Thinkpads Forum

I have a X61T that has been running Windows 8 since it came out, but I have been growing increasingly tired of the lack of full button support, and have decided to downgrade to Windows 7 so I can get all the utilities and buttons working.

At the same time I thought I would upgrade to an SSD, and wonder if anybody has any model suggestions/tips.

I am pretty sure I have already upgraded the bios with a 3rd party mod - which reads v 1.25 (7SET39WW) in setup - and am assuming that should at least give me full SATA II speeds, but can I install a SATA 3 SSD that can outperform SATA II without any problems?

Are there any other issues to be aware of, and does anybody have specific SSD models they would recommend?

Thanks for any advice!

Your machine will always run at SATA II (3.0) speeds, even if you install a SATA III SSD. Without modded BIOS, you're stuck at SATA I (1.5)

I've had excellent personal experiences with Intel 320 series, Crucial C300 and M4, and Samsung 830 in these machines.

Most of the aforementioned drives can still be found in the NOS (New Old Stock) condition and would bear my recommendation.

Happy upgrading.

Thanks very much for your quick reply.

Over here in the UK prices on the SATA III models seem to be plunging and if they are pin compatible and given I might recycle the drive at some stage in the future I think I am inclined to shop in that direction; the Crucial M500 240Gb looks like the cheapest 'name' I have found so far. Any objections?

As for the modded bios issue --- hmmmm. As I said I am pretty sure I have done it already, but unless there is a way of telling from the BIOS signature I posted above I guess I'll find out soon enough when I install to the SSD

I'm utterly unimpressed with M500, but those are your quids to spend.

ajkula66 wrote:I'm utterly unimpressed with M500, but those are your quids to spend.

Hmmm. Another option is the Samsung 840 EVO - how do you feel about that? (I know the 830 came strongly recommended from several sources, but that appears to have vanished entirely from the distribution system)

I recommend Middton's BIOS which will unlock the chipset and give you SATA II speed. I'm not to particular about any SSD brand so long as it's a good brand from Kingston, Samsung, Crucial, Samsung and others. Within each brand there is good and bad just Google the particular drive that you like and read some reviews (taken with a grain of salt of course.) For me price is the biggest determining factor. All SATA III drives will work with a X61T or most any other laptop. Of course don't forget to backup, backup then backup the backup. Sooner or later all will fail.

X-Man wrote: Hmmm. Another option is the Samsung 840 EVO - how do you feel about that? (I know the 830 came strongly recommended from several sources, but that appears to have vanished entirely from the distribution system)

Hate it with a passion.

What are you looking to spend, and what size SSD are you interested in to begin with?

ajkula66 wrote:What are you looking to spend, and what size SSD are you interested in to begin with?

Something in the range of 250gb, with price competitiveness obviously something of a consideration.

My top picks:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... gnorebbr=1

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... gnorebbr=1

No clue on what they cost in the UK, but I'm certain that it won't be that difficult to find out.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I don't know if it's available across the pond, but the WD Black² might be worth a look. It's a 120GB SSD paired with a 1TB HDD all in a 9.5mm drive, which would fit the X61t. It's the best of both worlds, speed and space.

ZaZ wrote:I don't know if it's available across the pond, but the WD Black² might be worth a look. It's a 120GB SSD paired with a 1TB HDD all in a 9.5mm drive, which would fit the X61t. It's the best of both worlds, speed and space.

Interesting, but alas unavailable in the UK at this time, as far as I can see.

Anyway have now taken the plunge on the Crucial M550. I'll be back to report progress or complain bitterly to ajkula, depending on how installation proceeds