A couple of questions regarding X220 - need experts :)

1) Regarding the B2 stepping issue: according to a thread I saw somewhere else, the user has a 4286 model. Several software detects B2 stepping.



I also saw somewhere else that Lenovo claims that they have never sold any B2 stepping laptops but I believe it is a lie. I guess it's because they do not use SATA II ports at all and they don't bother a recall.



Now my question: Which port will the internal HDD use? Which port will the mSATA use? Will they both use SATA III ports?

2) Now I can only customise the 4287CTO on the UK site, since the 4286CTO is long gone. Will the 4287CTO be with "true" B3 stepping?

3) Is the option "Integrated Mobile Broadband" occupying the mSATA port, preventing a possible installation of an mSATA SSD?

4) Does the option "12.5" Premium HD" mean IPS screen?

5) Is the X220 running very hot with an i7? What maximum temperature do I get by running Prime95 or LinX for 1 hour?

6) I have a spare Intel 320 Series 300GB SSD (9.5mm). I removed the spacer by swapping screws with my Intel X25-E 64GB (7mm) to make the Intel 320 Series 300GB 7mm thin. Will I be able to install it into the X220? Does anyone know when Intel can release a firmware update to fix the "loss of capacity down to 8MB" issue of the 320 Series?

7) What is the total weight of the machine installing a 9 cell battery (without power adapters)?

8) Is there anything else I should know aobut?

Thanks!

 

Yes, and it's definitely worth the upgrade cost.

 

Weight with a 9-cell starts at 3.67 lbs (1.66 kg) according to the tabook.

 

Also, Re: the B2 stepping CPU in X220s. I own a 4286-CTO (Built on 06/29/2011) and it has a 7/D2 stepping i5-2520M. Given the demand for X220s and how long it takes Lenovo to build them I'd imagine all of the B2 chips are long gone.

 

1. According to Intel and several OEMs (Dell, HP, Lenovo), the chipset is actually a B3 stepping chipset, but is masked as a B2 stepping so large corporations won't have to roll out new drivers and make new images for stuff. There is a way to check posted around the forums (or Lenovo forums) somewhere that gets the real stepping. If in doubt, you can always disassemble your laptop and read the stepping off the chip. Also, I believe that the X220 came out after the entire B2 stepping fiasco, so there should be no problems.

2. No clue. But as I've stated above, it should be a B3 stepping.

3. I believe that means that there will be a WWAN card in the PCI-E slot. You can remove it and add a mSATA drive, though.

4. Yes.

5. I heard the X220's CPU goes up to 95C under extreme load, with all CPUs.

6. Probably. I'm guessing Intel will release the fix some time between now and when the Earth is gone, but probably before the end of next year (or maybe even before the end of this year).

7. I'd go with syoung's answer.

8. Don't go swimming with it.

 

I have an i7 also with a 7/D2 stepping, built sometime in May.