Lenovo ThinkPad T490 in 2024: Review & Gaming Tests!

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

*Note that I tried installing an m.2 SATA III 2242 SSD in the WWAN port, not a 2242 NVMe SSD. Let me know if a 2242 NVMe SSD worked for you!

[@purplemaddx]

I'm pretty sure it would work haha, except if it's faulty...

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@purplemaddx Can you verify this? With experience or sources?

[@cuzyy]

Sadly, the BIOS whitelist this options, so there is no way to install an SSD on the 2242 port.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@cuzyy :(

[@2DAnimax]

@@HaisteComputerRepair does T480/T580 has same issue? i mean can not install ssd on WWAN port ?

[@anthonygomez7760]

I just literally buy this for this video. Awesome that someone takes the time to review laptops, not the newest available, the one that I can affort for what I need!

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Awesome!

[@robertobertocchi6841]

Got the t490s for 115€ and refurbished from myself, best purches ever. A very good machine for the price on eBay

[@T3hn00bz0r]

Just got one of these for my dad for father's day. Appreciate the video in 2024 :)

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

You're a great son!

[@tobyhaiste1497]

Mr. Haiste, I think that you provide an invaluable, affordable service. Honesty and integrity, both traits are not as common these days. Thank you for what you do.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Kind words, thank you!

[@_zz23uu]

Invaluable lmao 😭

[@ZandercoolYt]

@@_zz23uuwhat?

[@MrWh4327782]

I just bought a t490s to test if a 5 years old laptop with 8gen cpu could be enough for my everyday use. In the end, it works great, like very well. The speaker is bit weak and the screen is 16:9, but in most case, it works great. It actually make me re-think the way i'm spending my money.

[@BissmadoOuallaliux]

You have this PC?

[@BissmadoOuallaliux]

You have this pc

[@Ranjan5740]

I hv T490 i7 8gen. I installed wd sn 520 nvme m.2 256 gb double cut 2230 form factor SSD in wwan slot with extender. It got recognised as data drive. Cannot use as boot drive. My main bootable SSD is crucial p3 nvme m.2 2280 of 1tb. Ram 32 gb . Pretty happy with T490

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Interesting, so you could at least use it as extra storage. Thanks for letting us know! Maybe I will buy a 2230 NVMe just for future testing.

[@Ranjan5740]

@@HaisteComputerRepair Update Now on my T490 wwan slot I installed OSCOO ON1000 nvme m.2 SSD single cut mkey with NGEF B+M key nvme M key 2030 to 2242 male to female extension Adapter card. So I have 1 gb SSD storage in wwan slot.

[@seraph-m]

i'm using a T490 as my daily driver :D i've swapped out the battery, added an 8gb stick of SODIMM, swapped out the screen+cable for the IPS touchscreen variant, repasted the CPU, and changed the touchpad to that of the glass one from an older X1 Extreme generation. it came with the back panel LED, fortunately. it runs fedora linux (sway window manager) extremely well, and has held up to a lot of physical abuse and being in the environment of a mechanic shop (as a shop machine for looking at manuals, diagrams, etc). i got it for free from a friend's IT department since they were decommissioning a bunch of them. I plan to give it a larger M.2 drive in future, and maaaaybe do a little fuckery with the WWAN slot

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Nice! Sounds like something I would do

[@kylerussell5614]

I am also daily driving this computer and did the touchpad swap with the older X1. This computer has been great. One of the reasons I chose this laptop is because I need internet on the go and this was one of the best machines with the option for WWAN.

[@kgh22]

I was conflicted between getting a T480s or T490. Thank you for sharing this video, it helped lessen some of the queries I had.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Happy it could help!

[@snokz5732]

Which one is better?

[@joseantoniofierrorobles6088]

T490 user for a month now. Honestly it is by far the Best Computer i have used. Powerful, fast, best keyboard i have used on a laptop, Great Sound. Like Lenovo Said the only thing it can' t do for me is my coffee.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Have you tried tea?

[@takigamer3668]

WOW The KZbin algorithm ! I just bout a t495 and been using it for a month ,my version tho have a Ryzen 5 pro 3500u / Vega 8 GPU it been great espatily after i added an 8gb ram stick , been playing Pubg ,farming sim , dying light, CS 2... great experience 😁😁

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

That's awesome. I was pleased that the AMD version of ThinkPads of this generation were performing so well (and continue to do so).

[@tiadoreferns8482]

how much fps do u get on valorant

[@takigamer3668]

​@@tiadoreferns8482 I don't play it but i get 30 fps on ark survival evolved 1080p low , 60 in dying light 1080p low ,same in farming sim ,same in pubg mobile with gameloop, these are the games i tried on it cuz of the low storage capacity it has + you have to know that the screen is 60hz so its not that competitive and more then 60fps is useless unless you use an external one with more hz

[@tiadoreferns8482]

@@takigamer3668 is it possible you can test it for me 😭. actually im planning to sell my current laptop (macbook air i3 2020) to buy this laptop with 16gb ram and 512gb ssd. im a student and mostly just do cad design and play valorant.

