Aftermarket SSD in T410s

[buzzlight]

Folks,

I'm thinking about buying a T410s, but I want a higher capacity SSD than the 128 GB Lenovo currently offers. Does anyone have experience with buying an aftermarket SSD and installing it as the primary drive in a T410s...I'm looking at the Corsair performance series (i.e, the CMFSSD-256GBG2D). Are there any details in terms of compatibility or form factor that I may be missing...on Amazon.com, several people posted reviews describing how they swapped this drive into other T-series laptops with great results, and I'm hoping the same may be true for the T410s.

[Harryc]

That CMFSSD-256GBG2D is a 2.5" SSD. You need a 1.8" SSD. See if you can find an Intel X18-M G2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... sd&x=0&y=0

[buzzlight]

Thanks Harryc

I had the feeling I was missing somthing basic. Now I see the issue...there are very few high capacity SSDs out there in the 1.8" form factor. Interestingly, someone in an earlier post said they had spoken with a sales rep who told them that the 160 GB SSDs they had tried "didn't work well" in the T410s for whatever reason (this was back in Jan). Looking around now, OCZ just came out with the Vertex 2 offering up to 240 GB in a 1.8"....then I looked at the power consumption, which peaks at 2W, more than 10x times the Intel G2 I think...can't be good for battery life...!

Lenovo forums (http://forums.lenovo.com) actually has a few discussions on this topic and the Intel 160 GB G2 was recommended by a few...so that seems to be one way out. Samsung lists a 256 GB 1.8" on their website, 0.23W power consumption (and trim and all that) but I can't seem to find it for sale anywhere...

Thanks again

[w0qj]

Sorry to say, that's one of the major reason why I bought T410 instead of T410s... 2.5" hard drive chocess are much more to choose from and generally cheaper than 1.8" hard drive form factor...

(The other reason why I chose T410 is the RJ11 telephone jack for sending out faxes--business users do still need this, please keep this feature!)

[M3NTAL]

I have a T410s on order and also just ordered an SSD and additional RAM.

I went with the Intel 160GB 1.8" SSD and 8GB of RAM. I wasn't able to find the OCZ Vertex 2 240GB drive for sale anywhere that would ship to me.

[buzzlight]

That's very similar to the configuration I am considering now (160 GB SSD and 8 gb ram). How has it worked so far? Did you image the original windows install on to your new SSD or perform a fresh install...

The new OCZ 1.8" models looked nice, but the 2W power consumption is considerably more than any of the intel models which are 0.15 W when active. I would fear that this could really impact battery life and maybe lead to thermal problems as well.

Samsung and Toshiba both list 256 GB models in a 1.8" form factor but I can't find a place that sells them anywhere...or determine how good/fast they are (TRIM support and other details).

[Tony Chan]

I'm trying to find where I read it, but there was a review article about the intel ssd and it's 1.5w battery claim. Basically it concluded that in real life it is very close to a OCZ Indilinx based controller, which is between 1.2 - 2 w when active.

[M3NTAL]

That's very similar to the configuration I am considering now (160 GB SSD and 8 gb ram). How has it worked so far? Did you image the original windows install on to your new SSD or perform a fresh install...

So far it hasn't worked out at all. Both the T410s and components are on order.

When I get everything together, I'm going to follow these steps:

• Leave the stock machine on for a day or so to play around with it
• Swap in the 8GB of RAM and run a memory tester overnight
• Remove the 250GB HDD and install the SSD
• Do a clean install of Win7 x64 on to the SSD
• Start the optimization process of Win7

I'm currently running Win7 x64 on a T61p w/8GB RAM and it runs like a top. Were it not for my eyes now having trouble with the 1920x1200, I would have just stuck with the T61p and added an SSD.

BTW - I have also picked up an Ultrabay battery as well as an Ultrabay HDD adapter. I think with those, I should have my bases covered.

[buzzlight]

That sounds remarkably close to my plan (just spec'd out a T410s with an ultra-bay battery - I have one now in my T61 and have made good use of it). An ultrabay adaptor sounds like a good idea as well.

I've heard that Lenovo no longer sends out recovery disks so I think that means downloading and installing all Thinkvantage software yourself, unless there is a way to make recovery disks from the machine when it first ships (i.e., before you remove the original stock HDD).

Well, let us all know how it goes.

[M3NTAL]

I've heard that Lenovo no longer sends out recovery disks so I think that means downloading and installing all Thinkvantage software yourself, unless there is a way to make recovery disks from the machine when it first ships (i.e., before you remove the original stock HDD).

I usually just download the Thinkvantage software to a USB key ahead of time. I've got a couple of weeks until the T410s arrives. Most of time I don't install everything.

Anyhow, I'll post results when its done.

