(Part 2) Top products from r/thinkpad

Yes, Samsung 850 Evo's are great SSD's to use with a T430. You can have up to three drives in your T430 if you get an optical bay caddy (mSATA, main slot and optical). Nimitz is a good brand for caddies which can be bought off Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Nimitz-Drive-Caddy-Lenovo-Thinkpad/dp/B00NAMU8NO


Yea those are the 9 cell batteries that stick out and they work pretty well if you use them as a grip point.


That depends on what your usage looks like. I'm almost always using a wired connection but the Intel 6205 is pretty good and the 6300 is a little quicker going by its specifications. One time I forgot to swap back to wired and was playing The Division over WiFi with a 6205 for a good twenty minutes before I realized it so its definitely a capable little card.

If you want to eek out more battery run-time a helpful program to look into would be Throttle Stop. Also Core Temp if you want something to monitor your CPU's heat levels that can also be customized to put your system to sleep if temps get too high (lets your system cool off).

However, for the T490, in benefit of having USB-C charging port, you could utilize an external battery pack to charge up the laptop on the go.

There are an assortment of battery packs out there with high capacity and high output to be able to charge the T490 multiple times over. As well as if needed, can charge during use. While the battery packs may not be able to create net-positive charging, it will extend the laptop usage time at least twice over. Especially if you arent utilizing the dedicated graphics.

Here is a couple battery banks you could look at:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Q5VLGK?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAXet
  
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BD98CM?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAXer
  
  Here is a video Linus did about a battery pack used on a Razer Stealth Pro while gaming. (You will experience FAR better battery performance in comparison):
  
  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXNeoXnU7iM
  
  In my opinion, I prefer to have a sleek and slim laptop, with the OPTION to have extended battery life with a battery pack. Lenovo did have the neat design to have an internal battery, and a swappable battery slot so you could swap on the fly, but that required that you had to charge each battery IN the laptop seperately for each battery you have. Here, you can charge it outside, and use if for multiple different devices when needed! A win win in my books!

Yes I have! I did that when I swapped out an I5-3230m for an I7-3540m.

This is a good quality video is for the T420.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imfeQpGdBCs

It's a pretty similar model. The disassembly is the hard part, you've got to take the palm rest and keyboard off. Be gentle with them, there is a ribbon cable connecting them, and if you rip it you are screwed. Both of the ribbon connections just pop off, with a quick pull right on the connector.

I suggest Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut for your paste. If you are going through the trouble of taking your laptop apart, you might as well get the best stuff available. It seems like this is always at the top of the heap for the non-conductive thermal pastes, and if you are only buying one tube, then the price difference is ~5$, which is pretty insignificant in my opinion.

https://www.amazon.com/Thermal-Grizzly-Kryonaut-Grease-Paste/dp/B011F7W3LU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504491257&sr=8-1&keywords=thermal+grizzly+kryonaut

I upgraded to the fastest dual core in this generation and noticed a slight difference. If you are going to spend the money to upgrade the processor, just go get yourself one of the hotter quad cores to make it worth your time. Of course if you do this, pick up the dGPU heat sink and fan, as they are rated for 45W as opposed to 35w. With that heat sink I've seen people get 80c on the hottest quad cores in the generation.

>Regarding the HDD, I usually put an msata SSD in and then a large storage drive in the regular slot. The msata port is marginally slower than the regular hard drive slot (sata 2 vs sata 3), but in practice the difference between an SSD and HDD is so great that the msata SSD is more than fast enough.

Yeah, do you think you could actually explain this to me a little further? I'm a bit confused about all the different SSD/HDD bays and options for this device. Honestly, I've never even heard of mSATA or seen these little chips before.

So my laptop has a normal 320GB HDD. Am I correct in understanding that I can also put an additional SSD/HDD in the optical drive bay (with an adapter?) And an optional mSATA device is an additional option to all of those? I know one of the drives needs to be 7mm and not 9.5 mm. Is that the main drive the 7mm one? Or does the additional optical drive need to be 7mm? Or both?

Assuming I'm correct and I could put an SSD in the main bay and a storage HDD in the optical bay, what is the benefit of using an mSATA drive? Is that only because you want to keep your optical drive intact?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but you seem to be a lot more knowledgeable than I am about this laptop.

>Concerning the touchpad, it's definitely possible to set up two-finger scrolling and right click, as I did it for my sister (X220 running Win10Pro). I believe that when you go into mouse and touchpad settings there's an option to enable two-finger scrolling and right click, but I'm not certain of the exact location (I don't use Windows myself).

I should have mentioned in OP that two-finger scrolling definitely works. I can't find anything in the touchpad settings about two-finger tap to right-click at all, I'm pretty I've looked under every setting in there. Although, two-finger right-click isn't a big deal to me, since I already have 2 separate right-click buttons above and below the touchpad. I'm much more concerned about two/three-finger middle-click. As of now the only way I can see to middle-click is with CTRL+left-click, which is pretty annoying and unintuitive.

Not a problem man I am happy to help.

