Building the Perfect ThinkPad X230 Part 1: Complete Disassembly, Re-pasting, Fan, SSD, RAM

Part 1 of 3: Building the perfect ThinkPad X230.
Note: The chip that is called "GPU" in the video is actually the chipset PCH ;).
The Thinkpad X230 is getting disassembled completely in order to re-paste the CPU and replace the fan. On the way it will also get a new SSD, more RAM and a faster WWAN card.
In the next video, I will retrofit a classic 7-row ThinkPad keyboard into this machine! Stay tuned :).
Click the time stamp to jump to different parts of the video.
0:00 - Introduction
1:14 - Disassembly
3:17 - Fan replacement
4:16 - Thermal paste
4:46 - Reassembly
5:34 - WWAN upgrade
5:53 - RAM, SSD upgrade
6:22 - ThinkPad X200s vs. X230 (Cinebench)
Enjoy the video, leave thumbs up and/or subscribe if you like my work :)
This video is for entertainment only, please do not use it as a tutorial for your beloved tech!
Music:
- Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio - Astral
Links:
- CPU benchmark list:
www.notebookcheck.com/Mobile-...
Upgrades:
- SSD: SATA SSD with 7mm height
- RAM: PC3-12800 1600MHzDDR3 (16GB (2x8GB) is the maximum)
- WWAN: Ericsson H5321gw (GPRS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+) (mSATA SSD is also possible)
- Fan: FRU: 04W6921 (Delta), 04W6922 (Toshiba) or 04W6923 (AVC) according to / x230_fan_testing_04w69...
-- I would recommend having a look at the fan that is installed inside your ThinkPad and replacing it with the same brand.
-- Only recommended if the old fan is really noisy, since the quality can be hit or miss.

[@juristuCDPC]

According to the service manual, what you believe is the GPU is actually the Platform Controller Hub (PCH). The X230 does not have a dedicated GPU, but one which is integrated in the CPU itself.

[@classicdome9347]

Yes you are right, sorry for the wrong information. I already got some comments on this and will try to reupload the video soon :).

[@my_negative_world3741]

Thank you so much! Thanks to you I did a first in my life repasting and also repaired the hinges in my dumpster found x230.

[@dubiousdoublechin6363]

Ive always preferred the X220 keyboard, I see you are a man of culture

[@michalfecko2867]

10 years old notebook runs 1000 x better than todays 250 - 400 euros notebooks :-D

[@classicdome9347]

wise words :)

[@joseantoniobarranco7305]

Those machines are really well engineered (have an x220, same upgrades as your x230). Good job!

[@AtomicNuke-gn3qm]

Well engineered but definitely needed to be more universal for repair

[@KonaMano]

Definitely the best disassembly-video in the universe!

[@classicdome9347]

What a statement. Thank you, I'm happy to read this :)

[@andyleo838]

Just bought a very good used x230 yesterday, only the battery a bit weak. 1.5 hours mid brightness. Your channel really helpful. Thank you.

[@Mellow3d]

I upgraded to a 9 cell, no regrets! great battery life and doesnt weigh much more

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you for the nice comment :)

[@toddpark2893]

@@Mellow3d does anyone one know a good supplier for a replacement battery?

[@go0se_sec]

I approve of this background music.

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you!

[@neohubris]

x230 is fine for most everyday things. Minecraft is fine on it too.

[@mistrotech8894]

Is the screen small? How does it compare to a 4:3 aspect ratio? I'm used to it on my 2003 Gateway tablet PC, and some databases don't run on it anymore (like Jamboard which requires newer WebGL support), so I want a newer computer with a similar form factor.

[@tushar2729]

@@mistrotech8894 the screen is kinda small, because it is supposed to be an everyday business laptop which can be carried around with ease. The screen size is 12.5 inches, 1366x768 resolution. It supports WebGL. The aspect ratio is 16:9 so it can run videos and games at 1080p (2018-present game titles may lag a little as per my experience). The performance depends on which variant you have. When the X230 came out in 2013, it had the option of an i5 3320m, i5 3360m, i7 3520m and I think some more processors. You could choose the amount of ram, whether you want an SSD or an HDD and many more options. It was very advanced for its time. Edit: Also, it has intel integrated graphics. Mine (i5 3360m) has intel integrated graphics 4000.

