Thinkpad T480s Owner's Lounge

My T480s is an i7 8650 with FHD (1920x1080) multi-touch with the anti-glare screen, 512 SSD PCIe-NVME opal 2.0 M2, integrated Intel UHD graphics, 720HD Camera with ThinkShutter, fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, and Intel Dual Band 8265 wireless AC (2x2) with Bluetooth 4.1 and VPro.

This machine is very solidly built and has not had any heat issues. Ran 7 tabs open in Edge plus two Youtube videos all at the same time.

 

Here is a snapshot of my CrystalDiskInfo test

 

Try running OCCT with power limits unlocked and you'll find thermal problems almost straightaway.

 

I am not familiar with OCCT or how to unlock, so I will not try to bring on thermal problems. I am very happy with how the laptop has performed so far.

 

How are you finding it now? Any coil whine or heat issues?

 

100% heat issue and you will not be able to use the CPU's max speed

 

Just received a T480s with i5-8350, WQHD, 24GB RAM, 128 SATA (upgraded to 970 EVO), and mx150. Switched from the X1 Carbon 5th gen.

My initial takeaway is that you get a ton of extra flexibility over the X1 Carbon for similar money - 1x SO-DIMM slot, dGPU, smart card, full size SD, and significantly beefier dual heatpipe cooling. There are very slight downgrades in external materials / trackpad quality and a 220g weight bump, but these are a more than acceptable trade-off.

Definitely happy with this system so far!

 

and 2x thunderbolt on the t480/s instead of 4x on the carbon series

 

Good point about the 2x TB on the t480s.

I'm a bit surprised there isn't more activity in this thread since the X1CX threads here are so popular... am I missing something that makes the X1C6 more desirable for so many people?

 

flagship thin device

 

Yeah. Small reported differences in KB (afaik, and I may be pulling this out of somewhere smelly, I remember the T480s KB having less KB travel than the X1C6), TB x2/x4 (though really a very minor difference), only 10W version of MX150, and the lack of a decent array of panel options.

I think most don't care about the GPU and TB x2/x4 (or that the T480s only has 1 TB3 port alongside a regular USB-C, whereas the X1C6 runs two TB3 ports). The reported KB differences and lack of decent LCD panels (outside of the WQHD display, but that requires removing the ThinkShutter, an unique feature) probably shoves people into the similarly priced X1C6. The X1C6 has the same battery capacity, slightly smaller footprint (genuinely in a pre-XPS13, 13" size class), and again, a decent FHD matte panel option.

The T480s does gain a fullsize SD card reader (vs microSD) and ethernet jack. To me, it wasn't close, but I feel I would be just as happy with the T480s. The MX150 was the key factor for me, but it's also an old GPU nowadays. I wanted something either significantly smaller than my old Dell, or something a fair bit faster (my E5450 had a GT840m).

I ultimately chose significantly smaller. The T480 (non-s) wasn't even considered, since Lenovo couldn't even implement a proper battery configuration, something my old Vaio SA had gotten right back in 2011 (48Whr internal + external slice battery. Slice is always drained first, to 20%, before the internal is touched).

But don't let the forums fool you. I'd bet the T480 is far more common in reality against the T480s and X1C6 combined. Just like the Inspiron 15 probably outnumbers the XPS15 by a long shot. However, X1C6 owners are just a bit more vocal (and Lenovo seems to respond more favorably to X1C6 complaints - even the similar X1Y3 is sometimes ignored).

 

I considered the X1C6 but the (reported) build quality issues really turned me off (if I wanted to play the QC lottery I'd just get an XPS 13). The dimm slot / 24GB option, better performance / throttling / temps and discreet mx150 also all seemed like significant upgrades.

