Thinkpad T520 (or other lenovo models) pulsing fan question

I’m considering buying a Thinkpad T520 and the only thing that is holding me back is the fan pulsing noise that a few users have reported (which I’m assuming is true for all T520s, not just an isolated few cases). In order to avoid the pulsing, is there a way to set the fan so that it spins constantly (different speed based on the temperature range)? Thank you for your help!

you would have to use the latest version of the TPfancontrol to control the fan.
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  • Please help me make a choice--lenovo thinkpad versus other lenovos?

    Hi everyone,
    Just joined and this is my first post here.
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    PLUS a lifetime FREE subscription to Eset smart security six antivirus for as long as I'm in this particular state in India. If I move to another state or move to the US, as I hope to do in a couple of years, I will have to pay something.
    I don’t need a large HDD, so that's fine. I need the laptop only for word processing and the internet. No gaming or programming or photoshop, so I don’t need high configurations like i5 and i7, which are prohibitively expensive in India.
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    Colour:Black
    Processor:Intel Core i3 (3rd Generation) i3-2310M
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    Bought this laptop in Jan 2012. In perfect working condition. 14.1 TFT, DVD dual layer writeable, wi-fi, great touchpad, and all others in a perfect working condition. Excellent battery -- lasts for 7 hours with movie playing / gaming.
    That was the ad. The advertiser told me that though he installed Windows he has always worked in Linux and therefore has not had any virus problem. Naturally we worry that any old laptop will have viruses.
    He did offer to format and reinstall everything. He also said he can offer me a licensed copy of win 8 and Word for free.
     I'm wondering which of the above I should buy. Can you please help me decide by answering my questions:
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    2. does a thinkpad on average last more years than any ordinary laptop, or any other lenovo laptop? I can't afford to buy a new machine every couple of years. I want something that will last at least 5 to 7 years. My old desktop lasted 9 years, and I used it all day long.
    If the thinkpad lasts longer than other laptops, then it might have as many years in it left as a new laptop, even if it has lost two years of its life already.
    3. the advertiser says the battery lasts for 7 hours. Someone told me that after a couple of years, all batteries last half as long as they used to. Does this mean the used thinkpad's battery is now not likely to last 7 hours as the advertiser claims?
    But even if it lasts 4 or 5 hours, that would still be better than the mere 3 hours the  new laptop will run on battery.
    If I buy a new battery for the thinkpad, will it last 7 hours or do all laptops lose the ability to run long on batteries over the years?
    4. will a new dual core, 3rd generation processor be faster or slower than a two year old i3 3rd generation processor?
    5. The advertiser said the reason the price was high was that Lenovo thinkpad was unbreakable. You could throw it out of a moving car and it would survive. Now I have no intention of throwing it out of a moving car, but accidents happen and it would be nice to know nothing would happen to it if I accidentally dropped it while carrying it from place to place.
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    Hi, welcome to the forum!
    First of all, you should ask the exact model and specifications of the new Lenovo from the dealer. You cannot compare models unless you know exactly the specifications. Second, you don't mention the price for the used L420, so we cannot give you definite answers. I will try to give you some guidelines, sorry if I'm not more specific.
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    On the other hand, I have helped friends buy new laptops and I have tested the Lenovo Essentials series (B590). They are very plain, well constucted, quiet and extra cool and they are cheap. For simple everyday use I would expect them to last as long as a Thinkpad, given the proper care of course. I wouldn't hesitate buying one of them.
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    The laptop does not loose its capability of keeping the battery alive and a new battery will last according to its specs, whatever the age of the laptop. So you can always buy a new battery for an old laptop and there will be no problem.
    For typical applications like word processing and internet use, all modern dual core processors from intel are more than enough. Again, a comparison is impossible because you don't have the specs of the new Lenovo but there is really no difference for the use you have in mind. I would suggest you add another 2GB of ram though - to both laptops - to ensure a smoother operation. It would cost around $30.
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    Of course this is just my opinion, based on the facts you gave. Try to get more details, wait for other opinions. In the end, you can't go wrong either way!
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  • Lenovo Thinkpad T520 doesn't boot with GPT slices on FreeBSD 9-BETA3 - BIOS bug?

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    It's so weird that I cannot figure it out why and how to solve.
    Is there any friends have the same problem. Or any ideas to solve it?
    Many thanks and wish everyone has a great weekend.
    Link to picture
    Moderator note; picture(s) totalling >50K converted to link(s) Forum Rules

    Please update the BIOS and check if the issue gets resolve.
    http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/8auj17us.exe
    Best Regards,
    Tanuj
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  • Thinkpad T520 broken screen - warranty ??

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    Regards.
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