The mod is pretty easy. You can't mount the OPOLAR cooler without cutting out the little ridge that is basically just there for aesthetic purposes since the battery has the same ridges. I just kept going a little farther to get the fan some extra air flow. I'm considering cutting it out a little more to see if it improves the Temps at all. However it's not really necessary as the Temps are fine & the plastic does obviously provide protection to the fan.

Here is a link to the pics I promised:
http://imgur.com/a/wmaHXTn

I did a piss poor job cutting it. You should be able to do much better with the proper Dremel tool. I used a metal grinding attachment that wasn't at all great for cutting plastic. But heh, work with what you got right?

I should also mention that I do also use this laptop cooling pad:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NNMB3KS?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

> Is the RAM it ships with replaceable?

Yes. I'm rocking these chips from Amazon.

> Is it a true thunderbolt 3?

Not sure what you mean there.

> Also does the laptop charge using the thunderbolt 3 port?

Yes - just tested this with my macbook pro (late 2016) charger and it worked fine.

> Does the 72 wh cylindrical battery push the back of the laptop up?

Yes.

> Is it possible to get both the 72wh and 48wh batteries and switch in between them?

Yes

:)

Okay great! This all makes sense. You're a godsend.

Does it sound like a wise decision to go with the P52 and add 16GB of RAM myself (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071KP8CGJ?ascsubtag=UUwpUdUnU63873YYwYg&linkCode=gs2&tag=androidcent08-20&th=1)?

That way the total cost stays within the sub-$2000CAD range which is definitely a lot less daunting wallet-wise. Can't quite justify a $3000 (or potentially even a $2700) laptop to myself yet unfortunately!

One last question: is the P2000 + i7-8850H card worth the $300 jump from the P1000 i7-8750H card?(and as a curious follow-up: is the T1000 card + i7-9750H worth the $500 jump from the P2000?) I'm assuming this is a case-to-case thing (and more expensive is generally better), but I'm having a hard time imagining the cost-benefit ratio, and any thoughts would be much appreciated!

I would probably take a chance on this $69 Amazon 9 cell.

I always sort by most recent reviews to ensure there are recent sales, and people are giving high marks. This one seems good.

Good luck.

I found a new 512G lenovo drive that was the same P/N atlas the one from the factory for 200USD.
Crucial 16GB 2666 worked great to double my RAM.

They both work great!
Edit: I configured the 2 disks as raid 0 in the BIOS and that gave me 1TB.
Total upgrade cost me about $350, which is great.
32GB ram and 1TB of storage.
Ram I bought
Crucial 16GB Single DDR4 2666 MT/s... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KP8CGJ?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Drive I bought
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253805675581

Buy a used T440p and upgrade components as desired. I absolutely love mine and only dropped $200 to bring it home.

Some recommendations if you go that route:

• Buy a dock (found mine on sale from a local shop for an insane $20) for your desk setup. Essential gear - I have a dual (external) monitor setup and it's a total joy to use with the dock.
  
  
• Swap out the optical drive with an Ultrabay caddy for an additional HDD/SSD. Also...
  
  
  • There's an available M.2 slot which would permit you to add an M.2 SSD for a total of three drives... although you could also chuck this adapter into one (or both) of the drive bays for a RAID 0 or RAID 1 setup (or just for the fun of having an absurd amount of storage (JBOD)). I hope to do this next weekend; ostensible maximum number of internal drives = 5 M.2 SSDs.
    
    
• I haven't felt the need to upgrade my stock i5, but you can go all the way up to the i7-m910MQ if that's something you'd like to do. Frankly unnecessary IMO nor does it sound necessary based on your stated preferences.
  
  
• Beef up the RAM. 4GB ram is stock but anemic if you're doing video editing or graphic work; you can bump it up to 16GB using 2x 8GB sticks.
  
  Here's a fairly recent guide that may help guide you along as you make your choices.

How do you calculate the price difference of $474?

$280 (RAM) + $350 (SSD) = $630

$630-$300 (new RAM/SSD) = $330


Anyway, it does seem that RAM and SSD are more expensive in Japan. Are there any recommendations for these parts that I could get from https://www.amazon.co.jp?

In another thread I saw these recommended:

SSD

Amazon USA

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-850-EVO-2-5-Inch-MZ-75E500B/dp/B00OBRE5UE

$160

Searching for the same model (MZ-75E500B/AM) on Amazon Japan only shows much more expensive results though ($540??).

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Samsung-500GB-2-5-Inch-SATA-Internal/dp/B00OBRE5UE/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Samsung-500GB-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E500B/dp/B016PU8R4O/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Samsung-850-EVO-2-5-Inch-MZ-75E500B/

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Samsung-500GB-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E500B/dp/B019THF414/

RAM

Amazon USA:

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-16GBx2-PC4-17000-SODIMM-260-Pin/dp/B015YPB8ME

$130

Amazon Japan:

https://www.amazon.co.jp/Crucial-ノート用メモリー-PC4-17000-Unbuffered-CT2K16G4SFD8213/dp/B015YPB8ME/

$150



If I select the RAM and SSD from the Lenovo shop, I get the following:

$1,574.55

ThinkPad T460p

Part number: 20FWCTO1WW

• Intel Core i7-6820HQ processor (8MB Cache, Up to 3.6 Ghz)
  
