Y500 Owners and Questions Thread

farcry 3 has many problems with Nvidia , this game needs to be patched

 

Far Cry 3 takes a little bit more horsepower to play. If you are adventurous, look at the overclock thread from my signature and see if you want to give it a shot. I've finished the story line and now I'm running around the island exploring. Very fun game!

 

I found out what happens when i use 120W adapter on a SLI setup in a game.
The screen might goes black then a Power Adapter icon will appear on the top left corner of the screen.

 

Question :
My y500 doesn't come with a Msata.
If I choose to add one, which brand should i be getting?
and How do I transfer my current installation in sata HD to the Msata?
or how do I install an OS fresh on the Msata?

Thanks a lot.

 

Hi,
How do you install the NVIDIA drivers?
I cant install it on my Y500. Shows device not supported or something.

Ok found the answer.
Downloaded the driver from a website and replaced the nvwi.inf.

 

The 650m SLI is now fully benchmarked by notebookcheck. If anyone happens to be interested: http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-650M-SLI.84953.0.html

 

I have yet to see any of my SLI benchmarks (even stock clocks) as low as those in that review. My 3d11 store SLI stock is 100 points higher, and my overclocked is almost 1000 points higher.

This machine is quite capable when pushed just a little bit.

 

I've seen no issues thus far with the 120w, no shutdowns or lockups, and I am running my cars overclocked a decent amount too. I am not certain how much I believe the "need" for the 170. If someone can prove otherwise please let me know as I'll buy it if required, or if proven to actually provide something more in the performance realm.

 

Hi all, I really hope I'm not spamming here, moderators please do remove/merge as necessary.

No one seems to tell me what configuration can be done with my Y500 16GB mSata and 1TB 5400 drive. Are you supposed to be able use it as a drive cache? Are you supposed to use rapiddrive to combine the drives into a merged single drive?

See a couple posts if you want details. Note I have the exact chipset Intel Rapid Storage documentation lists for using Intel Rapid Storage Tech util on, but I'm told that's irrelevant in AHCI mode....and I have no RAID options on this model.

Anyways, here's the details if you care to read:
Plead for help with Y500 Rapid Storage drive cache - Lenovo Community
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ideapad-essential/703400-lenovo-ideapad-y500-unable-configure-ssd-cache.html
Unable to configure SSD cache on new Lenovo Y500

I would be beyond grateful if someone could share their OEM setup and/or offer any solid information how these 2 drives are SUPPOSED to work.

Thanks in advance for any responses...

 

I'm curious to know also, I was thinking of replacing the 16gb SSD with a 256gb mSata from Crucial & ruse the 1TB as storage while getting the 650m caddy.

 

I think it's ment to be used as a cache between the slow mechanical hard drive and the rest of the computer. It should monitor the programs and files used frequently and somehow move these things into the cache while speeding the start and use of these applications, in addition to fastening the whole OS boot process. Basics can be found here: Smart Response Technology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I read somewhere that the Y500 would use some custom BIOS to enable a software RAID function which is needed for the SRT to work at all. Just my 2 cents.

 

The msata ssd works as a cache for your 5400 rpm hard drive but it also can be swapped for a bigger msata ssd to work as a storage drive like a normal ssd would. Some users have done this succesfully, some had trouble with recognizing the new ssd in their system.

 

Installing a msata in the place of the caching one is actually really simple.
I was done in about 1 hour time. This is for a clean install! (But you can also make a recovery disk/ copy windows from your HDD to your SSD with the proper programs.)

1. Removed the back. I believe there were 9 screws in total. This was the hardest part, I had some trouble removing it since it was still connected with some small hooks. Don't force it too much or you might break or bend it.
2. Remove the Caching SSD. It's just 1 screw, the SSD will jump up after you unscrewed it.
3. Replace it with the SSD of your choice. I used a Crucial M4 128gb since I was too poor for a 256 model. Crucial is just fine, the Samsung 830 and 840 series are also good. Don't even bother with sandforce/OCZ
4. Remove the HDD to prevent the laptop from using the HDD to boot. (Not necessary*, I did it just to be sure.)
5. Boot the laptop and press F2 to get into the bootmenu. Turn UEFI off and turn Legacy support on (SSD support).
6. Reboot! *(If you didn't remove the HDD you now want to change the boot sequence. Let it boot from the SSD)
7. Connect an USB/DVD player of your choice to the laptop with a copy of Windows 8 on it/in it.
8. Install Windows 8 on the SSD. You don't need a key or anything. The key is already in the laptop.
9. Check your TRIM settings to optimize the SSD performance.
10. Uncheck defrag and indexing. (If this is the right term in English).
11. Almost done now! Shut down if you removed the HDD, you can now put it back in. Skip this step if you didn't remove it.
12. Format the HDD, remove the stupid Lenovo partitions, and make some partitions of your choice. I went with 800gb - 200gb. 800gb for all my media, videos and downloads. 200gb for programs which I don't want to install on the SSD.
13. You're good to go. Have fun.

ps: Laptop boots in about 12 seconds now. So it's a bit faster. Games load much faster though, which was the primary reason for me to swap the SSD.

