Thinkpads Forum

oh, sh*t. i thought hardware was required for the t420 and t430, but apparently its only required for the t430 and up.

the t430 (my laptop) makes it impossible to flash non-signed BIOSes using from software; you need to use a special piece of hardware that i have no idea how to use or even figure out which one to buy.

I had to get a whitelist removed bios for an X60s when I went to install an Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200. I knew I needed it, and originally saw the bios was already available, but by the time I was ready to install the card, of course the link I saw was dead. At least I found it now, but don't have the time to put it all together.

I'm glad to hear the T420 series can still be easily modded, although I'm not happy about the laptops after the T420. I had an older Toshiba A215, I looked up how to change the bios for it, and it wasn't worth the hassle, and possibly ruining my laptop back then.

https://www.change.org/p/lenovo-release ... f-the-bios Although this would probably never work anyway.

As far as modding the T430, it looks doable if you are ok with soldering, or have someone you can trust to do it. http://forums.mydigitallife.info seems like the place to really research and ask questions about this.

turomini wrote:I had to get a whitelist removed bios for an X60s when I went to install an Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200. I knew I needed it, and originally saw the bios was already available, but by the time I was ready to install the card, of course the link I saw was dead. At least I found it now, but don't have the time to put it all together.

I'm glad to hear the T420 series can still be easily modded, although I'm not happy about the laptops after the T420. I had an older Toshiba A215, I looked up how to change the bios for it, and it wasn't worth the hassle, and possibly ruining my laptop back then.

https://www.change.org/p/lenovo-release ... f-the-bios Although this would probably never work anyway.

As far as modding the T430, it looks doable if you are ok with soldering, or have someone you can trust to do it. http://forums.mydigitallife.info seems like the place to really research and ask questions about this.

you can upgrade the t420s, but not that extensively. Screen, ($85 for the LCD panel, $80 for the converter -- unless the discount is still being given out), 16 gig ram ($100), a 7260 ac wireless card ($50), a sata HDD ($100-$150, depending on size). You could also add an additional Msata ($150 ish) drive for more storage capacity. That's about it. you can't upgrade the graphics, so if you don't hav envidia, you're stuck. processor is difficult at best to upgrade, and you need to be good at soldering... better off just getting a new mobo off ebay.

jmg3 wrote:you can upgrade the t420s, but not that extensively. Screen, ($85 for the LCD panel, $80 for the converter -- unless the discount is still being given out), 16 gig ram ($100), a 7260 ac wireless card ($50), a sata HDD ($100-$150, depending on size). You could also add an additional Msata ($150 ish) drive for more storage capacity. That's about it. you can't upgrade the graphics, so if you don't hav envidia, you're stuck. processor is difficult at best to upgrade, and you need to be good at soldering... better off just getting a new mobo off ebay.

Already have the nvidia graghics and intel i7 2620m (2.7Ghz), really just plan to upgrade the screen, ram ($70), hard drive (probably about $200 for a large SSD), and maybe a wwan 4G LTE card (I can get an additional t-mobile line for free anyway, but it would need to be 4g LTE, this would be surprisingly helpful for me). I have no reason to upgrade my wifi card yet, but maybe down the road sometime.

Just adding some info here maybe will be a reference for who wants to update their t420
I used BCM49360HMB which is the wifi AC 1300Mhz better than AC 7260 (need a different antenna), if you are planning to upgrade the screen to 1080p. I think it will be worth to upgrade as well, because antenna are around the screen.
I used mx 200 mSata (250GB) which cost me CAD $ 129 (shoudl everyone notice on t420 the speed is SATA II, but its still better than a spinning hard drive) + Evo 850 500GB for my home partition (linux).
Processor I pushed from 2640m to 2760qm, why 2760 not higher, its because of the heat issue. I tried 2860 and 2960 before and it wasnt very good (unless you are ok with a warm and noisy laptop) and also temp really close to the threshold (80-91) this is already with Gelide GC extreme.

lembang wrote:Just adding some info here maybe will be a reference for who wants to update their t420
I used BCM49360HMB which is the wifi AC 1300Mhz better than AC 7260 (need a different antenna), if you are planning to upgrade the screen to 1080p. I think it will be worth to upgrade as well, because antenna are around the screen.
I used mx 200 mSata (250GB) which cost me CAD $ 129 (shoudl everyone notice on t420 the speed is SATA II, but its still better than a spinning hard drive) + Evo 850 500GB for my home partition (linux).
Processor I pushed from 2640m to 2760qm, why 2760 not higher, its because of the heat issue. I tried 2860 and 2960 before and it wasnt very good (unless you are ok with a warm and noisy laptop) and also temp really close to the threshold (80-91) this is already with Gelide GC extreme.

How did you put in a 2760qm? Soldering?

zarpanzur wrote: How did you put in a 2760qm? Soldering?