  
• Windows 10 Pro 64
  
  
• Windows 10 Pro 64 English
  
  
• 14.0 WQHD(2560 x 1440) IPS Non-Touch
  
• NVIDIA GeForce 940MX 2GB
  
• 32GB(16+16) DDR4 2133MHz SoDIMM
  
• 720p HD Camera
  
• Keyboard Backlit - English
  
• UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
  
• Software TPM Enabled
  
• 512 GB Solid State Drive, SATA3
  
• Smart Card Reader
  
• ThinkPad Battery 6 cell Li-Ion (72Wh) Cyl HC Rear
  
• 135W 2pin US
  
• Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC(2x2) 8260, Bluetooth Version 4.1 vPro
  
• Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
  
• T460p WQHD IPS AG WW PAINT
  
• Publication - English
  
• 1 Year Depot or Carry-in
  
• 3YR Depot
  

1. I don't remember the exact specifics, but I found 16GB Corsair Vengeance RAM on Amazon for cheaper than the Crucial set. I'll update with a link if I find it again (found it). It had black and gold packaging and worked beautifully. For the SSD, I'd recommend mSATA to start. Yes, you're limited to SATA2 throughput, but you won't notice in everyday use and it leaves you the option to put a larger drive in the 2.5" slot later.
   
   
2. No idea, my X230 came with IPS (also eBay) because I didn't want to gamble and the cost difference was about the same as the cost of the mod.
   
   
3. If you need one, you need one, even if it's pricey. I'd see what you can find for cheap. Since the X230 comes with a Thinklight, you don't need a backlit keyboard, but I'd get one anyway if the price is close (helps with resale value).
   
   Edit: added link for RAM

I got this caddy quite a while ago and it fits excellently, sitting flush just like the OEM Lenovo DVD drive. Not sure why their picture of it mounted in a laptop looks so awful. I can honestly say it sits even more snugly and OEM-like than the actual OEM Dell caddy I have for my Latitude E7470.

Thank YOU SO MUCH for the info and thoughts!

\>> the burning W520-W530

You are talking my machine:-) A cooling fan can be very helpful. I am using this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNMB3KS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

\>> So far the main issue with the P53 is that it does not always sit flat.

I didn't notice this. I cannot examine it now because I already returned it.

\>> I bought my W520 in 2011 from the outlet for under $1000 and it is still eeking along (battery is shot

A few years ago, I bought a number of batteries from eBay in anticipation of using W530 for a long time. Tired of upgrading a laptop without getting real values. I have about 7 thinkpads sitting at home. You may be able find batteries at eBay too.

\>> I think we may be searching for something that doesn't exist. We will have to replace our giant dinosaurs with something modern. I feel like an octogenarian complaining about new technology:(

You are talking about me:-) Based on your input, I will look at p53 with T2000 card and 1920x1080 screen.

One question: You didn't or never heard the pitching or jet takeoff fan noise on your P53?

Edit: have you ever thought about x1 extreme? I am afraid that it has the same noise issue as p1 does.

The CPU is good (don't go for the vPro option), and so is the amount of RAM. Don't be surprised when you find out that you're using up a lot more RAM than before though, since Windows gives a percentage of your RAM to Superfetch to speed up application launches. If you're fine with replacing RAM on your own, however, I would go with this set. As for the SSD, since it has 2 slots you can keep the one that comes preconfigured and get an aftermarket one (the 970 Evo Plus from Samsung is better overall).

On another note, since it doesn't look like you'll be gaming, it might be worthwhile to check out the P1 Gen 2, which is the workstation equivalent of the X1E Gen 2. They are pretty much the same, with the only major differences being the graphics card (Quadro instead of GeForce) and the (albeit crazy expensive) factory calibrated 4K panel.

Dual channel memory is obviously nice to have but the performance advantage is mostly only noticeable in synthetic benchmarks. So I wouldn't base my decision on that alone. It mostly depends on how many VM's you are running at once and how much memory you need to assign to each one of them. I'm a software developer too and I upgraded my X1E to 2 x 16GB. With that I can comfortably run 3 or 4 (mostly linux) VMs at once and the host (Windows 10 Pro) still has ~16GB to work with. More VMs than that and I'd recommend 64GB.

What's your price level?

Honestly, the best value-to-price one is just the amazonbasics case: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD8AFFW

Definitely get an ssd and take the ram up to 16 gb ram and you will have a really nice upgrade. I recently got a new 9 cell that's working really well for me. It's a 70++ battery: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LLT3ANI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494608188&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=lenovo+t420+battery+9+cell&dpPl=1&dpID=41J6AF9XnGL&ref=plSrch

Yes it will fit. But better take this one

If you are looking for super small, this will work:amazon.com/dp/B07GBYVF4Q
Or the authentic Lenovo is pretty cheap... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792LMDQC

If the cracked lid casing is the common problem shown in the photograph here there's a pretty easy fix:

Apply a small spot of J-B Weld embedded with a small finishing nail laid across the break for extra reinforcement in the area shown in the photograph here.

You just need to remove the screen bezel and temporarily push aside the antenna wires. Make sure everything is aligned and let it set up for about 24 hours and the bond will be virtually impossible to break. I've done this on a number of X220 and X230 units and it holds up really well.