I hope this quick guide will help some people. I've read a lot of difficult stories on swapping the SSD, don't fret, it's not hard. People made it seem hard. Basically it's remove, swap, change boot, install, check settings, format and there we go!

 

Are you running games that are SLI enabled?

 

Went back to lenovo 300.60 drivers now after suffering stuttering with whql 310.90 drivers in fifa13 and f12012. All id smooth again.

 

Speedy laptop to say the least.
The boot up result of swapping the caching ssd for a crucial ssd.



there are too many y500 threads around <_<.

 

Impressive boot up times! I think mine is at around 20 seconds which is still a lot faster than what I was accustom to.

 

Does anybody know which driver had the smart touch stuff?
There is a gesture which basically is swiping 3 fingers down on the touchpad. This will pull down a lock screen with a clock and bubbles showing up.
After I installed the SSD I skipped a few drivers to avoid all the bloatware and stuff, but I kinda liked that gesture.
If anybody would be so kind as to link me, or give a name so I can search it.

 

What copy of windows should i use? Can you give me a link on it. Having a hard time because i don't know where i can find the Single Language version of windows 8 @_@

 

Windows 8, the version doesn't matter I think. I used the Pro version. I don't think I'm allowed to link it here. But it's easy enough to find. Look for 'Windows 8 Professional X86-X64 English AIO + Activator' on a torrent site. Should get you started.
Though I would suggest getting a legit copy. It's still cheap until the end of January, so you're better of getting a good one now.

 

Of course i need the Single Language version. The key on this laptop would be useless if you used the pro version. I thought there was a way to install it with our legit key. :/ .
Really need to do a clean install on this laptop @_@

Anyway, thanks.

 

Hey guys, just wanted to ask owners of laptops their opinion: I want to buy really good, portable gaming laptop for university and this seems like a good choice. I'm stuck between Y500 and Y580 not really sure what to buy? Is 650m SLI really more powerful than one 660m? I'll be playing mostly dota 2 and the games that are to be released in the future (which, hopefully, will get better sli support). I'm leaning more towards Y500 because we don't have Y580 with Full HD display here in UA. Any opinions?

 

The Y500 with a single 650m can easily match the Y580 and in most cases exceed it in performance due to better cooling. The Y500's 650m is GDDR5 and overclocks like crazy. I run mine at 1155mhz core and 2555mhz memory and it is smooth as silk in Far Cry 3 1080p maxed out. Don't base your decision on the graphics chip itself because they are the same chip just running at different speeds. Base it on your need of battery life, or if you are going to take advantage of the SLI.

 

^ Thx for reply man, hugs :*
Think I'll get Y500 then. It's more stylish, plus I can't get Y580 with Full HD panel here so it's important too. Btw is it okay to get 1333 MHz ram if can't get 1600 one?

 

The notebook check review I was waiting for.
Finally.

 

despite pretty good score it feels like they burried Y500 in dirt :\
Think, still will get it. Feedback from owners was very positive, with SLI it seems like really powerful setup, plus it has good display and speakers. what's not to like? And after pavillion dv6 anything will be cold, lol.
Only question is: how's Win7 on this laptop? Does it function properly i.e all fn buttons work?

 

Yeah I had the same feeling.
I didn't get why they gave it such a low score for weight though. They appraised it for being a lightweight gaming laptop, lighter than others in its class. Yet it's one of the lowest scores they gave the Y500.
I get the mouse issue, but IMO there's really nothing wrong with it now, the synaptics work perfectly and all the gestures are smooth and useful.

 

I'm really impressed with its performance (when not even overclocked). In europe it's available for €1000 with 650m sli which beats the 670mx in a lot of games. You can't find a cheaper, thinner and sleeker laptop that is this fast, at all. And this thing also overclocks very good appearently.

 

Exactly.
But it did get really good scores for gaming and applications, so they agreed on that.
IMO there's no need to overclock it with SLI. So much power already.

 

I thought it would get same score as Y580 did (at least), seeing that it's pretty much same notebook, the only thing that is different is ultrabay and I think cooling is better on y500

 

Quick update to earlier post. I figured out how to configure drive cache on the SSD, which uses Conclusiv/Diskeeper CacheExpress, not the Intel RST utility like one might believe. See my post on setting this up here that seems to have worked for some others:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ideapad-essential/703400-lenovo-ideapad-y500-unable-configure-ssd-cache.html

I also was able to go ahead and configure the Rapid Start util/driver on this machine as well, which left me with a 8GB hibernation partition on the SSD, and 6.92GB left over that was available for ExpressCache. Can anyone tell me if this is how it comes out of the factory? I'm getting a replacement Y500 due to the erratic mouse issue, and would like to know what I'll be receiving. If it is in fact using both Rapid Start and ExpressCache, I may forego Rapid Start (don't really care about time to wake up or power conversation during sleep) and use the whole 16GB for ExpressCache.

But I would like to know how someone's unchanged SSD is partitioned out of the factory if you could share....

 

Anyone know what WiFi card is compatible with our Y500?
atheros is weak as hell @_@

 

Y580 and Y500 are almost identical in weight and their score in that is pretty much the same too. I agree with you on the mouse. They should have based their test on most recent model. Could have been a score of above 80. And look at the keyboard score! Would you agree Y580 has the better keyboard?

