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Lenovo X1 Extreme
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maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
I bolded the reason, it wasn't an out of the blue Fans suddenly staying on, it was due to you running Linux. From what I've read and I did a little (not a lot) research on the fans, you needed to manage the fans with more manual intervention, i.e., editing some sort of control file or finding an app that would make life easier in Linux. I'm not using Linux on the X1E, so I cannot really provide any help
As for my X1E, I can't say that I ever heard the fans go full bore loud like that.
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He was running Linux which out of the box didn't have the same polish/refinement on managing the heat as windows. I'm using a nice utilty called TPFanControl (Thanks to @c0ppo recommending it) and in windows you can set threshholds like 60c for the fans to start coming on, and 90c for the fans going full bore.
I bought it when it just came out. Not sure if there were issues with the first batch but some users in Redit and Lenovo forum also used the words "jet engine".
Rigtee
macrumors member
Hi!
I've read things about this new X1 Extreme on the Internet, especially on this thread and on Reddit (r/thinkpads). I'm the owner of a 2018 13" MBP since last October and before I had a 2016 15" MBP.
I really love my Mac and the ability of having everything synced (I also have an iPhone 7+ and an iPad Pro 10,5") with me all the time (+ some apps available exclusively on iOS/MacOS like Notability or Affinity Photo). I don't want to leave MacOS because I really enjoy using it but last month a (recurrent) problem affected my Mac and I started to ask questions.
Some dust went under my spacebar key, preventing it from working normally (double spaces or no space at all, that drove me crazy!). I went to the Apple Store and they replaced the top cover (+ the battery, compulsory in the repair). Now everything is alright but I'm scared that this problem comes back in the future; even if it's 100% covered by the warranty. It took more than 1 week to replace it and I read some people are on their 5-6th keyboard (cf. gen 3 butterfly thread), what a loss of time. I had 0 issue with my 2016 15", in fact I swapped it with a 2018 13" for the size especially...and the keyboard which seemed more reliable on paper (with the silicone). But now that I'm using my iPad more and more for basic stuff, a bigger screen might be useful for some "serious" stuff like working on IT projects for the uni (we're using Virtual Box...runs like sh*t on MB with Retina displays) or some raw photo/4k video editing.
This X1E seems to be a perfect candidate although I read some thermal, fan noise and BIOS issues, is that recurrent? I might as well wait for the next X1 Carbon (coming in June 2019?) for my laptop to remain practical but then I will lose the advantage of a bigger screen. As for MacOS, I might keep it for desktop use only (MacMini/iMac...don't need one right now though) as it's unsafe to purchase a MBP/MBA right now with that kind of keyboard.
So what do you think? Keeping my 2018 13" MBP (and so waiting for the next keyboard issue to come...then I might sell it straightaway) or selling right now? I really like it but that keyboard 😡
I've read things about this new X1 Extreme on the Internet, especially on this thread and on Reddit (r/thinkpads). I'm the owner of a 2018 13" MBP since last October and before I had a 2016 15" MBP.
I really love my Mac and the ability of having everything synced (I also have an iPhone 7+ and an iPad Pro 10,5") with me all the time (+ some apps available exclusively on iOS/MacOS like Notability or Affinity Photo). I don't want to leave MacOS because I really enjoy using it but last month a (recurrent) problem affected my Mac and I started to ask questions.
Some dust went under my spacebar key, preventing it from working normally (double spaces or no space at all, that drove me crazy!). I went to the Apple Store and they replaced the top cover (+ the battery, compulsory in the repair). Now everything is alright but I'm scared that this problem comes back in the future; even if it's 100% covered by the warranty. It took more than 1 week to replace it and I read some people are on their 5-6th keyboard (cf. gen 3 butterfly thread), what a loss of time. I had 0 issue with my 2016 15", in fact I swapped it with a 2018 13" for the size especially...and the keyboard which seemed more reliable on paper (with the silicone). But now that I'm using my iPad more and more for basic stuff, a bigger screen might be useful for some "serious" stuff like working on IT projects for the uni (we're using Virtual Box...runs like sh*t on MB with Retina displays) or some raw photo/4k video editing.
This X1E seems to be a perfect candidate although I read some thermal, fan noise and BIOS issues, is that recurrent? I might as well wait for the next X1 Carbon (coming in June 2019?) for my laptop to remain practical but then I will lose the advantage of a bigger screen. As for MacOS, I might keep it for desktop use only (MacMini/iMac...don't need one right now though) as it's unsafe to purchase a MBP/MBA right now with that kind of keyboard.
So what do you think? Keeping my 2018 13" MBP (and so waiting for the next keyboard issue to come...then I might sell it straightaway) or selling right now? I really like it but that keyboard 😡
CE3
macrumors 68000
My X1E fans are usually silent for basic tasks like web browsing, video, email, word processing, etc. and even when using programs like Photoshop the fans rarely ever ramp up to full speed. YMMV. Ambient temps, background processes, and the various other ways you use the laptop will impact fan performance for better or worse. Almost all the vents for this machine are on the bottom, so it’s better to have it elevated than sitting directly on a lap or desk.
Hi, I am considering a customized model of X1E. The lowest capacity storage is 256GB Solid State Drive SATA3, OPAL2.0 M.2. As I recall, there are two NvME slots in the X1E. Is this SATA3 SSD also occupying one of these two slots or it is in another specialized slot? In case I want to upgrade the SSD myself to a Samsung 970 Evo Plus, after cloning, can I just remove this SATA SSD from the slot and plut in the Samsung 970 Evo Plus NVMe SSD in the same slot?
Is the model with 256GB NvME SSD the same as the one with SATA3 SSD except for the drive?
Thanks.