Yes, of course. Its a very interesting book for sure.

There is a new book BTW: https://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-Changed-World-Shaping-Future/dp/1510724990

You'll either need a bulky one that has an actual AC power socket output that you can plug your AC adapter into, like this one, or one that has the specific DC output and plug your laptop needs. It looks like the T420/30/40 line has a funky DC input port, so I doubt you'll find one specifically for it, but it might be possible to find a DC to DC adapter which would allow you to use something like this which outputs DC to a standard DC port. The AC power socket bank would be your safest bet.

I just got the Amazon basics 14" laptop sleeve (wasn't too worried about the Thinkpad, just wanna keep the dust away so I didn't get anything fancy). Fits quite nicely and for the price, the quality's quite good too.

• Why did you choose the Samsung 970 EVO 1Tb and not the Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 1TB SSD?
  
  
• Did you take the internal SSD completely out of the laptop then or use it as a second drive?
  
  
• Do you use Lightroom? And if Yes, how smooth does it ran?
  
  
• Is it this RAM you have ordered?
  
  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NAL3TYY/ref=asc_df_B07BGLBZBK1566298800000/
  
  
• Or do you have a Link to the RAM you chose? :)

For the SSD, it's a no-brainer. You're far better off buying your own. Even with the BLACKFRIDAY10 coupon, the slot 1 upgrade is $319, the slot 2 addition is $527; a 970 EVO 1TB is $228, and you are guaranteed the best consumer-grade SSD on the market right now instead of playing the lottery.

For RAM, though, it's not as simple.

16 GB x2 of PC4-21300 SODIMM is $254.

The 32 GB x1 and 16 GB x2 upgrades are both $223 with the coupon.

The cheapest, however, is the 16 GB x1 upgrade at $74.41 with the coupon, plus another 16 GB x1 at $125, for a total of around $200.

Of course, if you get the 8 GB and replace it, 8 GB is worth around $60 new. However, I've never thought of the used RAM market as very strong, so I think you'd be lucky to get $20-30 right now. Alternatively, you could keep it for later.

I'm not sure how this works with Perks instead of the current coupon because I'm lazy, but "get the cheapest and just buy your own upgrades" is not always the least expensive route.

x2, rocking a Havit HV-F2056, love it - machine runs literally cool to the touch.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNMB3KS/

Sweet! Thanks!

[here's the USA version for anyone else searching](thermal grizzly kryonaut thermal grease paste - 1.0 gram https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011F7W3LU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kzvNBbYDSBMDG)

Ultrabay ssd for the CD ROM. I'm not sure if it works for the x230 but on my t430 I have a second ssd and it works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NAMU8NO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464698810&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=lenovo+ultrabay+hard+drive

Found this book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1510724990/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CW8MD10SJJZCFTVSB5TT
Looks interesting :)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NAMU8NO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use the Nimitz caddy. It fits perfectly in several ThinkPad models and has 4.5 star feedback on Amazon. It's in my T530 right now, with a 500GB spinning plate drive inside it. By contrast, I bought one of those cheap caddies, and it wouldn't even fit in my T430! The bezel's not properly cut for it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNMB3KS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's nothing special, just a cheap cooling pad. I didn't want to spend the money on an actual docking system, so I bought that and a USB-C hub for all my peripherals.

Thanks for the compliment by the way!

not as far as i know. your best off just replacing the battery.

if you want a powerbank that will charge your laptop there is this one but it is huge

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YP823NA/?coliid=I2AM07L73NMJW2&colid=XE3QAEEQJCRZ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Memory: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01NAL3TYY/
This is the fastest 32GB kit for these laptops, you can find it cheaper from other sellers, even some reputable ones on eBay.

SSD: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07BR9FV1C/

This SSD is an excellent deal at $79.99, and it's as good as if not better than the 970 Evo 512. Same warranty, TBW, and etc. and should throttle less.

I bought this one when I got my W520 in 2011 and it's worked great ever since then:

https://www.newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=388

I think this is the same one on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-T420-T430-T510-Newmodeus/dp/B00A2AWBKU

I got this one and it’s an original Lenovo one: Lenovo 4X90F84315 ThinkPad Ethernet Extension Cable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LPRQ5UG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ys7uopIbFgDYZ


It’s on Amazon Canada, but that may help a little

• Link from 51nb posted by kingkonglue
  
• Kevin Beck talking to Dr. Naito about Thinkpads
  
  This is slightly significant, due to the user "kingkonglue" being a prominent 51nb x230 modder ; and Naito (or Naitoh) is Lenovo's VP for Notebook Development, was part of original Thinkpad development team, is the head of Lenovo's Yamato Development lab, and wrote a book about Thinkpads very recently . (edit: added info)

Lenovo has removed some of these from the website (boo!). But the key is that 55++ batteries will do fine. Did you mean to pull the amazon.ca website?

Read the comments though - it sounds like it may NOT be the Lenovo battery. The picture is confusing, as it shows a 25++ battery.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4A03YE4017

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Lenovo-ThinkPad-57Y4186-Original/dp/B00QLY6CBU

This is the 70++ battery, which will work on T410/20/30.

