Thinkpads Forum

I have X230 (23252CG) and UltraBase dock.

I regularly use Ultrabase with additional HDD (in caddy). It's convinient, because it's one pice, and perfectly mobile; I can take it to bed or to another building without messing with HDD enclosure and cables.

But Ultrabase lacks USB 3.0 support. There are port replicators which support it, but you can't put HDD there...

So, is it possible to get USB 3.0 on Ultrabase internal board?

I can see two signal tracks going from main socket to Ultrabase board' USB 2.0 hub. Is it possible to cut here and attach single USB 3.0 female plug? Or are there only USB 2.0 on these socket' pins, and for USB 3.0 (on Port Replicators for X230) other socket contacts are used?

notik wrote: So, is it possible to get USB 3.0 on Ultrabase internal board?

TL;DR: Yes, but most likely you would need a new PCB.

The USB routing via the dock connector is weird on the X220/X230. Two different ports are sent through it - one for the Ultrabase, one for the other docks. On the Ultrabase port only USB2 signals are wired.

If you could get a custom PCB for the Ultrabase that takes its USB from the other pins, you could get it to work.

Thank you both, especially dr_st !

Cusom PCB sounds too fantastic.
My next step is to take another look at factory PCB with another guy, who has proper skills.
Maybe we could cut/solder something out of the factory board.