[@AE-bm4no]

@@mistrotech8894 the two in "2XX" is the display size, like the T420 is 14 inches, the X200s are all 12 inches

[@TheRealStevenT]

I quickly subscribed! Fellow X230 user!

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you very much!!

[@piotrkozimor4464]

Great video ! I use Thermal Grizzly conductonaut on CPU. During the tests it heats up to 70*C.

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you very much!!

[@dawnnadir]

May I ask what WWAN did you upgrade to from the old one and what is the manufacturer of the original ram and what rams did you upgrade to as well?

[@Dominic_IBM]

nice build!

[@bmbpdk]

Hello Sir. Thank you for a very good video!

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! :)

[@eqb9714]

Hello, nice video. I have a X230 too. A old (and hot) and nice laptop. Any difference ater changing cooler ?? Did u made an temp test?

[@maulanamasykur4450]

thank you so much for the video

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you!

[@dutifulraspi56]

Great video, thanks for taking the time in making it! I was wondering: Is there any benefit in using the thermal pad for the GPU instead of the paste? Or would it work just as well with thermal paste?

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you, its much appreciated! In general, thermal pads are used to compensate for larger gaps or no exactly flat angle between the processor and the cooling unit. In case of the X230 the gap is very small, however the cooling plate is pushed against the GPU with only one screw. This results in a not exactly perfect angle. Thermal paste can also compensate for very small gaps or angles of course.

[@niksortam]

Thanks for sharing

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you for the nice comment! :)

[@berkayaktas8439]

my dream laptop

[@toddpark2893]

Great video 🙂 is the CPU soldered?

[@elektron2kim666]

My X230 is in triple boot. 1.5 TB SSD (mSATA 0.5 TB and Disk 1.0 TB) - IPS, i7, 8 GB. Very useful.

[@classicdome9347]

Definitively useful especially with Linux :).

[@Airbugg]

Hi! Question... my thinkpad x230's audio jack has been acting up. Sometimes when I unplug my headphones it doesn't register that it was unplugged. Then I have to plug it in and out multiple times before I can hear the sound through the speakers again. Is the audio jack easily replaceable??

[@nuudul7639]

hey man great video, can you tell me the model of the fan/where did you get it

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! Finding the right fan can sometimes be difficult... I got mine on eBay but the link doesn't exist anymore. Also, I would not recommend the exact fan I bought anyway because it has already started to rattle. Best would be to remove the keyboard and have a look at the FRU of the fan and buy exactly this model (Lenovo seems to have used different ones in the X230). This way you can be sure that the fan fits to the heatsink. Or just buy a fan/heatsink combo. I hope I could help you with that. :)

[@carlosarmas6369]

¿what is the name of the red rubber adapter that you use for the SDD ?

[@erickfogtman]

Amazing video overall content, you just earned a subscriber :). I’m working on a simile X230 project as I bought one really cheap but it’s missing the 1st display ribbon you removed. Why does it have two of those? The screen works but it just flickers from time to time so I’m not sure if the panel is wrong or just missing that ribbon. Thanks!

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your subscription! One of the two ribbon cables I declare as display ribbons in the video is actually used for the webcam and thinklight (removed at 2:00). The ribbon I remove at 2:49 is the actual display cable :). Have fun with your X230!

[@juristuCDPC]

Also, what model was the old WWAN card?

[@sawojarianski6991]

New fans are lower quality and louder, i used cosmetic vaseline to grease my old fan and it helped a lot. By the way do you know how fix problem rapidly turn off/power lost in X230 ? i had two machines from different buyer and have similar problem. It is very unregular and quite rare but it happens.. What to do ? I had cooling fan in good condition so laptop is not overheating 50-65 deg C max..