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Extended-Battery-0a36303-Originals/dp/B00LLT3ANI/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_bs_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QH0H8ZKKDENMB2ZQ5G07

Once you get your battery, go through the Power Manager settings as well - you can tweak your battery settings quite extensively.

Here's the link I used at Amazon https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BD98CM/ to buy it. I will be buying a second one for international travel as well as this 60W charger (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0712252ZQ/) for recharging the things (right now I only have 18W chargers. I'd like to be able to recharge one quickly while at the airport or whatever.

Is Grizzly Kryonaut the best thermal paste one could apply on the Thinkpads?

I believe the answer is yes. Lenovo has an adapter that connects to the internal Ethernet. I believe the Lenovo part number is 4X90F84315. The big plus of using this is, as you say, not blocking any of the USB ports (USB type A and USB-C).

Here's an amazon link with an image

Hey I'm about 3 weeks ahead if you, gradually upgrading.

I haven't upgraded the touchpad yet. It does suck though.

Do you need a large ssd for now?

Kingston 120GB A400 SSD 2.5'' SATA 7MM 2.5-Inch SA400S37/120G https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N6JQS8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P5i1CbNZ2HKSX

Then you could get adapter to turn CD Rom drive bay into hd bay and use the spinning drive you already have.

The screen upgrade is nice and worth prioritising imo.

Have fun... don't think there's a right answer really :)

You don't need the same brand of ram, just make sure that the sticks fit.

Try these sticks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015YPB8ME/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481239241&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=crucial+ram+ddr4+32

Depends which you buy but I think most fit 7mm

https://www.amazon.com/Caddy-Lenovo-ThinkPad-genuine-Newmodeus/dp/B00A2AWBKU

I'm thinking this hdd + leveno's 128gb ssd or this ssd + leveno's standard 500gb hdd. The hdd one gives me more space, but I don't know if its possible, if it supports it.

Here you go brother

Let me know if you have any questions

Artic 5 is just as good you can't go wrong with either

https://www.amazon.ca/Thermal-Grizzly-Kryonaut-Grease-Paste/dp/B011F7W3LU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537037644&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=kryonaut&dpPl=1&dpID=41IkGIpkjtL&ref=plSrch

Although I haven't personally used one, since I don't own a X1, I have heard nothing but good things about the X1 Ultra Sleeve. Leather, magnetic flap, and lightweight, perfect for a X1. You can get it for $42 on with corporate perks with the code NJ*CORP

http://shop.lenovo.com/perksoffer/us/en/itemdetails/4X40K41705/460/C23BDB05D2A846C4A08BACF64DCDA715#overview

However if you want something cheaper, the amazon 14" sleeve should suffice, although there might be too much wiggle room.

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-NC1303153-14-Inch-Laptop-Sleeve/dp/B00CD8AFFW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464325055&sr=8-1&keywords=x1+carbon+sleeve

However any slim 14" (or a really loose 13.3" sleeve), should suffice.

The maximum is 16GB. Not sure about 2133 MHz though. I have 2x8GB Corsair Vengeance (1600 MHz) installed, works great - https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-2x8GB-Laptop-Memory/dp/B0076W9Q5A

Not sure if 2133 or 2600 MHz would make much difference.

Hi there , Im thinking of upgrading from the stock i5 to either your processor or the i7 2760qm/ 2670qm ( as its cheaper) The bios version on my laptop is 1.36 would i need to update to the latest bios (1.52) before this upgrade would work. Also is the ram you bought the https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-Vengeance-204-Pin-SO-DIMM-CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10/dp/B0076W9Q5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538782910&sr=8-1&keywords=corsair+1600mhz+sodimm as I am also thinking of upgrading from the 4gb stick in my laptop. If so would i also need to update from 1.36 before this Ram upgrade. Thanks in advance.

The one I purchased that was a pos was this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MH9DFG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 its a clone of almost all the other cheap ones, when I purchased this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2AWBKU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 it was just a world above in quality. the former came with a bezel that did not match the t420 and it was very flimsy, the newmodeus is almost entirely metal, and the case it comes with is nice to keep your optical drive in for when you need it.

Something like this if you want lightweight and 1-1.5 recharges:
http://www.amazon.com/Poweradd-23000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Portable-Notebooks/dp/B015OAJFOC/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1457760566&sr=8-42&keywords=External+battery+pack+laptop

Or this if you're looking to get closer to 24-30 hours (3-4 recharges) and can carry a little extra:

http://www.amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1457760443&sr=8-18&keywords=External+battery+pack+laptop

Is that just for the E495? Im picking up a X395 and looking to get a good power bank.