He is talking about the T420 (not s), which I am pretty sure has a standard cpu socket, whereas the T420s cpu is soldered onto the board. So if you have a T420 (non s), just buy a cpu, take the laptop apart, put the new cpu you with good thermal pasta, and close it all up and boot. (purposely very vague, because if you are going to attempt this, you should know it already, or do your research)
If you have the T420s, you better have maxed out your CPU when you bought it, or have the right equipment
https://youtu.be/dY1x8kcYAPI

I'm sure you could do this in your oven, but if it works, you are one of the lucky ones.

Yes its an update on t420. I did ball soldering on my friend t430s. Never want to do that again; unless I have a proper tool to do it i suppose. But yes, if you wish to do, still possible.

OK, back on topic....what are the chances of a chip being created for the non-s versions of laptops? I already have a T420s with the mod but would like to have it on a T420 as it has Windows 10 running absolutely fine while my T420s "rejected" Windows 10.

zarpanzur wrote:OK, back on topic....what are the chances of a chip being created for the non-s versions of laptops? I already have a T420s with the mod but would like to have it on a T420 as it has Windows 10 running absolutely fine while my T420s "rejected" Windows 10.

There's already a chip for that. Problem is that in some cases the panel flickers... (there's some discussion about this on the previous pages of this thread)

Aww... Out of Stock...

My T420s needs a Matte FHD IPS display.

I will buy when the stock is replenished!

SaskFellow wrote:Aww... Out of Stock...

My T420s needs a Matte FHD IPS display.

I will buy when the stock is replenished!

Dude, check this out: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/231809886453?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT

Unless you mean the screen you want to buy is out of stock. Try AliExpress, they have tonnes of sellers of screens. Unless you will use your laptop outside a lot, I recommend glossy screens.

When will the T420/T430 (non-s) kit be back in stock?

pkscube wrote:When will the T420/T430 (non-s) kit be back in stock?

I'm pretty sure the kit for non s models was never finished yet. I'm pretty sure if you read back a few pages, its still being worked on and tested. I don't think there is any set deadline for its release either as of might now, but I might be wrong.

RMSMajestic wrote:

stave wrote:

Really just add cost the benefit of getting a LCD that's worth looking at is far more valuable - other (non)option is new high end laptop...

using some forwarding postal service inside the US will easy add $30-$40

Please just let us pay - we appreciate your teams effort of making this possible.

There are two options now for international buyers
1. USPS first class international large letter, Price for a kit is $51.5 and postage is $7.5 (*REQUIRE* payment as "for goods or services")
2. USPS first class international package, price is $50 each kit and postage is $17.5 (please send payment as "to friends or family members" , or add 3% for extra protection from paypal as payment "for goods or services".)

Hello RMS,
I would like to order a t430s kit with option 1, if still available, to be shipped to Italy.

Please let me know the paypal address for payment.


Best regards

harryK wrote: Hello RMS,
I would like to order a t430s kit with option 1, if still available, to be shipped to Italy.

Please let me know the paypal address for payment.


Best regards

RMSMajestic wrote: And just to make things easier and clearer:
For T420s, Price is $50 each for forum members, shipping is $5 for USA members , please send Paypal payment as "to friends or family", or add 3% for extra protection from paypal as payment "for goods or services".
Please PM me for my paypal address.

Attention Jan.23 2016:

Due to the USPS fee rise. From now on things for members outside USA will be a bit different:
There are two options
1. USPS first class international large letter, Price for a kit is $51.5 and postage is $7.5 (*REQUIRE* payment as "for goods or services")
2. USPS first class international package, price is $50 each kit and postage is $17.5 (please send payment as "to friends or family members" , or add 3% for extra protection from paypal as payment "for goods or services".)

Attention Feb.06 2016:
Officially out of stock now, next batch should come around March.20 - April.1
/

Out of stock until March or April.
PM him for his paypal address
It would cost $59.00 or $67.50 for hopefully quicker shipping, provided prices haven't changed by the time the next batch comes in.

turomini wrote: Out of stock until March or April.
PM him for his paypal address
It would cost $59.00 or $67.50 for hopefully quicker shipping, provided prices haven't changed by the time the next batch comes in.

Ehehe, mine was meant to be a pm.... I got confused

Thanks anyway

I just performed this mod and boy is it sweet! Breathes new life into my fantastic T420s. I sort of butchered it though. I broke off the latch that holds the FFC cable snug in the socket on the chip and so had to use tape to keep the cable snug and in place. Will probably order a new kit when it becomes available as I don't expect the tape to hold forever. Tried to somehow put the latch back on but the thing and the contacts are so tiny that it's [censored] near impossible.

Not much experience is required to perform this mod, just a lot of patience and doing everything carefully. Think twice, do once.

The screen I used was a B140HAN01.3 and I bought it on AliExpress. The seller from the below link has some high quality, genuine screens.

hxxp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Original-new-B1 ... 92594.html

Hello friends, i have t420 too and want to buy this kit for sure, it will be awesome upgrade.
When, where and how exactly can i buy this stuff

Please add me to the list for t420 kit.

