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Review Lenovo ThinkPad T430 Notebook

If there is one notebook series, which can be described with the word 'timeless', it would be the ThinkPad series of Lenovo (formerly IBM). LENOVO IdeaPad Y580 charger For 20 years these dinosaurs of computer history have been known as reliable business devices and their high quality/value, for many business customers, often support a noble purchase price.

Despite all the traditions the ThinkPads get frequent overhauls and upgrades. After we recently tested the models T530 and W530 we want to discuss the models of the T4xx series from the 2012 generation, more precisely the ThinkPad T430. This succeeds the T420 and will be equipped as well as the other models with the recent Ivy Bridge generation of Intel. LENOVO IdeaPad Y580A charger

Our test device, which is the top model of the series with a price of almost 1600 Euros (~$2093) (T430 N1XH2GE) , is run by the fast Core i7-3520M accompanied by 4 GB of RAM as well as a 500 GB hard disk. Less expensive variants start at 1150 Euros/~$1504.The graphics will be handled by the professional NVIDIA NVS 5400M. Moreover the customer can be happy about integrated UMTS as well as an enormous 94 Wh battery. Typical for ThinkPad, their 14-inch WXGA++ display is coated with an anti-reflection layer in favor of ergonomics. LENOVO IdeaPad Y580M charger

The traditional competitors of the ThinkPad are the business notebooks from HP and Dell. The respective reviews of the new EliteBook 8470w and Latitude E6430 are still to come, thus we will compare it with their predecessors including the ThinkPad T420. Let's start the battle in suit and tie!

LENOVO IdeaPad Y580N charger Robust and reliable are the most important properties of the ThinkPad. This has not been changed during the years therefore the design has a subordinate importance. The T430 and its sister models let us slightly think of Mercedes' G-Class: edged and primeval, but somehow also timeless and indestructible. The matte black upper surface; which is composed of carbon fiber, fiberglass and reinforced plastics, separates itself considerably from the shiny consumer devices.

Neither the looks nor the dimensions (341 x 232 x 29.9 mm/13.4 x 9.1 x 1.18 in.) nor the weight (2.33 kg/~5.1 pounds, battery included) have changed significantly compared to its predecessor. Even with the smaller 6-cell battery - our 9-cell battery sticks out almost 2 centimeters (0.78 in.) - the notebook is not very special. LENOVO IdeaPad Y580P charger

Known from earlier reviews, the case presents itself as very firm, but some details can be improved further. Above the DVD drive or at the top of the keyboard the chassis can be bent under a strong load without reaching a critical level. Also the machining is not perfected as can be seen on various transitions of different materials. However we clearly want to emphasize: These are just optical shortcomings, which arise due to very critical inspection and are also partly present on the devices of the competitors. Lenovo IdeaPad U260 charger

Many customers value their ThinkPad for the excellent metal hinges, which are also applied on the T430. These are one of the best on the market: Very tight, but absolute precise and without any clearance they hold the display, even during strong vibrations. The lid itself could be a little more resistant to warping. During transportation the known Clamshell design protects the display from dirt and damages due to an overlapping display frame. LENOVO IdeaPad U300s charger

In total we rate the T430 as good as its predecessor. However, the business notebooks of HP and Dell from the last year did satisfy us a bit better in this regard so that Lenovo just earns the bronze medal.

Performance

Potential buyers of the ThinkPad T430 can choose from three different processors of Intel's current Ivy Bridge models. While the cheaper variant is either the Core i5-3210M or the 3320M, our test device is run by the current fastest dual-core CPU on the market, the Core i7-3520M. All the mentioned processors have a TDP of 35 Watts while the identically specified quad-core i7-3612QM is unfortunately not offered by Lenovo. LENOVO IdeaPad U310 charger

Even with just two cores the Core i7-3520M with a speed of 2.9 GHz reveals a considerable performance buffer, which can be increased up to 3.6 GHz (2 Cores: 3.4 GHz) thanks to Turbo Boost. The smaller Core i5 models as well as the 3520M support the hyperthreading technology, enabling the parallel processing of 2 threads per core. As small compensation for the considerable higher price the Core i7 scores with a bigger L3 cache (4 MB instead of 3 MB). Lenovo u410 charger

The video display is either handled by the integrated HD Graphics 4000 or the NVIDIA VS 5400M depending on the model. All the notebooks with dedicated NVIDIA GPU - same as the test device - can access the Optimus technology for dynamical switching between both GPUs.