​

I dont know if wirecutter is still reputable (bought out a while ago), but they reccomend these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BD98CM?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAXer

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0156HCJQO?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAXes

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Q5VLGK?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAXet

And I know Anker is reputable, so was also looking at this:

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Delivery-Charger-Portable/dp/B01MZ61PRW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2MGFMR5ODL9KT&keywords=power+delivery+power+bank&qid=1566445596&refinements=p_89%3AAnker&rnid=2528832011&s=gateway&sprefix=power+del%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-4

on 8gb and 2x8gb also you can check how easy it is to replace here

Crucial. It's a good company and one of the few 16 gb 2666. Crucial 16GB Single DDR4 2666. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KP8CGJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Has anyone tried a mSATA SSD like http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-850-mSATA-2-Inch-MZ-M5E250BW/dp/B00TGIVTP2/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457961745&sr=1-2&keywords=msata+ssd&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011 in this slot yet?

like this one?: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-850-mSATA-2-Inch-MZ-M5E250BW/dp/B00TGIVTP2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457143883&sr=8-3&keywords=m.2+2242

Why not fix the hinge (ebay) and replace the battery? Total should come out to less than $100.

It wouldn't surprise me if they did go down in quality, I don't have anything to add there. I bought a T420 last year and hoping to keep it for as long as possible.

I used this, and it fits perfect. Enough for just the x1, but can toss in the slim PS and cable, Ethernet dongle, or even my iPad Pro 10.5. Stretchy material, probably neoprene.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CD8AFFW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Found a few that are cheaper and should work (even stating support for the X1C).

https://www.amazon.com/Delivery-Portable-Jackery-20800mAh-External/dp/B075SSHGJL

https://www.amazon.com/USB-ZeroLemon-Type-Portable-Charger/dp/B071HQFYRR

https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-Pixelbook-Nintendo-External-Portable/dp/B072BD98CM

But it is so much faster and better with an SSD, seriously-night and day difference in speed. Besides, what do you need the much storage for? You should install a smaller SSD main drive ($60 for a 240gb) and convert the DVD drive into a 2nd hard drive bay for the slower larger storage.
https://www.amazon.com/Caddy-Lenovo-ThinkPad-genuine-Newmodeus/dp/B00A2AWBKU

May I self-nominate two of our product offerings? Thx.

ZMI PowerPack 20000 (QB820) PD Enabled Battery Pack and USB 2.0 Hub:

https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-Pixelbook-Nintendo-External-Portable/dp/B072BD98CM

ZMI 45W PD Power Brick:

https://www.amazon.com/ZMI-PowerPlug-Pixelbook-Charging-Nintendo/dp/B071911MG5

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Extended-0A36303-70-Manufacturers-Packaging/dp/B00LLT3ANI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=t430+battery&qid=1564014808&s=gateway&sprefix=t43&sr=8-4

You think this is OK? Don't care if it's genuine or not, just about whether it can stay alive for a long time

This is a really precarious spot on the X220 and X230 lids. I've managed to repair a few that had this same issue.

I used a small spot of J-B Weld imbedded with a small finishing nail laid across the break for extra reinforcement in the area shown in the photograph here. You just need to remove the screen bezel and temporarily push aside the antenna wires. Make sure everything is aligned and let it set up for about 24 hours and the bond will be virtually impossible to break.

This is a really precarious spot on the X220 and X230 lids. I've managed to repair a few that had this same issue.

I used a small spot of J-B Weld imbedded with a small finishing nail laid across the break for extra reinforcement in the area shown in the photograph here.

You just need to remove the screen bezel and temporarily push aside the antenna wires. Make sure everything is aligned and let it set up for about 24 hours and the bond will be virtually impossible to break.

[You can buy a new battery](Lenovo Genuine 9 Cell Extended Life Thinkpad Battery 70++ (Mfg p/n; 0A36303-70++, Original Sealed Manufacturers Retail Packaging) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLT3ANI). Apparently they use the same type as W530. I might have to buy one myself :D

Sure. Here you go.

128GB: Kingston 120GB A400 SATA 3 2.5" Internal SSD SA400S37/120G - HDD Replacement for Increase Performance https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6JQS8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9gpRDbATPRC50

250GB: Samsung SSD 860 EVO 250GB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-76E250B/AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07864WMK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qepRDb792VBPC

Here's the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPRQ5UG/

It works well.

I ended up using this one . It was simple to swap and fits well.

er, I just bought the same RAM from Amazon (UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071KP8CGJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it doesn't work. Turns on, fans come on for a second, then they turn off slowly. Keyboards lights up, and goes down immediately. Beware fellow X1E owners.

Here's a couple examples:

https://amazon.com/MAXOAK-50000mAh-Portable-External-Notebook-Most/dp/B00YP823NA

https://amazon.com/RAVPower-23000mAh-Portable-External-Smartphones/dp/B00HFMUBYG

I've charged similar devices with the lenovo 90W Slim power adapter since it can use multiple tips. I don't know of any that accept the regular lenovo jacks for input.

I use a ZMI (brand under Xiaomi) QB820. It's rated for 40W at 20V output.

Amazon

N.B. MSRP in China is 299 CNY, which is quite a bit cheaper than the price on Amazon. Buy it from Taobao if you can.

$120. Looks like it's slightly lower now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015YPB8ME

Came across this today: https://www.amazon.com/ThinkPad-Changed-World-and-Shaping-Future/dp/1510724990/

bet about what?
Here's the battery
https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Ultrabay-Battery-0A36310/dp/B0085MPJ3S
And here's caddy for ssd
https://www.amazon.com/Caddy-Lenovo-ThinkPad-genuine-Newmodeus/dp/B00A2AWBKU

Link to the 14inch one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LPRQ5UG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-4X90F84315-ThinkPad-Ethernet-Extension/dp/B00LPRQ5UG

Here is the desktop version of your link

This looks similar, would it work?

