Intel Turbo Memory card for X61

[phongdt]

Hi guys,

I'm planning to buy a Thinkpad X61 to replace the existing T60. Understand that from T61, X61, there is this feature Intel Turbo Memory optional. But the supplier I'm checking with said that the X61 does not come with it.

So, my question is:

- Can I buy this card and upgrade it myslef?
- If can? Do I have to buy direct from Lenovo? Or can buy outside and upgrade like normal memory card?
- Is there any thing I need to take note? ie: compatibility, software, driver...

Thanks much.

PS: I have a side question, all the T61 & X61 now only come with Thinkpad instead of IBM Thinkpad, is it right?

[ZaZ]

The turbo memory is an option on the CTO X61(s) models as long as you get 1GB of memory and is available on some pre-configured models. HP isn't offering it on any notebooks. I don't think Dell is either though I could be wrong on Dell.

Maybe the better question is whether you should get XP or Vista. I haven't seen any notebooks with the Turbo memory. Turbo memory stores the most frequently used files on a flash card which is faster than the hard drive. It's debatable whether it is worth or you should just get some more memory. Interestingly the few Vista notebooks I've seen seem to boot slower than XP.

[Antioch]

It looks to me like you can install it yourself, much the same as you would install a replacement WiFi or WWAN card. I looked at the X61 hardware maintenance guide and found that the Turbo Memory card sits right next to the WiFi and WWAN cards and seems to clip into place.

Here is the Intel Turbo Memory 1GB FRU#: 42T0907

I do not know whether or not you have to buy a Lenovo part, I haven't searched around, but I would assume it uses a standard connector. But again, it may not be available from anywhere but Lenovo so at least you have that option.
(I don't know how much it costs though, I didn't search for that - just the FRU#)

[tomh009]

You can easily install it yourself -- it's about a 15-minute process. According to other forum members, the cards can be purchased aftermarket for as little as $30.

[Antioch]

These Turbo Memory cards are merely 1GB flash drives, correct? As such, do they dissipate any heat under normal use?

[proaudioguy]

I hate to rag on you guys but this subject has been discussed at length in the X6x forum. Read all the threads for the top 3 or 4 pages, and do a search. It's the least you can do if you about to buy.
Here is what I have learned from reading the forum.

Turbo Memory is available on the X61/s/T in Configure To Order (CTO) machines.
It can be bought after market from Amazon.
It uses 512m for Ready boost, and 512m for Ready Drive.
It tends to decrease startup times from hibernation radically, according to at least one youtube movie.
It uses Intel drivers, and only works with Vista.
It makes the largest difference with 1GB or less of RAM.
If you have the WWAN card you can't have Turbo Memory.
Buy 4 GB of RAM, for general operation.

I do not make any claims, since I have an X60 T.

[ryengineer]

These Turbo Memory cards are merely 1GB flash drives, correct? As such, do they dissipate any heat under normal use?

If you customize your notebook from lenovo, yes; you'll only get 1GB.

No, they don't generate any significant heat. I have not run any real test on machines with turbo memory [T61/R61/X61] but I did not notice any performance increase (strictly speaking about Windows ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive) in them as compared to my personal good old T60. Other than that Intel Santa Rosa no doubt provides noticeable enhanced performance over 945 chipset.

[proaudioguy]

My understanding of it from reading many sources, is that it would take several days of use before the performance increase would be noticed. Have you been using yours for 2-4 weeks now?
It took my vista machine about 2 weeks to settle down and that had nothing to do with Turbo memory since I don't have it.

I'm really interested in finding out once and for all if this technology is useful. Would 4 GB of RAM and a 4GB turbo memory card make a huge difference over just 4gb of ram? For me, I am most interested in how much faster it resumes from hibernation, as seen in the you tube videos.