[@lexavaritia7596]

Thanks. Though at 2:30 i wished you showed it for the viewers perspective (reverse of it). I may get this laptop as hand down from my sister and planning to upgrade it. I come from Asus X200MA celeron laptop i bought from 2014 that i regret. Ill make sure to add more ram, ssd and repaste it as well when i got it

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you very much for your feedback! I'll try to show single parts in more detail. Have fun with the X230 :).

[@gizmobently]

Nice video, will come in handy when i start my makeover. Do you know of any way to find out what kind of display monitor that is in my X230? I would like to have an IPS if I can find one and where to get it. Any ideas and thanks/

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! If your display has bad viewing angles, it is a TFT-display. The only way I know to determine the actual model number of the panel is disassembling the display assembly. I got my IPS panel from eBay, but be careful to check if they actually delivered the exact right model number (sometimes they ship a model slightly different from the eBay listing). In my video "Building the Perfect ThinkPad X230 Part 3: IPS-Panel" I provide Information on which panels can be used (link in the description).

[@gizmobently]

@@classicdome9347 I have quite a few of these thinkpad.models, from the T61 to the w530. What model do you like best in the x200 series models? Some models are built well with excellent protective materials. I had a few tablets but they fell apart. From what I had, the hinged models were better built but I believe all the tablets have IPS screens. I now am looking at the X1 models with the super high resolution. I wander how those are built quality-wise? Problem I see on eBay right now is that 230 model seems to be priced high for some reason. Any idea why that I am missing? I am referring to all non- tablet models. From your video it looks like the x230 was very well built inside and could stand up to a lot.

[@philtoa334]

Nice Thanx.

[@jonnramirez7430]

excelente video yo tengo una lenovo thinkpad 410 con un procesador i5 e intentente cambiarselo por un i7 pero no quiero arrancar y eso que es del mismo tipo de chipset ..un saludo

[@showandtell4265]

X230 is the last x series that has 2 ram slots so that u can run dual channel and upgrade.... Gpu intensive tasks will thank you. Im about to move on to a single channel x270

[@jexkiegaming719]

on 1:32 what do you call the red bracket container on the ssd? . i cant search it on the market online. 😢

[@zap3704]

hi, I would like to upgrade my x230 with an IPS display. where can I buy it online? any sites you can recommend?

[@madman_00]

I think if you don't need to use the WWAN card, you can put an MSATA SSD in it.

[@classicdome9347]

Yes, that is also possible.

[@davidfabian3899]

Yup, i installed one, works perfectly fine. Just be aware of the size, as it's not the standard length.

[@toddpark2893]

@@davidfabian3899 Great idea. I would like to try this 🙂

[@kazabubu10]

Quick question if you happen to know. I have an X220 and an X230. The X220 has a DC BRUSHLESS 5V 0.30A fun. The X230, however, has the AVC rated at 5V 0.45A. I tried a DC BRUSHLESS 5V 035A but I get a "fan error" at boot, although the fan spins normally. I suspect that due to lower amperage it can't reach the required RPM and the PC recognizes it as a "failed fan". I found a Xuirdz rated at 5V 0.5A that I am eager to try out, however, I am a bit afraid that I may damage the motherboard. Do you think that 0.05A higher amperage poses a risk? If I have to order an AVC from China I'll be without a PC for something like 2 weeks - 1 month....:( Nice guide BTW....

[@bastirant3155]

Im planning to purchase it tomorrow, the i7 version, fingercross i get the good one

[@classicdome9347]

I wish you much fun with your new ThinkPad!

[@fineaditya]

Hello sir, I am using x230 from past 3 years. Previously I install Windows 10 and also install graphics 4000 driver . But after display problems, I uninstall graphics 4000 display driver after that display gone and only vertical lines appears in display. Bios settings, Lenovo display and safe mode boot menu no any first display comes. What should I do, please suggest 🙏

[@raulegido]

nice video. Quick question. I ordered some screws for the case but i think there are more than i need. Could you please tell me which ones are for the back of the laptop? i have 3,5mm and 5mm screws. I think some of them are loose. Thanks in advance

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! You'll need the longer screws for the most part. For the RAM cover you have to use the shorter screws however.

