Lenovo ThinkPad X201 Subnotebook - The Small & Mighty Laptop!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- As the years have passed, the push for more power & performance in a laptop caused them to get heavier and larger to accommodate all of the hardware that was required! With the change in CPU cooling requirements amongst many other advancements in tech - we introduced the Subnotebook into the mix!
In this video we will explore the Lenovo X201 Subnotebook which sports an i5 CPU and 4gb of memory. Can we cross the ram specs? Can we run Windows 10 and get on the internet? Let's find out!
#nostalgia #retropc #intel #lenovo #laptop #mini #windows10 #ibm
I have been using almost exclusively small ThinkPads since I was a little girl. My first X-series one was an X200T, which I still own and use as a low-distraction writing machine under a lightweight Linux distro.
Since that time I've gotten an X230T and an X380 Yoga (my current daily carry laptop) and adore them all.
That's awesome!!! They really are great machines and so portable!
have an x200 ( librebooted) 8gb of ram still a champ to this day - the older thinkpads really are pretty damn awesome.
That's awesome and I completely agree.
I still use my X201 tablet and I really love this PC. Of course, it has been significantly updated over time with SSD, RAM, GPS, mobile modem and multiple batteries. I use it for car diagnostics, where I don't need the keyboard, so I twist the display and use it in tablet mode.
Haha that's pretty cool! Nice to see it still in use today, and in such a way.
Love those ThinkPads! As far as Win10 installation, just a possible reason why it failed, besides a generic drive. As I'm an admin at my workplace, in one of our labs, there was an issue with 22h2 version (certain build) of Win10 that I had on my usb drive. As all of the machines had the same hardware, and all of them failed exactly at the same point (17:36 in your video), at that point i reverted to 21h2 which worked perfectly. Later on I downloaded the "same" 22h2, but not only was it not the same image size, but this time, installation worked. I'm not saying that this might be an issue here, since you tested that ssd and found it to have issues, but it might not always be the issue with the hardware, but the image itself. Btw, I'm certain that you just need a good set of memory and you'll be running 8GB in no time.
Love this thank you! I will definitely get ankther drive, attempt it with these steps in mind. As for memory, I think you are right!
Great video! Love the X series - my X201 is running Win11 with 8GB RAM, and of course an SSD. There is a BIOS mod available that removes the whitelist so you can run newer WiFi cards - IE Intel 7260AC.
I should mention that the 201 uses the same dock as the x200 (X200 Ultrabase) which besides port replication, has a built-in optical drive and a DisplayPort 1.2 port for digital video.
Ok, so this comment is awesome. Now I 100% know I can go to 8gb, SSD and bonus... Win11!! Thanks for the dock info as well, I'm going to keep an eye out. It really is a small and mighty machine!! Thanks again for watching and your support!
I've done the same bios upgrades for my thinkpads. I also have one of the thinkpad advanced dock for my T60 laptop. The dock has PCIe slot in it and DVD drive.
Nice!
Where can I get the BIOS mod!?
This would be grate
Archive.org or Lenovo may have the BIOS listed for this machine.
The yellow usb is the Always-on usb for charging things when laptop is off but connected to wall. I have a X220 i use when i'm away from home, 8gb ram and a 128gb ssd in it. And 16gb sdcard. Recently discovered it takes msata ssd so i had to put in a 120gb. So a lot of storage for mine. Originally i got mine from a friend, one of the usb's was broken. I found a same model in e-waste, just changed the motherboard around. Have also bought a original 6-cell battery for it. Except for the soldered down i5-2500 it runs Transport Tycoon Deluxe just fine. Also installed with Win 10 Pro.
Thanks for sharing this info especially about the yellow USB! I will get this system to 8gb and an SSD for sure.
I have an X201i (with the 1st-gen Core i3) and I use it daily for web browsing , email and light work. I also have an X220, X270 and X280, so the X201i is pretty much a machine that I don't worry about upgrading. I did have a fan faiure recently, but I was able to take it apart and blow it clean again. If the fan goes permanently, though, I'll probably write it off, as the X220 is quicker, has a better screen and similar keyboard (plus I've done some upgrades to RAM and SSD on it). For a 14 year-old system, it's remarkably quick, stable and reliable. Interestingly, it only has a trackpoint--it's probably one of the last Thinkpads that they made with no trackpad at all.
If anyone finds one of these in decent shape, than they're worth considering. But the wider screen on the X220 is an improvement and it's not really any less portable.
Thanks for sharing this. I love all things Thinkpad so it's great to hear someone else is also running on this hardware still today!
@@TheRetroRecall Yeah I love Thinkpads too! I have 10 or so at the moment. My main system is a P51 with a Xeon, 64 Gb of ECC RAM< and 8 Tb of SSD.