[@tiadoreferns8482]

@@takigamer3668 are you able to check for me as i plan to buy this for mainly university work and valorant on the side.

[@Zirc0nium69]

I only buy used thinkpads when i need a new laptop and this one might be my favorite so far. Its not as customisable hardware-wise as some of the older ones but a lot lighter and more comfortable to use. For a machine that you can get for 200 euros fully refurbished, less if you are willing to tinker, its insanely good value. Certainly a lot better than buying some cheap netbook, especially because the ThinkPad community on linux is huge so most distros handle them really well without having to mess around too much.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

T490 is a good laptop. Just watch out for the capacity of soldered RAM, so that it matches your use case. T490s has soldered RAM only, so keep that in mind in case it crosses your path.

[@rocketscientist007]

The holes on the bottom are to align the docking station. Bought one of these last week for $200 with WQHD display, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD. Already have ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 6 with WQHD display. Almost the same as the T490, but thinner & lighter.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Someone else let me know some time ago. That's awesome, having that display panel would be perfect.

[@tonioGarcia-vm7n]

Like just for the cat at 0:01

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

He appreciates it

[@mdmahfujalom1191]

What is different between lenovo thinkpad( T490s and T490 ) ?? Pleace expalin that .

[@permanahyiamaan916]

T490 has 1 slot RAM free, but T490s RAM is soldered T490s has more slim design and lighter

[@ZandercoolYt]

@@permanahyiamaan916soo which laptop should I buy the t490s or the t490?

[@gammyalade9896]

Just got the T490s i7 8665u for $250. Haven't used it much tho, but so far so good 👍🏿.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Nice!

[@creatingwithcode1630]

Same. Just picked one up with same specs for $250 to put Linux Fedora Workstation on. It performs great!

[@Nathan-r2h8d]

I just bought one will be here friday nov 1 its looks like a good one its got a 8th gen i5 intel core with 16 gb of ram and 256 ssd and windows 11 pro

[@Nathan-r2h8d]

It was $300 ca $215 usd £166 gbp

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Nice!

[@Nathan-r2h8d]

@@HaisteComputerRepair just got it yesterday

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@Nathan-r2h8d How is it so far?

[@elleas231]

Buying one now, if the battery ends up sucking, how hard would it be to replace it myself? thanks for your vid bro

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Pretty easy, just open it up like I did in the video and swap it out.

[@sajad5855]

Thanks for the review, but I have a question: is it useful for someone who is a beginner in programming?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Yes I'd say so

[@creatingwithcode1630]

Thank you so much for this! How is the battery life at this stage.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I have had good luck with this recent batch of T490's. the batteries are good, for being used.

[@jjsigmachud9947]

Would you recommend the T490 or the T480s, both with the same specs?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I would see which one has the best CPU/RAM/SSD/Display config and make the choice based on that. Here are specifications for reference. T480s: psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_T480s/ThinkPad_T480s_Spec.PDF T490: psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PDF/ThinkPad/ThinkPad_T490/ThinkPad_T490_Spec.PDF

[@UnattendedDooDooBean-f3d]

Would it beat the Thinkpad T470P in terms of gaming power? Since they use different graphics, one being intel and the other using nvidia. Thanks to who answers in advance!

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

If you have the version with the 940MX, then yes. The quad core CPU will have an advantage as well. I wouldn't expect it to be a modern gaming laptop at all, but it will work for a variety of lighter titles.

[@ntarderick7258]

How would it perform with video editing​@@HaisteComputerRepair

[@TNN7]

i know im late but can u try to use after effects on it because im in a low budget and want to edit videos

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I don't have these units anymore and I don't use that software. I judge it would be alright, though. What you want is at least the benefit of a 4 core 8 thread CPU. Take a look for ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 AMD with a 6 core 12 thread Ryzen 5 CPU (or Ryzen 7) as the integrated graphics are better than the Intel option.

[@TORTLESSS]

id like to see how it performs on youtube, a think a good test for most individuals, because youtube is forcing some hardware/software decode that in my experience, bottlenecks even an i5-4590+750ti

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

It performs fine. I am currently testing the battery life of a T490s with the same CPU by streaming KZbin videos.

[@TORTLESSS]

@@HaisteComputerRepair thats nice to hear man, i remember when i had my x220 back then i had to watch in 480p so it didnt feel like a furnace 😂😂

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@TORTLESSS Really? I was daily driving an X220T about three or four years ago and the hottest it got was while playing the original Tomb Raider remake. I miss using it.

