T430 Owner's Thread

Guys, please help with making a decision on this. I need a reliable laptop for college, I have a Y410p right now but I am thinking about returning it. The performance is nice, but I worry about the build quality/durability, plus it eats battery as you can imagine and the glossy screen can be bothersome depending on the lighting and is almost unusable in certain circumstances outdoors.

I was thinking of waiting for the T440s to release, because I am sold on the IPS screen with either the 1600x900 or FHD and the performance sounds decent too. But I am worried about when this notebook will be released since nothing is announced officially and school will start soon. Should I continue to wait for the new T440s or just jump on the T431s? The other thing I wonder is I have no idea what the cost is going to be for the T440s, and perhaps I can haggle on the T431s by being aware of its soon to be replacement. Anyone's thoughts would be appreciated.

As for my usage, it will be web browsing, working with MS Office and some programming. I initially got the Y410p because I wanted to game as well, but it seems I wouldn't be doing it much in reality and could just use an XBOX or something for that. Although, I do love the performance, from a technical standpoint, of the Y410p as it is nicely spec. Because I've had problems in the past, I have been working with someone in customer service who told me I can order anything I want with any discounts that I can haggle from sales, and that after that I would be given an additional 10% off on top of it after it shipped, or I could order from the outlet site and get a flat 35% off. As you can see I am in quite a decision pickle....

So my choices are keep the y410p, bought new for $721.18 with the discounts, it has i7 4700mq, 8GB RAM, tTB 5400 RPM + 24GB NGFF, Nvidia GT750M
Buy a T431s, I got a price of $755.10 for the base with the i5 3337U, 4GB RAM, 500GB 7200 RPM, HD4000 integrated graphics, probably upgrade to SSD after I bought it, like a Samsung 840 Pro.
Wait for T440s, or find a T430s or something like that off of the outlet and use a 35% in addition to outlet price, I have found most of these to be in the i7 3520M, with 4 - 8 GB RAM, 500 GB HDD to come out around $500-$750 refurbished.

 

I helped two friends buy and set up their T430 around September-October last year. Beside web browsing, email and Office, one does some programming and the other heavy accounting. They've been pleased with the T430's size, weight and performance, and learned to accept the average HD+ (1600x900) screens. Their use-cases are not graphics- nor color-oriented, so some adjustment of the grahics properties was sufficient.

I have no experience with the Y410p to recommend either way, but if you decided to watch Lenovo Outlet for a refurbished T430 or T430s at around $500~$700, I would second it.

 

Hi All,

Somehow my T430s wouldn't display on-screen indicator for CapsLock, volume/brightness control etc... Any one knows how to fix this? Thanks!

 

(Re)install On Screen Display? (Requires Lenovo System Interface Driver.)

 

Thanks but could you be more specific? I'm not so familiar with Lenovo System Interface Driver... Also, I just double checked that "on screen display" option is enabled. But the service tab in msconfig shows that it stopped working somehow. I've already tried installing power management tool. Didn't work. Any suggestion is welcome!

 

support.lenovo.com/en_US/research/hints-or-tips/detail.page?&DocID=HT073829

Drivers and software - ThinkPad T430s

Scroll down to about 3/4 of the long page. You'll see this entry:

Hotkey Features Integration for Windows 8 (32-bit, 64-bit), 7 (32-bit, 64-bit), XP - ThinkPad

support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=DS029026



WHAT THIS PACKAGE DOES

This package provides the utilities (sub packages) related for the special
keys and buttons on your computer. The special keys and buttons are designed
on the accessibility and usability.

The utilities enable the full functionality for the special keys and buttons.

This package contains the following sub packages;

On Screen Display
This program displays the result of the using of function keys on the desktop
screen. This program also provides some enhancements of the function keys.
For example, whenever changes microphone mute state, this program displays
mute state indicator on the desktop screen.

System Interface Driver
This program works as the programming and data interface which is commonly
used for Lenovo drivers, utilities and application programs working
on Windows XP.