 

After checking the latest reviews of X1C6 and T480s, I'm so glad I got a E485 instead. Even with my expensive and unnecessary aftermarket upgrades (HyperX 32GB RAM + Force MP510 480GB NVMe + older 2.5" Crucial MX200), I still ended up below 1k$ while having similar CPU power and much stronger graphics (Vega 10). Build quality is just as good. The only real bummer is the BIOS restriction limiting the CPU/GPU package at 11W. As a result the machine is running ice cold while still outperforming Intel counterparts in some CPU benches and more than doubling in all iGP tests. If only I find a way to unlock the BIOS, this thing would blow MX150 out of the water while not suffering from any thermal throttling. It will also scale with RAM speed, so my 3200Mhz sticks would further boost the beast (currently gimped at 2400Mhz CL15, thank you Lenovo).

 

What's the best CPU for the t480s?

I've got the 8350u (40/44W TDP limit) and it suffers significant thermal throttling even when undervolted -100mv. Is the 8250/8350/8550/8650 more likely to be better binned / better able to maintain clockspeed at lower TDP / throttle-safe temps?

 

repaste the machine

 

I've already got my Kryonaut on the way

 

Repasted my t480s with kryonaut. Temps, thermal throttling and cinebench loops are all definitely improved.

Graphics drivers are an outdated nightmare though. Newest Lenovo approved drivers for t480s at the moment are super glitchy Intel 24.20.100.6223 from 17 Aug 2018. Older drivers are worse.

Is Lenovo driver support for their non X1 models always this bad?

 

There was a newer driver release, but it seemed Lenovo pulled them (at least for the X1C6, now we are back to 6223 as well).

 

Today Lenovo Vantage has updated graphics driver to 25.20.100.6472

I have a i7-8550u cpu FYI

 

(1) Did you install the graphics driver update?
(2) Were you able to successfully install and open the Intel Graphics Control Panel?
(3) Does the new control panel version still have the option to disable PSR (panel self refresh)?

My understanding is that the Intel Graphics Control Panel is no longer bundled with Intel graphics driver releases anymore. This means that you can't adjust critical options (like disabling PSR) without installing the control panel separately from the Microsoft Store or via Windows Update... except the app has been broken since it was added to the Microsoft Store (currently ~80% negative reviews for this reason.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/intel-graphics-control-panel/9ndlclmmtmrc

 

Reread your post. 25.20.100.6472 is still the version that was released way back in August.

 

1. I have not downladed the driver from intel web page. I have launched Lenovo Vantage and under System Update I've pressed on update search. Intel driver was there for update.
2. I don't know if it were there before but I do have the Control Panel. I've never used it.
3. Where I should look to find this option?

P.D.
I've found it under Energy.

 

I don't remember the version number before updating. It was 24.20.100.something. This something was greater than the 6223 that appears on post #17 but less than 6472 and for sure it was not a 25.20. but a 24.20

According to windows the driver is dated 10/12/2018. As my region is Europe I bet that it is december 10th rather than October 12th.

 

I checked Lenovo's site and it still has the old Intel graphics driver 24.200.100.6223 for the X1 Carbon 6. If I get the latest drivers directly from Intel, the control panel will have to be downloaded separately from Microsoft's store because Intel no longer bundles it with driver. Is there a way to get the latest drivers with the Intel control panel included without getting it from Microsoft store?

 

The current Intel graphics driver available for download on the Lenovo t480s driver page identifies itself as version 25.20.100.6472 (correct), but lists its release date 08 Nov 2018 (incorrect). According to the accompanying readme txt this 25.20.100.6472 driver was actually released 16 Jan 2019 (see version history from txt below). I have installed this much newer release and will report back on any issues that were resolved / any new issues I experience.

Version Build ID Rev. Issue Date
---------------- -------- ---- ----------
25.20.100.6472 N22DT13W 01 2019/01/16
24.20.100.6223 N22DT11W 01 2018/08/10
23.20.16.5018 N22DT10W 01 2018/04/27
23.20.16.4973 N22DT09W 01 2018/04/11
23.20.16.4905 N22DT08W 01 2018/01/17
23.20.16.4849 N22DT07W 01 2018/01/08

 

Do you still see the intel control panel when you right click with the new drivers?

 

The new 25.20.100.6472 install directly from Lenovo *does* include the Intel Graphics Settings control panel.