[buzzlight]

Well,

I decided to pull the trigger yesterday and order a fully loaded T410s. I am ordering this through my University, which has its own sales portal. When I sat down with the purchasing agent to put the order through, believe it or not there was an option for an Intel 160 GB SSD(!) which I promptly selected. The model number of the entire configured system (8 GB ram, switchable graphics, no touch screen, 160 GB SSD) was 2912-CTO. When trying to configure a similar system online on the Lenovo consumer website, there is no option for the 160 GB SSD, but with everything else the same the model number comes out as a 2901-CTO.

With my luck I'm betting that the Intel 160 GB SSD is a G1...but, figured I'd try it anyway, and upgrade later. If it is a G1 I might stick with it for awhile until reliable, faster, larger capacity drives come out in the 1.8" form factor...

[Tony Chan]

Congrats buzzlight. That's one sweet system. How much you end up paying?

I think it's very unlikely you will get the G1 Intel, but keep us posted.

[buzzlight]

Thanks Tony. The entire system including tax, shipping, and a mini-dock came to just under $3k. Pricey for a personal machine but this is being purchased by my research program, and we get a 10-20% discount on most items. I've had a T61 up until now and have been pretty happy with it, but the cracks in performance, shutdown, and boot-up times are starting to show. I was waiting for a higher capacity SSD option in the T410s but can't wait any further...

That's good news to me if getting a G1 is unlikely...prior to this, I was planning on purchasing my own 160 GB G2 and doing a drive swap + fresh install. Now hopefully I can avoid that hassle.

I'll post again when the system has arrived and I've checked it out...

[rokahn]

Here's two that are purchasable in the USA:

• Samsung makes a 1.8" 256GB SSD (e.g. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=87581)
• Toshiba 256 GB FDE SSD FRU 45N8207

Problem is none I've so far seen have TRIM support. Anything else (that can be purchased) that someone knows about?

[M3NTAL]

Here's two that are purchasable in the USA:

• Samsung makes a 1.8" 256GB SSD (e.g. http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=87581)
• Toshiba 256 GB FDE SSD FRU 45N8207

Problem is none I've so far seen have TRIM support. Anything else (that can be purchased) that someone knows about?

This is the one I wanted, but they won't ship to Canada. (OCZ Vertex 2)

[nikki605]

I've heard that Lenovo no longer sends out recovery disks so I think that means downloading and installing all Thinkvantage software yourself, unless there is a way to make recovery disks from the machine when it first ships (i.e., before you remove the original stock HDD).

Well, let us all know how it goes.

I received my T410 a couple weeks ago and no, they ship no disks. There is a recovery partition (Q:) on the T410 and a lenovo utility that allows you to create 1 set (3 disks) of factory recovery disks. That was virtually the first thing I did after my first power up.

[w0qj]

Just curious, for the set of 3 Product Recovery disks you've burnt, is it:

a) 3x DVD disks?

b) or, 1st disk bootable CD
then 2 more DVD disks? (ie: 1+3 = total 3 disks)?

[nikki605]

Just curious, for the set of 3 Product Recovery disks you've burnt, is it:

a) 3x DVD disks?

b) or, 1st disk bootable CD
then 2 more DVD disks? (ie: 1+3 = total 3 disks)?

All through the process, the steps would just say "insert disk." There was no distinction made between CD or DVD, which leads me to believe that 3 CDs might have worked. But, since it wasn't specific, I just grabbed 3 DVDs to be sure I had enough room on each disk.

The first disk is bootable. After the process completed, I tested it and it did boot up to the first screen, but I stopped there. I then took all 3 disks and used Windows Explorer to copy each one back to a temporary folder on the T410 to verify that each one burned properly and the entire contents could be read. (I've made a lot of coasters and didn't want to be stuck with one again). All 3 disks were readable and copied back just fine.

The process only lets you make one set of disks, so I didn't want to mess up. I've since got back to the create recovery disk process and all I get is a message that says I'm only allowed to make one setof disks. So if something happens to the first set, I don't know what I would do then - punt, I guess.

[buzzlight]

Folks,

Received my new T410s today - it has a 160 GB Intel SSD G2, so I'm good. The rest is 8 gb ram, switchable graphics, no touchscreen, Win7 64 bit.

I was able to make recovery media pretty easily using the ThinkVantage Tools software that comes preinstalled.

I may still migrate to a larger SSD when more options in the 1.8" form factor become available...but I'm good for now.

[Tony Chan]

The process only lets you make one set of disks, so I didn't want to mess up. I've since got back to the create recovery disk process and all I get is a message that says I'm only allowed to make one setof disks. So if something happens to the first set, I don't know what I would do then - punt, I guess.

In the past, when I did restore to factory state, it will allow you to re-create a set of recovery disk. This was before the Q drive ( or whatever that visible drive/partition is ) era.

[M3NTAL]

Folks,

Received my new T410s today - it has a 160 GB Intel SSD G2, so I'm good. The rest is 8 gb ram, switchable graphics, no touchscreen, Win7 64 bit.