Thank you

dakov wrote:Hello friends, i have t420 too and want to buy this kit for sure, it will be awesome upgrade.
When, where and how exactly can i buy this stuff

Please add me to the list for t420 kit.

Thank you

Please read the very first post of this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 70#p759310

Pretty much it says that this kit doesn't work for the T420 yet, and only for the T420s.
Also, it says sold out until the end of March or begin of April.

Hi i have read all pages.
I know that there is not ready yet (for 420), but i want to be in the list when it is ready

I'm interested in the FHD board for my T420s.

If you could send me a PM with payment address that'd be great.

On another note, whats the advantage of upgrading the wireless card? Any suggestions for the upgrade? Will this need a modded bios? I'm unable to find a modded T420s bios that allows whitelisted AC cards and 1600mhz ram speeds.

dddd wrote:I'm interested in the FHD board for my T420s.

If you could send me a PM with payment address that'd be great.

On another note, whats the advantage of upgrading the wireless card? Any suggestions for the upgrade? Will this need a modded bios? I'm unable to find a modded T420s bios that allows whitelisted AC cards and 1600mhz ram speeds.

Unfortunately the kits have been sold out and should be back 3/20-4/1.

Upgrading the wireless card can allow you to use 802.11ac as well as WiMAX capable cards. I'm using an Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300, before that I used an Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250. This would require a modded bios.
Here is a list of modded BIOS with changes and links (Including one for T420s with witelist and RAM speed selection) -http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Custom_BI ... ved_BIOSes
Edit: If for whatever reason that link doesn't work (as it did not for others) here is another link with WiFi whitelist but no advanced menu (afaik) -https://www.bios-mods.com/forum/Thread- ... val--13440


It's a simple process, instructions are usually included.

I'm in for a kit for t420s.

sqmaster1234 wrote:Here is a list of modded BIOS with changes and links (Including one for T420s with witelist and RAM speed selection) -http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Custom_BI ... ved_BIOSes
It's a simple process, instructions are usually included.

Don't get your hopes up for a t420s bios. The link there does not work, nor does any other you can find in the internet. I ended up getting modded BIOS from Oleh. I had to pay for it, but boy, the amount of new features it has I will probably be discovering for years to come. And apart from the Advanced Menu, I got unlocked RAM frequency, unlocked AES, whitelists removed and new intel Vbios, to name the main features.

Lockheed wrote:I'm in for a kit for t420s.

sqmaster1234 wrote:Here is a list of modded BIOS with changes and links (Including one for T420s with witelist and RAM speed selection) -http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Custom_BI ... ved_BIOSes
It's a simple process, instructions are usually included.

Don't get your hopes up for a t420s bios. The link there does not work, nor does any other you can find in the internet. I ended up getting modded BIOS from Oleh. I had to pay for it, but boy, the amount of new features it has I will probably be discovering for years to come. And apart from the Advanced Menu, I got unlocked RAM frequency, unlocked AES, whitelists removed and new intel Vbios, to name a few features.

I literally just used that link and flashed the BIOS on my T420s 20 minutes ago.

sqmaster1234 wrote:I literally just used that link and flashed the BIOS on my T420s 20 minutes ago.

Good for you. box.com has some ridiculous monthly download limits. Must have been midnight of new month somewhere

Lockheed wrote:

sqmaster1234 wrote:I literally just used that link and flashed the BIOS on my T420s 20 minutes ago.

Good for you. box.com has some ridiculous monthly download limits. Must have been midnight of new month somewhere

Maybe Box was confused by the leap day

zarpanzur wrote:

SaskFellow wrote:Aww... Out of Stock...

My T420s needs a Matte FHD IPS display.

I will buy when the stock is replenished!

Dude, check this out: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/231809886453?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT

Unless you mean the screen you want to buy is out of stock. Try AliExpress, they have tonnes of sellers of screens. Unless you will use your laptop outside a lot, I recommend glossy screens.

Unfortunately, seeing the blinding glare that is glossy screens at school, while I can use my T61 everywhere... I'm a bit partial to Matte, I admit there is a loss of vibrancy, but what can you do. I'm sure the matte screen upgrade for my T420s will crush the screen in my T61.

The out of stock has to do with the FHD upgrade kit, and I would like to support a forum guy, rather than seeing my money get laundered by fleabay.

How did I miss this High res Bonanza? Serves me for being out of the loop.

I am interested in the 1080p & 2K both. I dont have a TP dock but do intend to connect to 4K external display via DP/ HDMI?

sqmaster1234 wrote:

Lockheed wrote:I'm in for a kit for t420s.

Don't get your hopes up for a t420s bios. The link there does not work, nor does any other you can find in the internet. I ended up getting modded BIOS from Oleh. I had to pay for it, but boy, the amount of new features it has I will probably be discovering for years to come. And apart from the Advanced Menu, I got unlocked RAM frequency, unlocked AES, whitelists removed and new intel Vbios, to name a few features.

I literally just used that link and flashed the BIOS on my T420s 20 minutes ago.

Do share with us as well please