Update
Had to scrap the project because of the new restriction about importing electronic parts without KC marks. So annoying.
Introduction
I recently purchased a pre-owned ThinkPad T480 on eBay. It is a solid choice, though there are a few limitations with its standard setup. In this post, I’ll share all the upgrades I’ve made to this model to ensure it stays relevant and efficient in 2024.
Note: I want to mention that none of the links in this post are affiliated.
Upgrades
Battery
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 01AV420 | KingSener Internal Battery | 25.96 | AliExpress |
| ✅ | 01AV423 | KingSener 10.8V 6600mAh Laptop Battery | 33.91 | AliExpress |
Comments
I found that the official Lenovo parts were quite pricey and only available for purchase in the US. Consequently, I opted for the more budget-friendly ‘compatible’ alternatives.
Screen
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | - | N140HCG-GQ2 IPS FHD Panel | 75.00 | AliExpress |
Comments
Unfortunately, while I was removing the bezel from the screen, I ended up cracking both the left and right sides of it. (Not to mention the countless broken clips… Clearly I underestimated the strength of the adhesive used on the display.) This led me to consider replacing the entire upper lid with a magnesium one. Not only does this reduce the overall weight of the laptop, but it also provides me with the chance to replace the broken bezels.
Magnesium Lid
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 01AX955 | T480 Magnesium LCD Back Cover | 75.00 | eBay |
| ✅ | 01YR490 | T480 Front Bezel Frame (Non IR) | 0.00 | eBay |
| ✅ | 01YR487 | T480 Front Bezel Cover (Non IR) | 19.09 | AliExpress |
Comments
I stumbled upon a seller on eBay who offered both parts in a single package, so I decided to make my purchase from them. Interestingly, the seller consistently claimed that it was the ‘last item’ they had in stock. Yet, even after I bought this ‘final’ item, I noticed they continued to list more of the same parts, each time labeled as the last one.
T25 Keyboard Retrofitting (7-Row Keyboard)
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 01HW517 | T25 Keyboard (Japanese) | 55.00 | AliExpress |
| ✅ | 01HX686 | T25 Palmrest | 32.37 | AliExpress |
| ✅ | 01HX688 | T25 Power Button Cable | 51.01 | eBay |
| ✅ | 01HX689 | T25 Power Button PCB | 50.67 | eBay |
| ✅ | 01AX699 | T470/T25 Fingerprint Reader | 20.00 | AliExpress |
| ✅ | 01AX953 | T470 Hinges | 11.90 | eBay |
| ✅ | 01HX691 | T25 M.2 adapter | 18.00 | eBay |
References
- T25 Frankenpad
- A FrankenPad Story: T25 with Quad-Core CPU and UHD LCD Panel
- Perfect T480 Modification with Thinkpad 25th 7Row Keyboard
- (Guide) T480 Retro-mod/T26 preliminary info
Comments
TBA
Glass Touchpad
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 01LV563 | X1C6 Touchpad (No NFC) | 28.30 | eBay |
Comments
The go-to option for replacing the touchpad on the T480 is usually one from the X1 Extreme. However, to align with the T25 moddings above, I opted for a touchpad from the X1 Carbon 6th Generation instead, due to some slight differences in dimensions.
Dual Heat Pipe
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | 01YR200 | Heatsink CPU Cooler Cooling Fan SWG Discrete Graphics | 23.17 | AliExpress |
Comments
This mod is known to reduce the CPU temp by 15~20 degrees Celsius.
Wireless Card
Materials
| Got? | Part # | Part Name | Price (USD) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | - | Intel AX210NGW Wireless Card | 20.00 | Coupang |