I was able to make recovery media pretty easily using the ThinkVantage Tools software that comes preinstalled.

I may still migrate to a larger SSD when more options in the 1.8" form factor become available...but I'm good for now.

I got mine yesterday and installed the Intel 160GB SSD and 8GB RAM. Clean install completed and after 36 hours with the machine, the only thing putting me off is the display. This is, by far, the worst LCD display I have ever encountered. Otherwise, the machine is pretty impressive, though initially it felt cheap because it was so light compared to my T61p.

[Yakl]

Sorry to say, that's one of the major reason why I bought T410 instead of T410s... 2.5" hard drive chocess are much more to choose from and generally cheaper than 1.8" hard drive form factor...

+1

[buzzlight]

I've seen the debates in other threads about the T410s display. Working with it myself, I can see how if movies and/or gaming are major activities then you're going to be somewhat dissapointed in the display quality. I've never thought of Thinkpads being optimized for that kind of use...for everyday business use I think the screen is just fine.

So far I am happy with the machine...lightning quick, the SSD is easily ~2x faster than my T61 (just based on file copy times - not too accurate but the impression is nice!). Boots in about 20-30 seconds. I also had the impression this was a cheap build when I first held it due to the low mass...but, so far appears solid. Only thing I noticed was the thin bottom under the DVD/ultrabay...note to self...I wouldn't put any stress on that area without the DVD or bay adaptor installled...!

I think the selection of higher capacity 1.8" SSDs will only improve with time.

[PilotDave]

Here's a Lenovo 256 GB SSD for the T410s:

ThinkPad 256GB FDE Solid State Drive

Part #: 43N3417

The ThinkPad 256GB FDE (Full Disk Encryption) Solid State Drive (SSD) is an ideal data storage solution that offers improved performance and reliability. It uses speedy nonvolatile memory and no moving parts, instead of the standard hard drive's spinning platters and moving heads. This SSD includes built-in data encryption. This drive is supported on selected ThinkPad systems as the primary drive, also when used with the ThinkPad Serial Hard Drive Bay Adapter III (43N3412) is supported for usage of this drive as a second hard drive. Compatible ThinkPad systems include: T400, T400s, T410, T410s, T500, T510, W500, W510, W700, W701, X200, X200s, X200 Tablet, X201, X201s, X201 Tablet and X301.

[rokahn]

This is a Toshiba product. The only problem with this drive is lack of TRIM support. Toshiba announced a newer HG3 version of this with TRIM support in 1Q2010 but it's still not available (some ebay suppliers tout HG3 versions but they're actually the older HG2). However, even without TRIM support, I'm told by friends that the drive in practice is about as fast as drives with TRIM (I haven't personally verified this). So far as I know, this is the best drive at this time, but I'd like the HG3 version but don't know when it will be released

THNSxC256GBMJ is the part number for the Toshiba 256GB 1.8" encrypted TRIM-supporting drives (250/180Gbps read/write speed):
http://www.storagereview.com/toshiba_intros_32nm_ssds

Here's the Toshiba product page which doesn't list part numbers
http://ssd.toshiba.com/SSD-product-guide.html

[chazas]

Newegg has a Crucial 256GB 1.8" drive for $600. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820148360 It's not on Crucial's website, but a rep confirmed that it is a valid product with a Crucial warranty and TRIM support. Anyone have any thoughts on this product?

[rokahn]

This Crucial SSD is about twice as fast as the Toshiba but doesn't have Fixed Disk Encryption (FDE). I find software crypto such as Bitlocker unreliable as it occasionally asks me for the 25digit key upon booting (this has happened on multiple machines), so I invariably disable it to avoid urgent support calls from my wife. Is there any way to achieve software crypto that doesn't cause support calls?

By the way, what's the easiest way to move the contents of a primary drive to a different HDD (so it still boots Windows)? I'm thinking I would put the empty drive in the primary bay of my T410s, put a HDD in the ultrabay containing an Acronis TIB archive, boot Acronis off a USB drive, and expand the TIB onto the empty drive. Would Windows complain...any other suggestions?

[chazas]

Why should I care about FDE? I've never encrypted anything before. I thought TRIM and speed were the things to look for. What am I missing?

[rokahn]

encryption is useful if you store your bank details (quicken) or other items useful for identity theft. Also useful if your work isn't public (if you only create open source software, encryption not so useful, but if your boss would be upset if you gave strangers access to all your work data, encryption is useful). Windows passwords appear to have workarounds (though I haven't done it myself, that makes it trivial to get past without encryption)

[ThinkRob]

Why should I care about FDE? I've never encrypted anything before. I thought TRIM and speed were the things to look for. What am I missing?

Think of everything money-related you've ever done on your computer. Think of everything private you've ever typed, and anything confidential you've ever sent to or received from a friend.

Now think of a thief having access to all of that.

That's why.