9:30 with the X-series the "Ultrabase" was available, that was an add-on which makes the device a bit thicker but gives it an optical drive, some more ports and better speakers, the BIOS speed option is for that drive.
I'm going to keep my eye open for that, it would be a cool add on. Thanks!!
@@TheRetroRecall unfortunately I may only have one for the X220 somewhere in a box with laptop parts which is not compatible with the X201.
Keep an eye open too haha!
When I saw 8GB fail I was hoping you might get it going with 6GB RAM and you did, nice! That KingFast F10 SSD looks super cheap. I read on Reddit that it has an incredibly high failure rate & supposedly uses NAND flash chips from brand names that didn't pass quality control. Modern Windows definitely needs a good brand name SSD even if we have a soft spot for spinning rust!
For sure, I'm still determined to get the 8gb working! For the SSD it's what was laying around, however I believe this system definitely deserves a new one!
I had a T510 and ran into the same RAM issue.
In the end, I had to get 2 x 4GB PC3-8500 in order to get to 8GB total.
I have since sold that laptop.
I also have an X230 which I love. It can handle Win 10 no problem.
I am somewhat of a ThinkPad hoarder. I have 5 ThinkPads currently.
At one point, I had about 12 ThinkPads, but I got rid of many of them.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a thinkpad hoarder. I approve this comment!!
great content as always & yeah figuring out ram with a laptop can always be an issue. I've had some issues working on my old dell laptop from 2009 and had to order brand new ram for it. I can max it out at 8gb however DDR2 ram is just so damn expensive. So 4gb 700mhz of DDR2 will have to do for now.
Also the said laptop I worked on was a dell Inspirion 1545, if you ever get one it's the easiest dell laptop to service. The CPU/Heatsink has a panel under the computer next to ram and you can even change the Wi-Fi card to a newer one too. There's no need for a full teardown unless you want to change the CMOS battery...
Awesome. Yeah, ram is always fun and I always found it even more interesting with Lenovo systems haha! Thanks for the tips!
@@TheRetroRecall Ahh no problem, happy I was able to give out a few tips. I've grown inserted in think pads myself but the issue I've personally ran across is the rubber coating on them.
Yeah same.. I just use 99% IPA and a toothbrush, microfiber etc to remove it. Check out my 380XD restoration video!!
Funny, I just commented on the ungodly prices for DDR2 RAM. I have a pretty dope X61 with an 240GB SSD, 2x 4GB ram, and a C2D. I plan to test Zorin OS on it, as Windows 10 makes it run HOT, despite disassembly, thorough cleaning, and thermal paste reapplication. As I just want it as a glorified typewriter, going Linux would not bother me much
That sounds good. I'm going to attempt Linux soon.
Love ThinkPads! My dream ThinkPad would be a t530/w530 and pimp it so much haha🤣
Stay tuned.. I may have a w530 :)
@@TheRetroRecall Oh sweet!!
Here to confirm 8GB of ram works on the x201, runs surprisingly well both windows 11 and pop os 22.04
Do you know exactly the type of ram? (speed, low voltage?) thanks!
I am still using x201 day to day. Mine is from 2009, I upgraded the ssd and the ram to 8gb. I changed the thermopaste once, changed keyboard twice. I upgraded to win10 but downgraded back to win7 back in 2015 . I might upgrade back to win 10 one day.
That's awesome to here! It's a great machine and very snappy with an SSD!
Great laptops. I have the x220, which is basically this one looks the same, with a core i5-2520m, 8gb, 128gb ssd....It's my work laptop, a customer let us keep it because he didn't feel like replacing it's bad hard drive. I had my boss buy me a ssd caddy so it would fit in nice (wonder why the hdd failed it was loose before), and it's been a great workhorse. I like how it has an LED light that shines down on the laptop keys to light the keyboard. Dual boot Win11/Ubuntu
Nice build and even better you are still using it today!!! Thanks for sharing.
X220 looks quite different to X201 though.
Their biggest differences are:
1. X220 is more rectangular
2. No lid latch on X220
3. 16:9 screen instead of 16:10
4. Clickpad instead of a trackpad with separate mouse buttons
On the other hand, they do use the same keyboard. Not just the design, but the same part.
@@OverTallman I have both the X201 and X220, and no, they don't use the same keyboard. The X220 keyboard is using the same keyboard as the T410/420 series. They have the same connector, but that's about it, the hotkeys will not work when you try to use say, a X200/201 keyboard on a T420 and vise versa.
@@MixShadowlight I stand corrected. Thanks for reminding me on their keyboard differences.