With just 4 GB of RAM (1 x 4 GB Micron DDR3-1600) the notebook is equipped with a moderate configuration for current proportions, particularly with regard to on-going low memory prices. Also the chosen 500 GB HDD we would not consider to be generous, however it should be sufficient for the majority of operators as well as the memory. LENOVO IdeaPad Z480AX charger

Processor
Although - as we have mentioned - Intel's Core i7-3520M is the fastest dual-core processor that one can buy, the improvement with respect to the predecessor models based on the Sandy Bridge architecture seems relatively low. Compared with the ThinkPad T420 (Core i7-2620M) the advantage of the new model just amounts to 12 percent. During the single thread test of the Cinebench R10 the score increases from 5438 to 6074 points and during multithreading from 11507 to 12913 points (64-bit in both cases). LENOVO IdeaPad Z380 charger

The deficit with respect to the quad-core model is extensive: Even the smallest model, the Core i7-3612QM, is in the optimum case 70 percent faster. However, it is comprehensible that Lenovo limits itself to the nominal weaker dual cores. On one side there are the good parallelized 3D renders or video encoders, which can exploit the additional performance buffer of the other cores very wisely. On the other side even an economical quad-core might demand a higher power, although it is classified in the same TDP class (35 Watts) by Intel. LENOVO IdeaPad Z480 charger

Storage Device

No SSD, no hard disk cache, just a classical hard disk - considering the purchase price this is kind of disappointing. After all we are dealing with the Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 (construction height 7 millimeters/0.28 inches) which is a very fast model with just one platter, 32 MB cache and 7200 RPM.

LENOVO IdeaPad Z580 charger This is reflected in the remarkable transfer rate of almost 100 MB/s in the HDTune Benchmark, being - aside from the SSD competitors - one of the best hard disks. The access time of 18.1 milliseconds is however a typical value for mechanical hard disks, which actually depends only on the revolution speed. Even the cheapest SSD needs only 0.1 milliseconds, especially allowing the access of small files to be very fast. Those who like to purchase the ThinkPad T430 with an SSD (180GB) in Germany, have to accept on-board graphics and a Core i5-3210M. Lenovo 0A36281 charger

Another possibility would be to configure the T430 with an mSATA SSD. This would take the spot of the UMTS modem, which cannot be additionally placed on another spot. Different shops offer models with a capacity of 40GB - 256GB of varying manufacturers. Therefore it is possible to execute an upgrade on your own. However, we did not test the mSATA slot together with an optional SSD.

System Performance
Lenovo 0A36282 charger Without an SSD and with just a small improvement of the processor performance the system performance remains on the same level as its predecessor - by no means poor. In the popular Benchmark Suites from Futuremark it reached a result of 8385 (PCMark Vantage) or 2430 points (PCMark 7), which are almost identical with the 15-inch model ThinkPad T530.

Lenovo 0A36283 charger During daily routine it might be difficult to find performance differences compared with the T420. The buffer of the processor however, is suited for almost every situation, although sometimes an SSD is preferred. The inevitable delay occurring when hard disks launch big programs would have been reduced with an SSD.

Graphics Card and CAD-performance
With the so-called NVIDIA NVS 5400M probably most users do not know what we are talking about. It is also known as the GeForce GT 630M on the consumer market, although this has a slightly higher clocking speed and is not especially designated for professional applications. Lenovo 42T4863 charger

Both graphics cards are based on the 40 nanometer chip GF108 or the newer 28 nanometer chip GF117. In our case we are probably dealing with the GF108 version, which is - aside from slightly higher power consumption - not different from the GF117 variant. The NVS 5400M has 96 shader units (Fermi architecture), a core speed of 660 MHz (can be boosted up to 800 MHz) and a 128-bit memory slot, which is equipped with a 1 GB DDR3 VRAM (900 MHz) on the T430. Lenovo 42Y4864 charger

However, the NVS series cannot be put on the same level as the expensive Quadro models, whose special drivers promise another performance increase in CAD software. That is also reflected in our benchmarks: The NVS 5400M is nip and tuck with the GT 630M during SPECviewperf 11, without revealing an obvious winner. The NVS 4200M, installed in last year's T420/T420s, however, does not stand a chance.

Gaming Performance

Lenovo 42T4867 charger In order to rate the NVS 5400M even better we want to have a look at its gaming performance, although this might not be the main field of application of a ThinkPad.

The high native display resolution of 1600x900 pixels asks too much of the notebook's performance buffer during the majority of recentgames. Titles such as Dirt Showdown, Anno 2070 or Deus EX: Human Revolution can be played with 1366x768 pixels and medium settings fluently. However, playing games such as Alan Wake, Battlefield 3 as well as Risen 2, which demand higher graphical performance, is only possible with even lower settings. Lenovo 42Y4868 charger In general the NVS 5400M, just as much as the comparable faster GeForce GT 630M, can be used to play every modern game smoothly. Those expecting the best visual appearance, should look out for at least a GeForce GT 650M or faster - for these users the T430 is definitely not recommended.