Lenovo Patch Utility
If issues happened in the above sub package functions on your computer,
this program would enable to apply suitable fix immediately.

If this package has been installed, updating (overwrite-installing) this
package will fix problems, add new functions, or expand functions ...

 

It says "This program does not support this system." T_T WHY?!

 

did anybody ever changed the thermal compound of the cpu?

i did (please don't ask why) and i am definitely worried about the result, but i actually don't have any "tests of before" to compare

here's the after (room temperature 27°, no flow) :
- idle around 40°C (i'm ok with that)
- full cpu stress test 103°C (not ok with that) i believe it enters throttling mode from there so it doesn't go higher

i have a i7 3520 and no dedicated GPU, i used artic silver 5, i used occt for stress test and "real temp", occt and "hardware monitor" for the temperature (same results)

i applied the compound several time to tied to improve it, no real changes

what's your opinion

 

oh also, the hardware manual is not accessible from lenovo support site anymore, anyone have info on that, (i have the first revision, i was checking if there was a new one)

edit : ok nvm it's in the sticky, i don't know why they removed them from the per machine support pages nor how to get to this page from the homepage (if it's even possible since all the research lead to nothing instead of this page) but whatever i suppose...

 

Although this thread is over a year old, I could not find an exact resolution to the charging issue. Like bradyboyy, I too put an i7-3612qm into my ThinkPad T430. Mine too does not charge with the i7-3612qm, yet all is well with the original i5-3320M. Has anyone found a solution?

Thanks

 

I had a spare 2.5" WD Black hdd not being put to use so I tried to fit it into my T430.

It's only now that I've discovered that 7mm and 9.5mm 2.5" drives exist. I didn't want to exactly slam the WD Black in, so at no point did I exchange hard drives, but I'm wondering now if fitting a 9.5mm into the bay is at all possible?

 

It is indeed if you pick up the modular caddy.

 

The bay? There are the main bay and the UltraBay. It is possible in the UltraBay if you purchase an UltraBay HDD caddy adapter ( something like this).

 

I'm thinking about ordering another T430. I know the T440p is coming soon, but I have a feeling that it won't impress me based on what I'm reading. Since the T430 will likely be discontinued shortly after the T440p is announced, does that mean that Lenovo will put a major discount on them? If not, any good deals currently? I'm looking to customize my new T430 so I don't want a topseller model unless it includes an i7 with NO fingerprint reader and NO Nvidia card (which I don't think is possible unless you order a custom build).

 

There was some discount when they transitioned from 2011 to 2012 ThinkPad models, but it was brief. I personally don't like this kind of game.

Lenovo offers "discounts" throughout the year. The LABORDAY discount code was most recent.

Shop according to your needs, budget and timing. (What you noted is what I prefer, coincidentally. Plus HD+ screen, of course.)

Good luck!

 

Yes, I forgot to mention my HD+ requirement as well.

 

Debating whether I should get a t440 or t430, i already purchased a t430 but have the option to return, my main use was for school, i got the t430 as configured, excellent condition

I5 3320m
8gb DDR3 1600mhz
500 GB 7200 RPM
1600 x 900 display
INTEL HD 4000
720p webcam
6 cell battery
3 year onsite next business day warranty till 2016

for $449 usd

I was going to wait for the t440 especially with nvidia 720m, kind of bummed out this t430 didn't have the 5400 nvs, but i guess it is better without because the excessive heat it causes plus i guess it is a good idea to force myself to stop gaming and concentrate on school

 

You don't know how fortunate you are.

Buying... Returning... Wanting this... Missing that... And I bet you're using about 20% of that computer.

 

just wanted something to last me the rest of my 3 years or more if i go for a graduate degree, i've been using a t500 for the last few years my job was throwing out, served me well but screen broke, i don't like spending money on technology repeately, i'll wait till i get it to make a decision

 

i'm a new owner of this laptop...i've two question

the hdd slot is 7mm right ? there's 7mm 1tb hard drives ?

the hdd sata slot and the sata ultrabay slot are sata 3 and the msata is sata2 exact ?