Is the model with 256GB NvME SSD the same as the one with SATA3 SSD except for the drive?
Thanks.
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Who is the original op? Whoever it is could they gather all the useful info such as how to undervolt etc so new users can come and read that bit? Easy to find info for common questions there
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
You must have missed this post 🙂
In other news, I'm kicking around the idea of buying a second SSD to upgrade my X1E, and load Linux up on that, for no other reason then to use Linux. I cannot use Linux for work, as the software I need, specifically gotomypc doesn't work on Linux, but I do enjoy trying out different things and I may load Pop Os
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As for undervolting.
Using ThrottleStop, I found that -140.6 mV is to be very stable for the CPU Core and Cpu Cache. I had -150 but when I was incurring BSODs, that was the first thing I looked at and backed it down to -140.6
I'm also using TPFanControl just for the peace of mind. ITs reduced fan noise quite a bit, though depending on the task, i.e., some stuff on chrome, will cause the fans to spin up a bit. Its not a 100% quiet but I also understand that cpu activity equals heat, and so the more work it does, the more heat there will be. YT is one example where watching a video will cause some heat and the fans ramp up a bit, but not a lot. I see temps in the 50 sometimes broaching 60c .
For this magic number -140.6 mV, does it apply to all i5 and i7 CPUs or if I get the i5 CPU model, I need to find my own number?
Your post is helpful of course but it needs to be in the first post of this thread so it's easy to find 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Intern...1&qid=1550946802&s=electronics&sr=1-1-catcorr
2TB NVMe for $240, granted - it is QLC, slower than Samsung's TLCs and with some other limitations (cache when drive is full), but it has power consumption of a SATA drive at idle states and half the price of the Samsung - IMHO that may be perfect second storage drive for a laptop. Good review from AnandTech:
https://www.anandtech.com/show/13078/the-intel-ssd-660p-ssd-review-qlc-nand-arrives
Try Linux in VM first before loading it on bare metal.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
c0ppo
macrumors 68000
Affinity apps are available on Windows as well. I'm using them 🙂
Excellent choice. Especially for basic tasks. Pop_OS has the best keyboard shortcuts I have ever used in any OS. And you can customize them as well. But try out GPU swapping, it does require a restart, but what I found is that for basic tasks, I would start up in Intel GPU mode, and my battery life would beat windows 10 battery life easily.
And of course, undervolting + thinkfan (even better on Linux side of things, but you have to edit the config file, which I know you hate. But you will have more options, and it's really easy to do.).
Diddnt like pop os as you can't swipe to different desktops like in windows and osx
Rigtee
macrumors member
Any general opinion on the dilemma tough? Nice to hear that Affinity is available on other platforms!
If given a 2nd chance, would you choose i7- 8850, 8750 or i5-8400? I returned 8850 due to jet engine fan noise. Just ordered a 8400 in an attempt to avoid the noise at perhaps lower performance. Not sure if I made the right decision. Just found that it will take a bit over 2 weeks to arrive due to customized model. 4K screen for sure.
Which is the most popular cpu in this thread? Is there an advantage getting that most popular cpu for info sharing of reducing fan noise?
Which is the most popular cpu in this thread? Is there an advantage getting that most popular cpu for info sharing of reducing fan noise?
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c0ppo
macrumors 68000
As far as X1E goes, BIOS issues have been resolved, so no problems there anymore.
As far as thermals go, they are way better then in MBP or Dell XPS for example. I have no problems with thermals or throttling at all.
But noise... Well, you will probably get some noise. But for that problem you will have to tweak a little bit. Undervolting + thinkfan utility will take about 2-3 minutes to setup, and that will resolve fan noise issue as well.
I would also suggest repasting, since a lot of laptops these days come with a really bad paste job to begin with. Mine did as well. So i fixed it myself. It's just a matter of few screws to remove the fans, apply the paste and put fans back in. Really not hard to do at all.
But most of the x1e owners here didn't do that at all, and they have no fan issues. In 99% of the cases simple undervolt+thinkfan will be enough.
It was even for me, but I went an extra mile just to keep my mind a ease 🙂
Since 2012 and rMBP, I haven't had a better laptop. Build quality is excellent, x1e is a tank. Keyboard is way better then any other keyboard out there, and port selection is awesome.
Only thing lacking is battery life (I get around 6-7 hours with FHD screen), but battery life isn't my biggest concern. If you need more then that, well, then X1E simply isn't for you.
Other then battery life, I can't find any negative about this device. It's awesome in every aspect.
Rigtee
macrumors member
Alright, thanks for your detailed answer!
The X1E seems to suit my needs perfectly but I might give my current Mac another chance, if the keyboard fails again then I'll probably sell it and buy the X1E (or the next X1C).
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Rigtee
macrumors member
I read your comments on other threads, especially the one about the butterfly keyboard. Did you own a MBP before? How was it compared to your X1E?
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
Yes, I had the 2018 MBP, but sold it when it became fairly evident that the 2018 MBP had the same issues as the 16 and 17 model years. The keyboard is much better, there's no ifs, ands or buts about it. The shape of the keys, the spaces, the key travel. All are nicely implemented on this thinkpad.
Never mind
macrumors 65816
How did you actually do this (Bold Above)? When I called, the rep wanted me to call support first, tell them of the issue and work to find a fix before they would give a RMA number. Of course I didn't do this. I just wanted to know the procedure.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
I believe hajime was within his 30 day return period and while Lenovo had a little pushback on going through support, he just wanted to return it.
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Both operating systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. My opinion on Windows 10 is that its as stable as macOS. I did run into some stability issues as noted as earlier in thread but I think that was mostly self induced. I've not had any issues since wiping and reinstalling windows.