T480 Purchase and Upgrades

[DrSmart]

Hello guys
I am just getting into thinkpads and I am thinking of buying a used one and upgrade it
I have settled on the T480 base model and I am here to ask for what should my expectations be of the price in the used market and what are the upgrades I should do in order to get the most out of the computer with a budget limitation of 750$
Thank you very much

[axur-delmeria]

Price depends on the region. In the US, the price is generally well below 200 USD. In Europe it's much higher. Here in SEA it's between 200 and 250 USD.

There isn't much to upgrade on the T480:

* SSD (SATA or NVMe) -- Note that the main SSD slot on the T480 only has 2 PCIe lanes connected, so top speed will be halved. IMO there's little reason to splurge on the SSD, just don't get ones with QLC flash. While NVMe SSDs with DRAM are nice, DRAMless NVMe SSDs aren't that far behind in performance thanks to HMB (Host Memory Buffer), which borrows some system RAM to use as its cache.
For SATA SSDs though, get ones with DRAM (like the Crucial MX500) because the performance difference between them and DRAMless SATA SSDs are much greater.


* RAM (2x 32GB DDR4-2400) TBH this much RAM is overkill for most people.

* WiFi (Intel AX210) Avoid the AX201 and AX211, as these use Intel's proprietary CNVi interface, which only works on certain processors (8th gen not among those).

* 2nd NVMe SSD on the WWAN slot (2242 B+M key, or 2230 M-key with adapter). Someone the Thinkpad subreddit made a decent post regarding WWAN slot SSD compatibility: https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comme ... atibility/. Again, only 2 PCIe lanes, so temper your expectations.

[ZaZ]

If you don't say anything about what you want or need, or how you plan to use it, it's kind of hard to help. I would think with a $750 budget, you could afford a newer better used ThinkPad, but the fact that you put the $ after instead of before tells me you're not in the US of A, so YMMV depending on your location. If you could put your location in your profile so others could see it that may be useful so that other can offer insight depending on where you are. Good luck my friend and welcome.

[DrSmart]

Thank you guys for the help
Well I am from morocco so I am expecting the prices to be well above 200$, I generally want to use the thinkpad for coding, studying and some lightweight gaming, if you could give me some precise component upgrades based on my needs
Thank you again

[ZaZ]

Some eBay sellers ship overseas, so if you save enough even if the the shipping is higher, it may be worth considering. Morocco may not be listed, but you can always send them a message and ask. It can be more risky if there's a problem as getting it fixed may be a hassle if they'll fix it at all. I paid less than $200 for my L14, which will offer a significant CPU advantage over the T480, not sure about the GPU.

[axur-delmeria]

Depending on your idea of "lightweight gaming" the Intel 8th gen's UHD 620 graphics may be insufficient. I mean, it's only good for playing Genshin Impact at 720p low settings. In contrast, the Radeon Vega graphics found in the T495, T14 AMD Gen 1 and 2 is more capable.

There are versions of the T480 with nVidia MX150 graphics, but I advice against it due to cooling issues.

[norrinraddhr]

Hi guys,
I'm here in some dilemma need help and advice from owners of Lenovo T480. I found some T480 in very nice condition, with Intel processor that I want to have, he supports NVMe PCIe too but comes with TN LCD Screen in HD resolution (1366x768) and that bothers me a lot. I never thought that with this processor the T480 will have HD screen but it comes. I asked the owners for Serial number to have detailed information about this model and the spec is right.

• LENOVO T480
- INTEL i7-8650U
- NVMe PCIe 256GB SSD OPAL
- LCD TN 14.0" (1366x768) HD - (Part No. 01EN019)
- Keyboard: Croatian (Bonus) - Backlight?
- Serial Number: PF15V1U3
- Machine Type Model: 20L6S9RU00
- Price: 250€

• T480 - Specification of all Models
• T480 - Specification of this Model

• T480 - Specification
- 1x 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-8650U Processor (Core i7-8650U)
- Memory: 1x 16GB DDR4 2400
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64 (EN:English, SL:Slovenian, CR:Croatian)
- Hard Drive: 1x 256 PCIe NVMe OPAL
- Wireless Network: 1x Fibocom L830-EB; Intel® Wireless-AC 8265 2x2 AC; Bluetooth® 4.1
- Ports: 1x RJ-45; Media Card Reader; Headphone & Microphone combo Jack; 2 USB 3.1 (Type A); 1 USB 3.1 (Type C)
- Camera: 1x 720P HD IR/RBG Hybrid with Array Microphone
- Graphics: 1x Intel UHD 620
- Monitor: 14.0 1366x768
- Included Warranty: 5YR Onsite
- End of Service: 2024-09-06
- Date: 2018-09-10

I was looking for FHD LCD as I have on Lenovo x270 i7 but they one comes in HD and I have some questions and I would ask what you think about that?

1) Is it possible to replace the LCD HD TN to FHD IPS?
2) Where to find the LCD and what is the costs of new one?
3) Fits everything, no mods necessary?
4) The Part number of LCD FHD IPS?