Thanks!

 

The Main HDD bay in the T430 only takes 7mm drives, I think Western Digital currently sells a 1TB drive in 7mm format so you're in luck there. I can't confirm for the mSATA on the T430 but the Main Bay and Ultrabay does operate at SATA III speed.

 

i've to make a choice about the storage

2 options

msata ( sata2 speed ) sandisk X110 256gb + 1tb slim WD + CD burner ( i use it only for installing the OS )

Fast sss sata 3 ( like samsung 840pro 256gb ) + 1tb normal 9,5mm in the ultrabay

so, for the SO , the difference between a msata3 disk placed on a sata2 connector and a full sata3 ssd disk is noticeable ? the gap is very big or not ?

thanks

 

I'd opt for the second if you're not using the optical drive much... though the difference between SATA II and SATA III won't be huge in most use cases.

 

well i have enjoyed my t430 thus far, but my battery life is awful, i charged to 90% and it says 3 hours, i am only use wifi, screen brightness at 3, chrome up with gmail and forums, 6 cell battery life should be a little more with these settings, bluetooth is disabled and profile is low performance, also design capacity is 56.11 and my max charging capacity is 56.22? any tips?

33 cycles

 

If you have Optimus, disable that in the BIOS.

 

only intel hd 4000, kinda wish i got the x220 now

 

I'm looking to upgrade from the default HDD to a new SSD (Kingston Digital 120GB V300, 7mm) and add 2-4GB of RAM depending on what kind of discounts I find for boxing day.

Am I right in assuming that a clean install on a SSD is not much different from a HDD? I'll follow Hearst/PatchySan's guide and the recommended SSD optimization guides.
Also, are there any specifications that the additional RAM must meet? I know I'm looking for DDR3, but is there anything else to it?

Here are my originally ordered specs that I'm replacing:
Total memory 4 GB PC3-12800 DDR3
Hard drive 320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm

Thanks ahead of time, and Merry Christmas.

 

The installation procedure is exactly the same to that of a HDD, no prep work is needed as Windows Vista/7/8 is SSD aware and will automatically align the system partition correctly.

As long you match the timings and voltages then any brand should work fine on the T430, just go for the one that offers lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

 

i've a problem with the display ( bad signal on right side ) and lenovo change it with a brand new display...good

now, how much performance can have an msata ssd mounted on the t430 ?

i've to choose if take an msata 3 ssd and use it in the msata 2 slot...or use a normal 2.5" sata3 ssd and remove the cd burner ..and put the other mecanical disk in the bay...

 

Hi all, a quick question.

IF I swap the keyboard with an illuminated/backlit version, will the Fn+Space tun on both the backlit and the think-light (my unit has already a think-light) ?

 

Nevermind, I found my answer here:

Replacing T430 keyboard with backlit version

Cheers

 

Hi all,

I own a Lenovo T430 with 14.0" HD+ display and i5-3320M CPU, with no discrete graphics, just the integrated HD4000. Also, I have a this docking station :

ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 with USB 3.0 – 4337-15U

I am trying to find out , without doing it the hard way, if my laptop supports audio over DisplayPort, via a DP -> HDMI adapter. The laptop itself has a mini DP while the docking station has a normal DP . Does any of them support also audio ? I would like to connect it to a Panasonic plasma, a ST50S30 . I tried browsing the thread and it seems some people have done it, but I want to be sure, don't want to buy an adapter that won't work.

 

does anybody know if I can upgrade a T430 CPU to a 3632QM ?

I'm buyin a used 2350-B75 T430, and I wanted to know if I can put in a quad core in there ?