[@raulegido]

@@classicdome9347 thank you. Do you know the size for the ones which are on the back of the computer for attaching the screen lid? thank you

[@GenePavlovsky]

This model is quite convenient, there are only two sizes of screws, it seems. All the outside screws are longer ones (and black in color). Meanwhile on the inside all the screws are shorter (silver in color). I once worked on some old laptop of another well-known manufacturer, and there were perhaps 5 different screw lengths, making it a nightmare to keep track of what goes where.

[@mohammadalnasri4413]

What size screwdriver did you use

[@efulmpuy132]

I lost my external fan, now i realize my x230 so hot without fan. But i'm too afraid to disasemble my laptop😅, if i buy new external fan, could it help reduce the temperature?

[@Svaraijt]

what is the thickness of the thermal pad?

[@tvm2209]

Do you happen to have links of all the upgraded parts you had to purchase?

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you for your comment. Sadly the links to the parts I bought do not exist anymore since I purchased most of the parts on ebay (wwan card and fan were used parts) or had them laying around for other projects.

[@N1ghtMemes]

Now all you need is the highest performance CPU that's supported by the BIOS and the motherboard and it's finna be the fastest X230 ever

[@yogapratama5225]

what makes the fan replacement necesarry? did u get more rpm for more temperature impovement? i kinda curious

[@classicdome9347]

Nothing like that. The Fan was simply too loud (louder than normal) due to a worn down bearing or something like that :).

[@mango3220]

Hi man, What thickness of Thermal pad will be good for this laptop?

[@classicdome9347]

I used 1 mm but 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm should also be perfectly fine.

[@matiasgaray337]

Great video! Could you pass the RAM/SSD Specs you installed it. I am confused with the Ram voltage. Im not sure if it has to be 1.35V or 1.5V? Thanks

[@orinomarkjoseph3127]

Yes pls I want to know also

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! The RAM used originally is PC3-1280 1600 MHz DDR3 which has 1.5 V. I am not sure but DDR3L (low voltage = 1.35 V) should also be detected. Slower RAM like 1333MHz can also be used though it is not recommended. You can use every SATA SSD with 7 mm height (SATA II or SATA III).

[@TheRealStevenT]

Hi guys! 1.35V DDR3L RAM will work fine :) You can put two 8gb sticks in there. I have two 4gb DDR3L's in mine. :)

[@classicdome9347]

@@TheRealStevenT Perfect, thank you for the information!

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@classicdome9347 DDR3L RAM is backwards compatible with DDR3. In other words, they are dual voltage 1.5V / 1.35V and will run at whatever your system supports. I have tried DDR3L 2133 MHz HyperX Impact modules modules, and according to HwInfo, they are running at full frequency, but I'm not sure at which voltage, as this info is not displayed. Either way, it works

[@juristuCDPC]

Was it easy to install drivers for and make the H5321gw WWAN card functional under Windows 10?

[@classicdome9347]

It was possible to install the Win7 driver supplied from Lenovo. It was not recognized by Windows 10 itself, as I remember (could be wrong here). Since I use Linux on these older machines, I had no problems.

[@RobertoGimenezR]

Can change the cpu of the x230?

[@micha5171]

Hey, which WLAN card did you install? I bought one from ebay but it is the one i had before. i would like one with Bluetooth though.

[@classicdome9347]

Hey, in the X230 there is a seperate Bluetooth module (2:29 in the video, FRU 60Y3303). I did not install another WLAN card, it's still the original one.

[@GenePavlovsky]

I'm using an Intel 7260ac card on my X220, and a 7260ngw on my wife's X220t. These cards also include Bluetooth support, which seems to work better than separate Bluetooth daughter-cards that install in the special slot. You need to flash the modded BIOS to remove the WLAN/WWAN card whitelist. And you need to tape over or cut off pin 51 on the card if you want the Bluetooth to work. The original Bluetooth daughter-card can be removed. These cards work fine with the stock antennas, and provide very good speeds (7260ac is the faster one of the two). For my X230 project, I've bought an Intel ax210 card, and an M.2/NGFF to mPCIe adapter. It is reported it should work, but I haven't tested it yet.

