they take up precious space at the top of the forum.

I can live with it either way but there are number of other topics that recycle over and over too.

 

Good suggestion.

 

We could have a sticky with links to the other threads. That way theres only 1 sticky.

 

That's what I'm also thinking. something similar to this.

John

 

I think this is the best approach.

 

FYI - the Intel 80GB mSata is back in stock at Newegg.

Newegg.com - Intel 310 Series (Soda Creek) SSDMAEMC080G2C1 mSATA 80GB mSATA (mini PCIe form factor) MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - SSD

 

Gone already, lol!

They are marked up way too much at most places, anywhere that is a decent seller runs out fast.

I think a lot of people want these for DIY, and the supply side is aimed more at OEMs. Although apparently some geniuses are buying them without bothering to check that their year old laptop cannot use it...

 

out of stock in 15min

 

yep, I just went to pay for it and it was gone.

 

Yeow!

I got the auto-notify e-mail at 10:22am, posted it at 10:38, and out-of-stock before 10:46.

I knew they'd go fast - but this was ridiculous!

 

I was lucky to get mine from the `Egg when they had a 10% coupon off all SSDs, and free 3-day shipping. It seems like demand has only increased since then.

 

yehhh it went out freakin fast !! lol.. I guess I'd rather wait until those all ssd sales

 

Maybe I should sell mine. I am not using it.

 

Why aren't you using it? Not enough space, or do you already have a 2.5" SSD?

 

I have a variety of gen 2 and current gen Intel SSD's. I have the 80GB Intel Series 310 mSATA drive installed in my W520 at the moment but it's just there in case I fill the Series 510 120GB drive in the primary bay.

I should probably sell it above market on eBay to recoup part of the cost on the 510 series drives.

 

I ordered an intel 310 40Gb msata drive. Has anyone installed windows 7 on the x220 from a flash drive?

 

You can install from a flash drive as long as you're not doing UEFI.

 

Why is Intel keeping supplies low?

It looks like they plan on releasing more drives later this year

Intel's upcoming 2011 SSD lineup leaked -- five new series include PCIe-based drive | ZDNet

At this point, I think I'm going to wait to see the prices and new size offerings

 

Why does using UEFI require dvds?

Also, should I return my 40 gb intel 310 and save up for an 80Gb for the space and read/write speeds?

 

Here's a link someone else used to do UEFI install from USB.

[How To] Installing Windows 7 x64 To Your CR-48 (UEFI)

 

going back to some of the posts from earlier today... i too missed the newegg intel 310 80gb's since they were only available for 0.1 seconds :/
however, provantage suddenly got them in stock even though they had a predicted ETA of 5/30/11 yesterday. i just ordered 1 and they supposedly have 10 left, go get them!
(however, i'm already having a little bit of buyer's remorse after seeing that announcement about new intel msata's by q4 this year. but that's probably 7 mo's away... worth it? i guess so

 

Thanks! Jumped on the provantage site and ordered one too. Sad part is it looks like that order will come BEFORE my x220t. >.> *facepalm* Expect about in a week or so for me to ask what one can do with just an mSATA drive (and no laptop to put it in).

 

I got one from provantage too! Only 9 Left!

 

8 left.
Thanks for the tip.

 

LOL @ the 140 in stock for the 40gb model..

 

oh great... provantage just called me to tell me that they hadn't put my order in yet because my shipping address is different from billing, so now i have to wait until may 30 for it to get in stock again...
anyone else know where we can get a intel 310 80gb soon??

 

Sorry for the noob question, but the main reason of going with the mSata SSD over an SSD in the main hard drive bay is the ability to keep a larger hard drive on the system correct? Would all programs be installed on the SSD or just the operating system and everything else bootable with just videos, mp3s, etc kept on the main hard drive?

Thanks

 

OS and programs go on the msata. The rest is up to you depending on how much space you have left on the ssd. I have all my media on the hdd (not yet, waiting for the Z5K500).

 

That's the point, yeah... as you indicate, not all data needs to be accessed at the same speed, so for most of us, installing the operating system and apps on the SSD makes the most sense, with run-of-the-mill data being relegated to the spinning disk. No need to playback audio/video at 200MBps

 

from what I can tell, yes that's the main reason. big SSDs are just so expensive, so I went with the mSATA and keep the large HDD for data. I would think you would want as many programs as you can fit on the SSD and all regular data files on the HDD.

I just installed my mSATA and fresh Windows 7 install last night. I still have Windows 7 and all the original factory stuff on the HDD. Can I safely clear off this drive? I asked in the "compatible drives" thread but no one answered

do I follow Uninstall Windows 7 on a multiboot system this guide under the section of "deleting a partition"?

 

thanks for the replies - i just read somewhere that the 80gb supposedly has 2x the write rates of the 40gb, is that why everyone goes for the 80gb and they are sold out everywhere?

 

That's one reason.

The other reason is that some of us want more capacity than the 40GB provides.

 

if people are using the msata just for windows and programs, that really can add up to over 40gb?

 

Yes.

xxxxxxxxx
PS the forum software requires more long winded answers than yes.

 

Easily.

Mine is nearly half full with Win7 SP1, Office 2010, and a number of my regular-use apps. I have lesser-used apps on the D: drive, but I like to have my mainstream ones on the SSD.

Also, you'll achieve better performance on your SSD by leaving some space free. It isn't necessary to have as much as I do, but a 20% cushion isn't a bad thing.

 

Good to know, thanks. I'll go ahead with the 80gb. Just preorderd from provantage, estimated ship date of 5/30, hopefully they stick to that.