X220 CPU throttling problem

[bender957]

---

I was also wondering why my graphic scores have such a large delta...aren't they usually pretty close? I have the most up-to-date drivers (via Lenovo Update). Any settings I should be looking at?

---

intel graphics drivers through lenovo update is very very old

try install new ones like 2418 or 2430

[Wconghorn]

I'm sorry, but the new 1.19bios didn't help in solving the throttling issue completely. The CPU goes to normal frequency(an i7 ) if I install the battery and plug the AC, but once I uninstall the battery and use only the AC, the CPU goes down to 800mhz. Another issue is the graphics card never boosts(I knew the new sandy bridge graphics have their own turbo boost) even when I install the battery and plug the 65w AC, is the 65w adapter providing insufficient power ? Note that I installednthe latest power manager from think vantage system update.
Thank you!

Thanks for your effort!

[JNavas]

---

bender957 wrote:

---

I was also wondering why my graphic scores have such a large delta...aren't they usually pretty close? I have the most up-to-date drivers (via Lenovo Update). Any settings I should be looking at?

---

intel graphics drivers through lenovo update is very very old

try install new ones like 2418 or 2430

---

I just checked, and the graphics drivers from Lenovo are only about one month older than the ones from Intel, which I doubt is significant..

[JNavas]

---

Wconghorn wrote:
I'm sorry, but the new 1.19bios didn't help in solving the throttling issue completely. The CPU goes to normal frequency(an i7 ) if I install the battery and plug the AC, but once I uninstall the battery and use only the AC, the CPU goes down to 800mhz. Another issue is the graphics card never boosts(I knew the new sandy bridge graphics have their own turbo boost) even when I install the battery and plug the 65w AC, is the 65w adapter providing insufficient power ? Note that I installednthe latest power manager from think vantage system update.

---

1. Lenovo has stated the current BIOS doesn't solve the issue completely, and that further improvements are in the works.

2. Why uninstall the battery? Seriously.

3. How do you know the graphics aren't being boosted as needed?

4. It seems pretty clear the 65W adapter doesn't supply enough power for worst-case performance. For that you need the (larger and heavier) 90W adapter.

5. I don't think Power Manager has anything to do with the issue.

[18bravo]

---

bender957 wrote

intel graphics drivers through lenovo update is very very old

try install new ones like 2418 or 2430

---

Do you have a link to these newer drivers? I checked on Intel's site and the latest driver that I can find is 15.22.1.64.2361 (dated 04/13/2011). I believe I chose the correct graphics chip (actually, choosing either "Intel HD" or "2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics 3000/2000" gave me the same driver page). Intel's driver site, at least for the graphics chips, is a bit confusing/convoluted. Why does it take a month or more for Lenovo to repackage Intel's drivers? I'd be happy if Lenovo just provided the Intel drivers as-is if they're going to take so long re-zipping them and typing up a useless "read me" file.

On a side note, I haven't noticed any slow down graphically. I haven't run any benchmarks (other than WEI) but when I play my FPS games, they seem to work fine with decent frame rates. Sure does get hot near the exhaust port though.

[bender957]

18bravo, i afraid we shift to little offtopic but anyway..

go to intel.com site then in the search box at very top right corner type 2430 or 2462

then there will be drop down list appears and first string there will be 2430 for example

point your mouse cursor there and you will see popup menu at left from your cursor

choice there "drivers and files" -> and you will go to secret intel drivers ^__^

they will give you some nice fps gain in games. up to 50% to compare with lenovo preinstalled drivers

but there is 2 problems

1st. Install these drivers a little tricky.

a. download new drivers

b. turn off your internet connection

c. go to device manager find intel drivers and delete it (mark checkbox include soft)

d. reboot

e. Windows will start trying install drivers - cancel it

f. Install your downloaded drivers

g. reboot

2nd problem in brighteset. you will notice that your dispaly is twice brigther than before

to reset it back to default lenovo states run regedit and find Key called 'FeatureTestControl' value will be f800

replace it with f940. find next. replace all. REBOOT.

enjoy. 

[bender957]

JNavas wrote:

---

I just checked, and the graphics drivers from Lenovo are only about one month older than the ones from Intel, which I doubt is significant..

---

for now lenovo offer 8.15.10.2342 drivers.

offcial intel 2361 frivers they offer on site have significant performance improvements. minimum 25% performance gain in all games. up to 50% in many titles. Also many graphics glitches in games fixed. all marked in readme file. I would call this significant. latest intel drivers 2462 is even better.

lol, and with new intel drivers throttling issue is much harder, guess why? ^__^

[Wconghorn]

Thanks for your response.
Then it would be very curious for me why isn't lenovo shipping this model with the 90w adapter originally.

[JNavas]

---

bender957 wrote:

JNavas wrote:

---

I just checked, and the graphics drivers from Lenovo are only about one month older than the ones from Intel, which I doubt is significant..

---

for now lenovo offer 8.15.10.2342 drivers.

offcial intel 2361 frivers they offer on site have significant performance improvements. minimum 25% performance gain in all games. up to 50% in many titles. Also many graphics glitches in games fixed. all marked in readme file. I would call this significant. latest intel drivers 2462 is even better.

lol, [SNIP]

---

Intel Download Center has
8.15.10.2361 dated 04/13/2011

Lenovo supplies Intel HD driver
8.15.10.2342 dated 03/25/2011   [less than a month older]

Intel Release Notes list performance increases over version 2266,
which is much older than the Lenovo-supplied Intel HD driver.

In other words:

 1. Lenovo supplied HD driver is not "very very old".

 2. Intel driver is not likely to increase WEI significantly.

In addition, the Intel Driver Update Utility does not recognize HD graphics in the X220,

making use of the Intel drivers a needlessly risky proposition. From the Intel FAQ:

"I know I have an Intel device but the Intel® Driver Update Utility does not recognize it?
Intel provides generic versions of software and drivers. If your computer manufacturer altered the features, incorporated customizations, or made other changes the Intel Driver Update Utility may not recognize the device.
Please contact your computer manufacturer for the latest updates and technical support information."

[JNavas]

---

Wconghorn wrote:
Thanks for your response.
Then it would be very curious for me why isn't lenovo shipping this model with the 90w adapter originally.

---

Presumably because the 65W adapter is much smaller and lighter, and does the job in the great majority of real world situations, making it a good fit for an "ultraportable" machine. I think most customers would prefer the 65W adapter if given a choice, but I do think Lenovo should give them that choice when configuring the system, instead of making them buy the 90W adapter as an extra accessory.