[@charlesbuenavista7137]

Good laptop for business

[@a.j.javier8119]

I have read about the fan always running on this model. Did you notice the same? Is it different for somebody who owns this model?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I haven't had that experience or heard of it happening, but it could be accurate for some users. Anything can happen. One bonus is that replacements are relatively cheap and easy to install.

[@a.j.javier8119]

@@HaisteComputerRepair thanks for replying, but certainly they do mention that in some forums and even reviews.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@a.j.javier8119 Fair enough, I haven't really read many reviews. I just created one based on my experience and specifications.

[@karlobrj]

Hello sir! I do have the same model of T490 i5 8th gen. Currently running windows 11 but my problem with this windows is i cannot use the camera of T490. The camera is turn on with light indicator I also slide the privacy button but the camera is still not usable. I've already tried the steps i can find here in KZbin and community tabs to make the camera work but nothing happened. I'm considering downgrading to windows 10 pro since my initial guess is T490 is not fully optimize in windows 11. I don't know yet if that will work. So if ever you do have some steps that you can recommend to fix this issue, I appreciate it. Great video btw thanks!

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

You've tried this driver? pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-t-series-laptops/thinkpad-t490-type-20n2-20n3/downloads/driver-list/component?name=Camera%20and%20Card%20Reader&id=B7FF933A-6722-4635-9471-39DF68737A1D

[@karlobrj]

@@HaisteComputerRepair yes sir, already tried updating the driver but its no use. the camera is still black and not usable.

[@dngentertainment102]

Can the 8gb ram version handle the games tested in the video?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Probably yes, but you will suffer performance loss.

[@Jin_z]

t490 or t495? pls help i will install linux and use it for programming

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Either would be fine, though if you go with the T495 try to find at least the Ryzen 5 version.

[@cheesefries6616]

Hey I just got myself one that costs $150 in still great condition in terms of battery and build quality. But the downside is that the speakers and the audio jack are not working. In the device manager there’s no audio inputs and outputs and intel(R)-SST. Is there anyway I could fix so I can get either or both of them working again?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Speakers can be replaced, but the audio jack is soldered to the motherboard. If it otherwise works and you aren't able to fix it or have someone else try to fix it, alternatives are a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth or USB A or Type C powered headphones.

[@Degurechaff.]

Hello i also have t490 but already had 16gb of ram and open my laptop have extra ram slot is it okay to add 8 gb? For 24gb ram

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Yep, you can do that if you like. If you can manage, running dual channel 16GB sticks (32GB) would be better. Or even 2 x 8GB (16GB). Both are better options than running a single stick of memory.

[@jokjoan]

I'm currently in a pickle now choosing t580 and t590 both i5 variants around 370usd both. Which one is worth getting? My take for the t580 is the removable battery and buy extra 72wh but some says the bat life is better on t590. I just wanna know your insights on it. I won't game on the laptop.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I haven't actually tried a T590 out. I think it might depend on how many Wh the external battery on the T580 is and how that might compare to the 65Wh internal battery on the T590. You might very well get the same or better with a T590. Always best to manage expectations with used Li-Ion batteries, though.

[@jokjoan]

@@HaisteComputerRepair the t590 battery that is offered to me has 57wh. While the t580 has 24 72 wh combo. But based on reviews the t580 is power hungry resulting the t590 is better on endurance for a slight margin. Since u got t580, what's your opinion on the battery life?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@jokjoan I don't actually use a T580, I have only sold them and filmed a video review. I can't really speak to use as a daily driver. Perhaps the T590 improvement (or why it exists as near identical to the T580) is that very reason of lower power draw. I couldn't really say. Let me know what you end up getting.

[@KingO-wp1sf]

Thanks for the review but can it play Fortnite and other high end games

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Not super well without lowering resolution and in game settings. Look for a T14 AMD CPU version. I just did a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGHUnpmJbs6ie5osi=mkJJjDuY2FDZAm7X

[@insomniarafa1144]

Is it possible to play Resident Evil 4 Remake on this laptop?

[@insomniarafa1144]

Please, comment my comment😢

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Take a look at the hardware specs on the T490 you are looking at and enter them here to see if it can run: pcgamebenchmark.com

[@sandrosaldanacarranza9463]

Hola, quería preguntar sobre la misma laptop pero con el procesador integrado core i7 10th, crees que es buena junto con sus tarjetas de video integradas

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Yep, it's a good option. What is the price for the one you are looking at?

[@sandrosaldanacarranza9463]

​@@HaisteComputerRepairsu precio está aproximadamente 320 dólares, pero quiero saber sí me recomiendas algún modelo de laptop, necesito que tenga buen desempeño sobre todo en videojuegos 😅

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@sandrosaldanacarranza9463 What games are you looking to play? Look at the specs of the T490 you are looking at and then enter it here and search up games: www.pcgamebenchmark.com/

[@Degurechaff.]