[@antoniobotelhofernandes8871]

I just bought secondhand thinkpad x230 right now ... with the help of your videos, i plan to recover it ... But in the initial tests i am having a problem, i am not able to boot via usb pen, I was planning to install win10 on it ... but it seems to boot from usb, but after a while i just see a black screen with some dots and nothing else ??? what am i doing wrong? problem with bios ?? what is the best bios to install on the x230 without having problems with future modding ?? Can you please give me some advise please ?!

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you for the positive feedback in all these comments :). For windows 10 only I would suggest enabling UEFI boot only. Regarding the black screen I would guess there could be a problem with the usb media. Does it boot on other machines? You can try creating the USB media with a software called RUFUS. If you have UEFI boot enabled choose UEFI in RUFUS. Regarding the BIOS: According to this site the version BIOS 2.75 (G2ETB5WW) EC 1.14 (G2HT35WW) is the last "unlocked" (github.com/hamishcoleman/thinkpad-ec) I hope I could help you with that!

[@SaurAvgmutthi]

Where is the motherboard available I wanna purchase

[@stebansb]

what is the point of replacing the fan? is it a different model that performs better?

[@cal_vin4068]

How did you go about removing the 2nd display ribbon? I broke the 1st one connected to the webcam and thinklight. It is stuck like glue!

[@classicdome9347]

I'm sorry to read that. In my case neither of the ribbon cables were glued in place as you can see in the video. I am not sure why that is the case with your ThinkPad. Maybe the ThinkPad was opened before or Lenovo might have changed the assembly process over time.

[@cal_vin4068]

@@classicdome9347 But what was your process of removing the cable? I couldn't quite see the motion as your arm covered it.

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@cal_vin4068 Using your fingernail, flip up the retaining flap of the connector on the motherboard. Then the cable just comes out. Same with the other cable. Same with the palmrest cable.

[@2n509]

Vale a pena um x230 em 2022 ?

[@RAGEEERRR]

Why did you change WWAN card?

[@yazi2879]

I think I got lucky to have an i7 x230, but it's shutting down due to overheating often. Guess I gotta go through this procedure......

[@ianst4107]

cpu is soldered ?

[@kriegtotengraber8528]

Actually the GPU you called is a south bridge aka PCH. But anyway a good guide!

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you! Yes, you are right, I'll try to put a little note into the video.

[@DavideMaglio]

for the CPU did you use the Arc MX2, and for the other chip? it looks like a thermal tape

[@classicdome9347]

Thats right. I used MX2 for the CPU and the thinnest thermal pad I had on hand for the GPU.

[@DavideMaglio]

@@classicdome9347 thinnest like 0.5 mm? I want to replace the thermal paste for my x230, I believe it is still the original one

[@DavideMaglio]

@@classicdome9347 and I'm looking for a clip to install coreboot

[@classicdome9347]

@@DavideMaglio Yes, I used a 0.5mm (Arc) thermal pad.

[@classicdome9347]

@@DavideMaglio Regarding coreboot there are some documentations out there. For example: www.chucknemeth.com/laptop/lenovo-x230/flash-lenovo-x230-coreboot. There is also mentioned what clip he used. I hope that is helpful :).

[@hichemwolfe807]

Can upgrade processor i53320m

[@crunchyapples596]

1:28 Is the ram removal.

[@tr1ple.g]

what's the model of WWAN? Thank you!

[@classicdome9347]

I did install an Ericsson H5321gw.

[@moneymagnet9009]

Hello. My laptop cant read the hdd. I have 2 hdd that are running if test to the other laptop. What you think is the problem of this?

