How is this W Series Lenovo?

[MDMAMGMT]

UPDATE: Okay so here is the new build I am looking at.

• Description
• ThinkPad W530 - 1 Year Depot Warranty
• Processor: Intel Core i7-3720QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.60 GHz)
• Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Professional (64 bit)
• Operating system language: Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
• Display type: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit AntiGlare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
• System graphics: NVIDIA Quadro K2000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
• Total memory: 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
• Keyboard: Keyboard - US English
• Pointing device: UltraNav with Fingerprint Reader
• Camera: 720p HD Camera with Microphone
• Hard drive: 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
• Optical device: DVD Recordable
• System expansion slots: Express Card Slot & 4-in-1 Card Reader
• Battery: 9 Cell Li-Ion TWL 70++
• Power cord: 170W Slim AC Adapter - US (2pin)
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 with Antenna
• Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN
• Integrated mobile broadband: Mobile Broadband upgradable
• Language pack: Publication - US English
• Accessories and options:
• 4YR Onsite Next Business Day + Accidental Damage Protection

Then I am also buying 16 gb Corsair Vengeance RAM to install,
as well as the Samsung 830 Series 256GB SSD


As for why I am getting a ThinkPad and not some other gaming laptop, it is because I will also be using this for school.

Thank you for all your thoughts, what are the thoughts on this final build?

[edit1754]

- Generally, you shouldn't select any memory upgrades on Lenovo's configuration page due to how much they charge for them. It is significantly cheaper to upgrade the memory yourself.
- The i7-3820QM processor upgrade provides very little gain for the cost. Generally, I would suggest going for the 3610QM if you don't need the VT-d instructions, or the 3720QM if you do need the VT-d instructions.
- Consider the 1920x1080 display upgrade, if you don't require the larger text of the (still-decent) 1600x900 display for eyesight-related reasons. (Note: The reason the display upgrade is expensive is because it is a 95% gamut display with very saturated colors)
- Are you looking at this through the Barnes and Noble Gold discount? It isn't unheard of to save $200 through that discount. Sign up and sign in here: Barnes and Noble Gold | Lenovo | (US)

[MDMAMGMT]

I wouldn't know what kind of ram to get... would this be suitable? and would 8 even fit?? Newegg.com - CORSAIR 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory Model VS2GSDS667D2

[coolguy]

Upgrade the wifi card for sure.

[andy789]

1) I would get the lowest i7 processor (3720QM) unless you desperately need powerful 3d graphics.
2) 1920x1080 is almost a must since you get one of the best non-IPS displays with 95% gamut coverage.
3) Don't buy RAM from Lenovo. You can save a lot by purchasing a decent RAM separately.
4) 320GB is a bit small nowadays. Upgrade to a cheapest 500GB 7200 rpm, buy an Ultrabay on ebay and get a decent SSD as a primary drive.
5) You may also consider W520 pre-built with i7 2760QM or 2860QM, which you may find in the range of $1360-1500 with 3 yr warranty, 9-cell and 1920x1080. Again the difference with Ivy bridge processors is not as huge unless you need a top graphic performance. I would vote for W520 and get a decent SSD for the prices difference. With W520 you also get eSATA (missing in W530) port yet some pre-built models still have modems. Perhaps W520 is the last chance to get a normal TP keyboard and not a 'clicklet joke'

[MDMAMGMT]

Just to add some more information, I will be using this computer for some gaming, movie editing, and music. Do you still recommend that I get the 3720QM?

Also, people keep telling me its cheaper to get my own ram. Can someone give me some recommendations or pointers as to what ram to buy?

My budget for the whole computer is around $2,500

[Chainik]

Also, people keep telling me its cheaper to get my own ram. Can someone give me some recommendations or pointers as to what ram to buy?

You're already going to Newegg to find an SSD, but you need help to find RAM?

If I recall correctly, the W530 can handle 32GB of DDR3-1600 (4 8GB sticks). You can get 8GB of Corsair Vengeance from Newegg for $50. 16GB (2 X 8GB) of the same RAM would be $110. I'm sure Lenovo is charging much more for similar upgrades

Yes, take the i7 3720QM. The CPU usually isn't the bottle neck in gaming, and the i7 3720 is probably overkill anyway.

Don't worry about the storage sub-system. I think this refers to using RAID for improved performance (RAID 0) or redundancy (RAID 1). There is a fair amount of debate around how much improvement would be seen in a RAID 0 setup when using solid state drives instead of hard disk drives.

If you are primarily using this for gaming, why not check out a Sager, or other gaming specific notebook?

[edit1754]

I would suggest taking the cheapest base model with the 3610QM actually, unless either you need the extra VT-d, etc. instructions of the 3720QM or if you will benefit from the small percentage boost in performance.

As for the memory: One thing you could do is buy with the stock 4GB, then look at exactly which brand/model of memory is included for the 4GB stick once you receive the laptop. Then buy a 12GB (3x4GB) kit on Newegg.com of the exact type (or just 1x4GB to upgrade to 8GB depending on whether you need 16GB). Though I don't believe it would be too much of an issue to mix RAM brands.

Existing 1x4GB + extra 1x4GB: Newegg.com - 4GB PC3 12800 laptop

Existing 1x4GB + extra 2x4GB: Newegg.com - 8GB PC3 12800 laptop (should be cheaper to get 2 x 4GB instead of 1 x 8GB)

Existing 4GB + extra 3x4GB: Buy both of the above.

[MDMAMGMT]

Hey everyone, I updated the build, please have a look at it before I pull the trigger, thanks!

[Kuroi-Tsubasa]

Unless you need those specialized features (such as VT-d), you should stick to the -3610QM to save a bit of money. Aside from that, the build is good to go! However, you shouldn't order directly from Lenovo's website; instead, you should call them and use discounts and haggling to lower the price. I did that with my W520, which was retailing for $2167 for the stuff I had on it, and paid $1665 on it (this is all before tax), a savings of a bit over $500, or ~24%. Once you write one more comment to get your comment count up to five, I can PM you the contact info for the Lenovo sales agent I called, if you want.