Vista x64 install using Thinkvantage System Update easy

[pmeinl]

I did a clean install of Vista x64 on my X61T using Thinkvantage System Update.
The procedure was very easy but took quite long.
In the past I always did a Windows only install (no IBM Tools).
This time I was too lazy for that an used System Update.

Here are my steps.
0. New HD (Hitachi 7K200). x64 License from our MSDN subscription.
1. Installed Vista X64
2. Installed Avast virus scanner
3. Installed ThinkVantage System Update
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... TE.html#hp
4. Updated using Thinkvantage System Update
This found and installed all drivers needed.
Had to boot once without beeing asked to.
I took very long to download updates (hours? with a cable modem connection).
I took very long to install updates.
Had to click OK several times.
5. Updated using Vista Windows Update.

The only problem I had for a couple of weeks was the grahpics driver recovering from time to time.
This problem went away a couple of days ago: I assume the Windows update module kb937500 fixed it.
This was installed by Thinkvantage System Update not by Vista Windows Update.

Vista Experience Index:
Processor: 4.7
Memory: 4,9
Graphics: 2,6
Gaming: 3,2
HDD: 5.3
Does anybody have an Experience Index without IBM Tools?

If you want an install with Vista only (no IBM Tools) look here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

[iamdmc]

You only get 2.6 in Graphics???

Don't the X61T and X61s have the same integrated graphics module (X3100)?

I get 3.5 on both gaming and graphics with only 2GB of RAM (and I see you have 4GB)

Is this a problem with Vista x64? I'm running x86

[pmeinl]

I just realized that I have Aero switched off.
With Aero on updating the experience index hangs.
I do not know if this influences the result.

My standard resolution of 1440x1050. With 1024x768 I get:
Processor: 4.7
Memory: 5,7
Graphics: 3,2
Gaming: 3,2
HDD: 5.3
Strangely the memory score changed too?!

[bigwormie]

Thanks for this post. I have almost the same config except no turbo memory (WWAN instead). Can you please tell us if you notice any difference between 32 and 64 bit? I am looking to change to x64 bit next week to be able to use 4gb of ram.

Do applications launch faster?
Does the machine wake from sleep faster?
Does the machine seem more stable to you?

[pmeinl]

I did only move to x64 to get at all the RAM I can for my virtual machines. With 32bit Vista you cannot access the complete 4GB because PAE is not supported.

In general I recommend moving to Vista x64 only if you need the memory. If doing a fresh install anyway, nothing speaks against x64 as long as you make shure all drivers you need exist in x64 versions (x64 requires that all drivers be digitally signed by the developer!).

Vista x64 does have some security and reliability advantages but won't speed up a system in most cases:
http://4sysops.com/archives/vista-x64-v ... a-edition/
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5709
http://www.exoid.com/?page_id=124
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/wi ... ff_x64.asp

I am having the following problems with Vista x64 on my X61T:

[] With Aero switched on I still have the problem with the graphics driver recovering periodically. I did not have this problem with 32bit Vista. Aeoro off is OK for me.

[] I planned to connect external disks via eSATA.
I tried a Dawicontrol PCMCIA eSATA card (silicon image 3512 chip, X61T does not support ExpressCard).
It only writes at 4MB/Sec compared to 20 MB/Sec via USB on the X61 and 65 MB/Sec using eSATA with the same disk on my desktop. I assume this is driver problem. I have no data for 32bit but there are newer drivers for 32bit.

BTW: Windows XP is a totally different story: 64bit XP is based on a newer code base (2003 server) than 32bit XP. It is much faster, more reliable and needs less ressorces than 32bit. But to my knowledge there are no drivers for the X61.

[erik]

BTW: Windows XP is a totally different story: 64bit XP is based on a newer code base (2003 server) than 32bit XP. It is much faster, more reliable and needs less ressorces than 32bit. But to my knowledge there are no drivers for the X61.

vista x64 is also based off of the server 2003 64-bit code and is why it's typically faster and more reliable than vista x86.   on my T61p vista x64 easily seems as fast as server 2003 but it took a lot of optimization to get there.   in my experience vista is less of an "out of the box" setup when compared to XP/2003 but can be a great OS once tweaked.

i haven't used vista on an X61 tablet though, only XP 2005 tablet edition.

[bigwormie]

Thanks for the feedback. I will give it a shot and then report back as to whether or not I experience any changes in performance.

[pmeinl]

I looks like a new graphics driver from intel solved my Aero problems, see:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 642#354642

[bigwormie]

Ok guys, did the UPGRADE to x64 and I am now completely happy with my machine. There were a couple issues with the video driver and outlook 2007 with business contact manager. But I updated the driver and downgraded to outlook 2003 and I am now totally happy with my machine. Extremely stable, undocks faster, and I am convinced that I get better battery life.