 

99% it will work with this Amazon.com: Cable Matters - Gold-Plated DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (Male to Female) with Audio in Black: Computers & Accessories

 

I'm thinking about upgrading to a T430 with discrete graphics; could you tell me whether NVS 5400m can handle games like Metro 2033, Metro Last Light, Bioshock Infinite in 720p low/medium details or not? I mean 30+ FPS average. Any chance for Assassins Creed IV? GTA V? Watchdogs? What are your experiences? Thanks!

 

I have a T430 with a NVS 5400M. I can say I can run games like Crysis, Battlefield 3 and I am even having luck with one of the newest games, Titanfall. I highly recommend that you don't feel hesitant on using that card like you want it to! It's a strong card, with many many capabilities. A great article for you to read and explore is here. Also, visit this site to get 100% factual results about what you can/cannot run.
Take care, and go have fun with it- you won't be displeased!! :thumbsup:

Oh and try this site as well, plug in your specs (or specs looking to buy), and it'll give you a general idea.

 

Thanks for your reply, I've already read all about on notebookcheck, I know is on par with 630m, a bit outdated, but still a runner for 2012-2013 games, and clearly it's a big step ahead from my Intel HD3000. Still, it's surprises me that it can handle Titanfall; what resolution/details/fps did you get?

 

**Doh! I meant to say Bioshock, not Titanfall** Sorry, I recently bought an Xbox One and it's implanted in my mind
It's amazing how many people shunned the NVS 5400M away from gaming, just because it didn't say "GT" on it.. however, it has proven me ten-fold. I do agree that coming from an integrated gpu like the HD3000 you will see a DRAMATIC experience upgrade. But yes, Bioshock is running [stable enough] to enjoy at a fluffy-cushioned medium setting (medium level... and I say medium with an emphasis). The FPS to me seem fluid, given for what it is. I don't have exact numbers
At stock power options (in control panel), I find that the gpu is limited, and so to combat I went into the advanced power settings for the high performance profile, and set maximum performance on the gpu, from the default "energy savings". Since then my gaming experience is lovable.

 

This might be long, boring and worthless to most of the readers on this forum, however, I just wanted to share my T430 story.
As a long time IBM "Thinker", literally, I used to sit in my former server room at an IBM data center, seeing all of my co-workers buying/using these ThinkPads left and right.. and here I am having a clunky HP EliteBook, that almost made me feel irresistibly uncomfortable in the environment. I was approached by one of my data encryption supervisors one day and he said.. "Mike. *Shakes Head* Why oh why must you be the ONLY server tech with a dang HP ElitePoop?" I said "Well, Dave.. there has to be someone who needs to be different, after all one of our company mottos is THINK, so here I am THINKing about an upgrade now". We both chuckled. Dave was one of those supervisors who brightened everyone's day, and even bought gifts for his staff around Christmas time. Lucky for me, holidays were approaching and our data center was top ranking in having the least amount of down-times for our servers (we called ourselves the Interweb Merchant Marines- geeky talk sorry LOL). Any-who, on to Christmas time... Dave bought, which means company credit card came in handy for him, me, and my crew all new ThinkPad T430s. And they weren't the cheapy T430's.. he got us VERY high spec'd machines (as seen in my signature). I was absolutely flabbergasted.. I finally found out why I was seeing SO MANY ThinkPad's and it was because of Dave. However, I look back... and I take the name "ThinkPad", and I sit there and I wonder how on earth could IBM ever let go something that had so much "THINK" going on... and I look at the users, and we all THINK. We think about each others wants/desires, how our hardware should be, how the software should be, even down to the little grain of detail. Our passion in supporting one of the, if not most successful model of notebook is something I will never give up... and I hope no one else here does. These notebooks weirdly enough to say, are something I feel connected to, something that I can love even the same as a 4U server in a rack...but truly, so many owners bash and bash and bash these gorgeous devices, and I do not understand. Is it that you want an Apple-Lenovo hybrid baby, and produce a Lenopple? No. Heck no... these are WORKSTATIONS, devices that get things done in almost perfect form, without needing to show off bikini lines to get thumbs up's. I know this might seem geeky and not needed, but I have so much passion for these things, and I can't express my total thoughts in a post.. but this is what makes a ThinkPad, a ThinkPad. They pay attention to the little details and not the big details that hide the mess it can have. Anyways, thanks for reading my somewhat complicated, geeky, cool story... goodnight all!!

