Few questions from soon to be a W510 Owner!

Hi,

I have decided to order W510 (with Intel Core i7-820QM Processor) and had below questions:

Memory
I see that the RAM on other websites is cheaper than what is offered at Lenovo.com. So, if I buy any RAM Module from 3rd party with similar spec (PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM) or better, would it be compatible with this laptop? If yes, then could you also please suggest some good Make, Model and Manufacturer that could give me good performance? I will be using this laptop as replacement to my current one and would be using it mostly for intensive office/graphic applications and virtualization (VMware Images)? I know that the memory capacity for this laptop is 16GB but for now I am thinking to limit myself to 2x4GB and upgrade later when necessity arouses.

HDD/SSD
While customizing I noticed that a max of 128GB SSD is available and so I am thinking to go with the cheapest HDD option (320GB, 7200RPM) and buy Intel X25-M SATA II 160GB SSD from 3rd Party vendor. Would this hard drive be direct compatible with this laptop or would I need any additional hardware (like case or pin convertors etc,)? And, would Windows 7 setup be able to detect this new SSD or would I need to integrate drivers beforehand into the OS image to have the OS installed?

Color Sensor
I have never heard of this and curious to know what exactly it is and how could it be useful for end users? Is this some software app or completely hardware based?

Appreciate your responses.

Thanks and Regards,

 

1. You can never go wrong with Crucial ram from RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com. The configurator will guide you to the proper dimms. I bought my 16 GB from newegg. I can't remember the brand.
2. Great move the drive that Lenovo uses is not the ideal and the Intel drive is praised for its performance. The drive is a direct fit with no adapters needed.
3. The color sensor calibrates the LCD to allow graphic designers to more accurately produce their content.

I am really enjoying the laptop and it has been a real workhorse.

 

For the memory as long the timings and speed matches then it should be compatible. Lenovo's tend to supply Hynix, Samsung or Elpida modules, but other manufacturers such as Crucial (Micron), Kingston, Corsair, OCZ, G.Skill, Patriot, Transcend etc. are other reputable brands you can choose which generally offer Lifetime Warranty on these modules for peace of mind.

The hard drive swap to SSD is fine, it will work straight out of the box without any modifications. Windows 7 will be able to detect your SSD and install correctly it by aligning it but make sure you load the Intel Rapid Storage drivers first before you install the operating system as this may affect the performance of the SSD later on! Check out the Intel drivers page and download the correct driver depending on what version you choose ( 32/64 bit).

 

That's the Intel drive I am currently using with my W510. The 2.5" version can be used in the W510 primary drive bay with the Lenovo rubber side rails. You'll see what I mean when you pull out the 320GB drive.

As for buying the SSD now, you might consider waiting if you need more storage than 150GB (actual amount). According to the leaked Intel roadmap, 300 and 600GB drives will be available around Christmas. Santa prolly needs to bring a bag of money for one.

Windows 7 will detect and install with no manual steps. In fact, it will also automatically start using TRIM. There is debate on which drivers to use. I use the Windows 7 inbox drivers.

 

It's got a color sensor? How do I activate/use it?

 

You run the Pantone huey™PRO X-Rite software, shut the lid and let the Colorimeter do it's thing, then open the lid when it beeps it is done.

 

Thanks guys for your reply's. I'll now go ahead and buy W510 and it's parts as planned

Btw, one thing still not clear... is the color sensor a software or hardware product? Means if its software then I could buy it later as well, correct?

 

the color sensor is both, a light sensor in the palmrest and software go control it. You cannot add it later.

 

Thanks Andre for clearing that up.

 

How can I make sure I have the color sensor? The laptop has the 95% gamut screen option. No touch though.

 

The sensor is in the palm rest on the left side and it looks like small window with what appears to be 3 small circles inside. Did you configure the system or did you buy one that was preconfigured?

 

Something like this?

 

Does this mean it's not possible to use color sensor with Linux?

 

Do you have software to use the color sensor in Linux? If no, then no.

 

That's it.

Not that I could find. I searched the xrite website and found no mention of Linux support.

 

Hi,

Thanks for your responses. As per suggestions I have placed the W510 order. Now, I was browsing through available Memory deals and found below two but I am little confused with the specs and would like to have them clarified before I place the order.

My first option is for CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory from newegg.com that has a timing of 9-9-9-24. Nothing is mentioned about Buffered/Registered about this RAM on the site.

My second option is for Kingston 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory which is more expensive than above one, but for this its mentioned that its Unbuffered. The timing info hasn't been maintained.

Does this really matter if the RAM is Buffered/Registered/Unbuffered? If so then how? Would either of these two RAMs be supported on W510? Can I expect any performance wise difference by choosing any particular one? And finally, is there any other better alternative than these two?

Appreciate your responses. Thanks and Regards.

 

You only want buffered and ECC registered RAM in environments where reliability rather than speedy performance is high priority, they're usually the reserve for servers rather than standard laptops and PC workstations. Even so you be pretty hard pressed to find some buffered/ECC registered sodimms on the market.

