Thinkpads Forum

The T410s with discrete nVidia graphics is now listed as available for order (though not in stock) where I live. I won't be playing games or doing graphically intensive work on the machine, but a colleague had problems with a multi-monitor setup on his previous generation Intel-graphics-based laptop, which makes me wonder whether to go with the presumably all-round more competent nVidia solution. I'm basically leaning towards the Intel chipset though. Do you know of any issues, other than games / 3D, with the T410s, that might influence my choice? For example differences / issues with multi-monitor support, driver stability / quality issues, but also heat / power consumption issues. Can I still use the smaller / lighter 65W power adapter if I get the nVidia graphics? More knowledge is always good, so any info on differences like the above would be appreciated.

I just ordered the T410s with switchable Nvidia graphics (because I occasionally like to play a little Left4Dead or whatever when I'm travelling for work, etc), but I would say this:

The new Intel integrated graphics chip that isincluded with the Core i5/i7 series CPUs (as in, inside the chip-package) is far superior to their older GMA series integrated graphics.

I've used laptops with the new integrated graphics and a Core i5, and playing back 720p HD video (it was a matrovska-wrapped h.264 video stream) was flawless and smooth. Windows 7 "Aero" with translucency, etc, was all fine.

I didn't have a chance to test the multi-monitor support - probably you can google to find that out (it's always important to me - I almost always have a 22" screen that I work off of primarily). My current laptop is a T-60 with discrete ATI Radeon x1400 graphics, which can actually play Left4Dead and other 3D games built on the Source engine at 800x600 and medium quality at good framerates. Hopefully the Nvidia NVS switchable is even better

If I choose nVidia graphics, the power cord will automatically change to 90W. I am wondering if I switch to Intel graphics when I go out, can I use 65W power cord wich is smaller??

Also, in this nVidia T410s, the SSD seems to be Samsung 128G. Does any one have some comparison with Intel X18? I search for related info, but I am not quite sure that's the one in T410s.

Thanks

I've run my T400 on the ATi3470 chip on a 65W adapter with no issues (playing L4D2). I hear that it's supposed to throttle performance when doing so, though.

Colonel O'Neill wrote:I've run my T400 on the ATi3470 chip on a 65W adapter with no issues (playing L4D2). I hear that it's supposed to throttle performance when doing so, though.

Thank you

When you receive your laptop, could you post what the Windows 7 experience index scores are?

Also, if it isn't throttling the video card while performing that test, make sure you set the machine to maximum performance so we can get a better picture of the video card rating that Windows reports.

Thank you!

kkyoung wrote:If I choose nVidia graphics, the power cord will automatically change to 90W. I am wondering if I switch to Intel graphics when I go out, can I use 65W power cord wich is smaller??

Also, in this nVidia T410s, the SSD seems to be Samsung 128G. Does any one have some comparison with Intel X18? I search for related info, but I am not quite sure that's the one in T410s.

Thanks

You can use either one based on my past usage and inquiry to tech support on this in the past for a T61 with an Nvidia card and another T61 one without it and integrated instead. Just the charging will take longer with the smaller brick. They won't sell it to you that way but if you have a 65w brick you can use it. At least for the T61, the discrete came with the smaller brick instead.

I'm not sure if anyone already answered this, but:

On the order page (and my order-confirmation page) when I ordered my T410s with NVidia switchable graphics, it specifies:

NVidia NVS Switchable Graphics 512MB

But the order-status page (which now shows it as already shipped, with UPS tracking info linked from the page) lists the graphics as:

NVDNVSSG256MB

Is this just Lenovo not updating their order-status system, or are they pulling a bit of "bait-and-switch", by showing the option as NVidia graphics with 512 MB, but shipping a 256 MB card? Ultimately, it's not going to make a huge difference - the types of games I'm likely to occasionally play will run okay with 256MB, but still.

Did anybody who ordered a T410s with 512MB NVidia switchable graphics get it yet, and check to see what the graphics card reports as onboard vram?

Has anyone seen a benchmark comparison between the available Intel and nVidia graphics options?

Its most likely dedicated 256MB and the rest is shared.

No benchmarks that I've seen yet, but I'm sure we're all patiently waiting for one.

I want to see what the Windows 7 scores are for starters...

Right now, I have T410 with an nVidia that reports a 6.0 for gaming and a 5.0 for Aero performance...