E6420 Owner's Thread

just got a new 6420. got my previous lap's OS / software environment to boot using the old computer's HD - but only in the AHCI sata mode. if i switch the bios to raid, i get a BSD.

how can i change from AHCI to raid without installing from scratch? to my understanding i'm already using the iaStor drivers anyway, i'm not even sure what the difference is, but intel seems to recommend raid over AHCI.

ok - found the answer:
http://www.sevenforums.com/drivers/136693-iastorv-sys-2.html

 

Sorry for my poor english.
I just received my E6420 from Dell outlet a few days ago. Now I notice that the palm rest looks a little bit larger that the the silver color frame. So once the palm rest is set inside the frame, its middle will tilt, especially the tiny parts beside two buttons of the touchpad. When I press the palm rest on the left part of palm rest, it will go down, and then flick back after pressure removed. This bad workmanship annoys me so much when I am typing...

Does anyone has a similar suffering like me?

 

I have a E6420 in a E-Port Plus dock and stand connected to a LCD monitor via DVI.

Is there a secret to seeing the boot screens when docked? The monitor only comes on once the OS is loading. Unfortunately, I don't have HDMI or VGA connections to see if those connection types behave differently.

Appreciate the help.

Bazz

 

This happens because of Optimus I think. When you use an external monitor in a docking station or when you have 2+ monitors, the discrete Nvidia GPU is used instead of Intel. The Nvidia GPU kicks in when the OS is loading.

Do a small test: Disable Optimus and you will see that post and boot screens are shown.

 

Try to press FN+F8 before windows. I connect my monitor to E6520 via vga port, when I press FN+F8, the boot screen or bios setup can move to the monitor.

 

I have a slight affliction on my current machine. It hasn't bothered me much as it's pretty unnoticeable.

By all means, try to get it fixed if you want

 

Could you tell me the model number on the LG panel you ended up swapping in? Is it an LG LP140WD1-TLA1?

I'd love to know as the stock dell 1600x900 panel makes my eyes bleed, and I need to know if that model would be the correct panel to order.

 

That worked! Do I now have to tell applications or games which card to use?

Thanks,

Bazz

 

Unfortunately, the laptop is closed as I have it in the Dell stand. I don't know if it works with an external keyboard but I will give a shot.

Thanks for the idea.

Bazz

 

As far I know:
LP140WD1(TL)(A1) or LP140WD1-TLA1 is a LG-Phillips 1600x900 panel (Glossy)
LP140WD1(TL)(D2) or LP140WD1-TLD2 is a LG-Phillips 1600x900 panel (Matte)
LTN140KT04-201 is the Samsung 1600x900 panel (Matte) (which I had -> it broke DC-DC converter fault, anyway it was totally 'bluish')

It appears that there are AUO panels compatible too.

I'm going to get LP140WD1(TL)(D2). Just make sure its 40Pin LVDS on the LEFT side looking from behind the panel. (Sitting in front of the laptop connector is on the RIGHT)