Intel 5100 -> 5300 + Turbo Memory Question

[ComputerMinder]

I searched through the forum but didn't find a conclusive answer.

The model I wish to purchase comes with Intel 5100, but I want to replace it to Intel 5300. My question is, if I try to replace it myself does all the 3 wires for the 3 antenas that the Intel 5300 require are there? Even though the model comes with 5100 ?

Also, how many screwes should be removed to make that replacement? In the X61s which I replaced the Wireless card it took a bit of work, but on the 3000 series it's just one screw. I wonder how it goes with the X200s ?

Also I would like to add the Turbo Memory which comes with some models but doesn't with other models. My question is that possible and easy to do?

Thanks guys

[mooingmooseman]

I actually asked the same thing a week ago and no one got back to me. I, like you, ordered the x200 with the 5100 and no turbo memory thinking I'd do it myself for cheaper. However!

1. Lenovo does NOT seem to sell the 4gb Intel Turbo memory-- I can't even find a part number. I can't find anyone that sells the 2gb for a reasonable price either.
2. The x200 only takes the HALF SIZED turbo memory-- you can't use the one you buy from amazon

As for the 5100, the advice I was given is the 3rd antenae is installed already so upgrade should just be a matter of plugging in new card. However, there is likely no advantage in upgrading since the 3rd antena is only for the N-draft MIMO signal so unless you're broadcasting that and need more than 54Mbps….

I'd love to hear more feedback/advice though. I am willing to pay for the 4GB intel memory but no one sells it!! @$!@#$

[ComputerMinder]

thanks for the the response.

strangely I just looked through the latest tabook (updated january 2009) and i can't find any X200s coming with 4GB Turbo memory??? The only x200s I see there comes with 2Gb turbo memory.

Are you sure there's any model that comes pre built with 4gb turbo memory?

The question I originally asked about the Turbo Memory was if I can install the 2gb one alone, I didn't even know 4gb one exists as you just said so.

About the network card, 54mbps is more than enough for me. But I heard the Intel 5300 has better reception and it's not just about speed. I may be wrong though.

[mooingmooseman]

regarding the 5300, that's what i thought too. i'm using the 5100 right now, no problems. no one's done a real life comparison of the strength of the two so not sure if one is actually better than the other. personally, i decided not to go for it since i don't have N-draft router anyways so it's just not worth it for the possibility of it being stronger

and when you configure the x200, you get the option to include the 4gb turbo memory (see their website). it says may delay which means likely new/backordered which is why i didn't get it in the first place. the 4gb is only $90 though, pretty decent deal.

[ComputerMinder]

and when you configure the x200, you get the option to include the 4gb turbo memory (see their website). it says may delay which means likely new/backordered which is why i didn't get it in the first place. the 4gb is only $90 though, pretty decent deal.

If you ever find a place to buy the 4gb Turbo memory or have the part number let me know. For $90 or even a bit more than why not.

[mooingmooseman]

lol yeah that was my question though, i can't find the p/n for it. maybe i'll call lenovo directly

[Goran]

If you ever find a place to buy the 4gb Turbo memory or have the part number let me know. For $90 or even a bit more than why not.

Because so far no-one has proven any benefit for it, unless you're short on RAM?

[MTWIZARD]

I and another member barrywohl have the full size 4GB Turbo memory cards in our W700's

I wanted the card to do two things, decrease boot time and speed up loading programs.

I have not noticed any change in my boot time but I have noticed a speed up of program loading. You must choose which programs you want to speed up and pin them to Readyboost.

I should point out I am a speed demon, I am never happy waiting on a machine.

I run 7200RPM and 8GB ram and 4GB turbo memory. When big enough SSD drives are available I will use that also.

Thank you,
MTWIZARD

[mooingmooseman]

looks like no one knows where we can buy the 4gb half size?

[AvalonXIII]

looks like no one knows where we can buy the 4gb half size?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Half-mini-Turbo-Mem ... dZViewItem

[aau007]

Just a word or caution if you guys want to use the turbo memory card. Turbo memory card is not supported by XP and will only work with Vista.

I have the x200s that comes with the 2G turbo and I downgraded the OS to XPP and now my 2G turbo is sitting there doing nothing, on top of the SDD that I swapped in.