Thinkpads Forum

Leftover stuff from a project that I've given up on, at least for the time being.

a) Intel i7 2960XM Quad Core CPU, info from Intel here:

http://ark.intel.com/products/53478/Int ... o-3_70-GHz

some benchmarks and more info:

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu ... GHz&id=888

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core ... 933.0.html

The bottom line is that this is the fastest CPU that will work on a Sandy Bridge motherboard. While it can be installed in other *20 series ThinkPads, I'm not all that certain that it would be cooled properly, so you're on your own if you choose to do so. If you know what you're doing, this processor will still beat the living daylight out of many newer ones.

The example in question is a BRAND NEW SEALED Dell-issued OEM offering. It has never been installed.


b) Lenovo W520 heatsink FRU # 04W1574 for 55W CPUs

Used, fully tested in excellent condition. As powerful of a heatsink as you'll find for these systems, short of building your own.


If you're sitting on a W520 while waiting for Lenovo to come to their senses - which may or may not happen - and are interested in pushing out every last bit of power that these machines are capable of, you should look no further than this combo.


PM or email me directly to tataslonATaol.com with any questions/concerns.

Quite a project! I'd take you up on it if I hadn't just blown my wad on a W510 that maxes out
at a measily 55K+- dhrystone mips...

Did Lenovo ever ship any W520s with this CPU?

Sure did.

Here was one that I had awhile back. Sold to a forum member.

(4276-3NU)
i7-2960XM(2.70GHz),16GB RAM,500GB 7200rpm HD,15.6in 1900x1080 LCD,2GB Nvidia
Quadro 2000M,CDRW/DVDRW,Intel 802.11agn,WWAN option,Bluetooth,Modem,1Gb
Ethernet,UltraNav,Secure Chip,FPR,Camera,9c Li-Ion,Win7 Pro 64.

Brad

Tempting. I've got a standard issue W520 that I use as a beater. It's got the 2760 i7 in it, an SSD, and 32 GB of ram. Not sure if I'd notice a difference in my use. Will have to research.

CanadianDude wrote:Tempting. I've got a standard issue W520 that I use as a beater. It's got the 2760 i7 in it, an SSD, and 32 GB of ram.

That's quite a configuration for a "beater"...

Not sure if I'd notice a difference in my use. Will have to research.

2960XM only makes sense - and plenty thereof - if one wants to push out the every last bit of performance from a Sandy Bridge system. Open clock is a thing of beauty if one knows what do with it in the first place.

Only you can be the judge of whether any of that is of value for your specific needs.

ajkula66 wrote:

CanadianDude wrote:Tempting. I've got a standard issue W520 that I use as a beater. It's got the 2760 i7 in it, an SSD, and 32 GB of ram.

That's quite a configuration for a "beater"...

Not sure if I'd notice a difference in my use. Will have to research.

2960XM only makes sense - and plenty thereof - if one wants to push out the every last bit of performance from a Sandy Bridge system. Open clock is a thing of beauty if one knows what do with it in the first place.

Only you can be the judge of whether any of that is of value for your specific needs.

That is a real nice processor, George. Most don't have a need for it in laptops unless they are running CAD or some video editing software.

Reasonable offers, anyone?

I would REALLY love to have it but right now I am saving for W700DS...
If it is not sold in couple of months, we will definitely talk
I too have souped up W520 sans CPU (stock 2760).

Sold.