Clean install on SSD, UEFI Only questions

I received my X220.

It has lots of backlight bleed on the bottom. I am still debating if I should call lenovo. It is visible but only with lots of screen brightness and black screen. Otherwise the screen is great.

I set the BIOS to UEFI Only. I used the guide here to do a clean install:

Installing Windows 7 with UEFI boot on an x220 from USB : Heavens and Nines

Here is my Crucial M4 128GB result:



I will try to improve the speeds. Haven't played around with it much yet.

EDIT: Running the 4k again with x5 / 1000mb results in 20.1 MB/s

 

Lenovo FAQ on UEFI
What is UEFI and when was it introduced on Lenovo ... - Lenovo Community

1) Is it worth using UEFI Only ?
I would say no, based on this FAQ. I have not tried it though.

2) Can I just make recovery disks and use the first one only to clean install windows.
From the link above:
2. Can I change my BIOS option to UEFI only? No, because your preloaded system will no longer boot (it is based on MBR which requires legacy boot)

EDIT:
Just reread your second question. I don't think that's how the recovery disks work. You can't use them to do a clean install.

 

I got it working

UEFI is AWESOME. Boots fast, like 12s (let me time it, I will update)

Everything works including fingerprint reader.(which is also awesome)

I followed this guide:

Installing Windows 7 with UEFI boot on an x220 from USB : Heavens and Nines

 

Good disk results. I got mine with the Intel 160GB drive (an Intel 320 series), I should measure mine and see how the Intel drive compares.

For a clean install w/ UEFI, I used the above guide along with this one (from NBR):
http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/572616-t420-msata-uefi-only-20-sec-boot.html

Be sure to install Service Pack 1 FIRST before installing the Intel HD3000 video driver, or else you'll get a BSOD.

 

what intel 160gb are you using?

I'm thinking about just buying a ssd and replace the HDD with it instead of buying a msata since the 80gb msata is never in stock.

 

Its actually MUCH faster especially now with 009 firmware.

500MBps sequential read

26MBps 4k read last I checked.

 

You've updated the M4 firmware to 009?

EDIT: Guess you did, I didn't even realize there was a new firmware.. For those interested, read this topic on the Crucial forums

My before and after score (0002 on the left obviously)



Boottime (taken from eventviewer) went to just under 20secs: BootTime 19980

 

Just the Intel one that came direct from Lenovo when configuring the system. It's a 320 series: Newegg.com - Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW160G3K5 2.5" 160GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

I had no control over what drive came with the unit, as it was a warranty replacement for a dead X61s, but I am VERY pleased with the 320 Series drive. It's essentially the 3rd-generation (G3) of the X-25M. I have a X-25M G2 drive in another machine, and I love it. My colleagues have X-25M G2's in their machines, and they are all pleased. They're even thinking about upgrading to the 320 drives.

Though, I may get an Intel 310 mSATA 80GB SSD when I get some spare cash and go with a dual-drive setup in my X220. The 160GB 2.5" drive would probably go into my MBP or my T510.

Once I get my X220 back from service, I'll run CrystalDiskMark on it and post the results.