What graphics performance to expect from i7 X220? [ Edited ]

[RichardW]

These are the Windows Experience Index results on my i7 X220 (4286-CTO), on a 65W power adapter:

Processor:                 7.1

Memory (RAM):         7.5

Graphics:                    5.7

Gaming graphics:     6.1

Primary hard disk:   7.6 (SSD)

Good except that the graphics are so far below the other items.

[anstmich]

I only have the i5, however it nonetheless provides an adequate reference:  I am able to play HalfLife 2: Episode One (fairly demanding game) with the video settings set to high at 1920x1200 and get about 40-50 fps consistently.  The integrated graphics do seem to struggle with certain effects (e.g. motion blur or high AA settings).  I have also done some very breif tesets in blender 3D and my x220 appears to be able to handle relatively high polygon counts without terrible difficulty

Regardless, considering that the x220 was probably not designed with gaming in mind, it does very well.  

[BigBossMan]

Here is a video of 1st gen i7 x201 on a good day playing Dirt 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KnkPK1WrlA

It has lost a little graphical performance since, which I could probably get back if I shutdown some stuff. The performance lost is probably due to migrating more of my software development tools from my old x60.

Then again, I have an external graphics card, so I do not notice as much. I am in the hunt for a good price on "Dirt 3" for the PC. I cannot find it in the local stores. Microsoft's Market Place, which I can download from, wants 50$ for the game. New Egg does not have it. Steam has the same price.

Seems like consoles get more attention these days games wise.

If you want, I could go for a good score Windows Experience Index without the external video card. I would note that my hard drive is fully encrypted, so I may not score as high in that area.

[sates]

Hey,

I got my X220 2 days ago, and I am seeing unfortunately the famous throttling issue as well. However, the WEI score of graphics is 5.1. I have updated all drivers. Do you think this low WEI score is related to the throttling?

Processor:                 7.1

Memory (RAM):         7.9

Graphics:                    5.0

Gaming graphics:     6.1

Primary hard disk:   5.9

[Sathana]

I got almost the same score when I used the 65W apadter on i7.

Processor:                 7.1

Memory (RAM):         7.5

Graphics:                    5.0

Gaming graphics:     6.1

Primary hard disk:   7.4

However, when I used the 90W (non-slim) adapter, I got

Processor:                 7.1

Memory (RAM):         7.5

Graphics:                    6.3

Gaming graphics:     6.3

Primary hard disk:   7.4

WEI can be vary about 0.1-0.2 on the same system sometime, but the jumping from 5.0 to 6.3 is coming from throttling issue.

[Pflunz]

With i5 I get with 65Watt adapter:

Processor: 7.1

Memory (RAM): 7.5

Graphics: 6.4

Gaming graphics: 6.4

Primary hard disk: 7.6

most intel drivers from intel, rest by lenovo

[billbolton Community Moderator]

---

RichardW wrote:

Memory (RAM):         7.5

Graphics:                    5.7

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How much memory do you have installed?

Cheers,

Bill

[RichardW]

Hi Bill,

I have 8 GB installed. This from NewEgg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231342

[mellospace]

I just installed a 2nd 4gb stick of ram today and here are my WEI scores with a non-slim 90w adapter (X220 i7 processor here). The results are pretty similar to yours.

Proc -7.1
Memory - 7.5
Graphics - 5.9
Gaming Graphics - 6.3
Hard disk - 5.9

Previously, with one stick of ram this was my WEI score...

Proc -7.1
Memory - 5.9
Graphics - 4.7
Gaming Graphics - 6.2
Hard disk - 5.9

[sates]

How do you guys get such high graphics scores? I have the same system but the graphics WEI is 5.0. I have installed the latest drivers updates etc.