Emissions

System Noise
As with the predecessor the cooling fan runs the whole time, producing however, a quiet 32.2 dB(A) during idle state. Above all the volume level is absolutely constant and does not increase during browsing, video playback or modest multitasking. Only during accessing the hard disk is an audible noise present, which will especially annoy sensitive operators. Lenovo 42T4873 charger

Also during a higher load the ThinkPad presents itself in the best light. It is not as quiet as the T420 with 35.6 dB(A) during 3DMark 06, however this notebook did it without a dedicated graphic card. For the 2011 competitors Dell Latitude E6420 and HP EliteBook 8460p we measure considerably higher noise levels, which were not even reached by the T430 during the stress test. In the idle state the fan reduces its revolutions within a few seconds. Lenovo 42Y4874 charger

Temperature

The low system noise is achieved with a very conservative cooling system, which leads to expectedly high temperatures. At first glance the user does not notice anything during idle time: Despite the high temperatures of the summer the casing keeps very cool with an average temperature of 31 degree Celsius, which allows use on the lap.

Lenovo 42T4901 charger This changes drastically when we demand full performance. On many spots on the upper side as well as underneath the temperature rises above 50 degrees Celsius, even the average temperature of 42 to 46 degrees Celsius is very high. The left side of the palm rest is the most critical spot since its temperature becomes so high that it limits the usage of the whole notebook. However, these temperatures occur during the application of the intensive performance benchmark programs Prime95 and FurMark.

Lenovo 42T4902 charger Internally the processor and the graphics card heat up as well. The Core i7-3520M settled at a value of 100 degrees Celsius after one hour during the stress test, but kept a clocking speed of 3.1 - 3.2 GHz. For the NVS 5400M we measured a slightly lower temperature of 92 degree Celsius, nevertheless it was throttled to 500 MHz periodically. Also here we would say this does not occur in practice.

Battery Life

Power Consumption
Lenovo 42Y4940 charger An additional GPU was one of the main causes for a high consumption during the idle state in the past. Thanks to NVIDIA's Optimus technology this GPU should not have a negative effect on the power consumption. However, dispite the power saving features, the T430 surprises us with high power consumption between 10.2 and 17.6 Watts - almost 4 to 5 Watts more compared to the preceding model.

Acer TravelMate 5760G battery When fully utilized the ThinkPad does not behave differently. During 3DMark 06 the notebook consumes 72.3 Watts while during our stress test the value increases to 84 Watts. For a 14-inch notebook with a dual-core processor and a mediocre GPU these values are too high. We could not identify the cause for this directly, but it confirms our assumption that the equipped NVS 5400M is based on the old 40 nanometer chip GF108. Lenovo seems to be aware of this fact and provided therefore a dedicated 90 Watt AC adapter. However, we could observe, that the T430 used energy from the battery during full utilization. Acer TravelMate 6495 battery

Battery Runtime
Our test device has a 9-cell battery with an enormous 94 Wh while other models of this series should manage with a 6-cell battery with 57 Wh. In addition Lenovo offers a battery-slice with another 94 Wh which was not included in our test package.

Due to the high power consumption the ThinkPad gives away a part of its potential. However, it reaches a very good runtime. In the case of the Battery Eater Reader's test (power saving profile, minimum brightness, the wireless modules and NVIDIA GPU off) the T430 has a battery runtime of almost 10 hours. Acer TravelMate 6495G battery

Imitating a realistic scenario, with the display brightness set to about 150 cd/m², activated WLAN modules and web browsing including video playback, the runtime still reached 6 hours and 29 minutes. Surprisingly the bigger T530 with identical configuration has a considerably longer runtime in our review.

Those working with the notebook during traveling and demanding full power will be satisfied: Neither the processor nor the GPU are throttled when powered by the battery. However, a power socket should be close-by since in the case of 3D applications such as the Battery Eater Classic test (maximum power, maximum brightness, wireless modules and NVIDIA GPU activated) the battery runtime reaches barely more than 2 hours. To charge the battery some patience is needed because it needs more than 3 hours to restore 95 percent of the capacity. Acer TravelMate 6495T battery

Verdict

We did not expect the Lenovo ThinkPad T430 to be surprisingly different before the review. The Lenovo ThinkPad series has a lot of regular customers and these want to be maintained by the manufacturer. Yet Lenovo was successful in improving the predecessor T420 gently without losing its established qualities.

Acer TravelMate 6495TG battery It starts with the classical case of the series. It does not earn a prize for its beauty or best manufacturing quality compared to current standards, but with a solid and well-engineered architecture it has some advantages compared with its competitors with their noble aluminum chassis. Finally the ThinkPad is equipped with USB 3.0 although Lenovo should reconsider its positioning.

Acer TravelMate 6595 battery Once in action the excellent input devices impressed us though we had been skeptical concerning the Chiclet keyboard. In addition the important details such as integrated UMTS and different security features are worth business customer's while - even if they are known from the predecessor. In regard to performance the T430 is not a big improvement, however we were surprised at the high power consumption. This led to a disappointing battery runtime despite the enormous capacity - admittedly at a very high level. The temperatures turned out to be very high, because the cooling system is rather optimized with respect to system noise.