[@classicdome9347]

Unfortunately, I cannot help you since there could be many reasons. Does it detect the HDD in the BIOS menu? Does a Linux or Windows installer find the HDDs?

[@xRevoEmaGx]

Where did u get the rep fan from???

[@classicdome9347]

I bought it on ebay from a private seller. Sadly the quality of the fan was not that good as I realized after a few weeks :(.

[@hxxzxtf]

What WWAN did you put? is there a 4G/LTE one?

[@classicdome9347]

I did install an Ericsson H5321gw which supports GPRS/WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+. I think it reaches 21.6 Mbit/s, so no LTE unfortunately. There seems to be an LTE option available with FRU 04W3821 (Sierra MC7710). But it has to be exactly this model with FRU since the X230 has a whitelist implemented in the BIOS. Since I personally did not test this WWAN card, I can not guarantee that this will work.

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@classicdome9347 Didn't you install the modded BIOS, which removes the whitelist? Do you actually use the WWAN card? I always wondered if maybe I'm missing out on something by never using that feature. In the rare cases when I need mobile internet on my laptop, I just use my phone as a hotspot.

[@zarbon8]

3d print open source Thinkpad inspired frames that allow people to build laptops with modern components with this hardware serviceability.

[@DariuszPanasiuk]

I have installed USB-C charger socker in my X230 - planning to record YT video showing my experience

[@bulgaromunozvivanco2098]

Will it destroy the CPU if you touch it with your hand? I cleaned mine and touched it, it turns on some times nd some times doesnt turn on, I used normal paste for GPU as well. Thanks for the video

[@Jan-px7tn]

if you touched the pin or bend it, it would be broken.

[@classicdome9347]

I am sorry to read that! Touching the CPU die is not good but if you clean it afterwards (alcohol) it should be ok. For the GPU a thermal pad was used originally which can fill a bigger air gap. Maybe the GPU is overheating? Difficult to say.

[@bulgaromunozvivanco2098]

@@classicdome9347 Hey thank you so much for responding, by fortune I forgot to connect one cable that goes from the keyboard to the screen that was the issue, thanks a ton, your video is super super helpful! and you are very kind

[@bulgaromunozvivanco2098]

@@Jan-px7tn Thanks Michael, by fortune I did not touch the pins side, but the other one, that is shinny, found the problem was a missing connection from the mobo to the screen! :)

[@kingofkuduro1459]

The upgraded parts are used parts or new?

[@classicdome9347]

WWAN and Fan I bought used on eBay. The SSD was new and the RAM was laying around from another ThinkPad project.

[@Armadurapersonal]

i had pretty much the perfect x230, retro-illuminated keyboard, 16gb, 512gb ssd, ips display, but sadly had to sell it

[@milescarter7803]

Do not forget the 2133mt/s ram,. The i7 board will run Ripjaws 2133 ram at full speed 😆, if you can find any

[@mrsfunny669]

Any idea about rusty on vga port x230? How to clean it?

[@classicdome9347]

If the signal is not affected, I would just leave it as it is. Otherwise, you could try putting contact spray on a VGA cable and just plug it in and out several times when the laptop is turned off. I guess there is the risk of damaging the port or even the laptop with this, so this is your own risk!

[@bartek4830]

You can give A items list for upgrade this laptop?

[@classicdome9347]

Hey, I just updated the video description and added a list which parts can be used to upgrade. I hope it is helpful.

[@braten9]

What thickness thermal pad did you use/would you recommend?

[@classicdome9347]

I would use a 1-2mm thermal pad for the chipset (I accidentally called it GPU in the video).

[@braten9]

@@classicdome9347 Perfect, thanks!

[@GenePavlovsky]

I think the original thermal pads are 0.5 mm thick. I bought a 50x50x0.5 mm thermal pad from ARCTIC COOLING (p/n ACTPD00001A), it will make enough thermal pads for the rest of my life probably.

[@sawojarianski6991]

I had problems with random shuttown, then replacing thermal pad in N.B. 0,5mm new from Aliexpress 21W/K make's the job..