Had to disable PSR from the control panel to avoid random graphics driver freezes with this driver too (just like previous versions of this driver).

 

Got a T480s a couple of months ago...8650u and MX150....thermal throttling issue was extremely pronounced. Recently repasted my CPU with Arctic Silver 5 and viola! thermal throttling is history!! previously I was getting 96-98c package temperatures and thermal throttling under full load. After repasting, full load temperatures have dropped to 79-80c and ZERO thermal throttling.
However, now I'm experiencing Power Limit Throttling under full load...turning off Speed Step in BIOS also gets rid of that....lets see what other better solution someone has to offer.
Cheers!

 

How is lenovo able to include the control panel with the newer drivers since Intel is no longer including it with the graphics driver? Do you see the control panel in your context-menu when you right click or is it a separate app?

 

Undervolting doesn't get rid of Power Limit Throttling, IMHO.

 

It improves maximum sustainable speeds during extended stress periods, even if the CPU overheats.

PL throttle can be solved with lowering temps, since silicon likes low temp and is more power efficient that way. Though the effects on laptops that can only drop a few degrees after repaste is questionable.

 

I have already repasted and have seen a significant drop in temperatures; also got rid of thermal throttling.
But now this PL throttling has come up which wasn't there before.

 

You were likely thermal throttling before and now you are running into power limitations. It's common, at least you're getting more speed out of it. An undervolted CPU uses less power and will run faster before it PL throttles. You may be able to change your power limits with Throttle Stop but you'll likely hit the thermal barrier again.

 

You can use throttlestop to set TDP UP (level 1), try it out.

 

Couldn't get you brother....Can't I use XTU for adjusting TDP?

 

So now that this one's been out on the market a while, how is the display? Are the dimness complaints mostly exaggerations? And did Lenovo ever fix their touchpad firmware so it turns off when a mouse is plugged in? Coming from a T450s, the latter issue really bugged for a while.

 

You can use throttlestop to change the TDP level to 2 (44w). Not adjusting manually, it's a setting preconfigured for the CPU.

You have a touchpad setting that can do that IIRC.

If you want a decent display, get the WQHD one.

 

I have a WQHD panel and it is very good. Matte, accurate color and very very comfortable to work with for extended periods. Stay away from the FHD panel....I have seen it and its absolute trash

 

Alert!
There is a new Bios update 1.30
It solves much of the throttling and heating issues!

 

Thank you for the update.

 

Can you provide additional information about your experience with the new 1.30 Bios update? If possible, can you tell how the reduction in throttling and heat issues that you experienced is being accomplished - more conservative turbo boost / power max / short power max / time limit settings perhaps?

Also, does your t480s have an MX150?

 

Yes, my T480s has a MX 150 and 8650 i7
Full load temperatures are reduced by around 10 deg, i dont know how its being accomplished.Sorry for being a noob on this

 

Hey guys i saw this laptop mentioned in longest battery life and have questions about it.



1. I see the laptop is either i5 or i7 processor. But is this a quad core laptop or the U laptop processors? Can you get it quad core laptop?


2. Battery life. I read this has longest battery life. Can someone tell me how many hours they get out of it when using it doing intensive stuff? Say at low brightness vs high? Does that mean if you are doing the most intensive thing possible on this laptop, you would still get 5 hours on it?


3. I heard you can buy backup battery as well for it. I read that its basically a removable battery the one on laptop. So if running out of battery and no power, it takes say 15 seconds or so to take out the laptop battery and put in the new one? Is that correct? Does laptop need to be turned off to do this or not because i believe i read you could actually unplug the battery and put the new battery in while the laptop is on? Is that correct or false? How many hours is the battery for the backup battery? What cells are each of them? How much whr is each?


4. Are there powerbanks for it? Or there is none? Or its not necessary as you just get another battery backup? So if someone uses this laptop with one backup battery, you could get at worst how many hours per battery?


5. Is this laptop fast enough to do intensive things?

 

Okay so i just checked online and the i5-8250u or the i7-8650u are quad core processors.