I've mixed up the X201 keyboard compatibility with the larger T410/T510 which does share the same keyboard with X220 and T420. X201 actually uses the older keyboard which was first used on Z60m/Z60t.
Apparently my memory didn't serve me well considering I've owned a few T410 and X201/X201s before, so big oof to myself 😓
@@TheRetroRecall I still daily drive mine too. The X220 I have was supposed to replace it. I didn't like it, was going to sell it and the next thing, it became my sister's.
One thing I will say though, is that the last bios update, which only updates the ec firmware compared to the previous, is said to be known to break compatibility with chinese clone replacement batteries, so keep that in mind when updating the bios if you intend to use it with those chinese clone replacement batteries.
Thanks for this info!
I've collected a bunch of Lenovo laptops over the years because being the IT person at work, we upgrade every 4-5 years. I have the same laptop with 8GB of ram and an SSD. I prefer installing Ubuntu on these older laptops. Seems like the newer models are made much cheaper now.
Agreed and good to know! 8gb here we go!
i got it with a Core I3 370, 8gb ram and 120gb SSD and Windows 10. For web browsing, text, office use and more is still good 10 yers after.
That's great. Yes, these systems have definitely stood the test of time. Glad to hear yours is still going.
I use a thinkpad for work love my thinkpad
Agreed. They are my favorite line of notebooks!
x201 is still my daily driver,still strong and fast!
Awesome!!! So much use even today.
Yes, mechanical 5400 rpm drive running Win 10.
@@vuhamthieu just simply get a ram upgrade and SSD , that would be a big difference than before ,like A LOT. It would be better if you're running on Linux
But yeah, first gen core it's not that good in power efficiency and heat control... even the best thermal paste on the market can't fix that
do you use Linux?
I do not, however I know it will help improve the performance of these older systems.
have you tried to update the bios to enable more ram? and maybe you have ram with different voltages (indicated by an L in the name like PC3L-xxxx or DDR3L-xxxx) all inserted ram must be the for the same voltage, otherwise it will not work
I did attempt the PC3L memory, both identical and the system is not happy with it. This is the correct memory, I just think that the 2 sticks I had were not good. I will be trying different configs and will get it to 8 as it seems Lenovo posted another data sheet that shows this can now accept 8gb. As for the BIOS update, definitely an option in the process. I'm determined haha.
i have had the same issue with the ramm in various machines. i got past it by leaving one original with one new larger volume ramm. then both larger volume. sometimes i have started with just one larger volume and progressed upward. i have an hp pavilion g7 with 12gb that was only supposed to support 8. i wish i could get it up to 16 but hey ill take 12 over 8 for now.
I tried different configs. I'm going to try some different ram to see what happens. Determined! Haha.
Hi, is it possible to upgrade the video card in the x201 ? I would need a DX 11 card.
I'm not sure to be honest, however some other models at the time did come with different graphics chips so it may be possible.
i love the lenovo t60 notebook still
The t60 and t61 were a amazing machines. I used a t61 for quite a bit - amazing performance. I am on the hunt for a decent one!
These can take 8GB absolutely fine, they aren't picky with RAM. They aren't picky with clock speed either, you can put PC3 12800 in there just fine, they will just be downclocked to 8500 regardless which is what the chipset could support.
Unfortunately it must have just been the ram I used. I have some PC3L memory, however the low voltage nature of it will let it function but freezes. I will be on the hunt for different ram.
love myThinkpad X201
It really is a great machine!!
mine works like a charm ,runs win11tyni 8gb ram and ssd 128gb and linux lite 6.6 dual boot 😀😀
That's awesome! They are a great machine for sure :)
I have just looked up the specifications for that laptop and they state that 8 gig., is the maximum. I have found that cleaning the ram., with Isopropyl alcohol sometimes helps and in my opinion, an SSD., is the way to proceed and Linux Mint Mate version would really improve the performance.
Got your email, thank you! It must have been an updated article as I looked in other sources and it states 4 for this model. I tried contact cleaner, but I think the memory itself is the issue. I will rule it out by using a different set a ram and working backwards. Either way - 8gb is the mission!
@@TheRetroRecall Hello, you are welcome and 8 gig., when combined with an SSD., will make such a difference. That size of computer would be useful when one is travelling.
I'll definitely be on the hunt for the right set of ram and a working SSD!!
try a bios update if it has one as i find them to be beneficial.
I will do that. I'm always weary in case the update has the opposite effect. I've always been lucky on newer systems but when it come to older ones I'm a bit more cautious haha. I should get an eprom reader so I can backup these chips unless they are available online.