[@alshanky]

I made a mistake replacing the pads with paste on PCH and the machine shuts down randomly. What size and thickness pads should I buy? Any links?

[@weltmeister]

which I5 CPU are you using? and is your x230 from 2013 or 2012?

[@classicdome9347]

Thanks for your comment! It is a 2013 model using the 3320m.

[@kfj795]

@@classicdome9347 mine too

[@jibranhanif]

Can we use NVMe SSD on this X230? And can we upgrade it's processor? I have it with Intel i5.

[@classicdome9347]

Sadly it is not possible to use a NVMe SSD in a x230. You can install a mSATA SSD though if you have a free slot in your x230 (check the maximum length before buying). You cannot upgrade the processor unless you buy another motherboard. I hope I could help you with that.

[@jibranhanif]

@@classicdome9347 Thanks. It helps me a lot.

[@reoencarcelado5904]

@@jibranhanif the processor is soldered onto the motherboard in this model, and nvme drives (let-alone the TECHNOLOGY behind nvme-drives) weren't invented yet when this model came-out.

[@muhammadslametbachtiar2803]

Can it use Ram DDR3L version ? I have Ram DDR3L , low voltage version.

[@classicdome9347]

According to other comments regarding the same question, you can use DDR3L as well. I personally did not test this. I hope this could help you :).

[@muhammadslametbachtiar2803]

@@classicdome9347 thanks.

[@official_zane6302]

does it have express card slot?

[@classicdome9347]

Yes, it's rocking an ExpressCard 54 slot!

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@classicdome9347 Which, together with an EXP GDC, can be used to run an external GPU, and run even recent games at decent quality

[@AG-pm3tc]

Hey dude, is there a specific reason that you replaced the fan?

[@classicdome9347]

Yes, the originally installed fan was ratteling quite loud. However, the newly bought fan starts to do the same now... Best buy original ;).

[@AG-pm3tc]

@@classicdome9347 got you, cool video btw :)

[@milenkaramanov4840]

@@classicdome9347 I have one x220 for traveling, but it seems 90% same inside. Regarding the fan, don't trow away the original one - just pull out the rottor and then allply a thin layer of oil (even car engine oil works fine) on its axis - it will serve longer than any third party fan you can buy.

[@classicdome9347]

@@milenkaramanov4840 Thank you, very useful! :)

[@kingofkuduro1459]

How much do you get this used X230 for?

[@classicdome9347]

I got mine for 99€ from eBay :).

[@escapetherace1943]

what you put the thermal pad on isn't the gpu by the way.

[@mangableu]

Hello everyone. Among you, would you have by chance the windows 7 lenovo iso for a factory restore? It's for my x230. Regards

[@classicdome9347]

Sorry, I do not have the recovery media. However, our windows code should work with the corresponding windows edition.

[@mangableu]

@@classicdome9347 I know but i want the lenovo version. Regards

[@mohammadmurtazhossain1545]

at 100% what's the CPU temp.. Thanks for the video 👍

[@classicdome9347]

Thanks for your comment :).

[@veenongaming7383]

Bro i have i7 3615qm conductonaut and cl10 2rx8 1866mt/s 16G , 860pro 4tb in my ips x230t beat it xD And i dont care about the keyboard, x230 are so special because theyre the latest supporting coreboot thinkpads

[@classicdome9347]

Maxed out! Well done :)

[@arifrahman9024]

Consumerism disliked this video.

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you!

[@PolishPianoOrgan]

Thinkpad x230 has max 32 ram or 16 of maximum ram memory wchich can be installed?

[@classicdome9347]

It takes 16GB at maximum (PC3-12800 1600MHzDDR3). 1Rx8 or 2Rx8 should both be possible.

[@PolishPianoOrgan]

@@classicdome9347 thx bro. Any else thinkpad has 32 max?

[@PolishPianoOrgan]

@@classicdome9347 thx for your replieng

[@classicdome9347]

​@@PolishPianoOrgan There are not many "older" ThinkPads that support 32GB. If you take the T-Series as an example the t450 is the first supporting 32GB (not officially supported) according to the website "thinkwiki.de/T450" (which unfortunately is in German). There you can find detailed Information about many ThinkPad Models.

