ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 with T520

[fasterbybike]

Can this mini dock be used with a quad core T520 ?

This page http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 72871.html
mentions dual core only ?

If this is not compatible what is the docking solution for quad core T520s ?

Thanks.

[Harryc]

It should work. I ran a W510 quad core in that dock, the only caveat that applies is that you need to use AC adapter that came with the T520.

[fasterbybike]

Thx Harry

They do a version that comes with the 170W adapter for quad core T520/W520
FRU 433830U

[hman]

Fasterbybike - you want this one: http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/cont ... u_area=yes ,

which is the dock "for mobile workstations". It's the same exact dock as the one you mention, but it ships with a 135W power brick. That's what's recommended for the T520 quad core.

However, I've been told that the T520 quad core will run (charge) with the 90W brick, so it should be fine. But, unless you are going to transport the dock around, just get the larger power brick.

But - note what I did (disclaimer - your experience my be different!) - I was told that the T520 quad core will run with the 90W brick. However, a configured quad core T520 with a discrete graphics card will ONLY ship with the 135W brick. So, if you want to minimize the number of power adapters you have to buy, you can order the dock with the 90W adapter, the T520 quad core comes with a 135W adapter, then swap the adapters - put the 135W on the dock, and use the 90W on the laptop when off dock. (Note that I still have to plug into the dock - but I know for sure that the 135W adapter fits, and is approved for use in the dock you mention above.) This way, you only have to tote around the 90W brick (smaller and lighter).

Final note and warning - this power adapter "switch" will not work for the dock with the 170W power adapter - the plug is keyed differently.

[baertracks]

However, I've been told that the T520 quad core will run (charge) with the 90W brick, so it should be fine.

I'm was ready to order a T520 with quad core and then saw that it only came with a 135W adapter. I'm upgrading from a T500 and already have 4 90W adapters scattered around the house in handy locations. Plus I travel intentionally frequently, and I don't want to have to lug a "brick" around with me.

So, can someone CONFIRM that the T520 configured a quad core processor (Core i7-2630QM Processor 2.0GHz, 6MB L3) will be able to be recharged using my 90W adapters?

Thanks.

[baertracks]

So, can someone CONFIRM that the T520 configured a quad core processor (Core i7-2630QM Processor 2.0GHz, 6MB L3) will be able to be recharged using my 90W adapters.

I found the answer to my question in another forum which reported the following:

I've been running my T520 on an old 90W adapter at work, and the bundled 135W at home.

I read somewhere that with a insufficiently powered adapter some thinkpad's will clamp the max speed - don't know if this is the case for the T520.

I haven't noticed any discernible change in performance, running visual studio and some other simulation apps that will use 100% of a cpu core for up to 10 minute bursts. However I don't use the GPU extensively, nor have I run some hard benchmarks between the 90/135 to compare.

I also plugged in a power meter and found the steady state draw of my laptop was substantially less than 90W (can't remember what, just remember it was a lot less than 90)