 

i want to upgrade the speed of my t430 , so , the difference between msata2 and the normale 2.5" sata3 slot is very big..in the real uses ?

or only in the speed test ?

 

Unless you're doing something that's pretty heavily I/O bound, I'd say you'd be hard pressed to notice the difference. I personally can't tell the difference between the old Intel G1/G2 drives and the more recent SSDs I'm using now, and the former is really old now.

 

I hooked up a dell U2410 monitor that supports displayport. I plugged in a mini-dp to dp from my t430 (3rd gen core hd graphics 4000). The windows 7 volume mixer sees the device "dell u2410" but when i plug my phones (on the monitor) I don't hear anything.. if i switch to the normal realtek device (and plug to the laptop) I can hear sound properly and it can even play from the laptop speakers.

Any thoughts? anyone got audio to work from the monitor using displayport connection?

 

I've got my (new to me) T430 with discrete graphics; boy, it really gets hot while gaming, I bet I could fry some eggs on it . I've thought that my T420s is hot but now the T420s is the cool one. I know there are ~20Watts more to dissipate but it has more room, it's ticker. Yes, and the chiclet keyboard is no better, I still prefer (by far) the classic keyboard of the T420s, and the trackpoint buttons are clunkier. Nevertheless, it has more graphics power under the hood (obviously), still I'm reluctant making it my main laptop and get rid of my good old slim T420s...

 

Hi guys! I've been following this thread for a while, and I want to know your opinion on something, I'm considering buying either a used (1 year used) T430 with an i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 180 GB SSD and the nvidia NVS graphics card with 2 GB - or a new T440 with also an i5, but of course 4th generation, 8GB of RAM, 250 GB HDD 7200 rpm, and no graphics card (intel 4400 series). I'm a light gamer, but I like being able to play some games on my free time, but mainly old games like Counter-Strike and Medal of Honor (yes I still play that).They´re the roughly the same price to me, I like the fact T430 has a backlight, but I've read some users saying it really gets hot, and thats a turning point for me, I hate when laptops get hot. Is it that bad? Anyways, which one would you get? Thanks for your time!

 

Hello everyone. I've had my T430 for 2 years and for a while my bottom right of the monitor has been breaking more and more. I'm not sure how to explain too well in words, so I uploaded a picture. Please take a look at it. It gets worse as I open the computer more.
I had 2 questions.

Why is this happening?
What part do I need to buy to fix this? Do I need to replace the whole monitor?

Thank you so much! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

@brunoBR - the nVidia NVS 5400m is at least 50% more powerful than the Intel HD4400. That's why I have chosen the T430 over T440. Yeah, it gets hot, but it does the job (Mass Effect 3, Bioshock Infinite, Dishonored, Skyrim, etc.). I've could go with a NVidia GT 730m T440p but I couldn't: it misses the physical trackpoint buttons.

 

What type SSD should I buy? 7mm or 9.5?

Will Crucial M500 fit?

 

As long as is 7mm it will fit. So - 7mm.

 

The Dell U2410 monitor don't have any in-built speakers hence why you not getting any sound from the displayport, it's for visual connection only with this device. From what I recall the U2410 uses the audio jack for its soundbar attachment rather than through the monitor.

Have you tried prying the LCD fascia off and resecuring it back in? It's actually not that difficult on the T430 models as it is not held by screws or double sided tape, it uses tabs which snaps back in.

 

as someone has mentioned it's just some tabs than snap back in, the only thing is it looks like some of the antenna wires might be in the way of snapping the bezel back in. Try to push the bezel back, if it's not working you'll need to line the antenna wires back in the slot and push the bezel in.