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Powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one) issue

X230-X280, X390 Series
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babblefish
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Joined: Sun May 11, 2025 7:54 pm
Location: San Francisco, California

Powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one) issue

#1 Post by babblefish » Thu May 15, 2025 3:53 am

The powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one on the right side) in my X230T is dead. I can wiggle the yellow piece around and it will sit in a different position from time to time. I haven't pulled the motherboard out yet to investigate, but I'm assuming this USB connector is soldered to the motherboard. Can anyone confirm this? Does anyone know where I can get a replacement USB connector that has the yellow piece? I'd like to keep my laptop looking stock.

Also, does this port function like a regular USB 2.0 port when the laptop is powered on, as well as providing power when the laptop is turned off?

TPFanatic
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Re: Powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one) issue

#2 Post by TPFanatic » Thu May 15, 2025 7:20 am

the yellow "PoweredUSB" supports higher power, that's all, compared to a regular USB 2 or USB 1.

nowadays USB 3 supports the higher power anyway.

If the port is busted it's better to stop using it.
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axur-delmeria
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Re: Powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one) issue

#3 Post by axur-delmeria » Thu May 15, 2025 9:10 am

You don't even need to open up your X230T to check if the yellow USB port is part of the system board. :D

You either read the X230T Hardware Maintenance Manual (click on the HMM-Manuals link near the top of the page), or do an image search for "Thinkpad X230T system board". 8)
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babblefish
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Joined: Sun May 11, 2025 7:54 pm
Location: San Francisco, California

Re: Powered USB 2.0 port (the yellow one) issue

#4 Post by babblefish » Thu May 15, 2025 11:59 pm

I've already determined that the USB port is connected directly to the motherboard. I have to remove the motherboard anyway because I want to refresh the thermal grease for the CPU. That will give me a chance to see what kind of mounting the USB connector uses so that I get the correct type for replacement. If I'm lucky, I may be able to save the original connector by re-soldering it back down to the board. I also want to see if there's enough room near the AC adapter port to install a USB-C PD connector. It would be nice to not have to carry around the stock AC power brick and instead use a small 65W GaN charger.

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