What aftermarket ssd would work in the wwan slot? https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-850-EVO-Internal-MZ-M5E250BW/dp/B00TGIVTP2/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1498679085&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=2242+samsung+ssd?

They make them as consumer products, take a look at this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YP823NA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.EcbBb5GBNCTW

512gb m.2 2242 SSDs exist; I have one running on my W550s now.

https://www.amazon.com/ZTC-512GB-Armor-Drive-ZTC-SM201-512G/dp/B00Z8BYOWG

One reddit user suggested:

https://www.amazon.ca/Thermal-Grizzly-Kryonaut-Grease-Paste/dp/B011F7W3LU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537037644&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=kryonaut&dpPl=1&dpID=41IkGIpkjtL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016W1PP5K/ - Transcend 512GB SSD

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015YPB8ME/ - Crucial 32GB RAM

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-16GBx2-PC4-17000-SODIMM-260-Pin/dp/B015YPB8ME/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1468374275&sr=8-37&keywords=16Gb+DDR4 This one seems to be compatible, by specification only.

SSD's are really cheap now. <30$ for a 120gig drive

https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-120GB-Solid-SA400S37-120G/dp/B01N6JQS8C/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1538785753&sr=1-3&keywords=120gb+ssd&dpID=41EjY-AhQUL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Skip eating out twice and you can afford one.

https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Technology-HyperX-HX426S15IB2K2-32/dp/B01NAL3TYY/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=hyperx+32gb+ddr4+2666&qid=1570160098&sr=8-2

Bout to test these on the x1e2. CL 15.
Fastest ones I could find.

If I were you I'd buy the smallest 60W USB-C charger in the world.
Innergie 60C USB-C Adapter-US, Compatible for MacBook Pro, USB-C 60W Laptop Charger with PowerDelivery Technology-USB PD, World-Small and Light Universal Power Adapter with Foldable Plugs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBYVF4Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UT9YCbG61FXJF

This has been my cable-free MVP charger for the year and a half.

Yeah definitely try those two first. Worst thing that will come from undervolting will be a unstable system and a BSOD. Then just give up the voltage a little bit till your stable. If your careful look into repasting it with something like thermal grizzlys kryonaut. Worst case that can happen is you put too much on or bend the heatpipes. Maybe lookup some tests and benchmarks to see if people actually gained a significant difference in Temps to make it worth it. If your careful it's not too risky.

I was able to repair the magnesium base of my X220 using J-B Weld.

It was a bit tricky to get the pieces to sit in the proper position while it cured, but the resulting bond has been really sturdy.

1. This image has the serial number: PC0088BP Enter this here
   
   
2. The T440p needs rails to keep the HDD/SSD from falling out. That's what I've linked you to.
   
   
3. A second SSD can be installed in the DVD drive slot (these eBay listings don't have a drive, just a plastic placeholder) by using this caddy.

> 512GB models have been announced and should be appearing soon

Not quite true, 512GB models are already available:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z8BYOWG

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Information-512GB-MTS400-TS512GMTS400/dp/B016W1PP5K

I just ordered this ZTC Armor 44mm from Amazon because another user said that it worked on a Broadwell series Thinkpad. Its difficult (impossible) to find a review but the specs look decent and its a good price. I was confused that 42mm is [not] the same as 2242 and that limited my options.

I use the 65w charger with my Pixel 3 regularly. Handy to only need 1 charger on trips.
I'm considering buying an Innergie 60w to cut down on travel weight even further.

I used a nimitz caddy for my 2nd drive but I don't use it anymore. It works: https://www.amazon.com/Nimitz-Drive-Adapter-Lenovo-Thinkpad/dp/B00NAMUBC2

I can also sell you mine because I have no use for it anymore.

I know you said cheap, but how much are you willing to spend? What tends to make the older models very usable is putting an SSD in them. I find it more affordable to get an SSD and put it in a ThinkPad that came with no HDD. I often use the T61 that's sitting next to my couch, but for not a LOT more, you can probably get up to a T410 and at least then the screen will be LED and not CCFL (dims as it ages).

Like a T420s for $78 + an SSD for $28 + an AC adapter for $8 + a hard drive caddy for $6.

The part of that will go down in price with older models is the chassis itself, and not by a lot. Is that in the budget?

Ok, so i've been doing some digging around,

Based on these pictures: http://thehikaku.net/pc/lenovo/16ThinkPad-X260-2.html

The X260 has the same M.2 slot as the X250.

This guy put an M.2 ssd on the X250 as a bootable drive with no problems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AuJJyyDJo0

This is the Biggest M.2 SSD i have been able to find: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z8BYOWG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2U7R8LL42Q26Q&coliid=I3FG3LKEZW6ISV&psc=1

and lastly, the different types of M.2 slots: https://www.ramcity.com.au/blog/m.2-ngff-ssd-compatibility-list/189

I never truly tested battery life with the stock i5-4300M that came with it since I upgraded it fairly quickly after the original purchase. But with the stock 57Wh (4610mAh) battery, I can get approx. 4 hours of use out of it with Wi-Fi on and screen brightness on the 1600x900 TN panel on the lowest setting. I've considered getting a larger capacity battery but the insane price makes it not worth it.