[axur-delmeria]

1. Upgrade to FHD is possible. HD and FHD (non touch) use the same cable.

2. This reddit page explicitly mentions his T480 having an aftermarket Innolux N140HCA-EAB 1080p IPS screen. No modifications necessary. There's also mention of the LP140WF6-SPB7.

There's also Innlolux N140HCG-GQ2 and AUO B140HAN01.3, which have 72% NTSC color gamut (more vibrant and accurate colors).

3. TBH I don't know where to find these online. Usually I go to laptop repair shops, or look for dead/damaged laptops online and harvest their screens.

[norrinraddhr]

What do you think about this T480 hardware specification and price of 250€, and how it's look when is using HD on 14", is this very poor resolution or acceptable to use?

[dcfbf]

The price seems to be ok for Croatia. But you should look internationally to see if you can get a better deal.
To put it into perspective, the T480 with a FHD screen costs under $150 USD here in the US.

The HD screen works and that's all that it is. It will not give you a good experience.
It looks terrible with bad colors, brightness, contrast ratio, and viewing angles.
It's also not a great resolution in the modern day and for a 14" screen size as everything will look cramped and you'll be able to see individual pixels

[RealBlackStuff]

My T480 originally came with i5-8350U, iGPU, FHD LP140WF6-SPB7, 8GB and no SSD for $125 incl. shipping from USA to Ireland in January 2023 (before Drumpf).
Even though that screen was in very good condition, I personally did not like it, so I bought this N140HCG-GN1 on Aliexpress.
If interested, you can have my LP140WF6-SPB7 for €50 incl. shipping to Croatia.

[norrinraddhr]

Yesterday I found this topic on Reddit and there is some owners who actually downgrade the LCD from WQHD to FHD, so I think they fits on all models and are exchangeable and the Graphic Card is the same. I must admit that this screen I wonted too but some owners they think that the resolution of (2560x1440) is overkill on 14" Display. Don't know but the FHD that I have on x270 i7 is friendly to use an that is minimum what I wanted to have.

• WQHD on Lenovo T480: Why I downgraded to FHD

I looked the prices on ebay.de (EU) and there are all in this range, some are more expensive + additional shipping costs. There one is in very nice condition and that is sometimes rare to find and it's near me, so I can actually pic him personally and Croatian Keyboard is a big bonus.

Thanks RBS, that's very nice from you, we will be in touch if I buy this one.

I must act quickly, it could be gone in a second or in a month, you never know, so if the T480 is a good deal with this Hardware on Board please sheer you opinion?

[axur-delmeria]

When downgrading from WQHD to FHD, you need to change the LCD cable. The reddit post you linked to lists the part number: 01YR501

There's another cable, specifically for the FHD panel with touchscreen: 01YR502

[norrinraddhr]

Thanks for mention that, I was just interested in the headline "WQHD LCD downgrade to FHD" because I found this LCD very interesting. The LCD Cable should not be some mayor problem here if is P&P just additional cost, but most important is that is possible to swap the LCD.

Something else is weird here, is the WQHD really so bad for using as someone said "overkill" for 14" or this depend from person to person.

[axur-delmeria]

WQHD (2560x1440) is overkill due to two reasons:

* 14" is simply too small to use at 100% scaling.

* Fractional scaling can be problematic in Windows, especially when multiple monitors are involved.

If fractional scaling is perfected, then the problem will (probably) be resolved.

That said, another possible issue would be the additional load on the UHD 620 graphics-- I tried a 27" WQHD monitor yesterday with my T480s, and encountered screen tearing while playing a 1080p 24fps video at fullscreen mode. Granted, this was on Linux, where it's apparently expected with Intel graphics.

[norrinraddhr]

So, the FHD LCD is just fine for 14" LCD Display on T480 and with Touch Screen that could be some nice combination.

[axur-delmeria]

So, the FHD LCD is just fine for 14" LCD Display on T480 and with Touch Screen that could be some nice combination.

I've heard complaints about the FHD screen with touch not being as bright, and if the one in my T480s is the same LCD panel, I'd have to agree.
The stock IPS screen in my X220 i7 was surprisingly brighter.

[norrinraddhr]

I have Lenovo X61 Tablet and I agree, the LCD is little dimmed and it's not bright as normal TFT. Touch/1 with Pen 12,1"/ XGA (1024 x 768 pixels), TFT Display (150 nits). But when it comes about comfort I must admit it's very nice to have pen. I use the laptop for Automotive programs to connect and see some errors on my Car and here is Touch Screen on his place. Nothing is perfect but when you want to have such comfort you must do some compromise and sometime is better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have.

What is about T480 models with NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (2GB RAM's), dGPU, sounds nice to have, but as I see opinions are divided here too.

[dcfbf]

For many the MX150 just causes extra heat and is another point of failure.
If you need the extra power, go for it, but these days the MX150 is also a bit inadequate

I'm part of the camp that says to not get the MX150. I have it and it really isn't that much more powerful than hd 620 graphics

[RealBlackStuff]

+1 for no MX150 on T480.