It is often possible to install more RAM than a manufacturer says can be installed. With some laptops they say 16 GB is the maximum but really they work with 32 also. Is having more RAM than was specified for it bad for any component in the computers? Is it usually just a suggestion that just shows that they don't really know the specs of the CPUs they use? That CPU you have there would have had a maximum limit of 4 GB with a 32 bit CPU OR if a 32 bit operating system was installed. Anything after 4 GB would not appear to exist in the system despite it being physically present.
Fortunately I was able (on video) to install 6gb in a stable configuration showing in the BIOS and in Windows, with a feeling of increased performance. Many others have indicated that they have this machine with the same specs and have successfully upgraded to 8gb. It was later shown that Lenovo released updated specs for this machine showing 8gb was the max. Not sure re: CPU outside of that 6gb has been attained with 8gb extremely possible.
Oh, and I forgot to addon, the bios you have should work just fine with 8GB of RAM already. Cos that was the version my second X201 have.
Great to know. I am convinced I will get it to 8gb of ram... Just need 2 good working sticks :)
That looks a lot like a more recent X61 😅 I just finished disassembling it, cleaning it and replacing thermal paste. Beautiful little laptops.
Regarding RAM, the X61 is also stated to go up to 4Gb tops (DDR2, though), but it actually supports 2x 4Gb. Too bad 4Gb DDR2 sticks are so unjustifiably expensive,😂 so I see no reason why yours wouldn’t also accept 8Gb
Agreed. I will get it to 8.. Just need to get working ram!
@@TheRetroRecall did you try cleaning the contacts on the module? I had a moment of panic when I reassembled my X61 and powered it back on, only to find out it wasn’t posting. I removed the RAM sticks, cleaned the contacts and reinserted them. Voilà! It booted and got into Windows 10. Funny thing was it had the same sticks before disassembly and they were working fine before 😅
I will try it one more time, but I did try contact cleaner. I will try IPA.
@@TheRetroRecall I use a rubber eraser, I slide it on the contacts on both sides of the stick (not too hard); after removing all the eraser shavings with a small soft brush, I gently rub isopropyl on a Q-tip on the contacts. A bit janky, but third world problems call for third world solutions (now I have to make a Shorts video describing this 😂)
Love me some Thinkpad PCs.
Awesome!!! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
@@TheRetroRecall yep used an N585 as my daily driver for over 8 years
That's awesome!
@@TheRetroRecall finally retired it this year when Mesa decided they were no longer supporting the graphics drivers for the AMD chipset inside. The generic Linux drivers weren't cutting it anymore.
Boooo
I notice the local Goodwill has many, many HP Elitebook 840G3 6600U's for around $200 depending on their condition. I'm thinking these things came from a school.
Probably. It would be fun to get one for sure, however there are also cheaper options based on the condition of course.
I’m pretty sure some older laptops that say they support 4gb can go up to 6gb but not 8gb
For sure, fortunately someone just posted updated specs for this machine released from Lenovo that allowed 8gb! So I'm hopefully set!
A friend of mine gave me a "broken" ThinkPad X200, turns out the hard drive was busted. Installed a SSD and two DDR3 modules (PC3-8500, 4GBx2) and it came back to life inmediately.
That memory type is great to know for my setup. Glad to hear you got yours working great again! What OS did you install?
@@TheRetroRecall I put Windows 10 LTSC 2019 on it. For the integrated graphics (Intel GMA X4500M) I installed a mod driver called "Intel GMA 4500 M / MHD Extreme Plus 2 - by nIGHmAYOR" and it's running fine so far. PC3-8500 module is the highest that X200 supports, but X201 should take PC3-10600 module (1333MHz) instead since it's powered by the first-gen i5 processor.
@@TheRetroRecall And I read some old posts from the official Lenovo forum that ThinkPad X201 doesn't support "DDR3L" (note the L suffix) modules. It will only work with "DDR3" instead. It's something to keep in mind while shopping for compatible ram modules.
That's extremely helpful, many thanks!!
i have bad luck with laptops
How so?? Just not working right for you??
@@TheRetroRecall was given a fujitsu laptop and i the graphic card died a month later. another one the connector to the removable graphic card melted. the third gave out all the magic smoke (battery also melted)
Yeah, that's not cool.
@@TheRetroRecall 4th laptop still works 😀
Haha! 4th times a charm??
Why not try to use window 11 for demo LOL ?
Hahaha well, I was skeptical that win10 would go on. When I get the SSD installed and that 8gb ram, Windows 11 is definitely a possibility!
@@TheRetroRecall Can bypass inside the installation from cmd/regedit
Good to know. Thank you!
My lenovo legion 5 weighs a ton huggge battery, i think that is half it's weight lol..i like yours better, more compact lol
Yeah the battery can make a world of difference.
I wonder how it would run if Linux were run on it…
I have no doubt! It would just be about the distro.