I currently don't have an ODD in that slot, I'm not sure if other models are similar but this version just has an ODD placeholder tray (so there's not even an ODD in that slot). It's currently empty since my primary drive is a 500GB Mushkin Reactor Enhanced SATAIII SSD which is great for my needs considering I'm building my primary computer rig soon which will have 6+TB of storage and I have a 4TB passport HDD by Seagate. I figured I would just let people know that the ODD is upgradable to an extra drive in case this is their only machine. This is the recommended caddy if you want to toss in an extra drive: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00NAMUBC2

One thing to note with the ODD slot is that if you are putting a HDD in there, you will be limited to a maximum of 2TB since the models (that I know of) that have larger capacities are thicker and won't fit in the slot.

Also, M.2-2242 (42mm length) SSD drives are insanely priced and hard to find in stock. I originally wanted to go that route and toss in a HDD in the primary drive slot but instead opted for a larger SSD (500GB) and I'm very satisfied with my decision.

The upgradability of the T440p and its potential life span with the upgrades I have performed and planned out is what drew me towards it.

If you have any questions whatsoever regarding the T440p purchase you are considering, don't hesitate to ask me anything. I can provide you with benchmarks or personal opinions or anything relevant that you need :)

I cant find the one i bought but i think this is very similar or even the same: https://www.amazon.com/Nimitz-Drive-Caddy-Lenovo-Thinkpad/dp/B00NAMU8NO?keywords=t430+caddy&qid=1537506368&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1.

I strongly recommend you to install the hdd at the internal bay and a ssd on the caddy, bc the caddy is more likely to suffer vibrations and other kind of stuff that is bad for a hdd. But its also easier to steal it as the t430 has hot swapping and the internal bay has a screw. For me its not a problem bs it looks like a dvd and almost any computer of my coworkers nor normal people around me has that kind of feature and dont know that it can be done.

Here is the 500-ish GB SSDs I found so far:

| Item | \$ | Keying | Interface | Command | Compat? | 4K R/W | What's tested | Notes |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------:|--------|-----------------|----------|---------|---------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Transcend 512GB SATA III 6GB/S MTS430S 42 mm M.2 SSD 430S Solid State Drive TS512GMTS430S | 80.99 | B+M | | SATA III | No | "80,000 IOPS" | (product page) | |
| Transcend 512GB SATA III 6GB/S MTS400S 42 mm M.2 SSD 400S Solid State Drive TS512GMTS400S | 234.99 | B+M | | SATA III | No | | | |
| Sabrent 512GB Rocket NVMe PCIe M.2 2242 DRAM-Less Low Power Internal High Performance SSD (SB-1342-512) | 69.99 | M | PCIe Gen3 x 4 | NVMe | No | 42 | RND4K Q1T1 | On sale |
| Lexar NM520 M.2 2242 512GB NVMe Solid-State Drive (LNM520-512RBNA) | 143.10 | B+M | PCIe Gen3 x 2 | NVMe | Yes | 39.39 | 4KiB Q1T1 | Weird reviews |
| MyDigitalSSD Super Boot 2 (SB2) 42mm (2242) SATA III (6G) M.2 NGFF SSD Solid State Drive (512GB (480GB)) | 89.99 | B+M | | SATA III | No | 30.64 | 4K | |
| Docooler Solid State Drive M.2 2242 Gen32 PCIe NAND Flash 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD NVMe PCIe Flash Netac | 125.99 | B+M | PCIe Gen3 x 4?? | NVMe | Yes | | | no reviews; 2 weeks ship time? |
| KingSpec 2242 NGFF 512GB M.2 SSD SATA III 6Gb/s Internal Solid State Drive for Ultrabook (512GB) | 69.99 | B+M | | SATA III | No | 20.74 | 4KiB Q1T1 | "very low random 4k read/write speeds"; hot? |
| KingSpec 512GB SSD 2242 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3x2 3D NAND Internal Solid State Drive for Thinkpad T580 T570 T480S L570 L480,Dell E7450 | 126.98 | B+M | PCIe Gen3 x 2 | NVMe 1.3 | Yes | | | |
| SSD SATA M.2 2242 500GB Dogfish Ngff Internal Solid State Drive High Performance Hard Drive for Desktop Laptop SATA III 6Gb/s … (500GB, M.2-2242) | 71.00 | B+M | | SATA III | No | | | |
| ZTC 512GB Armor 42mm M.2 NGFF 6G SSD Solid State Drive. Model ZTC-SM201-512G | 58.99 | B+M | | SATA III | No | | | |
| Dogfish SSD M.2 2242 500GB Internal Solid State Drive Laptop Hard Drive M2 SSD (500GB) | 75.00 | B+M | | SATA | | | | |
| Dogfish M.2 2242 500GB Internal Solid State Drive Laptop Hard Drive M2 500g (500GB) | 99.00 | B+M | | SATA III | No | | | |

Probably I will try the KingSpec one...