 

Hi,

This is my first post on Notebookreview forums, so - 'hello' to everyone.

I'd like to buy a laptop that would handle HD video editing (Vegas Pro 12), as well as photo editing and also some games. I'm thinking of buying the Lenovo Y500 SLI, but I've heard the Samsung Series 7 Chronos with AMD Radeon HD 8870M graphics is coming out soon.
My (nooby) question is - do you think the Radeon 8870M is more powerful than two GT 650Ms? In other words - do you think I should wait for the new Samsung Chronos or go with the Y500? Also - do you think the Y500 is a good laptop for HD editing (in this price range I mean; my budget is around 1500 $)?

I would appreciate your help.

 

@Chronosynclastic89:
Go to: Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List - Notebookcheck.net Tech .Then, select with the checkbox the numbers:
43 NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M SLI
and
52 AMD Radeon HD 8870M

Then go top, and press restrict. From their indexes you can see that SLI beats 8870M. Is a normal thing, since 2 perform better than 1
Also, you can read here: http://www.notebookcheck.net/Comparison-of-Laptop-Graphics-Cards.130.0.html . Just search for the graphic cards.

@All:
Really, I thought Y500 would be the great Y580 remake. But it seems it has issues bigger than Y580 at touchpad and keyboard (given how the review says). That is NOT right . Why everytime there has to be some stupid thing the notebook maker do worse and better than the previous model? I would like to buy an Y500 non SLI, but if the keyboard/touchpad are fail.. then better no. - Altough I don't see any good choice of another laptop with roughly this config.

 

The touchpad problem only was on the first laptops that shipped. It should be fixed now since they started putting different touchpads in it a while ago.

 

I think some people are still getting the faulty touchpad as they clear existing stock. Also people sent their's in for repair only for it to come back with a new faulty touchpad. I had one for a few weeks before it started acting up and decided to give up on it. I'm glad I did but it is a shame because it was a great looking computer. Hopefully they fix all the issues.

 

What is exactly is the keyboard issue people are talking about?

 

Been using it for 2 weeks now havent had any keyboard or touchpad issue.

 

@gb12345
Maybe it matters from where you get the computer? I mean, maybe all those faulty touchpad laptops will be sold in zones like EMEA or other "low quality" countries.

@ Boncrek
According to that review it says the keyboard is "spongy". Maybe the keys are not responding so well... But IDK, it really depends on the user. Depends on what keyboards you use. If you use a good macbook/thinkpad keyboard and then get back to a "lower" one, you'll see a difference.

 

I didn't have this issue but I didn't use the keyboard much. Basically random characters being typed. Sounds almost as bad as the touchpad issue but perhaps not as prevalant yet. If you have the y500 I recommend a stress test. Things seem to go wonky when the laptop heats up.

 

they have used two types of touchpads. I think canada is getting the synaptics which works. Usa (where I got mine) got elan touchpads and they seem to be the culprit. Difficult to track other countries, elans seem to be in europe and india but not syre if that is where they all originated. Some unlucky people bought in the usa and have gone overseas - impossible to deal with returns.


see my post above about the keyboard. I think they'd take spongy over random characters.

 

I'm buying y500 in few days in India. But now worried about this issue of trackpad..need few suggestions?

 

I guess I was pretty damn lucky. Fabrication date was before the 25th, but I ended up with a Synaptic touchpad and no keyboard issues.
Actually I haven't had any issues so far, mine works perfectly. Maybe Germany got a good shipment. That's what I got for waiting over 1 month for this laptop, and over 4 months to decide =P.

@mrunal ask for the fabrication date. Everything after the 25th should come with Synaptic.

 

I would be amazed if the sells rep can give you a fabrication date. Even if (s)he does I wouldn't trust them. Especially if I was having it shipped to India. I would hold off until the touchpad issue is well and truly fixed or move onto a different computer. Perhaps the Y580 if you want to stick to Lenovo? Their prices are very good.

 

I just wanted to know if anyone is using the removable HDD F451 adapter in their Y500 ultrabay?


If so, what Sata speeds you are getting? Sata I or Sata II? Thanks!

 

Ok, the Y500 is also rather sturdy.
I bumped it into my door, should've turned on the lights. The screen really hit the edge hard.
The case got separated from the actual screen part, but I was able to click it back on without any damage.
Nothing to be seen.
Scared the out of me though. I actually hit something else first, and in attempt to save my laptop I turn around. But the door was waiting to greet me.

 

I have massive fps drop and lag when on battery. Any way to solve this? I have the GPU to work on high performance on battery but it's not working any better.

 

I think SLi doesn't work on battery. So you have no other choice but to lower the settings.

 

thanks you. In case if sales rep doesn't give the fabrication date, then where can i find the original date on system. n 25th of which month?
i checked this Quote from Mark_Lenovo on 01/11/2013 saying Y500 systems manufactured after 11/28/2012 should not be affected.
http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/IdeaPad...d-Y500-Touchpad-Not-Working/m-p/986077#M76019