My currently laptop is


Dell xps 15 9550
i5-6300hq processor
250gb samsung ssd
8gb ram
1920x1080 resolution
56whr battery



So if i get the Thinkpad t480 with these specs

i5-8250u
256gb or 512gb ssd
8gb ram
1920x1080 resolution



Is the thinkpad t480 actually going to be better and faster than my current xps 15 9550? Also like to mention my xps 15 9550 has this 32gb ssd in it which is a 2nd hard drive that came along with it but i do not use it. Otherwise... i could put in a 84whr battery.


Now on the site... im confused why they say it comes with a 3 cell battery? So the laptop initially comes with only a 3 cell battery? Wouldn't that mean battery life is not that good then? But you have to buy the backup battery right? Now the backup battery i read comes in 3 sites... the biggest being only 72whr? Now what confuses me is it advertises an extremely long battery. My current 56whr only goes about 1.5 hours max. When i do intensive things with it... it goes 1h15m to 1h30m max. And this was a battery i got a while back. When it was new... it got 1h30m to 2h. Even my original laptop i bought... battery was like max 2h30m to 3h when i first got it. But with this thinkpad... how long battery life can i get? Example how long battery last on the initial battery? Because if its only a 3 cell 24whr, doesn't mean its poor battery life? But you want multiple backup, battery get a 72whr or even get 2 of them if you want more power or have power outages quite a bit and need to be on computer for a long time?

 

Anyone can answer these questions?

 

I can give it a shot.
The T480 will not be faster than your XPS. The 8250u is a great CPU but is limited to 15w whereas your 6300HQ is a 45w part.
It does come with a small 3cell batter inside the laptop and then an external battery (that connects to the bottom of the unit). It's not really a backup per say, but a way to increase battery capacity. It can be changed out on the fly if you really needed battery life. The 72whr is in addition to the 24whr that is internal.

Now to the part that I cannot answer, your battery life. I easily get 8-10 hours out of my A485 with the 72whr battery. But I also easily got 5-6 hours out of my 9550 with the exact same specs as yours (56whr). I don't know why you've never gotten great battery life out of your 9550. If that trend continues then maybe you won't get great battery life out of the T480...

 

Hi there. Okay so not faster than the xps. Im surprised by this.

But what are you doing in the 8-10 hours on the 72whr battery? I mean i assume you are not continously using it the entire time right? Because if you did, it won't last that long? What are you doing specifically on your laptop that is lasting this long? How many chrome tabs? Are you playing music? I assume not using any intensive programs right?

With your xps 15 9550, what are you doing when it last 5-6 hours? Well im doing intensive things on it. Someone said the term is called using the laptop at full tilt and that is why it isn't going to last more than 2 hours usually. So if anyone uses their laptop at full tilt, basically it will not last that long no matter what right? Thus not possible for a laptop to last more than say 3 hours max at full tilt?

 

You're surprised that a low wattage cpu is going to be slower than a high watt one?

We've already been down this path. Our usage or something must be different. I get an easy 8-10 hours of battery life on my A485 because I am just on the internet/office applications/connecting to virtual machines. I don't use Chrome because it sucks when it comes to battery life and hardware utilization.

I do know that I get 5+ hours of battery life during the PC Mark 8 battery life tests, which are fairly CPU intensive. Whatever you are doing, you may not get good battery life with any laptop. Like was suggested in the numerous other threads, maybe you need to look at other solutions.

 

New Bios update 1.31 !
CPU throttling minimized ....doesnt drop below 3.9 GHz under full load

 

Hi there! Was anybody able to successfully add 2nd SSD into wwan slot? Waiting to receive my T480s and doing some reading, seems to be conflicting info which m.2 2242 I can use in that wwan slot. People mention only NVMe m2. 2242 (like Toshiba RC100) will work, but I can't find those in high capacity. Any other recommendations? I assume it has to be NVMe for T480s to see this ssd? Please let me know what you guys/gals are using as your 2nd ssd and do you need anything special to set it up, to make it visible?