[@PolishPianoOrgan]

@@classicdome9347 ufortunately german language.yes. Im from Poland. Thx a lot

[@excleentcleent8753]

i want upgraded my ram 8ram ×2 total 16 ram...its work?

[@classicdome9347]

Yes, it should work with 2x 8GB of PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3 RAM.

[@excleentcleent8753]

can you show me how to replacement cable hdd card...not many people to do that thing.....

[@dolanD2]

I am so scared of doing that. It looks so hard... But i think i have to

[@aaron-cv5cd]

Do you need a Thermal Pad or is paste ok for the GPU?

[@classicdome9347]

I would recommend using a thermal pad for the chipset (I accidentally called it GPU in the video).

[@aaron-cv5cd]

@@classicdome9347 smth bad happend i dont know what but my Cpu can only use 38% Prozent

[@Domelike5670]

Is it possible to upgrade the microphone?

[@classicdome9347]

Officially no, but theoretically you could measure the dimensions of the mic and try to find one with these dimensions. It could work, but I have no experience with upgrading the mic.

[@toddpark2893]

That would be a very interesting upgrade

[@zek62482]

I've seen some folks on Reddit claiming that they put 16gb RAM in their x230. What is the max for this machine?

[@classicdome9347]

Exactly. 16GB (2x8) of RAM is the maximum for this model.

[@jeffreyooi1971]

@@classicdome9347 hi, may I know what type of 8GB RAM will support? 1) 8GB 1Rx8 PC4-2400T 2) 8GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S 3) 8GB 2Rx8 PC4-2133P Thank you.

[@classicdome9347]

It takes PC3-12800 1600MHzDDR3. 1Rx8 or 2Rx8 should both be possible.

[@jeffreyooi1971]

@@classicdome9347 ok, thank you. 👍👍👍

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@jeffreyooi1971 1600MHz recommended. If you have too much money, 2133 MHz will work and be a bit faster.

[@sempiro3133]

You can get even better thermals if you made holes under cooler: img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/1748762764/TB2CDMcFf5TBuNjSspmXXaDRVXa_!!1748762764.jpg Also I would suggest to use copper plate instead of thermalpad (southbridge - thermalgrease - copper plate (around 1.5 mm) - thermalgrease - cooler copper plate). These are advisable for i7 systems.

[@classicdome9347]

Thank you for the advice :). A copper plate on the PCH combined with thermal paste sure has better heat conductivity that a thermal pad has!

[@GenePavlovsky]

Are you sure 1.5 mm makes sense? The original thermal pad seems to be about 0.5 mm thick. I doubt the southbridge heats up that much.

[@komatsoeldebaky2679]

I need some help x1 carbon problem

[@komatsoeldebaky2679]

I need to communicate with an app to solve the problem of this x1 carbon please

[@classicdome9347]

Sry, I think I cannot help you with the x1 carbon since it is not nearly as serviceable as older "classic" ThinkPads are. Nevertheless, I wish you success!

[@nageshtagadur]

LOUDER THE BACKGROUND MUSIC/ NOISE,.. THE MORE ATTRACTIVE THE VLOG,....

[@TafriMukhtar-qx4yg]

X230 for hackintosh

[@classicdome9347]

Yes, the x230 is a well-known candidate for installing macOS (I guess older versions). I personally would go with elementary OS though if I wanted the look and feel of macOS.

[@hsjoel8502]

Más despacio cerebrito, te hizo falta meterle zoom en ciertos momentos del video

[@sadge2u]

I played Warframe on it. 70-74 Celsius lol

[@hjhjhjhj210]

That's not a GPU, that's a PCH. The GPU its integrated in the CPU.

[@classicdome9347]

OMG you are right! Of course it's the chipset. Normally I work on older hardware with dedicated GPU :D.

[@laughingvampire7555]

now, switch the keyboards