Another question what size of ssd should i get i want to upgrade it to 1tb ssd

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I would say go for whatever capacity you need :)

[@DownAvenueWay]

Can uou help me thr system that best meets my needs Play retro gaming, upto ps2 or ps1, even only as fare as Nintendo gamecube or wii will be fine. Plus others older models such as retro amiga, atari etc

[@iamthecat325]

Why my T490 can't using it for playing games like roblox or tf2. Pls help me ...

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

How is your experience on the laptop generally speaking? Can you go into more detail? Where else is it slow? Is your internet connection fast and consistent?

[@Degurechaff.]

What size of m.2 ssd should i get? 2242 2260 2280 Please answer ❤

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Full size 2280 is fine.

[@BissmadoOuallaliux]

When I turn on the keyboard lights, they turn off after I turn off my Thinkpad t490 is this normal?

[@2..11-s8g]

Yh and is it good for roblox

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Yes as the laptop will be powered down.

[@2..11-s8g]

@@HaisteComputerRepair ok

[@thekaran595]

pls make a t480s in 2024

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

I did :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/paqlgHprmrKWoaMsi=12bpCTG4oPBCteH6

[@jimmy811007]

Why my t490 can’t play LOL? (I7 8th, MX250) FPS is just 30~50😢

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Maybe you have things running in the background taking up resources? How much RAM do you have installed? After this, maybe check in game settings and resolution.

[@jimmy811007]

@@HaisteComputerRepair Nothing running in the background, Ram is 16G. Game setting is the lowest. MX250 is running 100% and 75’C. It’s so weird.

[@Artem-xh8tq]

hello, how long is battery time life on your T490? mine is 1.5 hours, thinking about to change it

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

That's definitely pretty low, so looking into something new (3rd party) might be a good idea.

[@BissmadoOuallaliux]

I have question for you 🙏

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Feel free to ask

[@BissmadoOuallaliux]

When I turn on the keyboard lights, they turn off after I turn off my Thinkpad t490?? Normal?​@@HaisteComputerRepair

[@lifestylegloup]

Hello im an author, director, music composer, i write a books and scripts, edit videos im torn between t480, t480s, 480 and hp 440 g7 i5 10th gen i dont know which one to buy i want most battery life and good keyboard to type would you suggest

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Well, with any used laptop it carries the risk that the used batteries will be of questionable quality. It really comes down to good communication with the seller and managing your expectations. Any one of those laptops would be fine, perhaps look for one with at least 16GB RAM and NVMe SSD. Also 1080p panel if that's important to you. I prefer ThinkPad keyboards over any HP laptop I have come across.

[@michaelmiddlebrooks358]

Can someone test if it runs Destiny 2 and get back to me please?

[@olveramelinda]

audio ?

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Yes?

[@Nixkyt]

No way I have the same exact on and mines struggling to reach 40fps on Roblox with all graphics to low and I optimized it, I tried numerous ways like wiping the laptop itself but nothing worked(also the screen is broken so I use a external monitor) any reason why I’m experiencing this issue?(specs are 16gigs of ram and intel hd 620 graphics, I would appreciate it if you help me out here.

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Do you have an SSD or HDD installed?

[@Nixkyt]

@@HaisteComputerRepair thank you for responding, I currently have a ssd installed

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@NixkytRoblox should be fine. I don't play it, but plenty of kids I work around do with lesser hardware. Can you verify that there are not software/apps running in the background while you try to play? Lots of tabs open in web browser, antivirus software, anything else that could take up system resources.

[@Nixkyt]

@@HaisteComputerRepair the only background apps I have is the ones that actually optimizes Roblox, and I wiped this laptop recently so there should be no antivirus softwares or anything like that, I’m just confused cus my laptaop is decently speced for what it is.

[@Nixkyt]

I also changed all power plan settings to make the computer run at its best

[@PURVIKHV]

Can i run gta V in that 👀

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

You could, if lowered to at least 720p and low settings.

[@PURVIKHV]

@@HaisteComputerRepair wow great and what about rdr 2 😅

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@PURVIKHV Same deal I'd say

[@PURVIKHV]

@@HaisteComputerRepair thank you 🙌🏻❤️

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@PURVIKHV

[@Bbsbeastboy]

Gta 5?????

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Check out my T480 review, it has the same integrated graphics and I tested GTA V: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5qygHyvaL6Sbrc&ab_channel=HaisteComputerRepair

[@mountainjews]

what grade was this when you bought it I’ve bought one that’s a refurbished b grade which is currently in the mail and I’m scared it’s gonna be extremely worn in terms of battery life

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

Well, it is what it is with used batteries. They degrade over time. I hope you get lucky with a good one.

[@mura_rj]

Cat 🥰

[@HaisteComputerRepair]

@@mura_rj 😺