E6420 Owner's Thread

I was wondering about this machine's mPCI-e slot I see in the OP.

Can I use a mSATA SSD in the slot?

EDIT : Guess not. Simple googling..

 

Hi, Im a 6420 owner for two weeks. Using Ubuntu 11.10 everything works well. Switched off the optimus, nvidia works well.
I tried to switch on optimus and disable nvidia with acpi_calls unsuccessfully.
After every restart the computer, the optimus is swithed off automatically.
Set it on, apply, exit, linux using intel video, but nvidia is visible by lspci. Restart, check bios, optimus off.... Why?
Ps: sorry for my poor english...

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk

 

Is optimus supported in linux? That could be why its being disabled.

 

rossim80 mentioned here that he was able to disable the nvidia with optimus switched on in bios. This is what I want...

 

Why would you want to set it up that way? I ask because I'm thinking about ordering one of these and will also use Linux on it.

 

I am running Arch, optimus support is very experimental and didn't work for me. So, I just disabled it in BIOS and running nvidia with nvidia driver without issues.

 

Update on popping edge problem

I bought a E6420 from the outlet.It had the popping edge problem which in the beginning didn't bother me.But I noticed a squeaking noise coming from the popping edges so I took of the back lid put it on again in the proper way, so there are no popping edges, and everything is ok.Only thing noticed is that 2 screws won't get screwed in as before.I think the backlid in it's new (proper) position won't let them screw in all the way

 

Hi all- Reading the continuing concern about E6420 overheating, I'm curious to know what healthy temperatures are. I'm upgrading from an E6400, which also suffered from cooling issues, which ran at 50-55C under my normal usage.

Now, I have my E6420 up and running (i7-2620M, 2.70GHz, 3.2GHz w/Turbo), and the CPU is holding around 65-70C (GPU is 75C) under my normal use. That seems already hot to me, but of course the max operating temp is a crazy 100C.

So, what's the normal/safe running temp range for these modern i5/i7 CPUs?
Is running at 65-70C nearly 24x7 within the reasonable range?

Thanks!

 

for me it is the first time I have a laptop that can run on 100% on cpu without downstepping of cpu's frequency

From what I see for my own about 60C is normal tempeture for normal use (browsing+wathcing tv for me) on

 

I have the i7-2620m. I have only had the unit for a couple weeks and haven't used it much, but I have noticed the following:

1. Encoding video (Handbrake) with no thread-limiting (hits 100% on all four threads) will bring each core to 100c.

2. General browsing usually stays around 55c.

3. Pure idle (low-water mark) is about 47c.

I don't think I have seen the CPU hit 3.4Ghz (only 3.2Ghz). Intel states this CPU turbos to 3.4Ghz - am I wrong?

Also my bottom cover is bad. Creaks and pops. I have called in a support request to get it fixed. When I pulled the cover to add memory I noticed one of the little tabs was broken. Has anyone had good experience with Dell actually fixing the bottom cover?

Also, given 100c is the maximum temp suggested by Intel for this CPU, has anyone had luck in reducing it at load? From my experience, chill-pads are useless. I have never seen one make a material difference at load.