The W510 takes unbuffered RAM and non-ECC variants of the DDR3 sodimm only, both the Kingston and Corsair you brought up meets these specifications. Though the W510 will only operate at PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066) speeds rather than DDR3-1333 so unless they're cheap to begin with, its best to stick with the PC3-8500 modules.

 

Thanks for the quick response. But, in Lenovo.com W510 customization i do see following Memory options:

2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $85.00]
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) [add $215.00]
8 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (4 DIMM) [add $255.00]
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $515.00]
16 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (4 DIMM) [add $1,150.00]

Based on above list, I started looking for DDR3-1333 SODIMM with PC3-10600. I got confused with the timing (i.e., CL5, CL7 or CL9) and also about buffered and unbuffered memories. This said, I can go ahead and buy either of those two, correct?

 

The two you shown should be fine, the bare minimum requirements for the W510 is Unbuffered, Non-ECC PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066) 204 pin sodimms. You can use PC3-10600 but the system will just clock down to the lowest speed regardless.

For timings or latency, general rule of thumb is the lower the better for performance. But on general day to day usage unless you're doing RAM overclocking (which is unlikely on a ThinkPad) or lots of benchmarking then you probably won't notice the difference between a CL7 module to a CL9. But most standard sodimms normally share the same timings unless you opt for "specialised" gaming RAMS which has lower CL timings but in my opinion is a waste in a ThinkPad. Both Kingston and Corsair you shown has CL9 timings, just opt for whatever is better value, both companies are reputable and offer lifetime warranty.

 

Hearst, I wasn't aware that W510 memory clock speed is PC3-8500 and the system would clock down PC3-10600 ones which I wasn't aware of and it makes all sense to me now.

With this would it be wise to go with CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) with Cas Latency: 7, Timing: 7-7-7-20 or the one above CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 with Cas Latency 9, Timing: 9-9-9-24?

Would the performance difference be any noticeable?

Also, the description for PC3-8500 module says "CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)" and not 1067. I hope this isn't a problem?

 

Negligible in my opinion, most likely you will never notice the latency speed difference at all. Even so as I said previously, the W510 will run at DDR3-1066 regardless if you put faster DDR3- 1333 RAM in. So personally I would opt for the “CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)” assuming it is cheaper than the other set. Though if it's say a few cents difference or is the same price, you can opt for the higher set instead. This allows you to probably resell the RAMS with slightly higher value than the lower speed set in the future should the time come.

 

the i7-820QM you're getting has a 1333MHz memory bus so you might as well get 1333MHz modules.   unless i'm missing some blatantly obvious details here, there's no reason why that processor in your system will downclock 1333 modules to 1067MHz.

regarding timings, CL9 is considered fast for 1333MHz modules and CL7 is fast for 1067MHz modules.   do some homework in clock address speed latency and you'll discover that CL9@1333 and CL7@1067 have the same derived speed.

 

I get further confused :-(

Anyways, the price difference wasn't much so I went ahead and ordered 1333MHz modules.

But, for knowledge sake it would be great if anyone can clarify further on the memory bus speed for W510 with Intel Core i7-820QM Processor.

Thanks.

 

I don't know erik but the Lenovo's I used don't adjust their RAM clock speeds in relation to the CPU. They just run at whatever the very minimum the system needs so unless they have changed recently most likely it's going to be the same.

I'm currently using a R61e with PC2-6400 (800MHz) rams with a T8100 (FSB 800MHz). Yet, CPU-Z reports a 3:5 ratio as it is clocked down to the same levels as my T61 with PC2-5300 (667MHz) RAMs in. Bizarre but true.

 

hearst - i wouldn't assume a 1:1 ratio in your system at all.   the R61e has a 667MHz memory bus regardless of the processor installed.   unfortunately your example doesn't correlate to a system two generations newer.

i gotta ask... what's your experience with i-series processors?

intel rates it at 1333MHz.   http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43124

 

Thanks erik for clarification.

 

Is it truly clarified? What Intel indicates on the site above is compatibility. What one needs to know is if the chipset on the W510 motherboard supports the full 1333 or if it down clocks it to 1066. No?

 

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/tabook.pdf

1333MHz.   the memory bus in i-series processors is controlled by the processor, not the FSB as in previous platforms.

 

That clarifies it for me, LOL! One thing though, why didn't you tell me that before I bought 16 GB of the slower ram, LOL J/K! Oh well, live and learn... If the difference is perceptible, I'm going to be quite upset with myself when I find out.

 

I stand corrected, seems I misintepreted the base memory bus of the W510 the system can handle. I guess the "up to 1333MHz" was the real catcher. Apologies if my comments were "ill-advised" as I should say erik, and apologies to 2K10_W510 too for adding unnecessary distress too!

I have used an X201T recently though I don't have that with me right now but that came with a Core i5 though. I had limited run time as I only had it for 2 days so I don't have the full experience compared to my T61.

 

no worries.   as long as 2K10_W510 gets the information he needs then it's all good.