[norrinraddhr]

What is about to have it, but not to use it. Sounds little odd, but you can use the default Intel UHD 620 and have benefit from dual heat pipe.

[RealBlackStuff]

I have the T480 with i5-8350U and Intel iGPU, updated with dGPU-heatsink.
Combined with PTM7950 thermal pad (instead of paste), my average temp is 40-43 Celsius.
Even under full load it rarely goes over 60 C.

Even if a dGPU is not used, it still creates unnecessary heat, that's why I don't like it.

[norrinraddhr]

Good idea with Thermal Pads, I have ordered some for CPU and GPU in different thickness, thermal conductivity 21W/mK and will replace the paste with pads when I get the time.

I have noticed that T480 doesn't have a backlight keyboard, it must have the sign (lamp) on space bar and that is now the second parts that I must to buy if I want to have BL Keyboard. I looked on ebay.de an the prices are insane, someone have used from AE, DZ-World and the price is about 34€ with shipping but not original part. Have you some Idea what to do, original or AliExpress DZ-World?

• Lenovo T480 - BL Keyboard - FRU 01HX443 (Slovenian / Croatian)
• FRU/System service parts index for ThinkPad T480

ebay.de
• Original 01HX443 Lenovo Thinkpad Tastatur slowenisch T480 - (47,59€ + Shipping 15,95€)

AliExpress
• ES CZ FR CH SI DE HU CFB CFR LAS Backlight Keyboard For Lenovo T480 - 33,33€

[dcfbf]

IMO, the keyboard is one of the biggest reasons to get a ThinkPad.
So it doesn't make sense to get an aftermarket because it'll feel worse than the original and it'll kind of defeat the purpose of a ThinkPad.
Also, listings marked as "genuine" and "original" a lot of the times are not actually original and you're just paying a premium for no reason.

My advice, if you really want a backlit keyboard, is to get a T480 with a backlit keyboard already (even if it's more expensive) so you don't need to swap a keyboard in.

[norrinraddhr]

Yes, I know that the keyboards on IBM/Lenovo is one of the best parts, but you can't always get what you want, some times you must do compromises. I will try to get one T480 with BL keyboard on board but that means this mentioned T480 one must fall off the list. LCD display in FHD plus BL keyboard and the prices goes up about 100€ additional, just for two parts that I don't have, so another option must here, darn.

[dcfbf]

Oh... if it goes up that much, that is a bit of an issue isn't it?
Is this going to be your main computer for the upcoming years or is this just a project?

If it's just a project, you can get the aliexpress backlit keyboard, it'll probably be fine and work correctly as a keyboard.
But if it's a laptop you'll be using for the next couple of years as your main computer, definitely try to pay extra for the genuine.

You can also put up a WTB listing in this forum's marketplace to see if someone can offer you a genuine backlit keyboard and you won't need to pay as much.

[norrinraddhr]

For now the T480 should be my daily driver because I look a lot of YT videos for some projects and with IBM X60s it's quite a challenge for him with Dual Core, but he hold's for now and I love him, all my X60s and X61/X61s. I prepared to switch on Lenovo X300, he have good stereo speakers, that's the plan B for now and plan C to get the new T480.

I always make some research of me own before I buy a new Lenovo in my collection, but I have seen that the T480 is quiet popular this year and the prices exploded on ebay, so it's not easy to find some T480 in decent condition with all what I want to have. It takes time to find the right one.

Yes, that can be some alternative solution if some one have genuine BL keyboard for T480 and want to sell for some reasonable price. It could be some German or Scandinavian version with the big enter key, and of course the Seller must be in (EU).

Thanks guys for all your help and time you shared in those few days. I learned a lot from the T480 and we will see what will arrive in my collection.

[norrinraddhr]

Hi guys,
I have find some T480 but without Fibcom WWAN Card and that is what I want to have. I know the difference between two cards that are offered but not sure what is the best option if I want to do this upgrade. I don't use Linux just to mention because the L850-GL need special driver. Question for owners, users or someone who made the upgrade what is the best option here, are the FRU number correct and where you have buy the WWAN Fibcom Card and the Antenna set?

• WWAN Antenna 4G Set - (70cm / 45cm)
FRU PN: 01YR494

• FIBECOM L830-EB - Cat. 6 (European version) - Up to 300Mbps DL / 50Mbps UL
FRU PN: (01AX761)

• FIBECOM L850-GL - Cat. 9 (Global version) - Up to 450Mbps DL / 100Mbps UL
FRU PN: (01AX792)

[norrinraddhr]

Hi guys,
nobody have done the upgrade with WWAN Antennas and Fibecom L830-EB/L850-GL WWAN Card on T480?

[rumbero]

Hi guys,
nobody have done the upgrade with WWAN Antennas and Fibecom L830-EB/L850-GL WWAN Card on T480?

I replaced it with a SN520 NVMe SSD.